At first glance, Wylie & Rum looks like what you’d expect from a Caribbean kitchen and rum bar in Atlanta—warm colors, big flavors, and a rum list that stretches past 80 labels. But behind the scenes, there’s something decidedly modern stirring the pot.
Father-and-son owners Tony and David Lewis, along with GM Marcus Merritt, have turned their restaurant into a proving ground for artificial intelligence. One of the few spots chosen to beta-test ToastIQ, Wylie & Rum is leaning on artificial intelligience (AI) to streamline operations, boost sales and reimagine hospitality without losing its personal touch.
The results speak for themselves. ToastIQ’s Menu Upsells tool prompts servers to suggest upgrades or add-ons in real time, raising check averages and tips. xtraCHEF automates inventory and ordering, saving valuable time each week. For guests, AI has made things smoother too—accurate to-go order quotes mean no more waiting around, while marketing powered by SpotHopper and ToastIQ has doubled email click-through rates.
Even creativity has a boost. David Lewis taps ChatGPT to help craft detailed rum descriptions, giving their menu a polished, story-driven feel. “AI isn’t replacing our team,” Tony says. “It’s helping us do what we do best—deliver great food, drinks, and service—more effectively.”
At Wylie & Rum, the recipe is clear: a little island flavor, a little AI magic and a whole new way to think about running a restaurant.
