Menufy: 80% of consumers would try AI-recommended independent restaurants

Artificial intelligence is reshaping restaurant discovery and creating new opportunities for independent operators, according to new consumer research from Menufy. The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults found that 80% would try a smaller, independently owned restaurant they had never heard of if recommended by AI, while 78% said AI makes locally owned restaurants easier to discover compared with national chains.

The research also found that 60% of consumers use AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Google AI Mode or Perplexity to help decide where to eat. More than one-third (35%) said an AI recommendation had introduced them to an unfamiliar restaurant that they subsequently visited or ordered from.

"Independent restaurants have always had an advantage when it comes to having a distinct identity and a strong connection to their local communities," Aman Devgan, president and general manager at Menufy, said in a company press release. "AI gives consumers more ways to search around the details that matter to them, which can help the right restaurant surface for a much more specific need or occasion. For operators, the opportunity is to make what already makes their restaurant special clear and accessible online so the technology can understand it too."

Despite AI's growing influence, consumers still rely on traditional digital channels before placing an order. Only 2% said they would order from an unfamiliar restaurant recommended by AI without checking another source first. More than half (54%) would review menu information and prices, 48% would check customer ratings and reviews, and 47% would visit the restaurant's website.