Wendy’s Appears To Be Ramping Up A.I. And Digital Menu Boards
Have you come across A.I. or digital menu boards at Wendy’s? If not, you better start getting ready for it!
Wendy’s seems to be really leaning into A.I. and going digital. It’s been slowing introducing the technology in various markets and locations and it looks like the plan for 2025 is to lean even more into it. Restaurant Dive reports that Wendy’s will accelerate the deployment of digital kiosks, digital menu boards, and drive-thru voice artificial intelligence in 2025. President and CEO Kirk Tanner made comments confirming the plans during a recent earnings call. While some people are excited about the move, not everyone is on board. Some people seem to be saying that dealing with A.I. at the drive-thru has made for a more difficult experience, when it’s supposed to be enhancing your experience.
Is Wendy’s Ramping Up A.I. And Digital Menu Boards?
A.I. is seemingly everywhere these days. It can be incredibly helpful with many tasks and can make all of our lives easier. However, it can also be confusing and difficult to use if you’re new to it or just starting to use it. Not everyone’s experience with it has been the same.
According to Restaurant Dive, CFO Ken Cook said that they will be adding new technology to more restaurants “to enhance the customer experience, drive loyalty and increase efficiency.” I can see how using A.I. technology in a drive-thru line could be useful and improve things, but what if you have a complicated order? It’s probably more efficient with simple orders versus someone who adds and subtracts items from the product. It sounds like Wendy’s will really be investing in technology in 2025 from A.I. at the drive-thru, digital menu boards, and improvements to the app. Personally, I’m always a sucker for a good app. Somewhere I can earn points and eventually get freebies or discounts? Count me in!
Per Restaurant Dive, Tanner said, “By bringing together our innovation, marketing, and outstanding execution capabilities as part of our commitment to deliver a perfect every time customer experience, we are increasing operational intensity across every restaurant. This includes a framework of operating the one best way with clear standards, consistency, and accountability.”
I remember Andy recently talked about his experience with A.I. in the drive-thru line and he didn’t like it. Have you dealt with it and how was your experience? Check out a viral Reddit post below detailing one person’s opinion on ordering with A.I. at the drive-thru and see the comments that go along with it. It seems like quite the debate.
5 Best Fast Food Items On The Value Menu
Today, there are seemingly unlimited options in the fast food landscape. You have options for burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, and more. Anything you want you can have. When you’re on-the-go and looking for a quick bite, there’s nothing better than the value menu. Every fast food restaurant has one. Here are the best fast food items on the value menu.
We all know that fast food is appealing because of its low price and easy access. With prices for combos on the rise, I find myself looking at the value menu more often than ever before. I need to save where I can!
Some burgers from McDonald’s (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
Best Of The Best
I have spent so much time in drive-thrus that I think I could be considered an expert witness in a court case, at this point. I’ve seen delicious items come and go, prices climb, and experiences all the promos and deals. Why did KFC get rid of the Twister? When will McDonald’s bring back the famous Snack Wraps? These are all questions I ask every day, and sadly have no answers for. However, one day…we will get them back. I truly believe it in my heart of hearts.
I could go on and on about my love for the value menu. I’d say at least once a week I think back on my high school days when the Junior Bacon Cheeseburger from Wendy’s was only 99 cents. Do you remember that? 99 cents! It was amazing. Now, the price for one JBC is closer to $3 than it is 99 cents. I feel like this is the new version of that old “back in my day, we’d walk 2 miles to school up hill both ways! stories your grandparents would tell. Now, these stories are all about how low the value menu prices were back in our day. “When I was your age, every item on the dollar menu was a dollar!”
After years of research, I’ve finally identified the best of the best when it comes to value menus. On this list, you’ll find burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, and even some items that fall into the ‘miscellaneous’ category. Without further delay, let’s get to the list!
The 5 Best Fast Food Items On The Value Menu
Super model Heidi Klum poses with Snack Wraps (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
Junior Bacon Cheeseburger (JBC) - Wendy's
Bacon…mayo…crispy lettuce…what’s not to love? It’s one of the best sandwiches in fast food, and it’s on the value menu.
McChicken - McDonald's
It never misses. Of all the value menu chicken sandwiches, none are better than the McChicken.
Scott Olson/Getty ImagesDES PLAINES, IL – OCTOBER 24: In this photo illustration, a McChicken sandwich sits with typical Dollar Menu items sold at a McDonald’s restaurant on October 24, 2013 in Des Plaines, Illinois. McDonald’s has announced it will make changes to its low-priced Dollar Menu, which includes items like coffee, small fries, hamburgers and apple pies. The new menu, dubbed the Dollar Menu and More, will offer some higher priced options such as the grilled Onion Cheddar Burger and a McChicken sandwich. (Photo Illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Whopper Jr. - Burger King
It’s actually an impressive size! I mean, have you seen the size of the OG Whopper? It lives up to its name, that’s for sure. The Jr. works perfectly fine for me.
Spicy Potato Soft Taco - Taco Bell
It’s delicious and it’s only a dollar. Remember when value menus used to be dollar menus? *audible sigh* I do. Taco Bell is keeping the tradition alive.
Cheese Curds - Culver's
It’s a rare treat to enjoy Culver’s Cheese Curds. It’s a rare treat to enjoy cheese curds, at all. You can get fries anywhere, but you can’t get curds at every drive-thru. If I drive by a Culver’s I have to stop and get some.
