Most historic Romans didn’t have useful kitchens.
That’s as a result of atypical Romans, often known as plebs, normally lived in flats.
As you may think about, the chance of fireside again then was too nice for plebs to have far more than a small brazier of their quarters. So as a substitute of cooking, they went to locations referred to as thermpolia to order widespread meals from a counter.
Thus, quick meals was born.
Over the next centuries, quick meals distributors have sought out the newest expertise to assist them produce meals cheaper and sooner.
From advances in kitchen expertise like refrigeration, to revolutionary concepts just like the Automat, which allotted pre-prepared choices to prospects at reasonably priced costs…
Supply: Getty Pictures
To brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald, who helped invent new merchandise and processes to hurry up making hamburgers…
Supply: Wikicommons
Expertise advances and quick meals have all the time gone hand in hand.
However at the moment a stunning expertise shift is occurring on this sector. AI, automation and data-driven decision-making are shortly reworking the quick meals business.
And this time, it’s not nearly making burgers sooner.
It’s about utilizing expertise to make each a part of the quick meals expertise extra environment friendly, extra worthwhile and much more customized.
AI-Powered Pleased Meals
In case you’ve not too long ago felt like a drive-thru order taker knew precisely what you needed earlier than you even stated it, you may not be imagining issues.
Main quick meals chains, together with McDonald’s and Taco Bell, are utilizing AI-powered programs to foretell and recommend orders.
These programs analyze the time of day, the climate and even what you’ve ordered earlier than to suggest objects you’re more than likely to purchase.
For instance, McDonald’s has been rolling out AI-driven menu boards that change in actual time based mostly on buyer demand.
If it’s scorching outdoors, you would possibly see extra chilly drinks and ice cream promoted.
If it’s the morning rush, breakfast combos is likely to be proven first.
The purpose right here is to softly push you towards selections that improve gross sales and hold traces shifting.
This might sound somewhat sneaky, however it’s not practically as controversial as one other use of AI the quick meals business is contemplating.
I’m speaking about dynamic pricing.
Identical to airways and ride-sharing apps modify fares based mostly on peak instances, quick meals chains are experimenting with costs that may change in actual time…
So the price of your meal might range based mostly on components like location, demand or your previous spending habits.
Think about pulling as much as a drive-thru and seeing a distinct value than the automobile in entrance of you.
In case you’re satisfied that would by no means occur, I’ve dangerous information for you…
As a result of AI-driven pricing is already being examined in some markets.
Corporations argue that this enables them to optimize earnings whereas nonetheless providing offers to prospects who’re extra price-sensitive.
Personally, I consider the ethics of this are up for debate.
However what’s not up for debate is how briskly issues are altering in quick meals kitchens across the nation.
Robotic Kitchens
Restaurant house owners at the moment are coping with employee shortages and rising wages. That’s one purpose why we’re seeing self-ordering kiosks exhibiting up in all places. And as we’ve mentioned earlier than, drone supply is growing as nicely.
These new applied sciences may also help house owners lower your expenses.
They will additionally make repetitive duties simpler, which is why we’re seeing an enormous expertise shift within the kitchen.
In some places, human cooks are both being assisted or outright changed by robots.
Corporations like Miso Robotics have developed kitchen assistants like Flippy, a robotic arm that may flip burgers and fry meals with exceptional precision.
Supply: Miso Robotics
Naturally, Flippy doesn’t get drained and ensures each order is identical.
Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) can be utilizing loads of automation. This yr, it launched a robotic that may peel, pit and chop avocados.
And the funding appears to be working. Visits at one California location utilizing the machine had been 10% greater than the common Chipotle within the space.
Based on Placer.ai, prospects at that location acquired their meals sooner, with 43.9% of visits lasting 10 minutes or much less in contrast with 37.5% at different shops within the space.
Different chains are experimenting with totally automated kitchens.
Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) acquired Spyce, a Boston-based restaurant, that makes use of robotic cooks to organize meals from begin to end, chopping labor prices and rushing up service.
And in 2023 Sweetgreen opened Infinite Kitchen, the corporate’s first robotic restaurant, in Naperville, IL.
The remainder of the quick meals business is watching carefully, as automation might imply they want fewer human staff whereas preserving service high-speed and high-volume
Right here’s My Take
It’s clear that the quick meals expertise is turning into extra high-tech than ever.
AI is dealing with orders. Robots are cooking meals. Information is deciding what you see on the menu.
These modifications promise larger effectivity and price financial savings. They may additionally result in higher meals high quality.
However greater than that, they present you ways advances in expertise stay in step with our most simple wishes…
Like having the ability to seize a fast, tasty meal each time we’re hungry.
Simply don’t be shocked if Flippy isn’t as keen on french fries as you might be.
Regards,
Ian KingChief Strategist, Banyan Hill Publishing
