Meet “Darn-ell,” Casey’s new “AI-powered coffee connoisseur and a darn good roaster.” To help promote Casey’s all-new Darn Good Coffee, the retailer launched the AI chat bot, which “roasts” customers and gives them a coffee recommendation, according to a press release. The retailer is also offering one customer the chance to win free Darn Good Coffee for a year by interacting with Darn-ell.
“Listen up, coffee enthusiasts! My name is Darn-ell, and I’m not your average Joe. … I’ll be using my generative AI capabilities to serve up personalized, playful roasts and coffee recommendations to help guests have some fun and learn all about Casey’s delicious coffee blends,” Darn-ell said. “Whether it’s for your favorite coworker, a friend or even your boss, I’m here to brew the perfect roast with a touch of Midwestern niceness.”
An example of what Dar-nell may say includes:
“Your colleague has more energy than a squirrel on a sugar high, but let’s be real—they're like Casey’s Light Roast: bright and perky, but still leaves you wondering if you should’ve gone with something stronger. Keep it up, buddy, but don’t burnout before lunch!”
Casey’s also said that Darn-ell will be “randomly tossing out redemption codes for free coffee daily.”
“We are thrilled to introduce ‘Darn-ell’ to our fans and guests, our innovative AI-powered coffee connoisseur, who’s here to help you roast with the best—Casey’s Darn Good coffee. By combining this technology with our passion for exceptional coffee, we’re continuing to redefine what it means to enjoy a cup at Casey’s—one delightful roast at a time,” said Tom Brennan, Casey’s chief merchandising officer.
In January, Casey’s debuted its eight new Darn Good Coffee blends, available in both hot and iced options.
Keep an eye out for the April issue of NACS Magazine, which will feature exclusive ways that Casey’s is using AI in its operations.