Wendy’s Rolls Out AI Drive-Thrus at 600 Locations
Wendy’s is pushing forward with its AI-powered drive-thru ordering system, planning to roll it out to 500-600 restaurants by the end of 2025, CEO Kirk Tanner announced during the company’s Q4 earnings call.
AI-Powered Ordering Gains Momentum
The fast-food giant has been testing voice AI since 2023, with around 100 locations currently using the system. Developed in partnership with Google Cloud, the AI assistant—called FreshAI—is designed to streamline orders and improve efficiency.
Tanner, who personally tests the system weekly, said AI is continuously improving. “It understands what to ask for, and the accuracy definitely is improving,” he noted.
AI’s Track Record in Fast Food
While AI voice ordering has been a growing trend in the quick-service restaurant industry, accuracy remains a key concern. McDonald’s discontinued a similar AI drive-thru test last year due to order mistakes, though the company remains committed to voice AI in the future.
Despite early hiccups, Wendy’s sees potential in AI-enhanced ordering. If this year’s expansion proves successful, Tanner hinted at a full-scale rollout across Wendy’s 6,000 US locations.
A Growing Trend in Fast Food AI
Wendy’s isn’t alone in its AI ambitions. Taco Bell’s parent company, Yum! Brands, has been expanding AI drive-thru technology as well. By late 2023, Taco Bell had used voice AI for over 2 million orders across 300 locations.
As AI technology advances, voice-driven ordering could become a standard feature in the fast-food industry—provided it can consistently deliver accuracy and efficiency. Wendy’s is betting big on AI, believing it has a “bright future” in the world of fast food automation.
