AI Startup Tandem Launched for Restaurant Automation

Co-founders Andrew Schwartz and Bhavik Patel have launched an AI-based startup to help automate independent restaurant operations.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Remote Work

Isometric editorial illustration showing a stainless steel appliance connected to modular structural conduits and geometric network volumes, representing software integration. — Tandem, an AI-powered startup founded by Andrew Schwartz and Bhavik Patel, has launched a platform to automate independent restaurant operational workflows. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Andrew Schwartz and Bhavik Patel have launched Tandem, an AI-powered startup designed to integrate with existing restaurant software. The platform is currently operating a pilot program across 100 locations to test its virtual agent technology.

Why it matters

The founders intend to provide independent restaurants with advanced operational technology, aiming to reach 100% workflow completeness. The platform seeks to bridge the technological gap between smaller businesses and large national franchises.

Tandem is currently testing its AI agents across 100 restaurant locations at no cost. The company plans to eventually move to a business model featuring a $99 monthly subscription fee plus additional costs for usage beyond set limits.

The players

Andrew Schwartz

He is the co-founder of Tandem who previously sold his company xtraCHEF to Toast.

Bhavik Patel

He is the co-founder of Tandem who is working to implement AI-driven automation for restaurant operations.

Block

This is a financial technology company that experienced a 40% workforce reduction in March 2026.

The details

The platform works by building integrations with a restaurant's existing software systems to feed data into a centralized database, which then trains AI agents to handle tasks. Users interact with these virtual agents through either a mobile application or a browser-based interface.

Andrew Schwartz sold his company xtraCHEF to Toast in 2021.
Schwartz observed advancements in frontier AI models in November 2024.
Block laid off 40% of its workforce in March 2026.
The launch of Tandem was reported in October 2026.

Market Landscape

Tandem enters a crowded software space by focusing on proprietary AI agents that aim to bridge the operational gap between independent shops and massive chains. This move mirrors broader industry efforts to consolidate fragmented restaurant software ecosystems into single-source AI platforms.

Restaurant owners and operators may eventually see changes to their software service costs once Tandem shifts from its free pilot to its proposed paid subscription model. Users should expect to pay a $99 monthly fee, with potential extra charges if their operational usage exceeds established limits.

The takeaway

Tandem demonstrates how independent restaurants are increasingly turning to AI to automate complex workflows previously available only to large chains. Business owners should carefully evaluate how new software integrations affect their operational costs before committing to long-term subscriptions.