Dairy Queen Drive-Thrus Add AI Chatbot
▼ Summary
– Dairy Queen is introducing an AI chatbot to drive-thrus at select locations in the US and Canada to speed up service and increase order sizes.
– The technology is provided by Presto, a company that also serves other chains like Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s.
– A 2023 report indicated Presto’s AI drive-thrus may receive assistance from remote human workers in places like the Philippines.
– According to reports, the Presto chatbot correctly processes orders approximately 90% of the time.
– A company executive stated the AI was tested successfully during a high-demand promotion for free ice cream cones.
The fast food industry is accelerating its adoption of artificial intelligence, with Dairy Queen now joining the trend. The chain is deploying an AI-powered chatbot at drive-thru windows in numerous locations across the United States and Canada. This strategic move, developed in partnership with technology provider Presto, is designed to streamline service and subtly increase average order size by suggesting additional items to customers.
This expansion follows a successful pilot program conducted last year. Presto, whose technology is already operational at brands including Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, and Fazoli’s, provides the underlying system. Notably, a 2023 report indicated that Presto’s AI drive-thru systems may receive remote support from human workers located internationally, ensuring complex orders are handled correctly.
According to performance data, the Presto chatbot currently achieves approximately 90% order accuracy. Dairy Queen leadership has expressed confidence in the system’s reliability, even under high-pressure conditions. Kevin Baartman, the chain’s executive vice president of IT, highlighted that during a promotional day offering free ice cream cones, the AI efficiently managed long lines of vehicles without any decline in performance.
Dairy Queen has not released a specific list of participating restaurants, stating only that the AI chatbot rollout will occur at a curated group of franchise locations in both countries. This measured approach allows the company to refine the technology based on real-world customer interactions and operational feedback before considering a broader national implementation.
(Source: The Verge)
