Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t a future concept for hospitality. It’s already reshaping how operators run venues, connect with guests, and manage their business.
Leaders across booking software, staffing technology and multi-venue operations agree: operators who begin experimenting now gain a clear commercial edge.
Rather than replacing human connection, AI is stepping in to remove friction, streamline operations and support stronger decision-making.
AI Is Becoming Hospitality’s Digital Apprentice
Hospitality leaders agree: AI can’t replace service or human connection. What it will replace are the dozens of time-consuming tasks that pull operators away from being present with customers.
AI is already answering enquiries, handling missed calls and managing routine conversations in the exact tone and personality of a venue. As Karl Schlothauer, CEO of House Pocket Group, demonstrates in his own venues, this shift immediately converts lost time into revenue – with AI capturing and converting up to 40% of previously missed calls into bookings.
“AI doesn’t replace hospitality — it enhances it.” This gives operators back the one thing they never have enough of: time with their guests.
Hiring Becomes Faster, Sharper and More Predictive
Labour is still one of the most costly challenges for operators. According to Brendan Leeds, Co-Founder Clipboard Hospitality, replacing a staff member can cost venues around $11,000 per hire, making smarter recruitment essential.
AI now screens applications, identifies behavioural fit and recommends candidates who align with the culture and pace of a venue. It can reduce churn, shorten hiring cycles and lift the quality of your team… all without adding pressure to managers.
“Hiring becomes faster and more accurate when AI matches people to culture, not just resumes.” Says Brendan. For operators facing high turnover, this is an immediate and measurable win.
Small Venues Gain Enterprise-Level Capability
AI is flattening the industry. A single operator can now build a website, draft a legal template, analyse stock movement or generate a marketing concept in minutes. For Craig Joel, CEO & Co-Founder, Now Book It, this is one of the biggest shifts happening in hospitality today.
“AI is the great equaliser. Small venues now have the power of an entire support team.” The result? Smaller venues can compete with large hospitality groups. Not by working harder, but by using technology more efficiently.
The Smartest Way to Start: Improve Three Tasks
Operators don’t need to overhaul their venues to start benefiting from AI. The most effective approach is to choose three time-consuming or repetitive tasks, such as stock ordering, rostering, customer enquiries, shift reports and let AI handle the first draft or automate the process.
“Start with the tasks you hate. Those are the easiest and highest-impact wins.” Says Brendan. By starting this way, you’ll build confidence and create immediate operational wins.
What’s Next: Predictive Hospitality and Instant Insights
AI is moving beyond task automation into prediction. Soon, operators will be able to ask their systems real-time questions. From “How many steaks did we sell this week?” to “Which shifts are driving margin pressure?”, operators can receive accurate, instant answers.
“With smart prompts, operators gain insights in seconds instead of hours” Craig shares. This future strengthens hospitality’s human core by reducing administrative weight and elevating the quality of decisions.
AI gives operators time back, reduces staffing pressure, and increases operational clarity. It enhances the work people love: welcoming guests, creating memorable experiences, and building vibrant venues.
The message across the industry is consistent: start small, stay curious, and use AI as a tool that removes the mundane in your day to day.
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