
Taco Bell revs up drive-thru AI deployment
Taco Bell is scaling its voice AI to nearly 900 locations as parent company Yum Brands continues its aggressive push into proprietary restaurant technology platforms.
McDonald's is a company in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 1969. 1,860 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher. - McDonald’s has linked its loyalty program with Uber to enhance customer engagement [[38c873]] - The company is targeting former pharmacy sites for new drive‑thru locations amid very low vacancy rates in growth markets [[120e48]] [[e86562]] - McDonald’s is testing two value‑menu formats—mix‑and‑match bundles versus preset combos—in roughly 1,900 U.S. restaurants, with a national rollout planned for early 2027 [[d7bb31]] - The firm plans to deploy AI‑powered ordering in all drive‑trus by 2027, potentially saving 50 weekly labor hours, though some franchisees question its appeal [[fad124]] - McDonald’s is rolling out a new entry‑level, value‑focused menu and digital promotion strategy to revive sluggish sales [[f448a1]] - The initiative is led by CEO Chris Kempczinski and CFO Ian Borden, and the company is expanding its specialty‑beverage platform to include Red Bull products [[f448a1]] Filed under Restaurants / Burger.
Also known as McDonald's USA

Taco Bell is scaling its voice AI to nearly 900 locations as parent company Yum Brands continues its aggressive push into proprietary restaurant technology platforms.

The global fast-food giant is launching a new collaboration featuring 10 collectible character toys and a digital interactive experience for its younger customers.

Strategic beverage program investments are shifting from bundled add-ons to high-margin assets as consumers show increased willingness to pay for premium fountain offerings.

The buffet franchise is launching a series of value deals for loyalty members, starting with discounted weekend breakfasts for children throughout July.

New data from Placer.ai shows QSR foot traffic dropped 4.4% in May, while full-service restaurants saw a slight uptick in visits.

Jollibee is expanding its core menu with new chicken nuggets available in four different sizes, aiming to capture more snack and group dining occasions.

Bryan Brown will help advance the fast food giant’s NEXT strategy, which includes restaurant redesigns and improved hospitality and employee experiences.

Franchise expert Scott Greenberg will host a webinar focused on the operational habits and performance metrics that drive success for high-earning franchise owners.

The Wendy's Company appoints Steve Cirulis as its new chief financial officer and chief strategy officer.

An overview of the essential legal components in a franchise agreement, designed to help prospective franchisees navigate terms, durations, and brand protections.

Jobin Mathai left McDonald's to own a Right at Home franchise

Restaurant chains see 4% decline in real dollar sales since 2021

As inflation divides consumer spending, QSR brands are pivoting loyalty strategies toward AI-driven friction reduction rather than simple discounting for low-income diners.

The brand is preparing for scalable growth with a new store prototype as more consumers opt for bagels for breakfast and beyond.

New consumer data indicates that nearly half of diners would switch restaurant brands for high-protein options, prompting major chains like McDonald's and Arby's to update their menus.

The frozen custard chain is entering the competitive beverage market with 'Freddy’s Bevies,' a new line of dirty sodas and premium teas to drive afternoon traffic.

Gabriel Vesci first came across Paris Baguette in an unexpectedly personal way.

The burger giant has appointed the former Potbelly executive to lead its financial and strategy functions following the termination of its previous CFO.

The Yum Brands chain has introduced a gamified rewards program and soccer-themed marketing campaign offering exclusive merchandise and food rewards.

Industry data suggests a shift toward fundamental economic discipline as restaurant operators face declining same-store sales and traffic despite projected industry-wide growth.

The fast-food giant has named Ashli Nelson as Vice President of U.S. State & Local Government Relations, following her recent leadership in franchisee sourcing and recruitment.

Jorge Salvat, CEO of Another Broken Egg Cafe, shares his experience in franchising, having worked in major franchise systems as both a franchisor and a franchisor.
Former McDonald's operator Gabriel Vesci has opened a Paris Baguette in Thousand Oaks, marking the first of several planned Southern California locations.

Major restaurant chains including McDonald’s and Auntie Anne’s are launching soccer-themed menu items and bundles to capitalize on the 2026 tournament's massive North American audience.