The fast food industry is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and address labor challenges. As labor shortages persist and wage costs rise, fast food chains are leveraging AI to streamline operations and manage their workforce more effectively.
Presto has integrated its voice AI with Qu’s POS and kitchen production systems at Taco John’s, enabling automated voice orders to be seamlessly managed with the existing technology. Ryan Baune, Taco John’s VP of technology, reported positive preliminary results, including faster service, improved order accuracy, and higher average ticket sizes due to upselling. Steve Smyth, director of restaurant technology, noted that the technology enhances the guest experience by eliminating the need for staff to take new orders at the pickup window. Taco John’s has also partnered with Flybuy for location-based ordering. Having spun off its tablet business, Presto is now focused on voice AI, testing fully automated and Spanish-speaking voice AI systems, and partnering with Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, Checkers and Rally’s.
Domino’s is leveraging AI to enhance its pizza-making and delivery processes, aiming to expedite service. CEO Russell John Weiner explained that AI algorithms start making pizzas before customers complete their orders, reducing delivery times as pizzas are ready when drivers arrive. This approach speeds up delivery and increases driver tips and customer satisfaction, fostering repeat business. While current AI implementations are basic, future goals include optimizing delivery driver allocation and pizza preparation timing without managerial intervention.
Domino’s is collaborating with Microsoft to simplify online ordering with an AI assistant, envisioned as a “pizza concierge service.” Additionally, the company is developing an AI assistant to aid store managers with daily tasks like inventory management, ingredient ordering, and staff scheduling, aiming to streamline back-of-house operations and improve efficiency.
Yum Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Habit Burger Grill, is pioneering an “AI-powered” future under the leadership of Joe Park, the Chief Digital and Technology Officer. Yum Brands has introduced several AI-driven tools, including SuperApp, a comprehensive management tool for restaurant managers that handles operational advice, inventory, and shift scheduling. This app is already used at over 8,700 Pizza Hut and KFC locations. Additionally, AI-powered customer-facing applications, such as voice AI for drive-through orders and image-recognition AI, are being explored to optimize service.
As AI continues to integrate into various aspects of fast food operations, the industry is poised for a more efficient and personalized future.
Sources:
Restaurantdive.com
Qz.com
Restauranttechnologynews.com
Hyscaler.com
Openai.com