As the restaurant industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, technology is playing an increasingly critical role in helping operators meet the challenges of managing labor, inventory, and customer experience efficiently. Ahead of the prestigious National Restaurant Show in Chicago, Fourth—a leading global provider of workforce and inventory management software for hospitality—has announced the next generation of its groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence platform, Fourth iQ. This innovative update promises to transform how restaurant managers make real-time decisions by delivering AI-driven insights and recommended actions directly to their fingertips.
Introducing the Fourth iQ App: Real-Time AI for Restaurant Managers
At the heart of this major announcement is the launch of the Fourth iQ App, a new AI-powered mobile application designed specifically for restaurant managers. The app provides real-time, actionable recommendations across critical operational functions such as human resources, labor scheduling, and inventory management. By delivering AI-driven alerts and guidance straight to managers’ mobile devices, the Fourth iQ App empowers restaurant leaders to respond swiftly to operational challenges, ensuring their establishments run smoothly and efficiently at all times.
Traditionally, restaurant managers have spent countless hours juggling back-office administrative tasks, which can take them away from the floor where customer experience is directly shaped. The Fourth iQ App aims to change that dynamic by automating routine decision-making processes, allowing managers to focus more on guest engagement and team leadership.
Currently in limited Beta release, the Fourth iQ App is slated for general availability in Fall 2025. Early access customers are already experiencing the benefits of AI-enhanced management and preparing to leverage the app fully when it becomes widely available.
Simplifying Complex Decisions in a Fast-Paced Environment
“Restaurant managers have a lot on their plate,” says Clinton Anderson, CEO of Fourth and HotSchedules. “They are constantly balancing guest satisfaction, profitability, and team management, and they make hundreds of operational decisions every single day. The new Fourth iQ App serves up the next best action recommendations to managers, speeding up decision-making and giving them back the valuable time they need to focus on what matters most—delivering an outstanding guest experience.”
Anderson continues, “This motivated us to develop a new approach where AI can assess real-time data and determine the optimal next steps for managers. The Fourth iQ App is the ultimate companion, providing confidence and clarity in every decision.”
Proven Success Among Leading Restaurant Brands
Fourth’s AI platform is not just a concept—it is already delivering tangible results for major restaurant operators worldwide. Leading brands such as Brinker International (owner of Chili’s), Noodles & Company, Pizza Hut, and Whataburger have integrated Fourth iQ into their operations with impressive outcomes.
For example, Noodles & Company used Fourth iQ’s AI capabilities to optimize labor deployment across its restaurants, resulting in labor cost savings of approximately $4 million. Similarly, Chili’s leveraged the platform to automate forecasting and scheduling tasks, freeing up nearly 600 manager hours per week—a massive time saving that has allowed managers to dedicate more attention to customer service and operational oversight.
Drew Brodnax, Director of Finance at Brinker International, shares, “Fourth iQ helps our restaurant leadership teams be more effective in their day-to-day operations. The platform not only has the potential to improve profitability but also drives operational excellence at every Chili’s location.”
New Features and Capabilities in the Latest Fourth iQ Release
The latest iteration of Fourth iQ brings several significant new features designed to further streamline restaurant management:
- Fourth iQ App: Currently in limited Beta, the app delivers personalized, AI-powered recommendations, insights, and alerts directly to managers’ smartphones and tablets. This real-time decision support system helps managers act swiftly and effectively, minimizing disruptions and maximizing operational efficiency.
- Schedule Optimizer: This innovative tool evaluates the effectiveness of labor schedules by scoring them against key compliance rules, labor requirements, and operational demands. It then offers actionable recommendations to improve schedule efficiency, helping restaurants optimize labor costs while maintaining compliance and service standards.
- Forecast Manager: Acting as a centralized hub, the Forecast Manager connects and manages AI-driven labor and inventory forecasts, providing restaurant leaders with a holistic view of upcoming demand and resource needs.
- Real-Time Dashboard: A comprehensive dashboard consolidates all critical operational metrics—including sales, labor performance, and inventory status—into one easy-to-access interface. Managers can monitor these key performance indicators at a glance and make informed decisions quickly.
AI at the Core of a New Operational Paradigm
Christian Berthelsen, Chief Technology Officer at Fourth, expresses pride in the company’s latest achievement. “Our newest release highlights the incredible skill and determination of our team to deliver cutting-edge AI technology at pace,” he says. “More importantly, it addresses the exact needs of our customers by providing the capabilities necessary for managers to thrive in an increasingly complex industry environment.”
Berthelsen emphasizes that the restaurant industry is now entering a “new dimension” where AI is fundamentally transforming operational management. “This is not just the future—it’s happening right now. Our customers are already experiencing significant benefits as they harness the power of AI to enhance their operations.”
What This Means for the Future of Restaurant Management
The introduction of the Fourth iQ App marks a pivotal shift in restaurant management technology. By leveraging artificial intelligence to provide precise, timely recommendations, Fourth is helping to alleviate the burden on restaurant managers—professionals who have historically been stretched thin by the multifaceted demands of their roles.
With AI-powered tools automating forecasting, scheduling, and inventory management, managers can redirect their efforts toward elevating the guest experience and fostering a motivated, efficient team. This shift not only improves daily operations but also enhances long-term profitability and sustainability for restaurant brands.
Moreover, the flexibility and ease of use of the Fourth iQ App mean that managers can stay connected and informed no matter where they are—whether on the restaurant floor, in the back office, or on the go. This real-time accessibility is crucial for fast-paced environments where delays in decision-making can impact service quality and operational costs.
Meet Fourth at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago
For restaurant operators and industry professionals eager to explore how Fourth iQ can transform their businesses, the Fourth team will be on hand at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago. Visitors are encouraged to stop by booth #6258 to meet the experts, see live demonstrations, and discuss tailored solutions for their unique operational challenges.
With AI-powered innovation driving the future of restaurant management, Fourth is poised to continue leading the industry toward smarter, faster, and more effective decision-making—helping restaurants deliver exceptional experiences while optimizing profitability.
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