In the news: AI in Restaurants are Transforming Chains like Chipotle, Starbucks, and Domino's

AI in Fast Food
by Picsart

In the News:  How big restaurant chains are using artificial intelligence by Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 31, 2023:  Brands like Chipotle, Starbucks and Domino's are leaning on AI to do things like predict traffic, set prices and bake pizzas before they're even ordered.

Summary and commentary

Major restaurant chains such as Chipotle, Starbucks, and Domino's are increasingly turning to AI to streamline their operations. From predicting customer traffic to optimizing pricing and even preparing pizzas before they're ordered, AI is reshaping how these companies operate. But it's not just the giants of the industry; smaller chains like White Castle, with drive-thrus at 95% of its 362 restaurants, are also experimenting with AI-driven solutions.

AI's impact on the restaurant industry is multifaceted. It goes beyond just improving customer experiences; it extends to managing procurement expenditures and supply chains. Whether it's McDonald's, Subway, or Dominos, AI has become an integral part of their operations. A 2021 survey of 2,000 restaurant operators by Lightspeed revealed that approximately 50% of hospitality operators in the U.S. and 51% in Canada had plans to incorporate some form of automation technology.

Here are three key ways AI is revolutionizing Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs):

1. Consistency and Predictability: AI ensures that every restaurant visit is consistent and predictable.
2. Speed and Accuracy: It significantly enhances the speed of service and order accuracy.
3. Reduced Human Interaction: By automating routine tasks, AI allows skilled staff to focus on more complex responsibilities.

While AI has the potential to catapult restaurants into higher levels of efficiency and productivity by automating critical processes like ordering, inventory management, and customer service, it does come with challenges. The initial cost of implementing AI systems is high. Setting up professional AI solutions can be complex, and understanding the intricacies of AI technology can be daunting. Concerns about data privacy and security also linger, especially when it comes to the collection of customer data.

Nonetheless, AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants have proven to be valuable assets, offering customers personalized service and rapid responses to inquiries. AI algorithms can predict customer preferences and tailor menu items accordingly, leading to increased customer satisfaction.