With the help of TikTok’s favorite food critic: Keith Lee and tech giant Microsoft, emerging Black-owned restaurants are set to embed AI tools into their businesses.
Through the partnership, Microsoft will help restaurants “future proof” their businesses with their AI-powered tool Copilot. Copilot launched last year and is embedded in original Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams to increase employee creativity, unlock productivity and uplevel skills within the applications.
The collaboration between Zillenial icon Lee and Microsoft emphasizes Gen Z’s impact on tech.
Lee’s online video content focuses on reviewing small Black-owned restaurants, in a fashion so appealing that it drives in strong cash support from his upwards of 16 million followers on TikTok.
After getting a positive review, “The Keith Lee” effect can kick in, where restaurant-owners have reported receiving an increase in order rates from 5 per day to 200 per day after getting Lee’s digital stamp of approval.
In a report by AfroTech, Lee emphasized that he wants to give Black-owned businesses the tools they need to thrive and make an impact on their community.
“AI isn’t something I knew loads about, but that’s exactly why I wanted to partner with Microsoft as I understand the power AI can have on small businesses, from streamlining processes, making things more efficient and saving businesses time,” Lee told Afrotech. “I see the people behind these restaurants. I don’t just see a business.”
While new data is limited, it is reported 9% of businesses in the U.S. were Black-owned in 2022. As of this year, 60% of all new restaurants are expected to close in year one – regardless of racial ownership. Needless to say, it is HARD out here for those hoping to scale their emerging eateries.
Without much exposure to the tech industry, it’s likely that restaurant owners, just as many brick and mortar owners may not access all of the latest programming to scale their businesses – and avoid closure.
Recent studies by Harvard, however, show that, when tech platforms do identify and work alongside Black-owned businesses, demand rises.
Keeping it gee, Microsoft is taking a well-rounded approach here, by doing community work that also encourages people to utilize their programming at a time when AI-based competitors could never be more bountiful.
Miranda Perez (she/her/hers) is a Jersey City, NJ-based journalist who covers the tech industry. Follow her on X and Instagram: @mimithegee.
Edited by NaTyshca Pickett