In response to the proliferation of AI-generated food imagery and promotional materials, many restaurants are embracing handcrafted, analog elements such as handwritten menus, hand-stitched logos, and vintage decor to emphasize craftsmanship and authenticity. This trend, described as “frictionmaxxing,” reflects a cultural backlash against digital excess and AI-generated “slop,” with hospitality businesses using tangible, human-made touches to differentiate themselves and connect more genuinely with customers.
In the Age of AI, the Analog Restaurant Feels Radical
