Restaurants push back against AI-generated food advertisements

A growing backlash is emerging against the use of generative AI in restaurant advertising. Many businesses have turned to AI-generated imagery to reduce costs, but the resulting promotional materials—often featuring distorted, unappetizing depictions of food—have drawn significant criticism on social media.

Critics argue that these advertisements lack brand identity and often appear identical due to repetitive AI design templates. In response to the negative reception, some establishments are launching counter-campaigns. Chefs and restaurant owners, including Nikko Cagalanan, L&B Spumoni Gardens, and Niu Mama, have gained social media traction by posting handwritten signs pledging not to use AI for self-promotion.

The trend highlights a tension between the low cost of AI tools and the potential for brand dilution and consumer alienation in the gastronomy industry, where human expression and authentic presentation are highly valued.