New technology is always being developed, and existing ones are constantly being evaluated and improved upon, especially in the business world. Not only can the evolution of business technologies assist an organization’s operations, but it can also help their efforts to attract and retain customers. The quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is no stranger to this, as evidenced by the latest technological innovation in the space: AI-powered customer service through order-taking at drive-thrus.
However, traditional small businesses trying to follow the QSR model often struggle to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology and properly implement it at their restaurants. This can result in negative reactions from customers and a lack of understanding from employees on how to use the technologies in the most effective manner. Those who franchise with established brands in the industry, like Golden Chick, have a better chance of reaping the benefits that come with using new innovations like this.
How Does AI Improve Service in the Restaurant Franchise Industry?
Restaurants everywhere are constantly searching for ways to improve their customer service and business operations to create a better customer experience and drive more revenue. AI in the restaurant industry has been a hot-button topic for a few years now, as restaurant owners and professionals debated whether it could truly make them more efficient. Recent developments have nearly put that debate to rest as versions of artificial intelligence in use at these businesses continue to become more accurate. However, some are still skeptical about how AI can improve their QSR’s customer service capabilities.
One of the best benefits of artificial intelligence is that it can be customized to better fit the needs of a business and its customers. For QSRs, the AI they utilize contains knowledge about their full menu, the prices for each item, and how it should greet the customer. When a customer approaches the drive-thru to place their order, the AI can take the order and submit it directly into whatever point-of-sale software it’s synced with. The supporting software paired with the AI can detect and remove background and echoing noise that could prevent the AI from picking up the customer’s voice and order.
How We’re Bringing AI-Powered Customer Service to Golden Chick Franchises
At Golden Chick, our brand is eager to bring these latest innovations to our chicken franchise locations to help boost the customer experience. As seen throughout the QSR industry in recent years, customers are placing greater value on the convenience factor when determining which of their favorite restaurants they prefer to purchase food from or dine at. Keeping up with new AI-powered technology geared at customer service is a key factor in this, which is why we are so determined to help our Golden Chick franchisees implement this tool it at their locations.
Our initial testing has shown both customers and employees, alike, have embraced this tool. Receiving a timely greeting, consistently suggestive selling, and verbal confirmation of the guest order has ensured order accuracy and increased speed of order taking at the drive-thru. Freeing up the cashier to focus on proper packaging and order accuracy is resulting in a less stressful transaction for both the guest and the staff.
Our plan is to pilot the AI order-taking functionality at select Golden Chick franchise locations while we test and optimize its performance. Once we feel comfortable with the results that it’s delivering, along with the feedback we receive about it from our franchisees and their customers who have tested it, Golden Chick will roll it out more globally to the rest of our franchises.
Reach out to us, and we’ll expand on how we support our franchisees with leading technology and the benefits it can provide to your Golden Chick franchise!
