Big Change Could Be Coming to All Wendy’s in Maine, New Hampshire & Massachusetts

Like all industries, the business of fast food is always changing.

It was just a few decades ago that burgers were packed in styrofoam, every fast food chain had an enormous size option and the apple pies were all deep fried.  Most chains have done away with those things in favor of environmentally friendly packaging and healthier options.

Many of the more recent, and more noticeable, changes that we have seen in the fast food business have been brought on by computer technology.  Drive-thru video screens that allow us to make sure our order is correct and kiosks that allow us to place an order without speaking to an employee.

Now, it looks like drive-thrus at Wendy's restaurants will make a huge leap forward thanks to artificial intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence Drive-Thrus at Wendy's Restaurants

According to an article in People magazine, Wendy's first started testing out using an AI-powered drive-through interface in 2023.  The project was a collaboration with Google Cloud and the system has been named 'FreshAI'.

Apparently, the system has worked so well at the 100 test restaurants that they are planning a wider rollout in 2025.

In a mid-February 4th quarter earnings call, the company CEO explained that they plan to have the system installed at between 500 and 600 locations by the end of 2025.  The Wendy's chain currently has just under 7,200 restaurants.

While some of the people we have asked about the possibility that the AI system could be coming to their local Wendy's were excited, many had reservations.  A lot of the people we asked were concerned about the accuracy of the artificial intelligence at taking orders.  Others were concerned about the job security of people who typically work the drive-thru at their local Wendy's.

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