Dairy Queen Expands AI Drive-Through Ordering Test with Presto
Dairy Queen, the popular fast-food chain owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is significantly expanding its pilot program for artificial intelligence-driven drive-through ordering systems. The company has partnered with technology firm Presto to implement AI chatbots capable of taking customer orders at drive-through windows. Initially tested in a small number of U.S. stores last year, the initiative is now being rolled out to several dozen franchised locations across the United States and Canada. This expansion affects a fraction of the chain's approximately 3,000 drive-through outlets but signals a broader industry trend toward automation in quick-service restaurants. Kevin Baartman, Dairy Queen’s executive vice president of information technology, confirmed the strategic move to enhance operational efficiency and customer service through automated assistance. The AI system is designed to handle complex orders, such as customized Blizzard treats, aiming to reduce wait times and improve order accuracy. This development places Dairy Queen alongside other major eateries increasingly relying on chatbot technology to manage high-volume drive-through traffic, reflecting the growing integration of advanced AI solutions in the hospitality and retail sectors.
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Dairy Queen Expands AI Drive-Through Ordering Test with Presto
Dairy Queen, the popular fast-food chain owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is significantly expanding its pilot program for artificial intelligence-driven drive-through ordering systems. The company has partnered with technology firm Presto to implement AI chatbots capable of taking customer orders at drive-through windows. Initially tested in a small number of U.S. stores last year, the initiative is now being rolled out to several dozen franchised locations across the United States and Canada. This expansion affects a fraction of the chain's approximately 3,000 drive-through outlets but signals a broader industry trend toward automation in quick-service restaurants. Kevin Baartman, Dairy Queen’s executive vice president of information technology, confirmed the strategic move to enhance operational efficiency and customer service through automated assistance. The AI system is designed to handle complex orders, such as customized Blizzard treats, aiming to reduce wait times and improve order accuracy. This development places Dairy Queen alongside other major eateries increasingly relying on chatbot technology to manage high-volume drive-through traffic, reflecting the growing integration of advanced AI solutions in the hospitality and retail sectors.
Technology - WSJ.com