Why every restaurant needs a chatbot in 2025

Why WhatsApp chatbots matter in the restaurant industry

• Frictionless ordering: Customers can place orders directly on WhatsApp, the platform they already use daily.
• High engagement rates: WhatsApp messages have a 98% open rate, far surpassing email and SMS.
• Upselling opportunities: AI-powered chatbots suggest add-ons, increasing the average order value.
• Reduced cart abandonment: Instant reminders and promotions nudge hesitant buyers.

🔍 Did you know? 175 million people reach out to businesses daily on WhatsApp—your ultimate opportunity to skyrocket sales. Gallabox’s no-code WhatsApp chatbot platform lets you automate customer interactions in just a few clicks. Innovate, scale, and outsmart the competition!

1. Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s chatbot, Dom, lets customers order pizza through Facebook Messenger, Slack, and smart assistants. It remembers past orders, suggests popular combos, and boosts sales by automating upsells.

Here’s the scoop! 75% of Domino’s sales now come from digital channels. It’s proof that AI-driven ordering isn’t just changing the game—it’s taking over the game!

2. Taco Bell

Taco Bell’s TacoBot on Slack lets customers order food directly from their work chats. It uses AI to personalize orders, suggest add-ons, and handle group orders, making lunchtime a breeze.

3. McDonald's

McDonald’s chatbot on WhatsApp and Messenger simplifies ordering, provides personalized meal recommendations, and promotes limited-time offers. With AI-driven automation, it speeds up orders while boosting customer retention.

4. Starbucks

The Starbucks chatbot, My Starbucks Barista, offers a conversational ordering experience through voice and text. It remembers past orders, suggests seasonal drinks, and allows customers to pay via the app—making the ordering process seamless.

5. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut has launched Hutty, a Meta AI-powered chatbot, just in time for the NCAA March Madness tournament. The bot brings the action to life with real-time game commentary and exclusive discounts. It also offers chances to win epic prizes like free pizza for a year.

As fans watch on their phones, Hutty taps into that second-screen buzz to keep the excitement rolling and viewers coming back for more. Game on!

Also read: 13 Chatbot trends and statistics you can't miss in 2025!

1. Combat labor shortages and drive efficiency

Labor shortages are hitting the restaurant industry hard. With 70% of restaurant operators struggling to fill job openings and 45% facing insufficient staff to meet customer demand, the pressure is on.

Chatbots are here to help! By automating tasks like taking orders and responding to inquiries, chatbots ease the burden on your team, allowing them to focus on what matters most—serving customers and preparing meals. This automation boosts efficiency by 30%.

With fewer hands on deck, chatbots ensure your restaurant runs smoothly, keeping service top-notch and customers happy—even during tough staffing times.

2. Automate promotions and discount campaigns

Want to see your online traffic soar? Chatbots send real-time promo codes and limited-time offers, creating urgency and increasing conversions.

They ensure you’re reaching customers at the right time, with the right deal, to make them hit “order” faster. Plus, it’s a great way to get your customers excited about new menu items or special events.

Expert advice: Urgency works wonders in promotions. Use time-sensitive offers to spark that “act now” feeling, and watch the orders roll in!

3. Personalized marketing for higher conversions

Customers adore a tailored experience. It makes them feel special!

Chatbots use customer data to send targeted offers, recommend dishes, and upsell combos. That’s not just smart—it’s highly effective! Businesses that excel in personalization see a 40% increase in revenue.

With Gallabox’s WhatsApp Flows Builder, you can create interactive forms to gather customer insights and fine-tune your marketing strategy, ensuring customers return for more.

Fact check: A McKinsey study found that loyalty is up for grabs—when businesses fail to personalize, customers look elsewhere. In restaurants, where repeat business is crucial, personalization can turn one-time diners into lifelong patrons.

4. Quick lead capture

Missed calls = Lost revenue. Chatbots automate the booking process, ensuring every lead is captured instantly. Customers can reserve tables through WhatsApp, social media, or your website without waiting for manual confirmation.

Plus, AI-driven chatbots qualify leads in real time, helping restaurants identify VIP customers and optimize seating arrangements for better efficiency.

Stat alert: 82% of customers expect immediate responses from businesses. Chatbots deliver that, making your service faster and more efficient.

5. Increase orders, maximize revenue

A slow online ordering process can frustrate customers and lead to drop-offs. A chatbot streamlines the entire journey—from menu browsing to placing orders and completing payments—all within a single conversation.

Many restaurants use WhatsApp chatbots to enable direct ordering without app downloads. Customers can explore menus, place orders, and even reorder favorites in seconds.

Golden nugget: Online food orders are growing 300% faster than dine-ins. Faster checkout = More completed orders!

6. Real-time order tracking = More loyalty

Today’s customers don’t want to wait in the dark about their orders. They want prompt updates. Here’s the deal: 59% of consumers say that real-time order tracking boosts brand loyalty.

With chatbots, you can keep customers in the loop about their order status, from preparation to delivery. This ensures customers feel valued and keep coming back.

In a nutshell: Restaurant chatbots are driving revenue, increasing customer loyalty, and simplifying operations. It’s time to let automation work its magic—your restaurant will thank you!

Also read: Best 10 WhatsApp chatbot tools for driving business growth

1. Conversational ordering chatbots

These AI-powered chatbots guide customers through a tailored ordering experience, making it feel like chatting with a real server.

• Increase sales by suggesting add-ons and meal combos based on preferences.
• Handle peak-hour rush effortlessly, reducing missed orders and wait times.

Example: Vikas, a food-loving night owl, orders his favourite midnight snack from his go-to burger joint via a chatbot. It suggests extra cheese and a fries combo—he’s tempted and adds both! 

2. WhatsApp engagement chatbots

These chatbots keep customers engaged with customized offers, exclusive deals, and reservation confirmations—all through WhatsApp.

• Boost customer loyalty by sending automated follow-ups and limited-time discounts.
• Reduce last-minute cancellations with smart reminders and instant confirmations.

Example: Anya is craving authentic sushi and decides to visit Sakura, a popular Japanese restaurant in Delhi. She WhatsApps the restaurant and instantly gets a reservation confirmation with a personalized discount on sushi!

Gallabox’s WhatsApp Chatbot even integrates with ChatGPT, enabling humanlike, engaging conversations that drive repeat orders.

Also read: WhatsApp chatbot: How to use it for your business in 2025  

3. AI-driven recommendation chatbots

These chatbots analyze customer behavior and suggest dishes tailored to their taste, increasing order value and satisfaction.

• Enhance the experience by providing real-time, dynamic meal suggestions.
• Increase revenue by bundling complementary dishes and premium add-ons.

Example: Arjun, a frequent diner at a fine-dining restaurant, gets a chatbot suggestion: “Would you like to pair your steak with a full-bodied red wine?” He says yes—his bill just went up by 20%!

4. Gamified chatbots

Why settle for generic promotions when you can make them fun? Gamified chatbots turn casual diners into loyal customers by adding an interactive twist to your marketing.

Here’s how you can use them:

• Lucky draws & scratch cards: Offer surprise discounts on the next visit, boosting repeat business.
  
  
• Trivia-based rewards: Let customers win loyalty points or free add-ons for answering food-related quizzes.
  
  
• Spin-the-wheel promotions: Engage customers on WhatsApp, increasing bookings and upsells.
  
  

Example: Maya, a university student, plays a scratch-and-win chatbot game from her favorite pizza joint. She wins a 15% discount—guess what? She orders immediately! 

5. Voice-enabled chatbots

These allow customers to place orders via voice commands, making ordering effortless, especially for drive-through and phone orders. They integrate with smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, enhancing accessibility and speed.

Example: Raj is driving home after a long day and orders his coffee via voice command through his favourite café’s chatbot. His order is ready by the time he arrives!

Word on the street is: 41% of people use voice search because it’s like chatting with a friend—easy and personal!

1. 24/7 assistance, even after hours

Your restaurant might close for the night, but your chatbot doesn’t! Whether it’s a late-night craving or a last-minute reservation, chatbots are always on duty.

Here’s what they can handle when your team is offline:

• Take reservations for tomorrow and confirm waitlist spots.
• Promote special offers for the next day.
• Answer FAQs about menus, hours, and delivery zones.

Industry insight: Restaurants using online reservations see a 20% increase in revenue.

2. Accurate & fast order processing

Ever had an order go wrong because of a misunderstanding? Chatbots integrate directly with Point of Sale (POS) systems and Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), ensuring:

• Seamless order transmission without miscommunication.
• Real-time tracking so customers stay updated.
• Less manual work, reducing staff overload.

Industry challenge: Many restaurants still use legacy POS systems that don’t support automation. The solution? Choosing chatbots that integrate with leading POS providers for a smooth workflow.

3. Smarter feedback collection

Feedback helps restaurants improve, but let’s be honest—customers rarely fill out surveys. A chatbot makes it easy to collect instant feedback and address concerns on the spot: 

Here’s how it works:

• Flagging critical complaints (e.g., wrong orders, delays) for staff follow-up.
• Tracking sentiment to identify service gaps.
• Rewarding loyal customers who leave positive reviews.

And here's the truth: 67% of diners expect a response to their reviews, and nearly half (49%) say it's crucial to address negative feedback. Simply put, customers want to be heard—respond, and you’ll earn their loyalty!

4. Speak your customer’s language—literally!

In tourist-heavy areas, language barriers can be a challenge. Chatbots bridge the gap with multilingual support, allowing diners to interact in their preferred language effortlessly.

Here’s an eye-opener: Brands that ‘talk local’ win hearts—76% of consumers say so.

5. Seamless order modifications

Changed your mind about that spicy curry? No problem—if it’s not already cooking! Chatbots let customers modify or cancel orders before preparation begins, reducing errors and ensuring they get exactly what they want.

This ensures:

• Smooth backend coordination without mid-prep confusion.
• Fewer wrong orders, cutting waste and costs.
• Happier customers who feel in control.

Take note of this! Chatbots integrated with POS instantly update order changes, keeping both customers and staff aligned.

6. Virtual concierge for special requests

Chatbots handle predefined requests, making special occasions truly memorable:

• Dietary preferences? The chatbot flags allergies for the chef.
• Romantic dinner? It alerts staff to arrange candles and flowers.
• Birthday celebration? Customers can pre-order a surprise cake.

Why it’s key: 82% of diners abandon restaurants following negative service experiences, no matter how great the food is. So, get the details right, and you’ve got a customer for life.

7. Hassle-free bill splitting & payments

No more awkward moments figuring out the bill. Chatbots can help split payments, apply discounts, and even process contactless payments—making checkout seamless and stress-free.

With AI-powered chatbots, customer service becomes proactive, efficient, and frustration-free, leading to happier diners and a stronger brand reputation.

1. Identify key touchpoints for automation

Determine where a chatbot can add the most value—table reservations, order tracking, feedback collection, or FAQs. Optimize high-traffic areas first to enhance efficiency and improve customer experience.

Must-know figure: In a recent survey, more productive staff was the #1 benefit of automation, with 42% of restaurant operators saying it made their teams way more efficient. It doesn’t stop there—41% saw a jump in sales, while 40% experienced real business growth. Automation isn’t just a tool; it’s a total game-changer!

2. Choose the right chatbot platform

Not all chatbots fit restaurant needs. Choose a solution that integrates with:

• POS & kitchen systems for seamless order management.
• Table booking tools to handle reservations.
• Delivery partners (e.g., Swiggy, Zomato) to sync orders.
• Payment gateways for smooth online ordering and checkout.

The right chatbot isn’t just ‘smart’—it’s built for restaurants.  

3. Integrate with existing restaurant systems

Your chatbot should sync with your CRM, inventory, and online ordering platforms for real-time updates. This ensures accurate availability, pricing, and order tracking without manual intervention.

Also Read: WhatsApp Integrations to Automate Business | Gallabox

4. Optimize for voice and text interactions

Enable both voice and text-based interactions to cater to different customer preferences. Voice-enabled chatbots can improve accessibility and make ordering even faster.

Heard this one yet? A whopping 77% of regular restaurant-goers say that within a few years, they'll be using voice assistants to order their favorite treats and most of their meals. The future of ordering is speaking up!

5. Train your chatbot with real-world scenarios

Ensure your chatbot understands common customer queries, menu details, and seasonal offers. Use AI-powered learning to improve accuracy and personalization based on customer interactions continuously.

6. Monitor performance and optimize regularly

A chatbot isn’t “set and forget.” Track metrics like:

• Average order value (AOV): Are customers spending more when guided by chatbot recommendations? 
• Upsell success rate: How often do customers add recommended items (e.g., drinks, sides)?
• Order completion time: Does the chatbot speed up the ordering process?
• Conversion rate: How many chatbot interactions lead to successful bookings or orders?

Quick fix: If your chatbot isn't increasing AOV or table bookings, tweak its prompts to offer popular meal combos and last-minute deals.

1. Ensure omnichannel integration

Your chatbot should work across WhatsApp, social media, website, and in-store QR codes. The more accessible it is, the higher the engagement.

Why it matters: 79% of customers expect to use tech to order at casual restaurants, and having a strong digital presence with photos and menus can make or break your chances of being chosen over the competition! It's all about being everywhere your customers are.

2. Keep conversations natural and engaging

Design your chatbot to sound friendly, human-like, and on-brand. Use a mix of text, emojis, and images to make interactions more appealing. Avoid robotic, generic responses.

Also read: WhatsApp GPT Bot: AI Chatbot for Businesses

3. Use chatbot-driven loyalty programs

Reward repeat customers by integrating loyalty programs and exclusive offers into your chatbot. Let them check points, redeem rewards, and receive VIP discounts in just a few clicks.  

Here's the exciting part: 81% of customers (across all age groups) say they’d sign up for a restaurant loyalty program if offered. Even better, effective loyalty programs can boost visit frequency by 35%! That’s more loyal customers, more frequent visits, and a stronger bottom line—all thanks to your chatbot.

4. Implement seamless chatbot-to-human handoff

Your restaurant chatbot should handle FAQs but smoothly transfer complex queries to a live agent. This prevents frustration and ensures a superior customer experience.

5. Run A/B testing for continuous improvement

Test different chatbot scripts, response styles, and CTA placements. Analyze customer interactions to refine the chatbot for better conversions.

Why Gallabox is your best choice

• WhatsApp Business API Solution: Scale your business with flawless customer interactions.
• Shared Team Inbox Software: Collaborate in real-time with a 360° customer view.
• Gallabox WhatsApp Integrations: Sync with your CRM, payment processors, and more.
• WhatsApp Chatbot Templates: Pre-built industry-specific templates for instant deployment.
• WhatsApp Chatbot Platform: Automate orders, reservations, and promotions without extra cost.
• Click-to-WhatsApp Ads Software: Turn clicks into WhatsApp conversations that drive sales.
• Drip Marketing Software: Nurture customers with automated, personalized messages.

With Gallabox’s no-code setup, your chatbot goes live in minutes!

Let’s future-proof your restaurant together. Get started with Gallabox today!

1. How do I choose the best chatbot for my restaurant?

The ideal restaurant chatbot should:

• Integrate with your POS system to process orders seamlessly.
• Support WhatsApp and website chat for frictionless communication.
• Handle table reservations, special requests, and loyalty programs.
• Automate upselling by suggesting bestsellers, combos, or seasonal dishes.
• Offer multilingual support to cater to diverse customers.

2. Are restaurant chatbots expensive to implement?

Not at all! Many no-code chatbots offer budget-friendly plans. By reducing staff workload, automating reservations, and increasing upselling opportunities, a chatbot can pay for itself in just a few months. Plus, it helps prevent lost revenue from missed calls, booking errors, or abandoned online orders.

3. Can a chatbot help with online ordering?

Absolutely! A chatbot can:

• Take food orders via WhatsApp, Instagram, or your website.
• Enable seamless reordering for regular customers.
• Suggest add-ons & upgrades based on customer preferences.
• Streamline payment & delivery tracking without human intervention.

4. How do chatbots increase restaurant revenue?

Chatbots boost sales by:

• Smart upselling: Suggests extra sides, drinks, or combo deals during checkout.
• Personalized promotions: Sends discounts on favourite dishes based on order history.
• Automated follow-ups: Nudges customers to re-order with exclusive offers.
• Loyalty program integration: Encourages repeat visits with easy reward redemption.