Meet Shweta...Revolutionizing Restaurants with AI-Powered Voice Automation & Seamless Customer Experiences
- About Shweta
As Head of Engineering at VoicePlug, I am passionate about building innovative and impactful solutions that drive the future of voice commerce. I have deep expertise in front-end and back-end programming and handling complex data structures. I stay at the forefront of AI advancements, continuously evaluating and integrating the latest technologies to optimize our tech stack using industry best practices and state-of-the-art architectures (STOA). My focus is on creating scalable, efficient, and future-ready solutions that empower businesses. At VoicePlug, I am excited to be part of a team revolutionizing voice commerce with cutting-edge AI-driven technology.
- What unique problem does your company solve for restaurants?
Our company helps restaurants tackle labor shortages and rising costs by automating and streamlining customer interactions.This enables and empowers restaurants to create personalized customer experiences, accurate orders and consistent upselling.
With staff juggling multiple tasks, service quality often suffers, leading to lost customers and inconsistent experiences. Our solution ensures smooth, reliable interactions, reducing wait times and enhancing customer satisfaction. By handling routine tasks, we alleviate staff stress, allowing them to focus on in-person service. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces dependency on additional labor, helping restaurants maintain profitability despite rising wages.
Additionally, our system optimizes upselling with personalized recommendations, increasing average order value without adding pressure on staff. Unlike manual interactions that vary by employee, our technology ensures consistent upselling and engagement, leading to higher revenue for restaurants.
Ultimately, we help restaurants operate more efficiently, improve customer satisfaction, and boost profitability—turning labor challenges into opportunities for growth. - Why did your company join RTN?
Our company joined RTN to collaborate with industry leaders and drive innovation in restaurant technology.RTN provides a platform where we can share insights, develop standards, and integrate emerging technologies that improve restaurant operations and customer experiences. By being part of this network, we stay at the forefront of AI-driven automation, digital ordering, and operational efficiency, ensuring that our solutions align with industry needs. RTN fosters a community of forward-thinking companies working together to enhance efficiency, profitability, and guest satisfaction, and we’re excited to contribute to that vision.
- What’s your favorite personal pastime?
My favorite pastime is learning different dance styles and using them as a fun way to stay active and improve mobility. Dance isn’t just about movement—it’s a blend of creativity, rhythm, and fitness. Exploring different styles keeps workouts exciting while enhancing flexibility and coordination. It’s a great way to relieve stress, stay energized, and continuously challenge myself physically and mentally.
- What three words would you use to describe what’s happening in the restaurant industry right now?
AI enabled automation, Digital Transformation and Enhanced Customer Experience.
The restaurant industry is undergoing a major shift driven by AI automation, digital transformation, and technology-enhanced customer experiences. AI-powered solutions are optimizing order processing, inventory management, and predictive analytics, reducing labor strain and improving operational efficiency. At the same time, digital transformation is reshaping the industry with cloud-based systems, contactless payments, and smart kitchen technologies, helping restaurants streamline operations and boost profitability. Most importantly, technology is enhancing the customer experience by enabling hyper-personalization, seamless ordering, and data-driven interactions, creating a more engaging and efficient dining journey. As these innovations continue to evolve, they are redefining how restaurants operate and connect with their guests. - What’s your most-used restaurant app and why?
My most-used restaurant app is Yelp because it helps me discover new dining spots, read authentic reviews, and make informed choices. The app’s detailed ratings and customer feedback provide valuable insights.
- What restaurateur do you most admire and why?
I admire Mark Schostak for his exceptional leadership in the restaurant industry and his ability to build a company that values people, longevity, and community. As the Executive Chairman of TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants, he has successfully grown the business to over 150 locations while fostering a culture where employees thrive for decades. His leadership is defined by a people-first approach, ensuring employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. This commitment to developing long-term careers not only strengthens the company’s operations but also enhances the guest experience through consistency and service excellence. His vision for sustainable growth, combined with his adaptability in an ever-changing industry, makes him a standout leader. Mark Schostak’s ability to balance business success with deep employee loyalty is a rare and admirable quality in today’s fast-paced restaurant world
- What technology are you most excited about for the future of restaurants and why?
I’m most excited about AI-powered automation in restaurants. From voice AI handling phone and drive-thru orders to smart kiosks and personalized digital menus, AI is transforming efficiency and customer experience. It helps restaurants tackle labor shortages, reduce wait times, and ensure consistent upselling, increasing revenue. As AI continues to evolve, it will enhance personalization, streamline operations, and make dining experiences more seamless and engaging.
- Where is your HQ Located
Palo Alto, California
- Connect with Shweta