Yum Brands to Lean Into AI Ordering

The QSR chain tapped Nvidia for assistance building the digital channels.

March 20, 2025

Yum Brands, owner of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC and Habit Burger & Grill, is partnering with Nvidia to build out a range of new AI-driven services in its restaurants, reported the Wall Street Journal.

“The first AI-powered voice-ordering at the drive-through lane and on the phone was built by Yum’s developers using tools and development frameworks from Nvidia, and will begin rolling out at 500 restaurants across the portfolio in the second quarter of this year,” wrote the outlet.

The ultimate goal is reportedly to move all orders through digital channels instead of human order-takers, an effort Yum said will boost sales. Yum will also use AI to enhance a number of the company’s internal operations.

According to QSR Magazine, the AI will also enhance computer vision, which includes AI-powered cameras and real-time analytics to improve drive-thru speed, order accuracy and labor management. The tech will provide instant alerts and recommendations for employees.

“Yum will use AI analytics to evaluate restaurant performance and provide tailored recommendations for managers. Additionally, the technology will analyze best practices from high-performing locations and apply insights across the system. The AI technology built with NVIDIA’s software will be proprietary to Yum, giving it full ownership to customize and evolve its tech stack,” wrote QSR Magazine.

Yum maintains that in-restaurant workers won’t disappear, instead, they will focus more on customer service, for instance, helping people with orders.

The announcement comes at a time when many QSR restaurants are implementing more AI usage in stores. Earlier this month, NACS Daily reported that McDonald's is giving its 43,000 restaurants a technology makeover, starting with internet-connected kitchen equipment, artificial intelligence-enabled drive-throughs and AI-powered tools for managers.

McDonald's is also reportedly exploring the use of computer vision, the form of AI behind facial recognition, in store-mounted cameras to determine whether orders are accurate before they’re handed to customers.