2025

Saudi Arabia Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) Market

Saudi Arabia's Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market is projected to grow from $9.23 billion in 2024 to $16.62 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 6.78%. Drivers include a young, tech-savvy population, increasing disposable incomes, and government support via initiatives like Vision 2030. The sector is competitive, with global brands like McDonald's and KFC alongside local adaptions. Challenges include rising operational costs and intense competition. Technological advancements in delivery and service systems are enhancing customer experience. New market entries are expanding rapidly, exemplified by recent openings from Dunkin' and Gong Cha.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/11/3040388/28124/en/Saudi-Arabia-Quick-Service-Restaurants-QSR-Market-Forecasts-2025-2033-Fierce-Rivalry-Between-Global-Chains-and-Regional-Players-Defines-the-Landscape-and-Spurs-Innovations.html

New Report Reveals Restaurant Training Trends for 2025

New 2025 restaurant training report shows:

  • Increased budget tracking correlates with financial support.
  • Hourly employee training drops to one hour/month (up to 58% decrease).
  • AI enhances efficiency; only 8% are advanced users.
  • 61% prioritize basic skills training, up 25% from 2024.

The report emphasizes the strategic use of technology and measurable outcomes for operational success amid economic challenges.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/new-report-reveals-restaurant-training-trends-for-2025/

McDonald’s Gives Its Restaurants an AI Makeover

,

McDonald's is modernizing its 43,000 restaurants using AI to improve order accuracy and equipment maintenance. This initiative, in partnership with Google Cloud, aims to ease operational stress for staff and enhance customer experience amidst declining sales. The new technology includes internet-connected kitchen equipment, predictive maintenance using edge computing, and AI-driven tools for managers. McDonald's also plans to introduce computer vision for checking order accuracy at the drive-thru and generative AI for administrative tasks. Overall, these advancements are designed to boost customer loyalty and operational efficiency.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/mcdonalds-gives-its-restaurants-an-ai-makeover-2134f01e

McDonald’s Introduces AI to Speed Up Service at 43,000 Locations

, ,

McDonald's is implementing AI across its 43,000 locations to enhance speed, accuracy, and employee efficiency in service. Key innovations include AI-enabled drive-throughs, IoT-equipped kitchens, and generative AI for management tasks. This strategy aims to improve customer experiences, reduce wait times, and increase operational efficiency, ultimately targeting a customer base growth from 175 to 250 million by 2027. The move signals a significant industry shift towards automation that benefits both customers and employees.

https://www.customerservicemanager.com/mcdonalds-introduces-ai-to-speed-up-service-at-43000-locations/

Kea Launches AI-Driven Phone Ordering System

,

Kea has launched an AI-driven phone ordering system allowing restaurants of any size to implement it quickly and affordably. This technology integrates smoothly with existing POS systems and can boost average order values by up to 25%. Previously, such solutions were only accessible to major chains due to high costs, but Kea aims to democratize voice AI for smaller operators. With fast implementation (as little as an hour), even tech-averse restaurant owners can easily set it up, facilitating growth and improving customer service.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/kea-launches-ai-driven-phone-ordering-system/

How Does McDonald’s Use AI? Operations, Customer Service, and Personalized Marketing!

,

McDonald's utilizes AI through a partnership with Google Cloud, enhancing operations with edge computing for local data processing. This allows real-time analysis of kitchen equipment to predict failures and improve efficiency. AI is also used for order accuracy via computer vision and voice activation in drive-throughs. Additionally, McDonald's employs AI for personalized marketing by analyzing customer data and promoting tailored offers, aiming to increase its loyal customer base significantly by 2027. Despite being a leader in AI adoption, challenges remain regarding costs and technology implementation across stores.

https://longportapp.com/en/news/231106608

Food Service Firms Cut Waste as Sustainability Demand Rises

Food service firms are reducing waste amid rising demand for sustainable meals, with 80% of APAC consumers willing to pay more for sustainability. Climate change and supply chain challenges are driving innovation through collaboration among food service operators, suppliers, and technology providers. Efforts include improving shelf life, reducing packaging waste, and utilizing ingredient efficiency technologies, such as cocoa reduction to lower costs while maintaining quality, all aimed at minimizing food waste and emissions.

https://qsrmedia.asia/videos/food-service-firms-cut-waste-sustainability-demand-rises

McDonald’s to Employ AI at 43K Locations to Speed up Service

, ,

McDonald's will implement AI across its 43,000 restaurants to reduce wait times and improve service, using Google Cloud for edge computing, AI drive-thrus, and tools for accurate order management. The goal is to enhance the customer experience and alleviate employee stress, with hopes to increase loyal customers from 175 million to 250 million by 2027.

https://nypost.com/2025/03/06/lifestyle/mcdonalds-to-employ-ai-at-43k-locations-to-speed-up-service/

After 50 Years McDonald’s Made a Bittersweet Change and It’s Truly a Sign of the Times

McDonald's in Franklin, TN, has changed its “Play Place” to a small area with chairs and digital screens, moving away from traditional play structures. This shift has sparked disappointment and nostalgia, as play areas have been a significant part of the McDonald’s experience for over 50 years. It reflects current trends prioritizing convenience and cleanliness over children's playfulness, raising concerns about fostering less active lifestyles in kids.

https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/after-50-years-mcdonalds-made-a-bittersweet-change-and-its-truly-a-sign-of-the-times/91157857

Scroll to Top