Wendy’s Plans to Expand AI Ordering Assistants Nationwide
Wendy’s Aims to Expand Voice-Enabled AI Order Taking to 600 Restaurants
Wendy’s plans to expand its “voice-enabled AI order taking” at up to 600 restaurants nationwide by the end of the year, CEO Kirk Tanner confirmed during a recent earnings call.
Current State of AI Ordering
The burger chain currently uses its AI voice assistant, which it began testing in 2023, in around 100 Wendy’s locations.
CEO’s Personal Experience
Tanner said he has personally tested out the ordering assistant, a collaboration with Google Cloud known as Fresh AI, each week at a Wendy’s location near the company’s headquarters in Dublin, Ohio.
“Exceptional Experience”
“I put it to the test almost three or four times a week and the experience is exceptional,” Tanner said during the Q&A portion of the call. “It drives sales as well. It gives customers the opportunity to build their orders, it understands what to ask for, and the accuracy it’s definitely improving.”
Future Plans
Tanner also mentioned that Wendy’s could incorporate Fresh AI into the “rest of the system” if the latest rollout is successful. The company is also looking to implement more digital menu boards and kiosks, freeing crew members to work on quality and accuracy.
Customer Reaction
Still, reaction to the news has been mixed among Wendy’s customers, as detailed in a subreddit for the company. Some are happy about the expansion and express positive experiences with AI ordering, while others say the technology gets their orders wrong more often than not.
Industry Trends
Like Wendy’s, other fast-food companies, such as McDonald’s, Checkers and Rally’s, and Burger King, have tested or implemented AI ordering systems.
Conclusion
Wendy’s plans to expand its AI ordering assistants nationwide mark an exciting development in the fast-food industry. As the technology continues to improve, it will be interesting to see how customers react and how the company incorporates it into its overall strategy.
FAQs
* What is Wendy’s AI ordering assistant?
+ A collaboration with Google Cloud known as Fresh AI.
* How many Wendy’s locations currently use AI ordering assistants?
+ Around 100.
* What are Wendy’s plans for expanding AI ordering assistants?
+ To expand to up to 600 restaurants nationwide by the end of the year.
* How does the CEO of Wendy’s feel about the technology?
+ He has personally tested it and finds the experience to be “exceptional”, with improved accuracy and increased sales.
