Tech
The latest report from the National Restaurant Association (NRA) shows that more than a quarter of restaurant operators are already using AI-related tools, with marketing being the most common application. Although AI ordering has not yet become widespread, consumer acceptance of AI ordering is rising, especially among younger groups. Operators continue to increase technology investment to cope with cost pressures, and giants like Yum Brands and McDonald's are also advancing their AI strategies.
Murphy USA announced on Thursday that it will pilot an automated food platform developed by Automated Retail Technologies at select large stores, initially offering White Castle food. Customers can order via touchscreen and receive their food in about two minutes. This initiative aims to test demand for freshly prepared convenience food in compact spaces, but the company did not disclose the number of specific stores.
Cava reported a 9.0% increase in same-restaurant sales and 5.3% guest traffic growth in Q2 2026, beating Wall Street expectations despite a marketing spend of just over 1% of revenue. CEO Brett Schulman highlighted the success of the Mediterranean Summer Supper Series with Airbnb. In an interview, SVP Nitya Madhavan discusses efficient marketing tactics, creator partnerships, social channel evolution, loyalty program enhancements, and a cautious approach to AI in creative work.
Wendy's new CEO Bob Wright is spearheading a turnaround that emphasizes consistent customer experience and digital enhancements. In Q2 2026, U.S. same-restaurant sales fell 7%, but customer satisfaction improved. Wright plans to leverage his Potbelly experience to address operational gaps and invest in technology.
Restaurant software and payment company Toast is using AI tools to take over restaurant operations. Its first AI product, Toast IQ Grow, has been expected to reach $10 million in annual revenue since its launch in May. The company's CEO stated that more "agentic products" will be introduced, covering scenarios such as demand forecasting, scheduling, and tax.
Restaurant operators often make slow decisions due to scattered data and cumbersome reports. Craftable has launched an AI assistant, Crafti, which provides conversational insights from cost diagnosis to menu optimization based on real operational data, and enhances trust through transparent, traceable methods.