Employee and consumer concerns over AI inaccuracy and inefficiency have proven true at some restaurant chains. Viral social media posts show AI drive-thru systems failing to handle orders. AI-generated menu images have looked unappetizing and drawn pushback. Starbucks ditched its AI inventory system after nine months due to miscounts. McDonald’s ended its IBM order-taking partnership in 2024 after poor performance. McDonald’s is now testing Google-powered drive-thru AI at five U.S. locations. It also plans to deploy ArchIQ for drive-thru voice AI and inventory tracking. Deloitte found 48% of restaurant executives worry about AI risk. 20% cited intellectual property issues and 16% cited misuse of customer data. Over half of Americans fear AI job displacement. AI tools have required human intervention, frustrating employees. Restaurants are not abandoning AI despite the risks. 63% of restaurants use AI daily for customer experience. 80% of restaurant executives plan to increase AI investment next year. Demand forecasting and inventory management tools have seen the least pushback. Experts advise starting small with AI and involving employees early.

• 48% of restaurant executives concerned about AI risk
• 52% of Americans more concerned than excited about AI
• 63% of restaurants use AI daily for customer experience
• 80% of restaurant executives plan to increase AI investment