Papa Johns Introduces AI Ordering Assistant to Streamline App Experience

Papa Johns is taking another step in its digital transformation, rolling out a new AI-powered ordering tool to help guests decide what to order.

On Tuesday, the pizza giant unveiled Lou AI, a digital assistant within its mobile app. The tool is meant to streamline the ordering process via personalization and real-time recommendations.

Customers begin by inputting basic details about their preferences. Lou AI then generates a curated order, factoring in variety, portion sizing, and menu combinations. The digital assistant is designed to guide guests toward a final order without extensive back-and-forth.

“Let’s say you’re hosting your kid’s birthday party – the first order of business is always pizza,” Kevin Vasconi, chief digital and technology officer, said in a statement. “You want everyone to be happy, but how do you land on that perfect order? Lou AI is designed to take away this friction — so families and friends can spend less time deciding and more time enjoying being together.”

Lou AI (named after Papa Johns’ former Louisville HQ) was built using Google Cloud’s Food Ordering agent.

Papa Johns first revealed its partnership with Google Cloud in April 2025. The objective is to deploy AI across ordering, marketing, and restaurant operations, and create a more personalized and frictionless guest experience. The movement is supported by the PJX innovation team, which is using data and machine learning to anticipate customer needs, deliver tailored promotions, and streamline processes like ordering, customer service, and delivery.

“At Papa Johns, we’re using AI and personalization to bring back the feeling of being known – just like how you feel with your favorite bartender or barista,” Vasconi said.

The launch reflects a larger trend across quick service, where brands are investing in AI and automation to improve both convenience and personalization. Earlier this month, Starbucks and Little Caesars both announced ordering via ChatGPT.

The new technology comes amid an unclear future for Papa Johns. The pizza giant has reportedly been fielding acquisition offers, including a recent one from Irth Capital Management, which is backed by the Qatar royal family. Sources told Reuters that investors believe a deal could be reached ahead of Papa Johns’ Q1 earnings call on May 7.