Pita Bowl Greek Cuisine
Transforming Customer Service: Pita Bowl's Journey with VirtualContact AI
Lindenhurst, NY
Outcome
- Reduced Time on Phone Calls by 95%
- Operational Cost Savings
- 95% Decrease in Direct Call Volume
- Improved Customer Experience
- Easy Sign-Up and Account Creation
Introduction - Background and Challenges
Before implementing VirtualContact AI, Pita Bowl Greek Cuisine in Lindenhurst faced significant operational challenges due to their traditional method of handling customer phone calls. These challenges can be outlined as follows:
Staff Allocation for Phone Calls: One of the main issues was the necessity to have staff constantly available to manage phone inquiries. This setup required at least one employee to be dedicated to answering calls during all business hours. The staff’s attention was divided, impacting their ability to efficiently serve in-store customers.
Time Consumption per Call: Each phone call, on average, took about 10 minutes, involving detailed discussions with customers about menu options, customization, and order placement. This extended engagement for individual calls significantly reduced the staff’s ability to attend to other tasks.
Operational Overwhelm During Peak Hours: Peak hours brought a surge in simultaneous call inquiries, leading to operational overwhelm. The influx of calls during these busy periods often stretched the staff thin, impacting their ability to manage both in-store and phone-based customer interactions effectively.
Customer Experience and Satisfaction: When customers experienced long hold times or were unable to get through to place their orders, it led to frustration and dissatisfaction. In some cases, this resulted in customers choosing to take their business elsewhere, directly affecting the restaurant’s sales and reputation.
Implementation Process
The integration of VirtualContact AI into Pita Bowl Greek Cuisine’s operations was a straightforward and efficient process, as described below:
Sign-Up and Account Creation: Pita Bowl began by signing up for a premium account with VirtualContact AI. This step was user-friendly and intuitive, thanks to the platform’s streamlined sign-up flow. They were able to complete this process independently without any complications.
Linking the Business Location: After creating their account, Pita Bowl then proceeded to search for and link their specific location in Lindenhurst to their account. This process was also simple and quick, allowing them to move forward without delay.
VirtualContact AI Bot Setup: Setting up their VirtualContact AI bot was a swift process, taking approximately 5 minutes. The bot became operational immediately after the setup was complete, indicating a well-designed system for ease of use.
Phone System Integration: The final step involved integrating VirtualContact AI with Pita Bowl’s existing Verizon business phone system. This was achieved by setting up call transferring to their business phone number, a process that took about 5 minutes. This integration ensured that the AI system and traditional phone lines worked seamlessly together.
Throughout the implementation process, Pita Bowl did not encounter any significant obstacles. The lack of complications suggests that VirtualContact AI’s system is designed for easy and quick integration, even for businesses that may not have extensive technical expertise. This smooth integration process played a crucial role in enabling Pita Bowl to enhance their customer service capabilities without disrupting their daily operations.
Impact on Business Operations
Leveraging VirtualContact AI at Pita Bowl Greek Cuisine has had a significant positive impact on the restaurant’s operational efficiency and customer engagement:
Enhanced Operational Efficiency: One of the most notable effects of integrating VirtualContact AI is the improved efficiency in managing customer inquiries. Previously, staff members spent an average of 10+ minutes on each call to take orders. Now, with VirtualContact AI, approximately 90% of callers are promptly sent a text message to place their orders online. This shift has substantially reduced the time staff need to spend on the phone, allowing them to focus more on assisting walk-in customers and preparing food orders.
Staff Optimization and Cost Savings: As a result of the decreased need for handling phone calls manually, Pita Bowl has been able to optimize their staffing requirements. This optimization has led to a reduction in headcount and consequently, a significant saving on employee overhead costs. The restaurant can now allocate its resources more effectively, prioritizing areas that directly contribute to customer service and food quality.
Reduction in Call Volume: Since the implementation of VirtualContact AI, there has been a noticeable reduction in the volume of calls to the restaurant. This reduction indicates that more customers are adapting to the convenience of placing orders online through the automated system.
Maintaining Customer Access for Specific Inquiries: Despite the reduction in call volume, the system still allows for customers to get through to the store for specific queries. This feature is crucial for addressing questions about orders or any other concerns, ensuring that customer service quality remains high.
Overall, VirtualContact AI has enabled Pita Bowl Greek Cuisine to streamline its operations, reduce costs, and maintain a high level of customer service. The system’s ability to handle routine inquiries efficiently while still providing an avenue for direct customer interaction when needed represents a balanced approach to modern restaurant management.