A new national survey from Reputation.com reveals just how much dining in America is being reshaped by artificial intelligence and shifting economics. Guests are choosing where to eat in new ways, spending differently, and expecting experiences that feel both efficient and personal. For restaurants, that means every interaction—from discovery to checkout—now carries higher stakes.

The New Discovery Funnel: Guests Are Asking AI What to Eat

According to the survey, about one in five U.S. diners has already turned to AI tools like ChatGPT to decide where to eat or grab a drink. Among younger guests, that number climbs above sixty percent. And more than half of respondents say they trust AI-generated summaries of reviews—some even more than the reviews themselves.

That represents a quiet revolution in how people discover restaurants. Instead of scrolling through endless comments or static websites, they’re asking conversational AIs for guidance—and those answers depend entirely on the data, menus, and guest feedback your business puts into the world.

The Human Touch Still Matters Most

The same study reveals a deep tension: while guests are intrigued by AI, their biggest fear is losing the human touch. Forty-one percent say they worry automation will make hospitality feel colder or less personal. Pair that with rising costs and changing habits—thirty percent of consumers are eating out less often, even as a third say they’re spending more per visit—and it’s clear: diners are becoming more selective.

When they do go out, it has to feel worth it. Every detail—the greeting, the pacing, the accuracy, the follow-up—shapes whether they’ll return.

The Balancing Act: Technology and Hospitality

Guests want the speed and convenience of technology, but they still crave warmth, personality, and connection. That’s exactly the balance Avocado was built to deliver.

Avocado helps operators meet guests where they are—online, in person, and everywhere in between. With AI-powered analytics and an SMS copilot, managers can ask questions in plain English and get real-time insights about sales, trends, and performance. Smart feedback nudges and branded text messages keep guests engaged after their visit without feeling automated or impersonal.

Smarter Operations, More Human Service

Behind the counter, Avocado streamlines the flow that keeps your team in sync. Tools like QR menus, table management, and our Kitchen Display System make service faster and clearer. Orders move instantly from front-of-house to kitchen; guests get accurate updates and digital receipts without having to ask, “Is my order ready?”

The technology fades into the background, letting staff focus on what makes hospitality human—connection, warmth, and attention to detail.

The Path Forward

Economic pressure isn’t going away. AI will only get smarter. But restaurants that use these shifts as opportunities—to listen better, decide faster, and connect more personally—will build the kind of loyalty algorithms can’t replace.

With Avocado, operators can do exactly that: pair intelligent automation with genuine hospitality, turning every guest interaction into something that feels effortless, thoughtful, and unmistakably human.