Artificial intelligence is entering every part of our lives—often, without our knowledge or consent.
While some of these AI products have proven useful, others might make the average person a bit worried. For example, there are some AI systems that claim they can anticipate human behavior. Others could potentially be used in the development of bioweapons.
One area you might think is immune from AI is dining. How could, and why would, a restaurant incorporate artificial intelligence? Well, according to TikTok user Kat Menter (@eating.out.austin) some restaurants already have—and it’s all thanks to OpenTable.
How Is OpenTable Using AI?
In her video, which currently has over 111 thousand views, Menter explains that, as a host at a Michelin-starred restaurant, she has a perspective on the inner workings of the restaurant industry.
She says that, last week, her restaurant started to get AI-generated summaries of customer behavior for those who made reservations using OpenTable.
“Most of them are like this,” she says. The screen behind her shows a list of drinks, followed by the message “Frequently orders these drinks when dining out.”
However, not all of the messages are this simple.
What Other Notes Does OpenTable Make About Customers?
Menter says that, in addition to notes like the one referenced above, she’s seen “Frequent reviewer” and “High Spender.” Spends more per cover than the average OpenTable guest,” as well as “Long turn times. Dines longer than the average OpenTable guest.”
She claims there is also a listing for “Late Canceller,” though she didn’t manage to get a picture of it.
As far as where OpenTable is getting this information, Menter speculates that the information is coming from people’s OpenTable reservations across many restaurants. As evidence, she says her own profile notes she enjoys juice and told her restaurant as much, even though they do not serve juice.
Is OpenTable Really Generating AI Summaries For Guests?
OpenTable does not appear to have made a direct statement on this issue. That said, there are some clues on the company’s website regarding what could be going on here.
In a post from October 20, OpenTable detailed its “Guest Intelligence” features. The features described sound very similar to what was laid out by Kat.
“Guest Intelligence provides restaurants with a complete picture of their guests’ dining habits, both within their restaurant and across the OpenTable network,” the site reads. “This allows restaurants to identify VIPs, understand guest preferences, and refine segmentation for a more personalized experience.”
However, the only reference to artificial intelligence on this page appears to be for another service offered by OpenTable. This service allows restaurants to automatically respond to customer reviews using AI.
Commenters Hate This
In the comments section, users said they didn’t like the idea of OpenTable generating summaries of their behavior.
“Can’t this lead to discrimination while dining?” asked a user. “Like wouldn’t this effect what type of service you receive?”
“Wait this is so intrusive, I’m appalled,” added another.
“Wow we got ai dinner credit scores before gta6,” joked a third.
Others simply made humorous speculations about what their AI summaries might say.
“‘Uses ranch dressing inappropriately,’” said a commenter.
“‘Steals the little dishes that butter goes in,’” offered a second.
UPDATE: An OpenTable spokesperson shared the following statement with BroBible:
“Guest insights are built from network-wide data and shared with restaurants to personalize service and help prepare their staff for shifts. We’ve heard directly from our restaurant partners how insights such as these can be greatly additive to how they’re able to best serve diners. By agreeing to OpenTable’s privacy policy, the diner grants OpenTable certain permissions to use their data – including the right to share their data with restaurants. Any restrictions on what OpenTable can share with restaurants is determined by what scope of data the diner agreed to in OpenTable’s privacy policy. Diners have the ability to opt-out of certain data sharing activities via their OpenTable account preferences. You can read OpenTable’s privacy policy here.”
BroBible reached out to Kat via website contact form.