IT Systems Administrator

Tech Tracker: AI chatbots are the next frontier in restaurant technology. March 16, 2026 AI has become a cornerstone of restaurant technology, shifting the conversation from if operators should invest in AI to how they should implement it. For vendors and large operators with the resources to build proprietary tech stacks, agentic AI represents the natural next frontier in automation technology. Some of the largest restaurant chains have already implemented their own virtual AI assistants to help boost labor output (Yum Brands and Burger King), assist with back of house operations (Starbucks), and improve the customer ordering experience (Papa Johns). Meanwhile, technology vendors are developing AI chatbot solutions to bridge the gap between some of the largest, resource-rich restaurant chains and everyone else. For instance, Olo is creating an AI agent inspired by Shopify to improve the e-commerce experience, while Miso Robotics recently unveiled Zippy, a large language model-powered tool. Zippy, combined with Miso's newly acquired Zignyl software platform, offers agentic assistance and insights for the company's robotics products. In addition to this evolving agentic AI trend, other tech news this month includes Grubhub testing out drone delivery, Resy merging with Tock, and more. Tech Tracker rounds up what's happening in the technology sector of the restaurant industry, including news from restaurants, vendors, digital platforms, and third-party delivery companies. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know and why. Olo is working on an AI chatbot While all eyes are on Olo's first consumer-facing digital ordering app, unveiled earlier this month at the company's annual Beyond4 event, Olo is working on more solutions through its new Olo Network. One tech tool in the works? An AI agent to improve the e-commerce experience, Olo CEO Noah Glass told Nation's Restaurant News. Olo was inspired by the Shopify ordering experience, which created a universal commerce protocol, where customers can ask the AI agent questions like, "Is the store open?" and "Is this product available?" While the technology can't quite be applied to restaurant ordering in its current form, Glass believes Olo can fill that gap. "I think being an open platform opens us up to say it's not just Olo customers who will benefit from this; we will open this up to other restaurants," Glass said. "After announcing Olo Network, we're having conversations with folks who provide ordering services and POS systems for small and medium-sized restaurants... we think we could build similar agentic commerce AI [to Shopify] that would be available for anyone to use." Miso Robotics acquires Zignyl, creates Zippy AI agent Robotics provider Miso Robotics announced the acquisition of AI-powered operations platform Zignyl last month for an undisclosed amount. With the acquisition, Zignyl will be integrated into Miso's AI product, Zippy, which was previously inaccessible to Miso customers. Zippy uses large language model (LLM) intelligence to provide data, revenue metrics, labor scheduling, forecasting, employee incentives, and task management, in both a dashboard and a Chat GPT-like agentic AI experience. Zippy will soon be able to provide metrics and AI-crafted answers to real-time questions from operator-users of Flippy the kitchen robot, with data including ROI analysis, performance metrics, live video feeds, and maintenance data. Tock merges with Resy American Express announced last month the integration of Tock under the Resy platform. While the Tock name and platform will be phased out, the two restaurant reservations platforms will combine resources, and together - over 25,000 venues will be bookable through Resy. Resy also will implement some of Tock's exclusive features, like tiered and prepaid experiences. Additionally, Resy plans to move forward with creating a tech stack that integrates AI-driven restaurant discovery and booking, table management, ticketing and transactions, point-of-sale data, and a CRM platform. "Our unique platform will drive demand, connect systems to help businesses run smarter, and provide guest insights that empower operators and their staff to create memorable moments," Pablo Rivero, CEO of Resy and senior vice president of American Express Global Dining, said in a statement. Grubhub tests out drone delivery Grubhub has announced a partnership with Dexa to create New Jersey's first drone-powered restaurant delivery program. This will also be Grubhub's first drone delivery test program, and will be available for orders placed through Wonder's Green Brook, N.J. location starting March 18. Grubhub will be delivering eligible Wonder orders with Dexa's fully automated DE-2020 model. Before each order is flown away by drone, Wonder "flight crews" make sure that the orders are packaged securely enough to survive the journey, and the drones place each order on the ground at the designated customer address using a controlled tether system. Grubhub's competitors have already been testing out drone delivery capabilities, including DoorDash's partnership with Wing, announced last year and tested with GoTo Foods, and Uber partnered with Flytrex last September to pilot a drone delivery program. DoorDash adds AI-powered pizza tool DoorDash announced a new customer-facing pizza-ordering tool powered by AI. The technology is able to interpret menu data from individual pizzerias, organize it into a step-by-step flow, and integrate choices for building a pizza into the DoorDash platform. New features include visuals for size selection, toppings, and customization so customers can see what their pizza will look like while they're building it. This feature is currently being rolled out to select pizza operators on the DoorDash platform. SlangAI and Chowbus announce funding rounds * SlangAI - Last month, the voice AI platform closed out a closed its $36M Series B funding round led by US Venture Partners, and has raised $68 million in total. The company plans to use this investment to build out its voice AI capabilities, with tools to eliminate calls, improve revenue capture and support employees in the works. * Chowbus - The AI-powered restaurant platform designed for Asian restaurants closed on an $81 million fundraising round this week. The funding round was led by Prysm Capital and Left Lane Capital. With the investment, Chowbus will be expanding beyond its integrated POS platform into more operational services for smaller restaurant brands, including marketing, accounting, supply ordering, and insurance.

The future of Uber: ghost kitchens, automation, and the changing food economy. Last night, while dining at a local restaurant, I noticed something interesting. More people were ordering from Skip or Uber Eats than dining in. The restaurant was buzzing, yet the majority of its customers were invisible to me, sitting at home enjoying the same food. The experience was seamless, the food was amazing, and it made me wonder... what changed in the restaurant industry? This observation led me to think about the broader economy and the future of food delivery. Then, I remembered a conversation with Travis Kalanick, Uber's former CEO, on the All In Podcast. He spoke about the future of ghost kitchens, and it clicked. The world of food service is transforming in ways that are both exciting and disruptive. Ghost kitchens: the revolution in food delivery. Ghost kitchens, also known as virtual kitchens, are professional cooking spaces that prepare food solely for delivery. Unlike traditional restaurants, they have no dine-in space, reducing costs for rent, décor, and staff. This allows businesses to focus entirely on production efficiency and delivery speed. The rise of ghost kitchens is largely driven by platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes. The market for ghost kitchens is expected to grow exponentially as more consumers choose convenience over dining out. For restaurants, this model provides an opportunity to expand without massive upfront investment. They can test new markets, experiment with limited menus, and reach more customers through delivery platforms without the overhead of a full restaurant. Ghost cooks: the next phase. But ghost kitchens are just the beginning. The next logical evolution is what I like to call ghost cooks. Imagine kitchens staffed not by traditional chefs but by automated systems or robots capable of preparing meals efficiently and consistently. This concept may sound futuristic, but companies are already experimenting with automation in food preparation. For example, Miso Robotics has developed robotic systems capable of flipping burgers, frying food, and even making pizzas with precision. Integrating these robots into ghost kitchens could drastically reduce labor costs, improve speed, and maintain high-quality standards for delivery orders. This transition has enormous potential for franchises. They could launch small-scale, automated outlets with limited menus to test new markets. With minimal overhead and flexible locations, expanding becomes faster, cheaper, and less risky. Uber and the future of food delivery. Uber is uniquely positioned to take advantage of these changes. Beyond ride-sharing, Uber Eats has become a key player in the food delivery ecosystem. By partnering with ghost kitchens and embracing automation, Uber could significantly increase market share while helping restaurants scale efficiently. The company's strategy might include: * Partnering with ghost kitchens: Reducing the need for traditional dine-in spaces. * Supporting automation: Integrating robot chefs to cut labor costs and streamline operations. * Franchise-friendly models: Offering turnkey delivery options for brands looking to expand. This vision aligns with broader economic trends. Consumers increasingly prioritize convenience and speed, and technology is making it easier than ever for businesses to meet these demands. Benefits for businesses and consumers. The shift to ghost kitchens and automation offers several benefits: * Lower Costs: Restaurants save on rent, staff, and operational expenses. * Faster Delivery: Optimized kitchens and robotic systems can reduce preparation times. * Market Testing: Franchises can experiment with new menus or locations without heavy investment. * Consistency: Automated systems ensure consistent quality across multiple locations. * Consumer Convenience: Customers enjoy restaurant-quality meals from home with minimal wait times. For consumers, this could mean a more diverse and accessible range of food options. For businesses, it could transform profitability and growth potential. Challenges ahead. Despite the promise, challenges remain. Automation and ghost kitchens may face: * Technological Limitations: Robots are efficient but still limited in flexibility compared to human chefs. * Regulatory Hurdles: Health codes and labor regulations will need to adapt. * Cultural Acceptance: Some customers value the human touch in food preparation and hospitality. * Market Competition: As more companies adopt this model, standing out will require branding and innovation. Even with these challenges, the potential for transformation in the food industry is immense. The bigger picture. Uber's evolution from a ride-sharing app to a delivery and logistics powerhouse mirrors larger economic trends. Automation, digital platforms, and consumer preferences are reshaping traditional business models. Ghost kitchens and ghost cooks are just one example of how industries can adapt to a rapidly changing environment. For entrepreneurs and investors, the message is clear: embracing technology and flexible business models is no longer optional. Whether you are a restaurateur, a franchise owner, or an investor looking for opportunities, understanding these trends can guide better decisions. Final thoughts. The future of Uber and the food industry is fascinating. From ghost kitchens to robot chefs, the way Vibusinessbrokers prepare, deliver, and consume food is undergoing a fundamental shift. Companies that adapt to these trends can benefit from lower costs, faster growth, and greater customer satisfaction. Next time you order through Uber Eats or SkipTheDishes, remember: you may be participating in the early stages of a technological revolution that could redefine dining forever. Fraser paterson. With over 13 years of growing and selling online companies, I am deeply passionate about entrepreneurs and helping great ideas turn into real businesses. When I am not networking, building websites, or closing deals, you will usually find me hiking Vancouver Island trails, travelling, or playing far too much ice hockey.