heytruffle Secures Funding to Expand Its AI-Driven Restaurant Services Across the U.S.

heytruffle Secures New Funding to Expand Nationwide

heytruffle, previously known as RestoHost, continues to make strides in the restaurant technology sector by securing fresh funding from Preface Ventures. This Florida-based company specializes in offering a fully managed AI phone concierge service tailored for multi-location restaurant groups. The newly acquired finances will assist heytruffle in extending its reach across the United States, catering to the growing needs of restaurants aiming to leverage advanced technology solutions.

A Growing Demand for Restaurant AI Services

The restaurant industry is witnessing a remarkable shift towards adopting artificial intelligence. According to a 2025 Deloitte study, a staggering 82% of restaurant executives expressed intentions to increase their investments in AI technology. However, it is worth noting that despite this enthusiasm, the rate of technology adoption remains relatively slow. A separate survey conducted by Toast in 2025, involving over 700 restaurant operators, indicated that while 86% felt comfortable utilizing AI, many still faced challenges in its implementation.

One of the primary factors driving this shift is the ongoing labor shortage within the industry. The National Restaurant Association's 2025 State of the Industry report emphasized that many operators struggle to find enough staff to fulfill current demand. Consequently, during peak dining hours, phone calls often go unanswered, leading to lost opportunities.

A Unique Approach to AI

heytruffle distinguishes itself from other players in the AI restaurant technology space by focusing on a managed service model. Unlike many voice AI solutions designed for rapid automation, heytruffle provides a personalized approach by developing a custom AI concierge for each restaurant. This concierge is supported by a human team that regularly reviews calls and fine-tunes the AI's performance on a weekly basis.

The AI concierge effectively manages reservations, catering services, private events, and answers guest inquiries. In situations where human interaction is essential, it seamlessly routes callers to the appropriate staff member. This method is intended to enhance the guest experience while allowing restaurant employees to prioritize the diners present in the establishment.

Successful Implementation with High-Volume Clients

A practical example of heytruffle’s service at scale can be observed with its client, Rreal Tacos, which operates 12 locations in Georgia. heytruffle’s system handles over 20,000 calls monthly, enabling the restaurant chain to seat more than 14,085 guests each month, especially during busy hours when a live host might be overwhelmed.

Funding and Future Innovations

The recent infusion of capital from Preface Ventures, a venture firm based in New York, is earmarked for extending heytruffle’s services to even more restaurant groups. This funding will also facilitate the addition of order-taking capabilities for pick-up and delivery. Furthermore, heytruffle unveiled a new integration with OpenTable, enabling its concierge to manage reservations directly within a popular platform that many restaurants already utilize.

No additional software is required, making it easier for restaurants to incorporate heytruffle’s service. The founder of heytruffle, Lucas Espina, affirmed the company's mission: "Restaurants do not need another piece of software to manage; they need their phones to be handled with the same meticulous care they give to their guests in-house. This funding empowers us to extend this capability to more restaurant groups."

Moreover, heytruffle’s concierge can communicate in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and German, further broadening its versatility and accessibility.

Conclusion

heytruffle, with its innovative approach to integrating AI into restaurant operations, signifies a significant step forward in enhancing customer engagement and addressing staffing issues through technology. The combination of personalized service and advanced AI solutions positions heytruffle as a vital partner in the ongoing evolution of the restaurant industry.