Artificial intelligence has helped Nékter Juice Bar get about as fit as the wellness shots and acai bowls it serves as the Costa Mesa-based chain rapidly balloons in size.
The company said AI and machine learning were used on a major analysis recently that involved order data—everything from ingredients and food costs to wait times and make times. The information was compiled and then studied to help Nékter make improvements to its menu while also creating efficiencies in its ingredient roster and production process on orders.
AI is now being used by franchisees to send offers to their specific customers to help bring them into a Nékter during slower parts of the day.
Loyalty program membership is now expected to hit 1 million by the end of the year, the company said.
The learnings from technology will help as Nékter expands.
The company beats local competitor Juice It Up of Irvine by size. Nékter counts 170 locations currently open with 144 locations in development, while Juice It Up says it has more than 100 locations either open or in development.
Nékter has so far this year struck some 94 franchising agreements, which will push it into new markets, such as Chicago, San Antonio, Boise and St. Louis, among others.
The company’s seen total sales up more than 50% so far this year. Same-store sales are also up, by about 40%, from last year.
