qsr

McDonald’s Is Making a Major Change To Drive-Thrus

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McDonald’s is testing a new ArchIQ AI-operated drive-thru system called “Archy” in five locations as part of its McDonald’s Next business strategy to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. This AI assistant aims to streamline kitchen operations, reduce in-store workload, and free up staff to focus on hospitality, aligning with the company’s broader initiative to integrate AI and technology innovation throughout its restaurants.

https://www.southernliving.com/mcdonalds-drive-thru-ai-changes-11992272

Dave’s Hot Chicken Diners Don’t Want to Talk to Robots — so Here’s How It’s Innovating

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Dave’s Hot Chicken is innovating through a multi-year technology initiative called Dave’s of the Future, focusing on enhancing its point of sale and kitchen display systems to improve operations and customer experience. While the chain has embraced kiosks and is testing technologies like robotic fry cooks and drone deliveries, it remains cautious about adopting technologies such as drive-thru voice AI or computer vision until they meet consumer preferences and operational readiness.

https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/daves-hot-chicken-future-technology-strategy-pos-kds-robots/821929/

The 1 Massive Mistake Fast-Food Chains Are Making Right Now, According to a Restaurant Executive

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Tim Hackbardt, chief marketing officer at Playa Bowls, highlights that fast-food chains are failing to adapt to the rising use of GLP-1 medications, which significantly alter American eating habits and food spending. With about 23 percent of U.S. households already using GLP-1s and projections that users will account for 35 percent of food and beverage sales by 2030, Hackbardt stresses that the fast-food industry must respond to this lasting shift toward a health-focused consumer mindset.

https://www.inc.com/amaya-nichole/the-one-massive-mistake-fast-food-chains-are-making-right-now/91352753

The QSR Value Wars Are Buying Traffic, Not Loyalty

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The article analyzes the impact of aggressive value-promotion campaigns launched by major quick-service restaurants (QSRs) starting in mid-2024, revealing that while these “value wars” boosted traffic and transactions for many brands, they largely failed to increase customer retention and loyalty. Data from 18 major QSRs show that 15 experienced declines in customer retention despite higher sales, indicating customers were attracted by discounts but did not become more loyal, highlighting the need for separate strategies and metrics for promotions and loyalty.

https://www.restaurantdive.com/spons/the-qsr-value-wars-are-buying-traffic-not-loyalty/821059/

Drive-thru Usage Up, Speed of Service Down

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In 2011, drive-thru usage at quick-service restaurants increased by 2 percent to 12.4 billion visits, with chains like McDonald's and Popeyes investing in technology and multiple lanes to improve speed of service despite overall slower service times. Drive-thrus remain the preferred ordering method at hamburger, Mexican, and chicken restaurants, prompting operators to focus on order accuracy, fast delivery, and portable menu items to enhance customer satisfaction and profitability.

https://www.qsrweb.com/articles/drive-thru-usage-up-speed-of-service-down/

The State of Mobile Ordering in QSR: Which Brands Are Winning, and Where Opportunity Still Lies

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The 2026 mystery shopper report by Intouch Insight, featured in QSR Magazine, evaluates mobile ordering in quick-service restaurants across nine major brands, focusing on order accuracy, speed, service, and overall experience. Findings show mobile ordering apps generally perform well with high accuracy and customer satisfaction, but issues like technical glitches, unclear pickup instructions, and late orders still create friction, reducing satisfaction. Friendly staff interactions can mitigate some negative impacts, and dedicated pickup lanes improve speed and service at certain locations, highlighting ongoing opportunities for operational improvements in mobile ordering.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/the-state-of-mobile-ordering-in-qsr-which-brands-are-winning-and-where-opportunity-still-lies/

How Technology Can Help QSRs Overcome Cost and Experience Challenges

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Technology has become a crucial driver for quick-service restaurants (QSRs), helping them address cost challenges related to food and labor while enhancing customer experience through faster, accurate, and friendly service. Integrating purpose-built technology such as connected POS systems, AI-enabled devices, and back-office software enables QSRs to streamline operations and make data-driven decisions, with managed services further supporting ongoing maintenance and maximizing return on investment.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/how-technology-can-help-qsrs-overcome-cost-and-experience-challenges/

Why The National Restaurant Association Show Has Become a Reality Check for Restaurant Technology

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The 2026 National Restaurant Association Show marks a shift in restaurant technology from futuristic innovation toward practical solutions aimed at stabilizing margins, simplifying operations, and managing labor shortages amid economic pressures. Operators are increasingly prioritizing integrated, interoperable systems that can deliver measurable financial improvements and operational resilience, such as handheld POS devices and self-service kiosks, while AI is becoming embedded in back-end operational tools rather than consumer-facing features. This evolution reflects a more disciplined, financially grounded approach to technology investment as restaurants seek simplification and operational effectiveness in a challenging business environment.

https://restauranttechnologynews.com/2026/05/why-the-national-restaurant-association-show-has-become-a-reality-check-for-restaurant-technology/

Report: Loyalty Is QSR’s Primary Growth Engine

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Par Technology's 2026 QSR Operational Index Report reveals that customer loyalty is now the primary growth driver for quick-service restaurants (QSR), with loyalty transactions growing 28.5% year-over-year and loyalty members spending more per visit than anonymous guests. The report highlights that digital channels, especially drive-thru and delivery, are reshaping sales patterns, while dinner and late-night periods generate the highest revenues, emphasizing the importance of integrating loyalty programs with operational efficiency and channel strategies to boost revenue amid rising costs.

https://www.franchising.com/articles/20260511_report_loyalty_is_qsrs_primary_growth_engine.html

Evolving Kitchen Operations Are Helping QSR Brands Navigate Supply and Cost Uncertainties

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Quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands in India are evolving their kitchen operations to address rising input costs, labor challenges, and supply chain unpredictability while meeting growing delivery demand. This includes adopting smaller, more efficient kitchen footprints, leveraging cloud kitchens for operational flexibility, standardizing processes via automation, integrating inventory intelligence with AI-driven systems, and designing focused menus to improve efficiency and consistency—changes that are shaping which brands will successfully scale in the complex Indian market.

https://qsrmedia.asia/executive-insights/commentary/evolving-kitchen-operations-are-helping-qsr-brands-navigate-supply-and-cost-uncertainties

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