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Honeygrow Embraces Back-of-House AI to Enhance Kitchen Operations

In the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, artificial intelligence (AI) is making significant strides, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency. One such establishment taking advantage of this technology is honeygrow, a fast-casual restaurant chain with over 50 locations. Recently, the company adopted back-of-house AI to streamline its operations and address the multifaceted challenges of managing a bustling kitchen.

Known for its fresh, made-to-order stir-fries, salads, and honeybars, honeygrow set out on a mission to improve its operational efficiency as it continues to expand. Initially, John Paul Thomas, the Vice President of Operations Services at honeygrow, approached the integration of new automation technology with cautious optimism. However, after witnessing the positive impacts firsthand, he quickly decided to implement the system across all locations.

“We were looking for a solution to improve our managers’ workflow, and PreciTaste’s Prep Assistant was the perfect fit,” Thomas explained. “It took care of the manual prep tasks, which boosted crew productivity, allowing managers to focus on customer experience while providing me with valuable insights into performance across our locations.”

The Need for Back-of-House Solutions

While many restaurant operators often prioritize front-of-house improvements, the real challenges frequently lie in the back-of-house operations. Inefficiencies in the kitchen—such as inaccurate food preparation or poor communication among staff—can lead to slower service, increased food waste, and lost revenue. Consequently, a growing number of operators are focusing on enhancing kitchen productivity. Recent reports indicate that 52% of restaurant operators are investing in back-of-house technology.

One notable solution in this arena is PreciTaste’s Prep Assistant. This innovative tool employs AI to generate precise, data-driven prep forecasts each day, effectively eliminating guesswork. By analyzing a multitude of data points, the system predicts exactly what ingredients need to be prepped while breaking down menu items by component. It then automatically generates task lists for the kitchen crew. Managers can assign these tasks with just a few clicks, allowing employees to follow a clear, organized list that enhances overall efficiency and reduces stress during busy shifts.

Transformative Results

“Since implementing the Prep Assistant, honeygrow has saved four to five hours of prep time per location daily,” Thomas noted. “In addition, we are observing a significant decrease in the amount of food that goes to waste.”

The benefits of the Prep Assistant extend beyond merely improving efficiency. By integrating AI into its kitchen operations, honeygrow has made substantial strides in reducing food waste. The accurate forecasts ensure that only the necessary amount of food is prepared each day, thereby minimizing excess. This reduction in waste has resulted in significant savings in both ingredient and labor costs, positively impacting the bottom line. With 97% of restaurant operators identifying rising food costs as a major concern for 2025, back-of-house technology emerges as a promising solution for addressing these issues.

Pushing the Boundaries of Kitchen Automation

PreciTaste, in collaboration with Intel, is continually pushing the boundaries of kitchen automation by offering a diverse range of AI-driven solutions that address various aspects of kitchen operations—from ingredient preparation to grilling. As food and labor costs continue to rise, now is an opportune time for restaurant operators to embrace technology and modernize their kitchens. By doing so, they can enhance both efficiency and sustainability while simultaneously improving the overall dining experience.

For those interested in a deeper exploration of how PreciTaste has helped honeygrow optimize its kitchen operations, check out the full case study.

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