Over the past year, the drive-thru has become one of the most dynamic testing grounds for AI adoption. Major QSR brands and franchise operators are embracing drive-thru AI Order Takers, motivated by measurable gains in throughput, check size, labor efficiency, and employee retention.

But according to Hi Auto, the most meaningful change is operational and experiential. “The drive-thru AI Order Taker simplifies and standardizes the entire drive-thru experience,” said Roy Baharav, CEO and co-founder at Hi Auto. “Guests receive clear communication and consistent service no matter which lane or location they visit. The right AI system can even support loyalty programs and help create more personalized experiences.”

This focus on the guest side of the equation reflects how AI has evolved from a cost-saving tool into a key driver of brand consistency and satisfaction.

Smarter Buying Decisions for a Complex Market

Hi Auto’s Buyer’s Guide for QSRs was developed to bring clarity to what has quickly become a crowded and complex market. The guide breaks down the essential features, technologies, and enterprise capabilities that restaurant decision-makers should consider before investing in drive-thru AI.

From speech recognition quality to POS integration and vendor reliability, the guide offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating solutions. A dedicated Evaluation Matrix allows operators to compare systems side by side to highlight how each vendor performs on factors like accuracy, scalability, and long-term support.

Each section walks decision-makers through what it takes to choose an AI Order Taker that can scale reliably across dozens or even hundreds of locations, a key challenge for national and global brands.

The Technology Challenge: AI That Can Hear Through the Noise

Few environments are as acoustically difficult as the drive-thru. Between engine noise, multiple passengers, and overlapping voices, even advanced AI systems can struggle to maintain accuracy.

Hi Auto’s guide identifies two metrics as critical for success: completion rate (the percentage of orders completed without human intervention) and accuracy (the number of orders captured correctly down to every customization).

According to Hi Auto, a truly capable AI Order Taker must complete at least 90% of orders independently and reach or exceed 95% accuracy, the benchmark achieved by human order-takers.

Scaling Success: Why Hybrid Systems Lead the Pack

The guide also calls attention to a common pitfall: performance drop-off at scale. AI systems that perform well in one or two pilot locations often fail to maintain consistency across a large footprint.

To address this, Hi Auto underscores the advantage of hybrid systems that combine AI with real-time human assistance when needed.

The Emerging QSR Experiences Study 2025 by Intouch Insight found that fully automated systems at two national chains achieved only 67% and 70% completion rates. By contrast, a hybrid approach (like the one used by Bojangles) delivered a 97% completion rate, improving both guest experience and ROI.

“Maintaining both high accuracy and completion rate is essential if an AI Order Taker is going to meaningfully improve revenue and reduce costs,” said Eyal Shapira, CTO and co-founder at Hi Auto. “A fully automated solution might look cheaper upfront, but the cost of errors can quickly outweigh any savings.”

Enterprise Considerations and Vendor Selection

Hi Auto’s Buyer’s Guide also examines what it takes to deploy AI at scale within large franchise systems. It outlines the importance of enterprise-grade capabilities such as:

• Integration with POS and digital menu boards
• Franchise-level customization for LTOs and regional menus
• Centralized performance dashboards and access controls
• Real-time analytics for actionable operational insights

Equally important, the guide urges QSR leaders to evaluate vendors based on their reliability and long-term commitment to innovation. A credible partner should have proven scalability, strong customer support, and a clear vision for evolving their AI product as restaurant needs grow.

Shaping the Future of AI-Powered Drive-Thrus

As AI moves deeper into frontline operations, the drive-thru may well become the most visible proof point of how technology can elevate, not replace, human service. Hi Auto’s Buyer’s Guide arrives at a pivotal moment, offering QSR leaders the clarity and criteria they need to separate hype from real performance and make choices that sustain both brand trust and customer satisfaction.