Technology

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    Kevin Frayer via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s connects loyalty program with Uber

    The fast food chain’s integrations with Uber build on the restaurant’s plans to expand its loyalty program to build more frequency with members.

    By Bryan Wassel • Nov. 9, 2026
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    smallhandscreative.com

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    Sponsored by Toast

    How to choose restaurant AI tools: What operators prioritize in 2026

    Five things to look for in a restaurant AI tool, plus prompts operators can use mid-shift.

    By Tessa Zuluaga • Nov. 9, 2026
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    Courtesy of SevenRooms
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    Trendline

    How AI is shaping the restaurant industry

    Automated technology can transform restaurant systems and relieve pressure from rising operating costs, opening up new opportunities for chains looking to sharpen their value proposition. 

    By Restaurant Dive staff
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    Ceri Breeze via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s aims for nationwide drive-thru AI in 2027

    The fast food giant says the automated ordering system could save 50 weekly labor hours, but some franchisees are unsure if the technology is something customers want or if it can improve hospitality.

    By • Nov. 5, 2026
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    Courtesy of Starbucks
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    Starbucks puts greater personalization on the menu for 2027

    Service times are on target, stores feel warmer and executives want to elevate the app and drive-thru experiences with personalization and AI.

    By Bryan Wassel • Nov. 3, 2026
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    Courtesy of Yum! Brands
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    Taco Bell’s winning streak ends, KFC’s turnaround continues

    Yum Brands hopes continued marketing magic at Taco Bell, menu investments at KFC and overall tech improvements will result in strong sales growth.

    By • Nov. 3, 2026
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    Unisys via AI

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    Sponsored by Unisys

    Restaurant technology has its own rush hour

    See how quick-service brands detect, understand, and resolve tech issues before crew or guests notice, at every location and every shift.

    By Alan Shen, Chief Architect • Nov. 2, 2026
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    FG Trade via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by Toast

    How restaurant and hotel brands are unlocking 10%+ revenue growth with handheld POS technology

    From streamlining ordering to delivering flexible payment experiences, handheld POS technology is boosting CX and operational efficiency.

    Nov. 2, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    FTC, states sue Toast over fees

    The agency and eight states allege that the point-of-sale services provider charges its restaurant clients and their customers hidden fees.

    By Justin Bachman • Updated Oct. 30, 2026
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    Smallhands Creative

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    Sponsored by Toast Inc.

    How restaurant operators turn real-time AI insights into action during peak service

    AI is showing up in the thick of service. Discover where operators are finding key opportunities.

    By Maya Rollings • Oct. 26, 2026
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    Permission granted by Bojangles
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    Bojangles will bring voice AI to 100 more drive-thrus

    Hi Auto’s voice ordering tech processes 1 million orders a week across 500 Bojangles restaurants with 98% accuracy, the chain said.

    By • Oct. 22, 2026
  • Olo founder Noah Glass on Olo's first day of trading
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    Permission granted by Olo
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    Olo wants to kill delivery commissions

    The restaurant software company’s CEO says its new app can bring delivery to consumers for less, while avoiding exorbitant commission rates for restaurants.

    By • Oct. 21, 2026
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    Smallhands Creative

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    Sponsored by Toast Inc.

    How restaurant managers use AI: Findings from Toast IQ data

    See how restaurant managers use AI to protect margins and make real-time decisions at peak service.

    By Maya Rollings • Oct. 19, 2026
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    Permission granted by Fatburger
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    Fatburger launches first rewards program

    Members earn points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases and receive $5 discounts for every 75 points accrued, a strategy that could help boost sales and frequency.

    By • Oct. 9, 2026
  • A person taps on a touch screen monitor that has a chatbot on it. The person is in a restaurant and wearing an apron.
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    Getty Images
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    Why restaurants face pushback, risk when integrating AI tools

    Employee and consumer concerns over inaccuracy and inefficiency have proven true at some chains, so operators must slow-roll AI tools to ensure they solve more problems than they create, experts said. 

    By Danielle McLean • Oct. 7, 2026
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    Courtesy of Kura Sushi
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    Kura Sushi adds tiers to loyalty program

    The sushi chain joins a growing list of brands, including Charleys, Panera and Tropical Smoothie Cafe, to adopt the model alongside flexible rewards. 

    By • Oct. 7, 2026
  • A potograph of a group of people walking through a convention hallway. Signs say National Restuanat Association Show
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    Courtesy of National Restaurant Association Show
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    Restaurant industry events to attend in 2027

    Next year will be jam-packed with restaurant conferences and trade shows that will cover key topics for the sector, ranging from franchising and menu development to economic forecasts.

    By Restaurant Dive Staff • Oct. 6, 2026
  • A photograph of a digital menu board at McDonald's with various meal options.
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    Julie Littman/Restaurant Dive
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    McDonald’s disputes reports that it uses AI to set prices

    The chain provides franchisees with tools, resources and recommendations for pricing, but operators ultimately make menu price decisions. 

    By • Oct. 5, 2026
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    Permission granted by DoorDash
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    DoorDash overhauls operating system for restaurants to deepen consumer relationships

    The delivery giant is tying together customer data from a variety of ordering channels in a move it says can increase sales and frequency.

    By • Oct. 1, 2026
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    Permission granted by McDonald's
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    Inside McDonald’s ambitious plans to upgrade its menu, technology, and restaurants

    The fast food chain wants to be a first-choice restaurant, and will invest across its system to solidify that position over the next decade.

    By • Sept. 29, 2026
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    Permission granted by Grubhub
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    Grubhub tests rewards to boost dine-in traffic in NYC, Chicago

    Customers will be able to choose from three personalized weekly rewards to use at partner restaurants and then receive Grubhub credits.

    By • Sept. 29, 2026
  • A photograph of a red and yellow sign with a giant yellow "M" above a red box that says "McDonald's Billions Served."
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    3 Big Numbers: How McDonald’s is investing in its Next playbook

    The Golden Arches is targeting 250 basis points in restaurant-level efficiency gains, backed by major investments in equipment and processes. 

    By • Sept. 28, 2026
  • Camera on a tripod stands in a stone-arched corridor, aimed at a bright stained-glass window; plaques line the walls in a quiet setting.
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    Permission granted by Sevan Mulit-Site Solutions
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    Sponsored by Sevan Multi-Site Solutions

    The hidden liability of an outdated building: Why restaurants and retailers are digitizing their real estate portfolios

    Outdated building records are costing retailers millions. Reality capture ends the guesswork.

    By Nick Peters, SVP Operations, Sevan Multi-Site Solutions • Sept. 28, 2026
  • A dawn image of a McDonald's drive-thru. At the foreground is an exit sign and there is a car in the background waiting in line.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    How McDonald’s plans to reactivate 150M infrequent loyalty guests

    The Golden Arches will add rewards tiers, tie-ups with other major brands and increased personalization to its loyalty system.

    By • Sept. 25, 2026
  • A photograph of a red and yellow sign with a giant yellow "M" above a red box that says "McDonald's Billions Served."
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s turns to AI for drive-thru, inventory management, order accuracy

    McDonald’s will roll out ArchIQ, an artificial intelligence platform to power restaurant operations, as part of its Next strategy.

    By • Sept. 25, 2026
  • An image of the exterior of KFC's experimental Open House unit
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    Courtesy of KFC
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    KFC tests breakfast and table service at new restaurant

    The chain wants to offer fast casual service for QSR prices at an experimental unit designed for maximum sales volume, rather than for efficiency.

    By • Sept. 24, 2026