Bee Boop! Robots Are Cooking and Serving in London Restaurants

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London restaurants are hiring robots for cooking and serving, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness while not fully replacing human workers. Robots like “Robbie,” a server, assist but require human operation for tasks like food delivery. While robots excel in repetitive tasks and batch cooking, chefs argue they cannot replace the creativity and personal touch needed in culinary arts. The trend aims to address labor shortages without eliminating the human element in dining experiences.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/robot-waiters-chefs-work-in-restaurants-9.7019601

Vox AI Integrates Drive-thru Payments Through Adyen Partnership

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Vox AI partnered with Adyen to launch Vox AI Pay, enabling drive-thru card payments directly at order terminals, improving transaction speed and reducing queues. The system integrates with major point-of-sale platforms, supports cashless payments, and aims to decrease processing fees. It will be demonstrated at the National Retail Federation Big Show 2026. Vox AI develops voice automation technology for quick-service restaurants, addressing labor challenges.

https://www.fdiforum.net/mag/featured/vox-ai-integrates-drive-thru-payments-through-adyen-partnership/

How Restaurants Can Protect Customer Data Without IT Complexity

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Restaurants increasingly rely on technology, especially POS systems, which heightens customer data risks. Data security is vital to prevent cyberattacks that can lead to financial penalties, lawsuits, reputational harm, and regulatory compliance issues. Common challenges include malware, poor staff training, weak access controls, and vendor risks. Simple measures, like using strong POS systems, enhancing staff training, and securing networks, can protect data without complexity. Compliance with standards like PCI DSS and GDPR is crucial to avoid fines and maintain customer trust, making robust data security essential for operational success.

https://modernrestaurantmanagement.com/how-restaurants-can-protect-customer-data-without-it-complexity/

Serve Robotics Deploys 2,000 Robots & Leads U.S. Sidewalk Delivery

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Serve Robotics (SERV) has deployed more than 2,000 autonomous delivery robots in 2025, giving it the largest sidewalk delivery fleet in the United States and meeting its operational target on time and on budget. The company rapidly expanded into major U.S. markets, with further launches planned in Buckhead, GA, and Alexandria, VA, and emphasizes that its zero-emission robots can cut traffic congestion and emissions while operating with minimal human intervention and high safety.

Growth is being driven by deep partnerships with Uber and DoorDash, which together provide access to over 80% of the U.S. food delivery market, and by expanding relationships with national restaurant brands such as Jersey Mike’s, Shake Shack, and Little Caesars. Over the past year, Serve’s fleet has grown 10x, its city footprint 5x, and its restaurant reach to more than 3,600 locations, while passing 1,000 deployed robots in Q3 2025 and 2,000 by mid-December, which accelerates its AI learning flywheel and strengthens its position as a leader in autonomous delivery and physical AI.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/serve-robotics-deploys-2-000-163700829.html

DoorDash Rolls Out Zesty, an AI Social App for Discovering New Restaurants

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DoorDash is launching Zesty, an AI-driven social app for discovering local restaurants, initially in San Francisco and New York. Users can get personalized recommendations through an AI chatbot without sifting through reviews. The app aggregates information from various platforms and allows sharing of experiences. It’s part of DoorDash’s expansion beyond food delivery, focusing on social interactions. While some may prefer existing platforms like Google, Zesty aims to cater to social discovery needs.

https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/16/doordash-rolls-out-zesty-an-ai-social-app-for-discovering-new-restaurants/

The Road Ahead: What if C-stores Don’t Need to Become QSRs?

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Japanese convenience stores excel in providing fresh, high-quality food for everyday consumption, differing from U.S. quick-service restaurants, which focus on indulgent options. This model serves a wide demographic, making convenience stores essential for daily life rather than just snacks. U.S. retailers may benefit by prioritizing quality, variety, and nourishment instead of imitating fast food models, potentially leading to stronger growth and customer loyalty. Ultimately, convenience stores have the potential to redefine fast food by serving affordable, nutritious options that fit into modern living.

https://www.cstoredive.com/news/the-road-ahead-japanese-c-stores-not-qsrs/807307/

Dave’s Hot Chicken Accelerates AI and Automation Strategy as Growth Surges Past 300 Locations

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Dave’s Hot Chicken, a rapidly growing chain with over 300 locations, is utilizing AI and automation to enhance operational efficiency, leveraging technology for tasks like ordering, payment, and food preparation. Their strategy integrates various innovations, such as robotic fryers and AI voice ordering, while aiming to maintain their distinctive customer service. This push aligns with industry trends and positions them competitively in the fast-growing chicken market, emphasizing productivity gains linked to measurable performance metrics.

https://restauranttechnologynews.com/2025/12/daves-hot-chicken-accelerates-ai-and-automation-strategy-as-growth-surges-past-300-locations/

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