When a customer calls your restaurant, you have about 30 seconds to make them feel welcome and start building their order. But what if that voice on the other end isn't human at all? AI voice assistants are revolutionizing how restaurants handle phone orders, and the results are impressive: restaurants using strategic upselling scripts are seeing average ticket increases of 15% or more. (Hostie AI)
If you recently called up a restaurant in New York City, Miami, Atlanta, or San Francisco, chances are you have spoken to one of these polite, calculated AI competitors. (Hostie AI) These AI systems aren't just answering basic questions anymore - they're actively driving revenue through sophisticated upselling techniques that would make your best server proud.
In this deep dive, we'll explore real-world examples of voice AI upselling scripts that are working right now, backed by data from actual restaurant deployments. You'll discover plug-and-play prompts for appetizers, desserts, and premium add-ons that you can implement immediately to boost your average ticket size. (Ars Technica)
Traditional phone orders often feel rushed. Staff members are juggling multiple tasks, and upselling can feel pushy or forgotten entirely. Voice AI changes this dynamic completely. AI voice assistants for hospitality phone agents are gaining traction, despite not receiving as much attention as consumer-based generative AI tools like Gemini Live and ChatGPT-4o. (Ars Technica)
The key advantage? Consistency and patience. AI never has a bad day, never forgets to suggest that appetizer, and can take as much time as needed to explain menu options without feeling rushed. Burma Food Group has boosted over-the-phone covers by 141% using Hostie. (Hostie AI)
Restaurants are seeing remarkable results from AI-powered upselling:
These aren't just vanity metrics - they translate directly to bottom-line revenue improvements that restaurant owners can bank on.
The Scenario: Customer calls to place a takeout order for two entrees.
Traditional Approach: "Will that be all?"
AI-Powered Script:
"Those sound like excellent choices! Since you're ordering the [specific entrees],
I'd love to suggest our [seasonal appetizer] - it pairs beautifully with your selections
and many guests tell us it's the perfect way to start their meal. It's just $[price]
and takes the same prep time as your entrees. Would you like me to add that?"
Why It Works:
This script structure has shown a 23% conversion rate for appetizer add-ons across multiple restaurant deployments. (ChatGPT for Restaurants)
The Scenario: Customer has completed their main order.
AI-Powered Script:
"Perfect! Your order will be ready in about [time]. Before I finalize everything,
I have to mention our [signature dessert] - it's been our most popular dessert
this month and it's actually made fresh daily. Since you're already coming in,
would you like me to have one ready for you? It's only $[price] and I promise
it's worth every penny."
Key Elements:
The Scenario: Customer orders a basic version of a dish.
AI-Powered Script:
"Great choice on the [dish name]! I can make that even better for you -
for just $[price difference] more, I can upgrade you to our [premium version]
which includes [specific benefits]. Most of our regulars say once they try
the premium version, they never go back. Should I make that upgrade for you?"
Conversion Drivers:
Major chains are investing heavily in voice AI technology. In June 2025, Dine Brands, the parent company of Applebee's and IHOP, announced plans to implement artificial intelligence in their restaurants. (Newo AI) The AI system, provided by SoundHound AI Inc., is being tested in select locations and is expected to expand to more franchises later in the year.
Wendy's plans to implement digital menu boards and AI drive-thru ordering systems at over 500 restaurants by the end of 2025. (Customer Experience Dive) The company's Fresh AI technology, which automates the drive-thru ordering process, has already been deployed to over 160 restaurants across the U.S.
High-end establishments are seeing even more dramatic results. Bodega, the high-end Vietnamese restaurant, used Hostie AI, which launched primarily in the Bay Area in 2024. (Hostie AI) The sophisticated nature of fine dining allows for more complex upselling conversations that AI can handle with remarkable finesse.
Fine Dining Upselling Script Example:
"For your [wine selection], our sommelier particularly recommends pairing it
with our [specific appetizer]. The [flavor profile] complements the wine's
[characteristics] beautifully. It's a combination that our chef designed
specifically for wine enthusiasts. Would you like me to add that pairing?"
AI voice ordering systems are designed to understand the nuances of human speech, accents, and slang, thanks to Natural Language Processing (NLP). (EZ-Chow) This technological foundation enables more natural, conversational upselling that doesn't feel robotic or scripted.
AI voice ordering systems are context-aware, considering factors like past orders, dietary preferences, and real-time information to suggest relevant items and personalized recommendations. (EZ-Chow) This means the upselling suggestions become more targeted and effective over time.
Hostie AI integrates seamlessly with existing reservation and POS systems, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. (Hostie AI) This integration allows the AI to access real-time inventory, pricing, and customer history to make the most relevant upselling suggestions.
Before implementing AI upselling, establish baseline metrics:
Sambvani estimates that in-demand establishments receive between 800 and 1,000 calls per month. (Hostie AI) Understanding your call volume helps determine the potential impact of AI implementation.
Several startups are competing for restaurant accounts across the US, including Maitre-D AI, Newo, RestoHost, and Slang. (Ars Technica) Each platform offers different features and subscription tiers that unlock additional capabilities.
Key Features to Look For:
The best use case of AI for restaurants is to enhance their marketing, operations, and customer service. (Incentivio) Work with your AI provider to customize scripts that reflect your restaurant's personality and menu offerings.
Script Customization Checklist:
Before going live, conduct extensive testing:
| Metric | Baseline Target | AI-Enhanced Target | Measurement Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Ticket Size | Current baseline | +15% minimum | Monthly |
| Upselling Conversion Rate | Current rate | +25% minimum | Weekly |
| Total Phone Order Revenue | Current monthly | +20% minimum | Monthly |
| Add-on Item Sales | Current volume | +30% minimum | Weekly |
The phones would ring constantly throughout service, and restaurants would receive calls for basic questions that can be found on their website. (Hostie AI) AI implementation should also improve these operational aspects:
AI-driven tools can analyze customer data to offer customized recommendations, tailor marketing messages, and suggest menu items based on past preferences. (Incentivio) This data becomes invaluable for ongoing optimization:
The Problem: AI systems can be programmed to suggest too many add-ons, creating a pushy experience that turns customers off.
The Solution: Limit upselling attempts to 2-3 relevant suggestions per call, and program the AI to gracefully accept "no" without additional pressure.
The Problem: AI systems that don't understand ingredient lists, preparation methods, or dietary restrictions can make inappropriate suggestions.
The Solution: Invest time in comprehensive menu training for your AI system, including allergen information, preparation details, and pairing recommendations.
The Problem: Poor integration with POS systems can lead to order errors, inventory mismatches, and customer frustration.
The Solution: Choose AI platforms with proven integration capabilities and conduct thorough testing before full deployment.
The Problem: Restaurants sometimes implement AI and forget to monitor customer reactions and satisfaction levels.
The Solution: Establish regular feedback collection processes and be prepared to adjust scripts based on customer responses.
Agentic AI represents a significant shift in how businesses operate, innovate, and scale, autonomously executing complex, multi-step tasks. (FOH BOH) This evolution means future AI systems will be able to:
Voice-ordering AI gained significant attention at the National Restaurant Association's annual food show in May 2024. (Ars Technica) This particular slice of the AI pie has seen "unbelievable, crazy growth" according to industry experts, indicating widespread adoption is accelerating.
Restaurants that implement effective voice AI upselling now will have significant advantages:
Initial Setup Costs:
Ongoing Costs:
Restaurant Profile: Mid-size establishment, 500 phone orders/month, $35 average ticket
Before AI Implementation:
After AI Implementation (15% ticket increase):
At $17 per hour, you can hardly pay for your gas to get to the job. Humans typically don't stay long in these positions. (Hostie AI) The cost savings from reduced staffing needs further improve the ROI calculation.
Even with AI handling calls, your human staff needs to understand:
Successful voice AI upselling requires ongoing attention:
Voice AI upselling isn't just a futuristic concept - it's a proven revenue driver that's working right now in restaurants across the country. The scripts and strategies outlined in this guide represent real-world applications that are delivering measurable results: 15% average ticket increases, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced customer experiences. (Hostie AI)
The key to success lies in thoughtful implementation, continuous optimization, and maintaining the hospitality-focused approach that makes great restaurants special. AI doesn't replace the human touch - it amplifies it, ensuring every customer interaction is an opportunity to create value and build loyalty.
As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, voice AI upselling will become less of a competitive advantage and more of a necessity. The restaurants that implement these systems now, with careful attention to script quality and customer experience, will be best positioned for long-term success. (Hostie AI)
Remember, the goal isn't just to increase ticket sizes - it's to enhance the customer experience while driving sustainable revenue growth. When done right, voice AI upselling creates win-win scenarios where customers discover new favorites and restaurants build stronger, more profitable relationships.
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Voice AI upselling scripts have proven to boost average ticket sizes by 15% or more in Q2 2025. Companies like Burma Food Group using Hostie's AI virtual concierge service have seen over-the-phone covers increase by 141%, demonstrating the significant revenue potential of strategic AI implementation.
Voice AI systems never forget to suggest add-ons, maintain consistent enthusiasm, and can process complex orders while simultaneously recommending complementary items. Unlike human staff who may be busy or tired, AI ensures every customer receives the same high-quality upselling experience, leading to more consistent revenue increases.
Major chains like Applebee's, IHOP, and Wendy's are implementing voice AI systems. Wendy's plans to deploy AI drive-thru ordering to over 500 restaurants by end of 2025, while Dine Brands is testing Voice AI Agents across select Applebee's and IHOP locations with plans for broader rollout.
When customers call restaurants with AI systems like Hostie, the AI ensures every call is answered in the restaurant's authentic voice and style. The technology has become sophisticated enough that many customers don't immediately realize they're speaking with AI, leading to natural conversations and successful order completions.
The most effective voice AI upselling scripts focus on contextual recommendations based on the customer's current order, suggesting complementary items within the first 30 seconds of the call. AI systems excel at remembering customer preferences from previous orders and can suggest personalized add-ons that human staff might forget to mention.
Voice AI solutions are becoming increasingly accessible to restaurants of all sizes. Multiple startups including Maitre-D AI, Newo, RestoHost, and Slang are competing for restaurant accounts, driving down costs and making the technology viable for independent restaurants looking to boost their average ticket sizes and operational efficiency.
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