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Gorilla Cinema Presents Pop-Up "Spiritual Machine" Offers AI-Controlled Bar Experience

Environmental curation, marketing, cocktail creation and guest interaction will all be dictated by the AI.

By Katherine Barrier on Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 12:03 pm

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Photo: starryai.com

An AI-generated image of CityBeat's interpretation of the Spiritual Machine pop-up.

The minds behind Tokyo Kitty, Galactic Cantina and the Overlook Lodge are embarking on a new, experimental pop-up that will blend artificial intelligence (AI) with the human bar and dining experience.

Gorilla Cinema Presents says their latest pop-up, Spiritual Machine, aims to redefine the guest experience by challenging the traditional notions of the bar and restaurant industry and delving into the possibilities of AI technology.

“The service industry is a delicate balance between guest service and the creativity expressed through that service. Today, guests demand perfection in their dining and drinking adventures, fueled by platforms like Yelp that rank and categorize venues. But what truly makes a bar or restaurant exceptional? Is it the human flaws that characterize a teams’ culinary vision, or is it the relentless pursuit of an idealized guest experience?” Gorilla Cinema queries in a press release.

The ticketed pop-up event is being held on Sundays and Mondays, July 9-10; July 16-17; and July 23-24, with hour-long time slots starting between 3:30-9 p.m. on Sundays and 6:30-8 p.m. on Mondays. During Spiritual Machine, six guests at a time will engage with an AI-influenced human bartender. The AI will tell the bartender what to do to complete the guest experience.

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Environmental curation, marketing, cocktail creation and guest interaction will all be dictated by the AI, says Gorilla Cinema. Spiritual Machine’s goals are to immerse guests in an experience where every aspect is carefully crafted by AI, challenge the conventional notion of the human touch and explore the intersection of man and machine in hospitality.

"Through Spiritual Machine, we aim to challenge preconceived notions of perfection, and explore the potential of AI in transforming the Guest experience," Jacob Trevino, Gorilla Cinema Presents owner, said in the release. "We believe that this experiment will spark conversations and open doors to new possibilities for the future of the industry."

Spiritual Machine will be held at Lonely Pine Steakhouse (6085 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge). Tickets are $50 and can be bought here.