The rumors were true. Taco Bell and KFC, two of the most beloved chains in the United States, have confirmed a decision that will change their customers' experience forever.
This week, Yum! Brands, the parent company of both brands, announced the incorporation of artificial intelligence technology in their restaurants. The plan is already underway and will affect 500 establishments across the country.
The goal is clear: improve speed, efficiency, and customer experience. How? By using AI agents that can take orders quickly and accurately, both at the drive-thru and in call centers.
KFC and Taco Bell: The Future That Arrives
To make this possible, Yum! Brands has partnered with Nvidia, one of the leading technology companies. Thanks to this collaboration, Taco Bell and KFC will integrate AI systems capable of understanding different voice patterns, adapting to accents, and handling complex menus without errors.
The innovation not only aims to streamline lines. It also seeks to make each interaction more natural. The new systems will be able to remember preferences, make personalized suggestions, and reduce common order errors.
But the improvements don't stop at customer service. Inside the kitchens, artificial intelligence will also play a leading role. It will be used to analyze the pace of orders in real-time, anticipate staffing needs, and optimize food preparation.
This way, Taco Bell and KFC kitchens will be more efficient, reducing wait times and waste. The idea is for each restaurant to function like a perfectly calibrated machine.
The implementation of this technology began in April and will continue until June 2025. After that, the expansion is expected to reach even more locations in the United States.
Yum! Brands explained that this investment in technology is part of their strategy for the future. They want to offer their franchisees modern tools that improve operations and, at the same time, maximize the return on their investments.
What Awaits KFC and Taco Bell Customers
For customers, the change will be noticeable: those who visit Taco Bell or KFC will notice that the drive-thrus will be faster. Also, order errors will be reduced. They may even receive recommendations for new products tailored to their tastes.
Additionally, call centers, used for large orders or catering, will also be partially managed by AI. This promises to streamline service and eliminate long wait times.
This move puts Taco Bell and KFC at the forefront in the fast-food world. Although other chains are also exploring the use of artificial intelligence, few have made such a determined and massive investment.
With this move, Yum! Brands makes it clear that the future of the industry lies in technology. And that both Taco Bell and KFC are determined to be protagonists of this new era.
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a thing for big tech companies. Now, it's also on the menu.