When it comes to The Big Game, one thing is as crucial as the game itself (and no, it’s not the commercials). It’s the food.

A recent survey by TUMS revealed that:

• 1 in 4 viewers are more interested in the food spread than the game
• 54% of viewers say the right food can make or break the entire experience

For restaurant owners, this signals one thing — game day is a massive revenue opportunity. But a great opportunity also brings great pressure.

Orders Up for Game Day Viewers

The Big Game is increasingly becoming one of the busiest days for restaurants. According to the National Restaurant Association, more than half of the 70% of Americans watching the game last year were expected to order food, marking an increase of 31% from just 12 years ago.

This year, the National Retail Federation estimates spending for the event will hit a record $18.6 billion, with food and drink purchases contributing to 81% of the total spend. This means restaurants should expect an avalanche of orders this Sunday.

But the question is, can they handle the blitz?

Labor Challenges Have Put Restaurants on Defense

In Restaurant Business’s recent Market Leader Report titled, “The Restaurant Labor Landscape: Operator Insights and Profitability Strategies,” restaurant operators revealed that rising wages and labor shortages are forcing many restaurants to do more with less staff.

On high-volume days, this can create a food ordering storm that’s nearly impossible to manage without the help of innovative solutions.

For this reason, forward-thinking restaurateurs are turning to voice AI to build a winning workforce.

How Voice AI Helps Restaurants Win Big on Game Day

Voice AI is redefining the game for restaurants, and nowhere does its capabilities shine brighter than on high-order-volume days. To take restaurants to the end zone, voice AI:

1. Automates Food Ordering

AI voice assistants, like Smart Ordering by SoundHound AI, can handle 100% of customer orders via phone calls or text messages. No long hold times, no miscommunicated orders. Just fast and accurate food ordering. 

2. Accelerates Drive-Thru and Front-of-House Ordering

Taking drive-thru orders is stressful, especially when the line wraps around the restaurant. Voice AI solutions, like Dynamic Interaction™, ensure the process is seamless and lightning-fast. And inside the restaurant, Dynamic Interaction powers kiosks that offer customers an intuitive, hands-free ordering option.

3. Upsells to Every Customer

AI voice assistants can gently nudge customers toward limited-time specials and combos. For example, the voice assistant could say, “How about a 20-piece wing special for game day? Try our signature Cajun seasoning – it’s perfect for this year’s championship game in Louisiana!”

4. Improves Staff Efficiency

With AI handling front-of-house tasks like taking orders, restaurant operators can focus staff on back-of-house operations to ensure everything is prepared quickly, accurately, and safely.

5. Delivers Extraordinary Service

Especially on busy days, humans get tired and make mistakes. AI voice assistants do not. They ensure faster ordering, fewer errors, and an overall smoother experience.

Why It’s Time to Get in the Game 

Restaurants that invest in voice AI don’t just win this Sunday — they gain a game-changing advantage for every high-order-volume day to come. With Mother’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, and other busy food-delivery holidays just around the corner, this is the time for restaurants to empower their team with the tech they need to succeed.

Because while we can’t predict if Kansas City or Philadelphia will be the ones to hoist the trophy on Sunday, we’re confident about one thing — voice AI is the future of restaurant operations.

Ready to Build a Winning Team of People + AI?

Get in touch with our experts today to discover why our cutting-edge voice AI technology is the ultimate draft pick for restaurants looking to level up their operations and customer experience.