AI for restaurants and bars

In a restaurant, the phone rings just when nobody has a free hand: in the middle of service, with the terrace full or with the shutters down. Every unanswered call is a table booked somewhere else. STAKKER SYSTEMS, from Málaga, sets up voice assistants that answer the phone, WhatsApp bookings that go straight into your diary and digital menus with a QR code, so the bookings and the customers are yours and not a platform's that charges for every cover.

What usually fails

The phone rings in the middle of service and nobody can pick it up: the booking goes to the restaurant next door.
Outside opening hours nobody answers, which is exactly when many people decide where to eat tomorrow.
No-shows that leave tables empty at your busiest times.
Reliance on booking platforms that charge a commission for a customer who was already yours.
Tourists asking the same things in several languages (opening hours, allergens, whether you have a terrace) on WhatsApp or Instagram.

What we build

Voice assistant that answers the phone

It answers every call, including during service and outside opening hours: it takes the booking (day, time, party size, name), answers questions about opening hours or location and passes anything it can't handle to a person. It tells callers it is a virtual assistant.

WhatsApp bookings with no commission

The customer messages the restaurant's WhatsApp and books within the conversation. The booking lands in your diary with a confirmation and a reminder. No per-cover commission: the customer and their details belong to the restaurant.

Reminders and confirmations to cut no-shows

A reminder message before the booking, with the option to confirm or cancel. If they cancel, the table is freed up in time to offer it again.

Fast website with your own bookings

A website that loads instantly on mobile, with opening hours, directions, photos and booking built into your diary. No per-cover commission and no reliance on platforms.

Replies to Google reviews

Draft replies to every review, in your tone of voice, for you to check and publish. Negative reviews are flagged straight away so you can act.

Use cases

A call in the middle of service

Friday at 9:30pm, dining room full. Someone rings to book a table for four on Saturday. The voice assistant answers, offers the free times, notes the booking and sends the confirmation on WhatsApp. Nobody has to leave the floor.

A tourist writing in English

A couple writes on WhatsApp from their hotel asking whether you have gluten-free options and a table on the terrace. The assistant replies in English with the information from the menu and books them in.

A reminder that saves a table

The afternoon before, the customer gets the reminder and cancels because they can't make it. The table is freed up in good time and can be offered again.

A group calling outside opening hours

Sunday at 11:40pm. A group of eight calls about Thursday. The assistant notes a provisional booking, asks for a contact number and alerts the manager on WhatsApp to confirm it in the morning.

What to automate first

Answering the phone during service and outside opening hours to take bookings.
WhatsApp bookings with confirmation and reminder.
Repeat questions: opening hours, location, parking, allergens, terrace, groups.
Alerts for new reviews and a draft reply.

What not to automate yet

Large groups, events or set menus: better for a person at the restaurant to finalise them.
Complaints or problems with a customer: the AI takes the details and alerts you, but the person in charge resolves them.
Charging no-show penalties without the customer having first accepted clear terms.
Allergen information that hasn't been validated by the kitchen: the assistant only repeats what the restaurant has confirmed.

How the flow looks

The customer calls or writesBy phone, WhatsApp, Instagram or your website, at any time and in their own language.
The assistant respondsIt answers questions (opening hours, menu, allergens, terrace) using information the restaurant has validated.
Direct bookingIt offers free times, takes the booking and enters it in the restaurant's diary. No per-cover commission.
Confirmation and reminderThe customer receives confirmation straight away and a reminder beforehand, with the option to cancel.
ServiceYour team looks after the dining room without phone interruptions.
After the visitAlerts for new reviews with a draft reply. The customer's details stay with the restaurant.

Risks to watch in this sector

You must tell customers they are speaking to a virtual assistant and always give them the option of speaking to a person.
If calls are recorded, say so at the start and keep recordings for the shortest time necessary (GDPR).
Promotional messages by WhatsApp or email (offers, special menus) need prior consent; messages about the booking itself do not.
Charging a deposit or no-show penalty requires clear terms accepted before booking and proportionate amounts.
Allergen information is the restaurant's responsibility: the system only shows what the kitchen has validated.

What we build it with

AI phone agent, WhatsApp chatbot, Website with your own bookings, Local SEO and Google Business Profile, Your own booking diary or the one you already use

Frequently asked questions

Does it work for a small bar or restaurant in Málaga?

Yes. It's designed for exactly the kind of business where nobody is free to answer the phone during service. We start with what hurts most (usually missed calls or WhatsApp bookings) and only expand if it's worth it for you.

Do I have to stop using the booking platform I use now?

No. You can keep it and also take the bookings that come in by phone and WhatsApp yourself, which don't have to carry any commission. You decide how much you rely on each channel.

Does the customer know they're talking to an AI?

Yes. The assistant introduces itself as the restaurant's virtual assistant and, if the customer asks or the situation calls for it, it hands the call or message over to a person.

Does it work in English and other languages?

Yes. It replies in the language it is written to or spoken to in, using information the restaurant has validated.

Can I charge someone who books and doesn't turn up?

You can ask for a guarantee or deposit if the customer first accepts clear terms and the amount is proportionate. We'll help you set it up in the booking, but you should have the terms checked by your adviser.

How long does it take to get up and running?

It depends on what we set up and on your current diary system. In the free diagnosis we'll give you specific timescales for your case, with no obligation.

To understand the terms

What is an AI virtual receptionist, Answering calls with AI, What is an AI agent for WhatsApp, What is WhatsApp Business API