AI is no longer a novelty in dining; it’s already changing how Americans choose where to eat and drink. At the same time, inflation and shifting consumer habits are making each restaurant visit more selective and expectation filled.
1 in 5 U.S. consumers, uplifting to almost half (45%) of those aged 35–44, now use AI tools like ChatGPT for venue discovery. That puts AI in the same conversation as Yelp and TripAdvisor, and just behind social media platforms TikTok and Instagram.
While Google Search remains dominant at 56%, AI apps, despite being available for less than three years,—are already rivaling other search engines like Bing and Yahoo. This rapid adoption signals a major shift in how consumers discover and evaluate dining options.
One of AI’s most impactful roles is reviewing summarization. A notable 55% of consumers trust AI-generated summaries, and 16% trust them more than individual reviews. These tools offer quick, digestible insights into crowd sentiment, helping guests make faster decisions. However, many still rely on human reviews for final validation, suggesting AI complements rather than replaces traditional feedback.
Generational differences are stark. A striking 61% of 25–34 year-olds have used AI for personalized food or drink recommendations, compared to just 4% of those aged 65+. Trust in AI review summaries also skews younger, with 86% of younger adults expressing confidence versus only 31% of older guests. This highlights the need for brands to tailor digital strategies by age, offering personalization for younger diners and transparency for older ones.
AI is also influencing post-visit engagement. Nearly half (47%) of consumers say they’d be more likely to leave a review if prompted by AI in the right tone and moment. Additionally, 86% have a positive or neutral view of AI-written review replies, provided they feel authentic and on-brand. This opens new doors for operators to build loyalty through thoughtful, tech-enabled communication.
“The data is clear: AI has become a mainstream discovery engine and for many businesses, the new front door,” said Liz Carter, CMO of Reputation. “This isn’t something to fear; it’s a huge opportunity for smarter, more transparent marketing. As consumers grow more selective about dining out, the digital story shaped by reviews and AI visibility must mirror the real-world experience. Only brands that prioritize this digital-to-physical trust will gain the competitive edge.”
Matthew Crompton, VP – Americas, On Premise, said: “AI isn’t a future trend for restaurants-it’s already here, and it’s reshaping every stage of guest engagement. To succeed, operators must optimize their digital presence, ensuring listings and reviews are AI-ready, while preserving a human tone when prompting feedback. Personalization should be tailored to younger guests, while transparency remains essential for all. And offline, every visit must feel exceptional: deliver standout service and atmosphere, provide clear and honest value through pricing and bundles, and respond to reviews with immediacy and authenticity—because in today’s market, recency and tone drive loyalty.”
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