As we hit the halfway point of the year, restaurant owners across Canada and everywhere else are asking one big question: should we be using AI to help market our restaurant and build our brand?
The short answer? It depends.
AI tools are more powerful and available than ever before. From Google’s new VEO 3 video creator to Sora’s storytelling video technology, these tools promise to help restaurants stand out. But before you jump in, it’s worth understanding what they do, what they don’t do, and how they can fit into your business.
What’s Out There?
Let’s start with what’s new.
Google VEO 3 I’ve been working with each morning is a tool that can help you create promotional videos just by typing in what you want. You describe your restaurant vibe, a dish, or even a feeling like “cozy brunch with steam rising off a latte,” and it builds the scene for you. This is perfect for restaurants that want content for their website, Instagram, or in-store screens but don’t have the budget to hire a videographer.
Sora is another tool that makes storytelling videos only this one’s being built by Open AI and it’s designed to create full scenes, camera movements, and narratives from a script or idea. Imagine being able to show the “behind the scenes” story of your kitchen, the journey of your ingredients, or a fun look at your team all in a video you never had to film.
Other tools include writing helpers, photo editors, and even social media schedulers that can save time and boost creativity.
Why AI Might Be Right for You
Speed and Savings
AI can help you make a week’s worth of social content in under an hour. You don’t need to hire five different people anymore. One person with the right tools and ideas can run your entire online presence.Better Engagement
Customers want to see more than just pictures of food. They want stories, motion, and feeling. Tools like VEO and Sora let you create that even if you’ve never touched a camera.Fresh Ideas
Sometimes the hardest part of marketing is just knowing what to post. AI tools can give you suggestions, write captions, or even generate brand-new ideas based on what your customers care about.Consistency
Consistency builds trust. These tools can help you plan posts ahead of time, keep your branding tight, and make sure your message is always clear.
Why You Might Not Want to Use AI
It Still Needs You - So far…
AI doesn’t know your story. It doesn’t know your customers, your neighborhood, or the heart behind your restaurant. If you just hit “go” and post whatever the tools give you, your brand might feel cold or off.Not All Tools Are Equal
Some AI tools aren’t made for restaurants. Some are clunky, outdated, or too expensive. You’ll need to test and pick the right ones for your needs.Generic Can Be Dangerous
There’s a risk that your marketing starts to look like every other place using the same tools. If you don’t add your own flavour your language, your culture, your brand voice it might all feel too generic. We’re already seeing this on social media. Hello LinkedIn folks!It Can’t Replace Real Connection - NOT AT ALL, YET!
A post made with AI might get clicks, but it can’t shake a hand or share a laugh. Great marketing is still built on relationship between your team and your guests, your food and their memories.
How to Make AI Work With Your Brand
Think of AI like the dishwasher in your kitchen. It doesn’t make the meal, but it saves you time so you can focus on what matters. If you use these tools the right way, they should give you more space to connect with your guests not less.
Here’s a simple plan:
Use AI to brainstorm ideas for promotions, themes, or social media content. I do this while I’m driving… Hello AL.
Use VEO or Sora to tell your story, but keep it rooted in your story your staff, your food, your voice. NO More food pics please…
Use caption tools to save time, but always read and tweak them so they sound like you.
Schedule posts ahead with AI tools, but don’t forget to jump in live. Post stories, reply to comments, say thanks.
So, Should You Use AI?
If you're short on time, wearing a dozen hats, and struggling to post regularly yes, give it a shot. But only if you treat it like a helper, not a replacement.
UGC - User Generated Content & EGC - Employee Generated Content!!! IS KEY!!!
If your content already feels strong, personal, and engaging maybe just test one or two tools that could make things faster or help you try new formats.
The most important thing… AI can help tell your story, but it’s not the whole story. Your guests are coming for you not ai or your social content. The tools might change, but trust, warmth, and good food will always be what brings them back.
