2025

QuikTrip Revamping Self-serve Beverage Program

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QuikTrip is overhauling its self-serve beverage program, introducing new machines for fountain, tea, and frozen drinks to enhance flavor selection and customization. The rollout is expected to complete by summer 2026 across 21 states, targeting greater consistency and an impressive total of 40 drink options. The update reflects QuikTrip's ambition to become a leader in the premium beverage sector.

https://www.cstoredive.com/news/quiktrip-self-serve-beverage-program/750337/

McDonald’s Martech Strategy: How the Golden Arches Went Digital

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McDonald's has digitally transformed into a leading QSR through a comprehensive Martech strategy that includes an advanced mobile app, AI-driven drive-thrus, and dynamic digital menus. Its focus on personalization, loyalty programs, and data analytics helps enhance customer interactions and streamline operations. Key features include personalized offers, gamified rewards, and optimized inventory management. By leveraging AI and data privacy measures, McDonald's achieves localized marketing that resonates globally, improving customer engagement and retention.

https://itmunch.com/mcdonalds-martech-strategy-digital-transformation/

Automation in Restaurants: Enhancing Service, Not Replacing It

Restaurants are increasingly adopting automation, with 85% of leaders planning investments to boost efficiency. Consumers are mixed, preferring human interaction but accepting automation for improving service during staff shortages. Effective automation should empower staff, enhance efficiency without replacing human touch, facilitate faster service, and personalize customer experiences. Examples include self-service kiosks, digital waitlists, and mobile POS systems. The goal is to strike a balance, using technology for repetitive tasks while maintaining warm service, ultimately enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction.

https://www.theolympian.com/news/business/article308214190.html

Use Your Data or Lose Your Margins

QSR profit margins are under pressure due to rising food and labor costs, potentially worsened by tariffs. To survive, restaurants must leverage existing technology and data to transform these costs into assets. By analyzing data from POS systems and integrating various management tools, operators can reduce waste, optimize staffing, and forecast demand effectively, which leads to cost savings and improved customer experiences. Ultimately, the key to resilience lies in data-driven decision-making and seamless system integration to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.

https://www.qsrweb.com/blogs/use-your-data-or-lose-your-margins/

How QSRs Can Make Sustainability an Enjoyable Part of Eating Out

QSRs must rethink sustainability practices to make them enjoyable and effortless for customers. Consumers often prioritize convenience over eco-friendly actions when dining out, leading to a gap between intention and behavior, as seen in a survey where many feel responsible for recycling but fail to do so. To improve recycling, QSRs should design user-friendly systems, like rewarding recycling activities through machines or engaging packaging. Marketing should inspire, not guilt, while eco-friendly designs should be attractive and fun. Emphasizing enjoyable sustainability can attract customers and boost both environmental and brand loyalty.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/how-qsrs-can-make-sustainability-an-enjoyable-part-of-eating-out/

PDQ Exec on Driving Sales With Self-Ordering Kiosks

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PDQ Chicken enhanced sales and service speed by implementing self-ordering kiosks, leading to a 25% increase in average order size and doubling kitchen efficiency during peak hours, according to Bryan Groc, Senior VP of Data Analytics. The technology addresses consumer demand for quick service while maintaining cashier support. Kiosks are growing in adoption across the restaurant industry, complementing staff and streamlining operations. They have also contributed to increased loyalty program sign-ups by simplifying the registration process for customers.

https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/the-leap/self-ordering-kiosk-sales

The Future of Fast Food: How Top QSRs Are Using AI Tech to Get Ahead

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QSRs are leveraging AI, mobile ordering, and kiosks to enhance customer experiences and gain competitive advantage. Intouch Insight's 2025 study highlights a balance between efficiency and human connection. Voice AI improves speed and friendliness, while mobile ordering reduces wait times but limits upselling opportunities. Kiosks, though efficient, are perceived as less friendly. Overall, technology enhances dining but human interaction remains crucial for customer satisfaction.

https://foodinstitute.com/focus/the-future-of-fast-food-how-top-qsrs-are-using-ai-tech-to-get-ahead/

Our 10 Favorite Fast Food Apps

Top 10 fast food apps for quick ordering and deals:

  1. McDonald's – Custom orders; rewards.
  2. Taco Bell – Schedule pickup; fast ordering.
  3. Sonic – Half-price drinks; customizable orders.
  4. Starbucks – Free coffee rewards; easy ordering.
  5. Chipotle – Apple/Google Pay options; custom burritos.
  6. Panda Express – Group ordering tool.
  7. Domino's – Order tracker for pickups.
  8. Shake Shack – Quick grab-and-go orders.
  9. Panera Bread – Save favorite orders; fast checkout.
  10. Chick-fil-A – Rewards for free food; remembers preferences.

https://www.lifewire.com/top-fast-food-apps-11728873

McDonald’s Chef Reveals the Secret of What Makes Its Coffee a Customer Favorite

McDonald's coffee, a key product since its inception, attracts customers due to its consistent flavor. Chef Mike Lingo highlights a proprietary medium-dark roast blend with fruity and chocolate notes, developed from careful bean selection and roasting techniques. McDonald's entered the premium coffee market in 1993 and has expanded its offerings to include various coffeehouse-style beverages.

https://retailwire.com/mcdonalds-chef-coffee/

We Need to Overcome These 8 Problems With Fast-Food Technology

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Fast-food technology can resolve key operational challenges, such as order inaccuracies, long drive-thru wait times, and labor shortages, by utilizing advanced tools like AI for ordering and real-time analytics. Solutions include improving order accuracy through automation, reducing drive-thru bottlenecks with predictive tools, addressing labor deficiencies with automation, minimizing food waste via smart inventory systems, optimizing staff scheduling with AI, consolidating siloed tech platforms, providing real-time operational insights, and ensuring a seamless omnichannel experience. These innovations enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction in the fast-food industry.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/we-need-to-overcome-these-8-problems-with-fast-food-technology/

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