Delis are going viral for horrifying AI-slop menus. I called one to try to understand why they did it

Chicago delis are experimenting with AI-generated menu items, often resulting in bizarre and unappetizing descriptions. One establishment explained their decision to use AI was driven by a desire for novelty and to attract customer attention through unusual offerings.
Key takeaways
- Restaurants are using AI for menu creation.
- AI-generated items can be strange and unappealing.
- Novelty is a key driver for AI menu adoption.
- Human review is essential for AI-generated content.
Why it matters
This trend highlights how businesses are leveraging AI for creative marketing, even with imperfect outputs. For AI users, it's a reminder that AI can be a tool for generating unique ideas, but human oversight remains crucial for practical application and brand integrity.


