There’s no denying it: AI is rapidly becoming mainstream. In just two years, the use of generative AI has more than doubled1.
At the same time, something equally powerful is happening: people are craving more genuine human experiences, particularly amongst younger generations looking to shake off “digital fatigue”.
Today, over 60% of consumers prioritise innovation and memorable experiences over simple meals. In the US, 64% of full-service diners and 47% of quick-service diners say the dining experience matters more than cost2.
These two seemingly opposing forces are expected to drive significant growth in the restaurant industry, with global growth projected at 7.8% per annum between 2025 and 2032. In South Africa, the market is expected to more than double to over $20 billion3.
Here’s the catch: adopting AI isn’t always easy. Talent is scarce, implementation is slow, and the vast majority of businesses (74% of them, in fact) struggle to scale due to poor data quality4. That makes it tough to keep up with larger international competitors who tend to have access to more resources and cleaner data.
That’s where Dyner comes in. Founded by actuaries Thalentha Ngobeni and Chris du Plessis, together with Machine Learning engineer Abdullah Esmael, Dyner is a South African AI platform built specifically for the restaurant industry.
Their mission? To help restaurants create better human experiences and run leaner, smarter operations through the adoption of AI. With anchor clients like Grillhouse and Fournos, and a growing footprint across South Africa and Zimbabwe, Dyner proves that AI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a tool that forward-thinking restaurateurs are already putting to work.
Discover how Dyner can elevate your culinary business at the SA Chef Conference & Expo 2025! Register Now.
- 1 Source: McKinsey and Co. The state of AI: How organizations are rewiring to capture value.
- 2 Source: Restroworks: Consumer Trends in the Global Restaurant Industry
- 3 Source: Mordor Intelligence: South Africa Foodservice market size
- 4 Source: CloudOffix: Can AI achieve its potential with fragmented systems
