For decades, phone orders have been both a lifeline and a headache for restaurants. Missed calls, misheard items, and overworked staff have long led to lost revenue and frustrated customers.
With AI-powered phone ordering, that story is finally changing — and in 2025, Canadian restaurants are leading the charge.
The Evolution of the Phone Call
Despite the rise of online ordering, the phone remains an essential channel for many restaurants. Customers still call to:
- Place pick-up or catering orders
- Ask about hours, specials, or delivery zones
- Make last-minute changes or special requests
The problem? During peak hours or after closing, those calls often go unanswered. Studies show that one in three restaurant calls in Canada never gets picked up — meaning countless missed opportunities to serve (and retain) customers.
How AI Is Changing the Game
AI voice assistants, like Zentari.AI, act as a 24/7 team member dedicated to answering the phone. Using advanced voice recognition and real-time POS integration (including Clover POS), they can take accurate orders, answer FAQs, and even handle upsells — all without human intervention.
Here’s what’s driving adoption across Canada:
- No More Missed Calls: AI answers instantly, day or night.
- Accurate Orders Every Time: AI transcribes and confirms details directly in the POS system — no human error.
- Faster Service: Calls that once took minutes are now handled in seconds.
- Seamless Integration: Orders print straight to the kitchen printer or appear in the POS dashboard.
- Bilingual Capabilities: Many AI assistants, including Zentari.AI, support English, French, and Spanish, improving accessibility for diverse communities.
The Benefits for Restaurant Owners
Restaurants implementing AI voice ordering are seeing measurable results within weeks:
- 15–25% increase in phone orders
- Reduced labor strain during busy shifts
- Improved customer satisfaction thanks to faster responses
- Consistent after-hours coverage, turning late-night calls into real sales
For staff, it means less time juggling the phone and more time focusing on guests in front of them. For owners, it means higher efficiency and a more reliable revenue stream.
The Human + AI Partnership
Some worry that AI will replace the human touch — but in reality, it’s enhancing it.
AI handles the routine, repetitive calls — freeing your team to deliver better service, upsell face-to-face, and focus on hospitality. It’s the perfect blend of technology and personal connection that modern customers expect.
Why 2025 Is the Turning Point
As labour costs rise and customer expectations grow, AI adoption in Canadian restaurants is accelerating. In 2025, voice automation is no longer just a tech trend — it’s a competitive advantage.
Restaurants that adopt AI now are finding themselves better equipped to handle high call volumes, staffing challenges, and changing customer habits.
The Future Is Already Here
AI voice ordering isn’t just the future of phone calls — it’s the future of restaurant operations.
By combining accuracy, speed, and reliability, tools like Zentari.AI are transforming phone orders from a daily pain point into a powerful growth channel.
Ready to Bring the Future to Your Restaurant?
Start taking calls 24/7, eliminate missed orders, and give your team the support they need to shine.
Try Zentari.AI free for 30 days — and see how AI can transform your restaurant’s bottom line.