Brad-Lee Navruz, manager of The Nippy Chippy in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, created the technology which is now operating across the countryPhil Norris Editor, Gloucestershire Live and SWNSFilipaGaspar (Filipa Gaspar)
16:15, 13 Oct 2025
Brad-Lee Navruz, manager at The Nippy Chippy in Stonehouse, Stroud
A manager of a Gloucestershire chippy has developed an AI answering service that not only takes phone orders but also cracks jokes.
Brad-Lee Navruz, who runs The Nippy Chippy in Stonehouse, Stroud, is the brains behind the technology which is now being used nationwide.
With the cost of fish and living expenses on the rise, he decided to create the AI tool.
The AI assistant, named Sophie, has been programmed to answer a variety of common queries, confirm orders, and even share a joke or two.
Brad explained that Sophie also saves time by responding to frequently asked questions, such as what type of oil they use, their food recommendations, and their opening hours.
He said: “It gets weird questions from customers asking if she has a body or if she is a robot in a room taking orders.
“There has been some strange ones asking if they could have a piece of poo with their chips.
“Clients are pushing it to its limit and see what it can do.
“But it will just politely carry on and take the order.
“People ask her for jokes and she will laugh and reply with a joke based on the takeaway in question.”
“People ask her for jokes and she will laugh and reply with a joke based on the takeaway in question.”
A new AI assistant is helping at The Nippy Chippy
The AI system, known as ServeMate, has been in development for over a year and a half and is now operating in 100 different takeaways from Scotland to Devon.
The AI assistant, named Sophie, has been programmed to handle a broad spectrum of typical customer enquiries, verify order information, confirm delivery addresses, and even conduct price checks before completing a purchase.
The concept developed by Brad represents the first and only enterprise in the UK to implement such technology.
He explained: “She [Sophie] takes every order at any time and she can take orders up to detail. Anything staff can do but more streamlined.
“It’s just like a member of staff. If you ask her what to do she will do it.”
The AI assistant is proving a huge help for Brad-Lee(Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
Brad noted that businesses often overlook how frustrated customers become when their local establishments fail to answer calls and repeatedly place them on hold whilst attempting to place telephone orders.
He said the AI technology has enhanced operations “so much”.
He added: “Every customer felt like they were rushed on the phone whenever they called.
“I have taken thousands of calls on my time while making orders – it was chaos because it is a fast paced business.”
Gloucestershire Live WhatsApp Breaking News and Top Stories
Join Gloucestershire Live’s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone
Gloucestershire Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Gloucestershire Live team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.