How Customers Really Feel About AI at Drive-Thrus

Like most headline-grabbing technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has its pros and cons. But like it or not, AI is being implemented in so many industries, including foodservice, and is here to stay.

For readers seasoned enough to remember, there was a time 20-30 years ago when mobile phones were being tried on for size by consumers. There was a mixture of early adopters and those who questioned cell phones’ staying power. Look at how widespread mobile phones are today.

Think, too, of debit cards replacing checks. Nay-sayers in the ‘90s and perhaps before could not imagine a paperless way of paying bills. But many Gen-Zers, those born after 1995, and others have no reason for paper checks in an increasingly digital world.

As such, brands must consider how they roll AI out to their customers and prospects. Without a doubt, implementing AI saves restaurants money and helps with widespread staffing shortages, but most drive-thru patrons think  improvements need to be made. Our…