#Japan #Tokyo #AI Assistant #TableCheck #IVRy

AI Voice Assistant IVRy Partners with TableCheck

In a significant move for the restaurant industry, IVRy, a company specializing in interactive voice AI SaaS, has announced a partnership with TableCheck, a global restaurant reservation platform, to launch an AI phone reservation service. This innovative service will be available from July 24, 2025, allowing customers to make reservations at partnered restaurants anytime, day or night.

The Challenge in the Restaurant Sector

The restaurant industry is currently facing numerous challenges, particularly a severe labor shortage and escalating costs for raw materials and utilities. Maintaining operational efficiency and providing quality service to customers has become crucial for many establishments. One of the most pressing issues is managing reservation calls, which often come during peak times or outside of business hours. Many restaurants are losing potential customers simply because they cannot respond to these calls in a timely manner. The burden of answering phones also falls on staff, distracting them from serving customers who are already present.

Overview of the AI Phone Reservation Service

The newly launched AI phone reservation service will allow customers to connect with an AI system that operates around the clock. When a customer calls a restaurant, the AI will gather essential details such as the date and time of the reservation and the number of guests, while checking the availability on TableCheck’s platform. If there is an available slot, the AI will confirm the reservation by requesting the customer's name. If the desired time is fully booked, the AI can propose alternative times, providing a flexible and customer-friendly experience akin to speaking with a human. Customers will receive an SMS with their reservation details, while restaurants will get a notification on TableCheck to confirm the booking. This service follows a successful pilot program conducted by both companies in June 2025.

Anticipated Benefits

1. Efficiency in Reservation Handling: The service aims to streamline the reservation process, reducing the burden on employees and allowing them to focus on core operations.
2. Maximizing Reservation Opportunities: By providing 24/7 automated handling of reservations, restaurants can capture bookings during their off-hours and peak periods.
3. Enhancing Customer Satisfaction: With swift confirmation of reservation availability, customers will experience a smoother booking process, leading to a boost in overall satisfaction.

For those interested in exploring the user experience of the AI phone reservation, a demo number is available at 050-1808-7048. Restaurants looking to implement this service can reach out via this link.

Feedback from Partnering Restaurants

One notable restaurant, Umeda Bluebird located in Osaka, has shared positive feedback about the AI phone reservation service. They noted a significant improvement in managing lunchtime reservations, which were challenging to handle during busy hours. The AI effectively managed calls and proposed alternative booking options, allowing staff to concentrate on serving in-house customers. The collaboration has created a better environment for both customers and staff, enhancing operational efficiency.

Insights from TableCheck

Kevin Takegami, the Executive Officer and Director at TableCheck, remarked that the partnership with IVRy goes beyond simple phone auto-responding. They believe this AI-driven conversation experience will add substantial value for both restaurants and their guests. As a pioneer in restaurant tech, TableCheck aims to reinvent and optimize restaurant experiences through innovative technology.

About TableCheck

Founded in March 2011 and based in Tokyo, TableCheck has been at the forefront of the restaurant tech industry with its mission of ‘Dining Connected: a platform connecting restaurants and customers worldwide.’ They provide cloud-based restaurant management systems and dining reservation portals, enhancing customer experiences by offering real-time vacancy information.

For more information on TableCheck, visit their corporate page here.

Looking Ahead

IVRy’s CEO, Ryoji Okunishi, expressed that the collaboration with TableCheck is a crucial step towards addressing reservation challenges faced by restaurants, ultimately driving digital transformation within the sector. The integration of seamless phone and online reservation systems will enhance convenience for both businesses and customers. Looking forward, IVRy aims to continue expanding its solutions through AI technology to address issues such as labor shortages and improve productivity in Japan’s service industry.

Discover more about IVRy and its offerings on their corporate website. The AI service starts at just ¥2,980 per month, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes with a comprehensive set of features to boost operational efficiency.