digitalization

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/

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/

McDonald’s Gives Its Restaurants an AI Makeover

McDonald's is revamping its 43,000 restaurants with AI technology to enhance order accuracy and predict equipment failures. The initiative, driven by Chief Information Officer Brian Rice, aims to reduce stress for employees and improve the customer experience amid sluggish U.S. sales. Collaborating with Google Cloud, McDonald's is implementing edge computing for real-time data processing and exploring AI applications like computer vision to verify order correctness. The fast-food chain plans to grow its customer loyalty base substantially by 2027 and is investing significantly in digital technologies. Challenges such as costs and technology deployment across franchises remain.

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

How a ‘Partner-First’ Mindset Forges Bank and FinTech Bonds

Fast-food chains like McDonald's, Yum! Brands, and Wendy's are increasingly adopting AI to improve operations and customer experience, despite previous failures. McDonald's plans to use AI for kitchen connectivity, drive-through orders, and operational management, while Yum! Brands is implementing an AI platform for order accuracy and employee training. Wendy's is expanding its AI drive-thru pilot due to improved customer spending and efficiency. Early AI systems faced criticism but are evolving, with potential for further operational enhancements in the industry.

https://www.pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2025/fast-food-chains-step-up-ai-adoption-despite-early-missteps/

Wendy’s Embraces AI And Innovation Under CIO Matt Spessard

Wendy's, led by CIO Matt Spessard, is leveraging AI and innovation to enhance customer and crew experiences. Since February 2024, Spessard's focus has been on digital transformation, including a new mobile app and self-service kiosks, resulting in a 40% increase in digital revenue. The FreshAi platform redefines drive-thru operations using generative AI and is currently expanding. Wendy's adopts a rigorous innovation process, prioritizing successful technologies while exploring further AI applications. Spessard emphasizes careful implementation to maintain quality service while advancing restaurant technology.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterhigh/2025/03/03/wendys-embraces-ai-and-innovation-under-cio-matt-spessard/

Key Trend Shaping the Digital Food Management Market in 2025: Samsung Introduces Personalized Food Service To Simplify Meal Preparation And Ingredient Ordering As Revealed In New Report

Samsung launches AI-driven personalized food service to simplify meal prep and ingredient ordering, contributing to the digital food management market growth, projected to reach $3.28 billion by 2025. Factors driving growth include increased internet access, smartphone adoption, and food delivery service demand. Future trends involve innovations like self-driving delivery, 5G impact, blockchain for food traceability, and augmented reality in menus. North America leads the market, with Asia-Pacific expected to grow fastest. Major players include Oracle, Uber, and DoorDash.

https://www.whatech.com/og/markets-research/food-beverage/936959-key-trend-shaping-the-digital-food-management-market-in-2025-samsung-introduces-personalized-food-service-to-simplify-meal-preparation-and-ingredient-ordering.html

McDonald’s & OMD Romania First to Test Teads’ Omnichannel Brand Lift Study Powered by Cint, Achieving Uplifts Across All KPIs

McDonald's Romania and OMD Romania tested Teads' new Omnichannel Brand Lift Study, achieving significant uplifts in key performance indicators (KPIs) including Brand Recommendation, Favorability, and Purchase Intent. This marks a first in the CEE region, demonstrating the effectiveness of Teads’ omnichannel approach in enhancing brand metrics and consumer engagement through advanced methodologies powered by Cint.

https://business-review.eu/business/media-marketing/mcdonalds-omd-romania-first-to-test-teads-omnichannel-brand-lift-study-powered-by-cint-achieving-uplifts-across-all-kpis-279511

How QSRs Can Use Digital Signage to Power Growth and Guest Engagement

QSRs can drive growth and engage customers through digital signage, offering tools like dynamic menu boards, real-time promotions, and interactive displays. Benefits include increased sales, adaptability to market trends, improved customer experiences, and enhanced employee productivity. Major chains are investing in this technology due to its effectiveness in streamlining operations and enhancing customer interactions, making digital signage essential for staying competitive in the evolving quick-service restaurant landscape.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/how-qsrs-can-use-digital-signage-to-power-growth-and-guest-engagement/

How Wendy’s Found Its Digital ‘secret Sauce’

Wendy's has enhanced its digital strategy, gaining ground on McDonald's, which is struggling. Digital sales rose 40% year-on-year, now comprising 19% of total sales. CEO Tanner emphasizes technology investments—like digital menu boards and AI ordering—to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. This shift has led to a 25% growth in loyalty members and a better profit margin. Meanwhile, McDonald's acknowledges challenges in digital engagement but aims for long-term growth. Wendy's focus remains on perfecting customer experience, leading to its digital success.

https://diginomica.com/how-wendys-found-its-digital-secret-sauce

Scroll to Top