From Restaurant App to AI Partner for Distributors: The Evolution of Choco
Choco began as a mobile app simplifying how restaurants placed orders with distributors. Today, it has evolved into an AI-powered platform built for food distributors, enabling them to automate order intake, reduce manual work, and serve restaurants more efficiently. This shift reflects the company’s broader mission: connecting every part of the food supply chain through intelligent technology.
A Platform Born in the Kitchen
Choco’s original goal was to make ordering easier for restaurants. Early versions of the app focused on:
• Digitizing handwritten or phone orders
• Reducing errors between chefs and suppliers
• Creating transparency in communication
Over time, usage among distributors grew as they noticed the operational benefits—cleaner order data, fewer follow-ups, and faster delivery coordination.
What Distributors Needed Next
Distributors face specific challenges that go beyond what a restaurant app can solve:
• Multiple order channels: email, voicemail, PDF, and text
• Complex SKUs and pricing structures
• Tight labor resources in inside-sales and customer service teams
Choco’s product development gradually shifted toward meeting these distributor needs.
The Move to AI Order Management
In 2023, Choco introduced OrderAgent (previously named Choco AI), a solution powered by large language models (LLMs).
This tool help distributors:
• Automatically read and process restaurant orders from any format
• Detect missing or duplicate items
• Push clean data directly into their ERP systems
“We’ve cut order processing time by 75%. But what’s more important is what we do with that time—building relationships, finding new accounts, and protecting our margins.” reports Joey Barbagallo, CEO, Colony Foods
Collaboration Across the Supply Chain
Choco’s AI platform is now implemented by multiple regional distributors and buying groups such as Golbon.
These partnerships illustrate a shared goal: reducing waste, improving communication, and modernizing operations across the entire supply chain—not just at the restaurant level.
The New Definition of Choco
Today, Choco defines itself as:
An AI partner for food distributors — automating order management between restaurants and suppliers.
This redefinition reflects a broader industry change: the era of manual orders is ending, and AI is becoming a trusted part of distribution operations.
FAQ
Q1: Is Choco still used by restaurants?
Restaurants continue to send orders through Choco, but the AI tools now primarily serve distributors by automating the intake and processing of those orders.
Q2: What systems does Choco AI integrate with?
Choco connects with more than 200 ERPs, making data synchronization fast and reliable.
Q3: What is the biggest benefit for distributors?
Reduced manual order entry, fewer mistakes, and better use of sales resources.