● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
Starbucks plans AI-powered personalized drive-thru menus and order assistance
Key points
- Starbucks will explore personalized digital menus at drive-thrus.
- AI will recognize customers and present tailored menus.
- Background AI models will be tested by 2027 for barista order input.
- AI integration is also planned for the Starbucks app and future ordering.
Personalized Drive-Thru Experience
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol stated the company will explore using AI to create personalized digital menus at drive-thrus. This system would recognize participating customers upon arrival and present customized menu options, aiming to make the payment process more efficient.
Industry Trend in AI Drive-Thrus
This initiative is similar to technologies being explored by other fast-food chains. Taco Bell is experimenting with digital menu boards that adapt content and visuals on a per-car basis, while McDonald's is piloting an AI-powered chatbot, "ArchIQ," to identify repeat customers and suggest their usual orders at drive-thrus.
AI for Operational Efficiency
Beyond customer-facing personalization, Starbucks will begin testing background AI models at drive-thrus starting in 2027. These models are intended to assist baristas in inputting orders more accurately and efficiently. The company also plans to integrate AI into the Starbucks app's search and discovery features, with potential for conversational ordering in the future.
Existing AI Implementations
Starbucks has already introduced AI in other areas, including allowing customers to place orders through ChatGPT. Additionally, the company rolled out "Green Dot Assist," an AI-powered tool for employees to access information on recipes and service standards.
Future Outlook
The timeline for personalized digital menu boards at Starbucks is still in early stages. Niccol indicated that the company will test, learn, and scale successful implementations, suggesting a phased rollout for these AI-driven features.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Starbucks announced plans to implement AI for personalized digital menus at drive-thrus, aiming to recognize customers and tailor offerings. The company will also test AI models by 2027 to improve order accuracy and efficiency for baristas.