What is voice AI, and how does it work in the context of restaurants?

Voice AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that use voice recognition and LLMs to interact with people. These solutions integrate with a restaurant's existing tech stack, including the POS and online ordering platforms. It uses advanced natural language processing and large language models (LLMs) to understand and respond to customer orders, eliminating the need for human intervention. When an order is placed via our phone or drive-thru our voice AI solution accurately captures their request and sends the relevant order information to the kitchen.

Why is voice AI becoming increasingly important for restaurants, and what are the key benefits?

With ongoing labor challenges and digital becoming the preferred way to order for many consumers, voice AI has become a critical tool for restaurants. By automating phone and drive-thru orders, it helps control costs and improve the customer experience. For example, a fast-casual chain struggling with a 20% increase in labor costs can deploy voice AI to automate order taking, reducing the need for additional staff while maintaining order accuracy and speed of service.

How does Checkmate's voice AI solution differ from other phone and drive-thru automation systems?

Our voice AI system is built from the ground up using the latest large language model (LLM) technology popularized by AI companies like OpenAI. Other solutions on the market use older technology, such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Understanding (NLU) systems, which aren't as flexible or scalable. With hundreds of successful deployments under our belt, plus active integrations with most POS providers, our team makes it easy to deploy voice AI technology in your restaurants.

How does voice AI benefit my restaurant's bottom line?

Our solution offloads the need for an employee to handle order taking freeing up your staff to focus on more important tasks such as order prep and in-store customer service. Voice AI also eliminates the need to overstaff during busy times. For restaurants that are short-staffed, voice AI enables them to operate at a much higher capacity than they normally would.

How does voice AI integrate with other restaurant technologies, such as POS systems?

For brands already using Checkmate, voice AI integrates directly with your existing menu and POS. Seamlessly pull live menus, see updates, and know when an item has been added or removed, ensuring customers always get up-to-the-minute accurate information. We also integrate with DoorDash Drive and Uber Direct, so you can support first-party delivery using third-party couriers.

How does voice AI handle complex or unusual customer requests, and what measures are in place to ensure accurate order-taking?

Because we leverage LLMs, our solution can easily understand vague requests (ex: 'I want the spiciest flavor') and accurately record the order. Our voice AI solutions understand general descriptions without further context, eliminating scenarios where the ordering process is slow, customers get frustrated, and conversion rates suffer.

How long does it take to implement a voice AI solution?

Typically it takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on menu complexity and structure. For simpler scenarios, we can get you up and running in just a few days.

AI Drive-Thru Solutions For Restaurants

95%+

conversations handled without humans

employee cost saved in labor

+25%

drive-thru sales 

Overview

Upgrade your restaurant drive-thru with intelligent voice AI that integrates with your existing systems to provide consistent, efficient service. Our solution handles orders with 95% accuracy while maintaining quick service times and freeing up staff for other critical tasks.

Transform your drive-thru

Works with your existing drive-thru systems

AI that can handle complex orders and noisy backgrounds

Never miss the opportunity to mention upsells

Manage your entire menu through our intuitive interface

Seamless hardware integration

Purpose-built to work with your existing drive-thru systems, our solution connects directly to base stations and order confirmation boards with minimal setup time

Step-by-step setup images showing connecting to base station device, pairing with a digital menu board, and a smiling worker completing the setup on a touchscreen.

Real-time order display

Orders appear instantly on your confirmation screen as customers speak, with live updates and modifications shown clearly to ensure accuracy before payment

Left: Smiling man with glasses in a car at a drive-thru. Right: Person using touchscreen at a drive-thru counter with digital order display.

One-touch control

Intelligent implementation of human-in-the-loop as an observer that can provide support if needed without disrupting the flow of service

Person in striped apron and orange shirt interacting with a touchscreen monitor showing an order for cheeseburger, fresh cut fries, and milkshake with voice AI support and a support available icon.

Smart order management

Our AI handles complex orders and noisy backgrounds while suggesting relevant upsells and maintaining quick service times without sacrificing order accuracy

Woman smiling inside a car at a drive-thru, with digital overlays showing order details and service time as food is handed through the window.

Complete menu control

Manage your entire menu through our intuitive interface, including real-time item availability, price updates, and promotional offers that sync automatically across all systems

Man in a green apron using a touchscreen in a restaurant with menu scheduling options and promo cards for a burger and chicken sandwich on screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s build your ideal restaurant ordering solution

Whether you want to get started quickly or you need a custom solution, we can help. Set up a call to see how we can support your restaurants.

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Flexible contracts

24/7 support

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Smarter drive-thru AI for faster service