Chatbots at the drive-thru are just the beginning
McDonald's didn't stop at 10 locations. AI drive-thru ordering is now standard across QSR chains—and it's reshaping how restaurants think about labor and customer data.
Why it matters
AI chatbots have moved from pilot projects to mainstream deployment in quick-service restaurants, demonstrating real-world adoption of conversational AI in high-volume, cost-sensitive customer touchpoints. This signals how enterprises are shipping AI-powered features at scale beyond tech.
The key facts
9 to knowMcDonald's deployed voice-ordering AI at 10 Chicago locations in 2021
McDonald's acquired Apprente in 2019 for voice conversational technology
Multiple QSR chains (McDonald's, Wendy's mentioned) now deploying chatbot drive-thru ordering
Use case: high-volume customer interaction automation in labor-constrained industry
McDonald's deployed AI voice-ordering at drive-thrus starting 2021
Initial deployment: 10 locations in Chicago
McDonald's acquired Apprente (voice/conversational AI startup) in 2019
Fast-food chains now broadly adopting similar technology
Use case: high-volume, cost-reduction play with consumer-facing AI
Go to the source
The Verge AItheverge.com
Publisher excerpt: This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more news about how AI is seeping into our daily lives, follow Emma Roth. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started In 2021, McDonald's…
