For years, artificial intelligence has been heralded as the tool of the future.
And while it may be the most revolutionary tool since the internet, its early applications often fell short of expectations. We all remember the early days of AI. Our feeds were littered with memes of funny natural language processing errors and fear-inducing editorials surrounding widespread job displacement.
However, the narrative is changing. Businesses are no longer questioning whether to embrace AI but rather how to best implement it to unlock its full potential.
Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are uniquely positioned to benefit from AI’s many capabilities. AI can predict customer preferences, streamline kitchen operations, and optimize supply chains much better than humans can, and its precision and scalability make it an ideal partner in a fast-paced sector.
Though these advancements became seemingly commonplace in 2024, the pace of change is set to accelerate in 2025.
Here at EMERGING, our extensive network and expertise in the food and beverage space keep us at the forefront. Since our inception, we’ve helped numerous restaurant owners and operators find ways to unlock the value of AI and other restaurant technology.
Now, we want to look forward to 2025 and see just how AI will reshape every aspect of the QSR industry, so you can stay ahead of the curve as well.
The Current Outlook
Quick-service restaurant owners are dealing with quite a bit right now.
The labor shortage hasn’t gone away, forcing operators to do more with fewer hands, and operational inefficiencies in both food preparation and customer service are more prevalent than ever. That is no understatement, especially in an industry where speed is one of the main competitive variables.
Meanwhile, many restaurant owners are still feeling the ripple effects of COVID-19’s global supply chain disruptions, which made sourcing and inventory management unpredictable. To make matters worse, the average customer expects faster service and increasingly personalized offerings.
Luckily, this high-pressure environment has created diamonds in AI-driven restech. Each day, there are more and more solutions popping up across the market, which work to leverage AI’s capabilities for QSRs.
AI-Driven Solutions for QSRs in 2025
Smart Order Management Systems
One of the most evident AI-powered tools we expect to see grow in 2025 is the order management system.
Voice and text ordering, like that of VoicePlug AI, can integrate with omnichannel platforms and allow customers to place orders through mobile apps, kiosks, or virtual assistants. These types of systems are quick and intuitive and are designed to eliminate friction in the ordering process, reducing labor costs per order by around 50-75%.
Along with clearer customer-facing technology, owners and operators will be able to take greater advantage of predictive analytics. Consumers want deals and personalization, and AI-driven insights can help restaurants suggest tailored menu options to those who are willing to provide their data.
Automation is another key benefit to look out for, especially for restaurants that have had issues with operational accuracy. Put simply, robots make fewer mistakes. By minimizing human error during order processing and fulfillment, restaurants can run more efficiently with better customer service.
Advanced Robotics for Food Preparation
The kitchens of tomorrow may start to look like those that Disney predicted in the late 1950s, with advanced robotics leading the charge for quick-service restaurants. In 2024, we saw semiautonomous kitchen assistants, like Flippy from Miso Robotics, reshape how food is prepared.
Innovations like these will allow restaurants to produce high-quality meals every time while showcasing just how powerful this cutting-edge technology is in action.
Better yet, these kinds of robotics systems help reduce food waste using precise portioning, all while empowering employees by taking over repetitive, time-consuming tasks like frying, grilling, or assembling. As a result, staff can focus on areas that require a human touch, such as customer interaction.
Supply Chain Optimization
On the back end of restaurants, artificial intelligence will continue to transform how supply chain management functions. With real-time inventory tracking and predictive restocking systems, restaurants can maintain optimal stock levels and prevent shortages or overstocking.
With data from across the supply chain, AI can anticipate demand and provide solutions that minimize food waste and maintain the perfect amount of supply.
Leading examples, such as McDonald’s integration of Dynamic Yield technology, show just what level of potential AI can have. McDonald’s plans to deploy dynamic AI technology to adjust menu offerings based on stock levels, customer preferences, and environmental factors, connecting inventory management to customer-facing platforms.
While this might seem like a big step forward for McDonald’s in terms of profit maximization and waste reduction, it’s also a chance for quick-service restaurants of all shapes and sizes to reimagine how they can avoid shortages by promoting items based on supply availability.
Personalized Customer Experiences
Lastly, AI is also set to continue revolutionizing how quick-service restaurants deliver personalized customer interactions.
Loyalty programs, like Starbucks Rewards, use AI to analyze purchase behavior and shopping habits to offer tailored deals. For instance, a morning cold brew customer might receive an afternoon promotion for a free drink, or a dormant customer might get bonus rewards to encourage a return visit.
These hyper-personalized incentives not only boost sales but also foster deep customer loyalty.
Facial recognition technology is also set to revolutionize customer service. Platforms like FaceMe SDK offer personalized greetings, VIP treatment, and seamless payment experiences through kiosk or payment system integration.
Of course, AI chatbots and virtual assistants have already made waves in the quick-service industry, as we’ve seen with Domino’s Pizza. Their chatbot, aptly named Dom, provides personalized recommendations, tracks orders, and simplifies the purchasing process, making the entire process fast and intuitive.
The Strategic Benefits of AI Adoption for QSRs
We do not doubt that AI will continue to redefine the quick-service restaurant industry, offering greater operational efficiency and scalability than ever before. In a crowded market, AI provides a critical edge, allowing QSRs to differentiate themselves and operate with greater consistency. EMERGING is uniquely positioned to help operators harness the full potential of AI this coming year. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can provide you with access to cutting-edge AI solutions, strategic resources, and a network of industry-leading experts ready to accelerate your success.
