TONY Roma’s, the fast casual restaurant chain, has announced that it plans to incorporate AI and robots in its restaurant operations.
The CEO introduced a plan to integrate technology into all areas of production.
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Mohaimina Haque, Tony Roma’s CEO, spoke about plans to introduce automation into the Florida-based chain’s restaurants.
Haque spoke about the potential for technological advancements in restaurant operations.
“My vision is to be ahead of the curve when it comes to technological innovation,” she said.
“We’re trying to look into where we can incorporate AI, from enhancing customer experience [to] inventory management and also robotics.”
Haque, who has been the company’s CEO since August 2024, said that technology will be a big part of the restaurant chain’s future.
She introduced a Tony Roma’s 2.0 plan, which aims to see technology incorporated in all areas of the restaurant’s day-to-day functions.
A NEW DIRECTION
In the 1990s and 2000s, Tony Roma’s had nearly 200 locations worldwide.
Today, the once-popular steakhouse chain famous for its ribs has only 10 remaining locations in the United States.
Haque hopes that technological integration can improve customer service, inventory management, meal prep, and other important affairs
“Maybe in a few years, Mâitre d’s will be replaced by robots,” Haque said.
“We don’t know, but innovation is just expanding so fast. I see technology as a way where it shouldn’t replace an employee, but it should supplement your work.
“It should make the work more efficient, more error free.”
Haque said that robotics in the restaurant industry are an inevitability, similar to how the internet has changed business.
ROBOTS IN THE KITCHEN
As Tony Roma’s looks to implement technology in its kitchens, the company has employed Delightree, an all-in-one franchise management software, to produce training manuals.
“I have this prediction where I see in two to five years almost all restaurants in our industry, or even across industries, a lot of businesses will be heavily AI- and robotics-dependent,” said Haque.
But integrating technology into the restaurant business doesn’t just mean robotic servers and cooks.
AI can help assess sales numbers, customer preferences, and menu options to refine restaurant selections and pricing, according to Haque.
Additionally, AI technology can be utilized for predictive maintenance with sensors that track equipment use and identify potential problems.
“What technology is doing is it’s helping people to make informed decisions because in the business world we have seen the consequences of uninformed decisions,” Haque said.
Haque expressed hopes that Tony Roma’s will lead the way in AI and robotics integration in the restaurant business, and that other competing franchises will benefit from its innovation.
