Square, Block’s merchant payments platform, has launched new features for merchants, including AI-powered voice ordering for restaurants, enhancements to its AI assistants — such as providing local insights — and an integrated Bitcoin solution to accept and hold the digital currency.
The company now lets restaurants and cafes using Square leverage AI to handle incoming calls. This is particularly useful for cloud kitchens (delivery-only restaurants) and other delivery-focused establishments, as they can hand off order taking, customization, and other menu-related questions to AI. The bot can handle requests like, “What is special in your menu today?” or “Make my food spicy, but don’t use any dairy.”
Other companies, such as Yelp and Kea, are building voice AI solutions for restaurants. Square said its solution stands out because it’s integrated with its payment and kiosk ecosystem, making it easier for restaurants to manage orders.
Square is also adding Grubhub integration to streamline third-party delivery orders, a redesigned kiosk interface for easier access to frequently used menus, and an AI-powered inventory management tool to help restaurants manage and optimize supplies.
The point-of-sale company is also adding new features to its Square AI assistant, which was launched earlier this year in open beta. The bot can now provide local insights, such as weather, nearby events, and industry trends.
