Building Operational Resilience: AI Solutions for Independent Restaurants

Despite the many opportunities AI presents for independent restaurants, from marketing strategy to customer engagement, many owners and operators remain hesitant in adoption. Beyond implementation costs as a top concern, over one-third of respondents from our 2026 Independent Restaurant Industry Report, in collaboration with Deloitte, felt a lack of relevance to their businesses—suggesting a gap in understanding these tools can translate into sustainable growth. 

Stephanie Perrone Goldstein, Principal and thought leader in Deloitte's Travel and Hospitality practice with a focus on Tech, AI and Data Strategy, will share AI trends in the restaurant industry, and chef-owners will then share specific examples of how they are making AI work for their businesses. This session serves to bridge the gap between AI potential and restaurant application, offering research-backed strategies you can implement immediately.