QSR brands are utilizing AI to enhance profitability and reduce losses from false delivery claims, shifting focus from expansion to financial sustainability. AI can automate processes and verify food packing for deliveries, helping to mitigate refund losses. Despite global uncertainties, the food sector remains resilient, presenting expansion opportunities for some brands.
https://qsrmedia.asia/videos/qsr-brands-adopt-ai-cut-refund-losses
Startup Pipedream plans to revolutionize fast food with an underground robot network for rapid app-based pickup. Customers order via an app, then simply drive to the restaurant to collect their food instantly from a portal, minimizing wait times compared to traditional methods. The system utilizes modular, utility-like infrastructure and is designed for easy installation and adaptability across various restaurant layouts. Pipedream aims to enhance the pickup experience and improve customer-app engagement, ultimately shifting dining habits towards app-based orders. The first installation is complete, with future expansion planned for citywide delivery networks.
DoorDash will soon offer a “Buy Now, Pay Later” option for fast food through a partnership with Klarna, allowing users to make interest-free payments. This trend raises concerns about increasing consumer debt, as BNPL services have become popular among cash-strapped individuals, contributing to a record high in online spending. Overall U.S. debt has risen, with serious delinquencies at a 14-year high, signaling potential economic worries.
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/21/business/doordash-klarna-buy-now-pay-later-partnership/index.html
Smart lockers streamline restaurant delivery by reducing wait times for drivers, enhancing order pickup efficiency, and minimizing errors. As delivery demand grows, these automated systems mitigate common challenges like order readiness and mix-ups, thereby improving customer satisfaction and maintaining restaurant revenues.
https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/why-smart-lockers-are-the-answer-to-restaurant-delivery-woes/
