A Michelin-starred restaurant uses agentic AI to source the freshest ingredients possible

In the competitive world of fine dining, time is of the essence, and managing ingredient sourcing can often be a daunting task. Chef Silvio Pfeufer, who opened his restaurant Matthias in 2024, has turned to innovative technology to streamline this crucial aspect of his business. With the aid of an AI-powered platform known as Saltz, Pfeufer is reshaping how restaurants acquire fresh ingredients, making the process more efficient and less time-consuming. Previously, Pfeufer faced a significant hurdle when it came to sourcing food, often spending hours on the phone with suppliers and dealing with the chaotic nature of communication across various channels. The traditional procurement landscape is fragmented, with farmers and wholesalers often communicating through calls, emails, and texts—sometimes as early as 4 a.m. Prices fluctuate dramatically, and keeping track of them becomes a complex challenge. At Matthias, which honors his late grandfather, Pfeufer utilizes Saltz to connect directly with suppliers through a unified marketplace. This platform aggregates diverse product catalogs and logistics, enabling restaurants to quickly compare and purchase fresh and specialty items. Saltz’s real-time data standardization offers a significant advantage for smaller, independently owned restaurants like Matthias, which typically have limited negotiating power in the market. Since adopting Saltz, Pfeufer has discovered new suppliers, gained the flexibility to order outside regular hours, and improved his pricing oversight. The startup, founded in 2022, uses AI agents to process various communication formats from food sellers, eliminating the need for manual updates and allowing buyers to view consolidated product options and current pricing in one convenient location. With the ability to place orders at any time, Pfeufer appreciates the newfound independence: "I can do it by myself, whether it’s Sunday night or early morning, without having to make multiple calls," he noted. The efficiency of sourcing has been vital for maintaining high standards, especially after Matthias earned its first Michelin star in 2025. Pfeufer sources vegetables and dairy weekly while ordering fresh fish bi-weekly, benefiting from shorter supply chains that preserve ingredient freshness. Pfeufer still collaborates with local farmers for unique ingredients not available on Saltz, but the platform has undeniably enhanced his ability to manage costs and plan for menu pricing. "It makes all the calculations much easier, which is essential for us," he stated. Founded by brothers Andrius and Thomas Šlimas, who have a background in e-commerce, Saltz aims to modernize the sprawling $9.8 trillion food procurement industry. Previous attempts to digitize this sector struggled due to rigid requirements for suppliers and buyers or the cumbersome task of manual data entry. Saltz's AI-driven approach allows for seamless integration without disrupting existing workflows, providing a competitive edge through speed and efficiency—a critical factor in today's fast-paced market.