Photorealistic image of a smartphone on a busy restaurant bar counter during dinner service, screen showing "7 Missed Calls" notification with multiple contact names visible. Background blurred showing bartenders working frantically, bottles, glassware. Warm ambient lighting. iPhone style interface. Realistic depth of field. Cinematic composition. Shot from 45-degree angle looking down at phone.

Napkins. Theft. Margins.

October 02, 2025•2 min read

Voicemail Victor owns three sports bars. High energy. Great atmosphere. Solid food. And he misses about 40% of the phone calls that come into his restaurants.

Not because he's lazy. Because he's busy running three locations and can't possibly answer every call.

His solution? "They'll leave a voicemail if it's important."

Here's the problem: 67% of callers won't leave a voicemail (according to research from Invoca). They'll just call the next restaurant.

Every missed call is potentially a large party booking, a catering inquiry, or a regular customer trying to make a reservation.

YOUR ONE STRATEGY LAB THING TODAY: 'Missed Calls = Missed Money'

Walk into most restaurants during a Friday dinner rush and count how many times the phone rings while everyone ignores it. Then do the math on what each of those calls might be worth:

Average large party booking: $400-800

Average catering inquiry: $1,200-3,000

Average reservation: $60-150

If you're missing even 5 calls per day that would convert to sales, you're leaving $50K-150K on the table annually.

So what's possible with modern AI phone systems?

HERE'S WHAT AI VOICE CAN DO RIGHT NOW:

- AI answers instantly in a natural voice (no ringing, no voicemail)

- Has actual conversations with callers (reservations, hours, menu questions)

- Takes detailed messages for complex requests

- Texts you a summary immediately

- Can book reservations directly into your system

- Follows up via text with the caller automatically

- Works 24/7, even when you're closed

This technology exists today. It's not expensive. It's not complicated.

Real scenario: Caller at 11pm: "Hey, I want to book a party for 30 people next Friday."

AI voice: "I'd be happy to help you book that! Let me get some details from you..."

That party spends $2,100. Would've gone to another bar if they'd hit voicemail.

YOUR ACTION STEP: Track how many calls you're missing this week. Just count them. Then do the math.

Want to see how this works? Join us in the Strategy Lab community where we break down exactly how to set up AI phone systems that don't sound like robots. → lab.jlittrell.com

We got this,

Jason | The Strategy Lab

P.S. Every missed call is a customer choosing your competitor. You can't be everywhere, but your system can.

P.P.S. We're covering AI phone systems in depth on next week's Strategy Lab Podcast. Subscribe so you don't miss it.

#strategylab #wegotthis

Jason Littrell

Jason Littrell is a world-class hospitality consultant, award-winning bartender, and founder of Hospitality Strategy Lab. With years of experience working at renowned venues like Death & Co in Manhattan and advising top-tier hospitality brands, Jason has a deep understanding of what it takes to create unforgettable guest experiences and profitable bar programs. As a pioneer in the use of AI, automation, and behavioral psychology in hospitality, he’s passionate about making advanced tactics accessible to operators who want to stay ahead in this fast-paced industry. Through his podcast, Jason interviews industry leaders, tech innovators, and behavioral science experts, providing actionable insights and strategies to help you elevate your hospitality game. Whether you’re a bar owner, restaurant manager, or hospitality operator, Jason’s engaging approach and wealth of knowledge make Hospitality Strategy Lab your go-to resource for mastering the art and science of exceptional service.

Back to Blog