Will Sioux Falls Wendy’s Use AI Tech in the Drive-Thru?

Instead of "Where's the beef?" it could be the beginning of "Where's the love?" Wendy's, the American fast-food chain famous for hamburgers, is testing AI-powered drive-thru's in nearly 600 locations across the country.

Simply put, this means that there wouldn't be human interaction while placing an order from your vehicle.

The beloved hamburger chain's CEO Kirk Tanner broke the news in an earning call earlier this week. AI stands for artificial intelligence and is being tested not only at Wendy's but at McDonalds, Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, Taco Bell, and many others, according to Restaurant Business Online.

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The specific locations of Wendy's that will be using AI have not been revealed—at least not at the time of this writing. We're waiting to see if any of the Sioux Falls locations will join the AI revolution.

“It gives customers the opportunity to build their orders. It understands what to ask for and the accuracy is definitely improving.” ~ Wendy's CEO, Kirk Tanner

People seemed to be divided on the decision to use FreshAI - a Google-based program - in internet posts.

Some of the comments on Reddit include, "Have you ever used one of the AI ordering things? They suck so badly. You could be ordering a cheeseburger and sprite and somehow it turns into 10 milkshakes with extra mustard!"

"Sad to say this but AI drive-thru is way better than with real people."

"Had this happen at taco bell a few days ago. Had to ask for a real person because the damn thing couldn't understand me (average midwesterner). Nobody answered."

But the optimistic CEO of Wendy's has high hopes for the technology saying, "We have a lot of confidence. It’s definitely cutting edge.”

On a side note, the long-standing Wendy's on the corner of 41st and Louise permanently shut down allowing for the bird-flipping-guitar playin'-singing man to entertain traffic.