MCAST has collaborated with Tableo Ltd, developers of the award-winning restaurant reservation and management platform, on an innovative project supported by the FUSION: R&I Technology Extension Support Programme (TESP).

Through this programme, administered by Xjenza.mt on behalf of the Foundation for Science and Technology, Tableo was awarded a €35,000 grant to advance its Restaurant AI Assistant Project. The initiative brings together MCAST researchers and Tableo’s product development team to integrate cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence into hospitality technology.

“We truly enjoyed working with MCAST. Their support and know-how made a real difference in bringing our AI project to life.” — Jonathan Azzopardi Frantz, CEO, Tableo 

“Working alongside Tableo on this initiative has been truly fulfilling. Through the use of artificial intelligence to enhance restaurant operations, MCAST is showing how local enterprises can embrace innovation and growth powered by AI.” – Dr Mario Mallia-Milanes Director Information Systems (MCAST) 

“Collaborating with Tableo on this project has been a rewarding experience. By integrating AI-driven insights into restaurant management, we’re demonstrating how MCAST can empower local businesses to innovate through AI.” — Dr. Daniele Gravina, Senior Lecturer, MCAST 

About the project 

The collaboration leverages MCAST’s expertise in AI and machine learning to enhance Tableo’s platform with advanced automation and decision-making tools. The AI assistant is being designed to: 

• Handle reservations, cancellations, and modifications more efficiently.

• Provide customer support through a chatbot on Facebook Messenger and Instagram

• Deliver data-driven insights, tailored to the operational challenges of restaurants.

• Produce reports and visualisations to guide managers on menu planning, promotions, and staffing optimisation.
   

Research contribution 

As part of the collaboration, MCAST senior lecturers analysed anonymised booking data from Maltese restaurants using Tableo. This research uncovered valuable insights into dining behaviour — including booking peaks by hour, day of the week, month, and seasonality — as well as geographic trends. These findings not only support the hospitality industry but also contribute to applied research in AI and data analysis. 

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Broader impact 

The project demonstrates how industry and academia can work together to accelerate the application of technological innovation. Beyond immediate operational benefits, the partnership has advanced the field of conversation-based AI and highlighted the potential of AI-driven automation in the hospitality sector. 

By joining forces, MCAST and Tableo are contributing to the transformation of restaurant management — making it more efficient, data-driven, and customer-focused.