AI is already part of hospitality, and it is quietly changing how teams work, how venues run, and what the future of service looks like
From self-check-in kiosks to automated kitchen tools, artificial intelligence is no longer something to think about in the future. It is already part of the hospitality world. Whether you are managing a venue or working the line, AI is starting to change how things run behind the scenes.
At Chefs and Events, we have always kept up with how the industry is evolving. We are now seeing more venues introducing AI in small but important ways. So what does this mean for the people who make hospitality happen every day?
The tech is starting to show up everywhere
Across hotels, restaurants, and event spaces, AI is being used to speed things up and make processes smoother. Chatbots are helping with bookings and basic enquiries. Smart systems are managing stock levels and ordering supplies. Some kitchens are even using AI-powered tools to assist with food prep.
The technology is advancing quickly, and more high-profile examples are beginning to appear:
1. At a recent tech expo, Elon Musk unveiled humanoid Tesla bots that served drinks and interacted with guests, showing just how far robot-assisted service has come.
2. Hilton Hotels trialled a robot concierge named Connie, powered by IBM Watson, to help guests with directions, recommendations, and hotel info.
3. Sweetgreen has launched fully automated kitchen locations, where AI-driven systems build salads with no human prep involved.
4. At Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, self-serve bars now use AI to pour pints in seconds, reducing queues and improving the fan experience.
5. McDonald’s has been testing AI voice assistants in drive-thrus, aiming to make ordering faster and more accurate.
These tools are not here to replace people completely, but they do change how certain jobs work. Instead of doing everything manually, staff now often work alongside tech to get things done faster and more accurately.
But people still make the difference
Technology can take care of many tasks, but it cannot replace the warmth, instinct and adaptability that real people bring to hospitality. A robot might be able to serve a drink, but it cannot build a relationship with a regular guest or step in to fix a problem before it escalates. Human connection, awareness and personality are still what turn a service into an experience.
Even as AI becomes more visible in venues, great service will always rely on people. The way we work might change, but the value of communication, leadership and emotional intelligence will remain at the heart of hospitality.
What this means for staff and employers
AI is not just appearing in pilot schemes, it is already being rolled out in live hospitality settings, and its impact on the workforce is beginning to show. Roles that involve repetitive or predictable tasks are most at risk of being replaced or reduced over the next five years. These include bar staff serving pre-programmed drinks, kitchen porters handling basic prep, and front desk assistants carrying out routine check-ins and enquiries.
As AI takes over manual or repetitive tasks, many of the remaining roles will evolve. Staff may find themselves managing smart systems, overseeing automated workflows, or taking on more guest-facing responsibilities. The work will become more focused on service quality, communication, and adaptability rather than pure output.
Employers will need to think carefully about how their teams are structured and what skills they prioritise when hiring. There will be growing demand for people who are comfortable working with technology, but the real value will still come from those who can bring energy, calm under pressure, and the ability to make people feel looked after.
Looking ahead
AI is here to stay, but it is not here to replace hospitality staff. It is here to reshape it. The most successful teams will be the ones who can combine modern tools with timeless values, efficiency with warmth, automation with awareness.
If you are preparing your team for the future, or looking to grow your career in a changing industry, get in touch with Chefs and Events. We are ready to help you stay ahead, without losing what makes hospitality work.