A Hesitant Start

The caller’s voice came in hesitant, almost suspicious.

“Questions about payment,” she said.

Our AI attendant, Yumi, jumped in without pause: “Got you—happy to help with…”

That’s when the caller cut herself off. “I don’t know. I’m talking to an AI.”

It could have been the end right there—an awkward silence, a click, and another opportunity lost.

Turning Doubt Into Dialogue

Instead, Yumi leaned in. “No worries—I’ve got you.” The voice was calm, warm, even playful.

The woman stayed on the line. “Hello?”

“I’m here,” Yumi replied. “Totally get it—ask me anything about how payment works.”

The tension broke. The caller admitted she wasn’t sure: “I’m not sure if you’re like… well, how’s it happen? Do they take Apple Pay? I already asked them.”

The Answer That Stuck

The AI laid it out simply: “You’re all good—we accept Apple Pay and Google Pay, plus major cards like Visa, Mastercard, AmEx.”

No hesitation. No “let me check with a manager.” No confusion. Just clarity—the kind the caller hadn’t received when she asked a staff member in person.

The Twist in the Tale

Here’s what made the call unforgettable: the woman wasn’t dialing from home or her car. She was sitting inside the restaurant, at her table, phone in hand.

Surrounded by staff, surrounded by menus, and yet she still called. Why? Because guests crave certainty. They want a quick, discreet, reliable answer. Picking up the phone feels safer than flagging someone down.

And Yumi delivered it. Instantly.

Why It Matters

This wasn’t just a question about Apple Pay. It was a test of trust. The caller arrived doubtful—“I don’t know. I’m talking to an AI”—but left with certainty and confidence.

In hospitality, every call is a chance to prove you’re listening, whether the guest is across town or already sitting at your own table. When AI answers faster, clearer, and with more patience than anyone else, even the skeptics walk away impressed.