Fast food giant Yum! Brands, which operates KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit Burger Grill, is significantly increasing its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies across its operations.
About 45% of Yum’s sales are now digital, nearly double the level in 2019.
“Our vision of [quick-service restaurants] is that an AI-first mentality works every step of the way,” chief digital and technology manager Joe Park said. “If you think about the major journeys within a restaurant that can be AI-powered, we believe it’s endless.”
The company’s chief digital officer says their vision is for an “AI-first mentality” to power every step of the customer experience.
With minimum wage laws rising, most restaurant operators are turning to AI to cut costs and boost sales.
For Yum, AI aims to not just enhance the customer experience but goes beyond that.
The company is testing generative AI in its SuperApp manager tool to help with tasks like setting oven temperatures.
While some worry about job losses, Yum indicates its employees will still play a critical role, even as it uses franchise fees to fund AI investments.
