Southside Pizza First in North Carolina to Implement AI-Based Ordering System
Southside Pizza, a beloved pizzeria in North Carolina, has made history by becoming the first restaurant in the state to implement a fully AI-based call-in ordering system. Austin Montecuollo, owner of Southside Pizza, shared his thoughts on this innovation: “FOCUS has helped me with all my marketing, and when they introduced this, it just made sense. It’s less stress on my staff and there are fewer ordering issues. It doesn’t matter how busy we get, they never have to answer a call. It’s awesome.”
This significant milestone, powered by the FOCUS AI Assistant developed by FOCUS Digital Marketing, will fully take over the restaurant’s ordering system on July 22, 2024, following a successful three-week beta test.
During the beta test, the FOCUS AI Assistant demonstrated impeccable reliability, with no faults reported. The AI system has notably improved order accuracy and customer satisfaction at Southside Pizza. Patrons now enjoy the convenience of never being placed on hold, while the AI provides personalized meal suggestions based on their preferences. Additionally, the system can recall previous orders and efficiently handle food quality issue calls, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Trevor Hunter, the developer of the AI system, emphasized the straightforward implementation process. “The transition is as simple as forwarding the existing phone number, and the system is active,” he explained. Every order is seamlessly integrated into Southside’s current management system, requiring no additional training or complex procedures.
Customer reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many patrons unable to distinguish the AI from a human operator. This lifelike interaction has added a new dimension to the ordering experience without misleading customers.
In light of this success, FOCUS Digital Marketing is developing a similar AI assistant for Austin Montecuollo’s other restaurant, Gregory’s Original, located in Ritherforton, NC. Although each assistant can be trained in just two weeks, high demand has pushed the launch for Gregory’s to the end of August.
Southside Pizza’s pioneering use of AI technology marks a significant development in the restaurant industry, demonstrating how innovative solutions can enhance both customer service and operational efficiency. As AI continues to evolve, Southside Pizza remains at the forefront, setting a precedent for future advancements in dining technology.