By RTN editors - 4.26.2025
The restaurant industry continues to embrace technological advancements to enhance operations and customer experiences. This week saw significant developments in AI integration, digital ordering systems, and innovative restaurant models.
AI Integration Accelerates Across Major Chains
Leading restaurant chains are investing heavily in proprietary AI technologies:
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Yum Brands launched “Byte by Yum!”, an AI-driven software suite aimed at optimizing mobile app and web ordering, sales, kitchen, and delivery processes.
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Wendy’s announced plans to deploy its Fresh AI voice-ordering system, developed in partnership with Google Cloud, to over 500 restaurants by the end of 2025.
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Wingstop detailed the rollout of its in-house developed Smart Kitchen solution, designed to streamline back-of-house operations.
Innovative Technologies Debut at Restaurant Leadership Conference
The Restaurant Leadership Conference showcased several new technology products:
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Qu unveiled an IoT-powered smart kitchen system that monitors equipment performance and energy usage in real-time.
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Presto launched a voice AI system for phone orders, expanding its suite of automated ordering solutions.
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Lunchbox introduced a free order aggregation middleware to streamline third-party delivery integrations.
Portillo’s Introduces “Restaurant of the Future” Model
Portillo’s announced plans to open its first “Restaurant of the Future” in Grapevine, Texas. The new model features a smaller footprint, double drive-thru lanes, self-service kiosks, and a redesigned kitchen layout to enhance efficiency and reduce buildout costs.
These developments underscore the restaurant industry’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market.
These developments underscore the restaurant industry’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market.
