Fast-Growing Sandwich Chain Implements Artificial Intelligence Technology for Phone Orders

Jersey Mike's Subs, the popular sandwich chain, has made a major change at 50 of its locations. The company has partnered with SoundHound AI, Inc. to roll out an artificial intelligence voice ordering system. Customers can now place their orders over the phone by conversing with AI instead of a live employee. This move comes as other fast-food chains have also started incorporating AI technology to enhance their operations and improve customer experiences.

AI in Fast Food: Challenges and Solutions

While the implementation of AI in the fast-food industry has shown promise, it hasn't been without its challenges. McDonald's, for example, has been testing AI-powered voice bots at select drive-thrus. However, viral TikTok videos have highlighted instances where the technology has made mistakes in taking orders, leading to frustrating and sometimes humorous encounters.

Jersey Mike's aims to overcome these challenges with an AI voice ordering system that has been optimized for natural human speech. The technology, developed by SoundHound, has been trained on the entire menu and uses advanced AI to instantly recognize menu items as customers place their orders. This seamless integration aims to provide a hassle-free experience for customers.

Enhancing the Customer Experience

Jersey Mike's decision to implement AI technology is driven by the growing trend of customers ordering for pick-up and delivery. By providing a slick and hassle-free experience, the company aims to keep customers coming back. The AI voice ordering system not only takes orders but also answers frequently asked questions about the menu, specials, promotions, store hours, parking, and allergens. Additionally, the system is capable of handling multiple orders simultaneously, freeing up employees to focus on food preparation and in-store customer service.

Keyvan Mohajer, CEO and co-founder of SoundHound AI, expressed excitement about partnering with Jersey Mike's and praised the company for embracing AI to deliver first-class customer service. With technology playing a critical role in the restaurant industry, Jersey Mike's is at the forefront of this revolution.