News
AI · Automation · Drive-Thru · Fast Food
Eight major fast-food chains, including White Castle, McDonald's, and Del Taco, are rapidly deploying AI-powered voice bots in drive-thru lanes to address persistent labor shortages and improve operational efficiency, with White Castle expanding SoundHound's bots to 100 locations by late 2024.
The restaurant industry faces ongoing labor challenges and high turnover, prompting 58% of operators to anticipate increased adoption of technology and automation this year, according to the National Restaurant Association's 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report. SoundHound's fully automated technology, implemented by White Castle, processes orders in just over 60 seconds.
Presto's AI bots, deployed across 390 Checkers & Rally's locations and expanding at Del Taco, completed over 95% of orders without staff intervention during testing. Popeyes observed increased drink sales due to the bot's automatic upsell suggestions.
This widespread integration of AI aims to boost revenue, enhance labor productivity, and improve the overall customer experience.
