Most historical Romans didn’t have practical kitchens.
That’s as a result of bizarre Romans, referred to as plebs, often lived in flats.
As you may think about, the danger of fireplace again then was too nice for plebs to have rather more than a small brazier of their quarters. So as an alternative of cooking, they went to locations known 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 most recent know-how to assist them produce meals cheaper and quicker.
From advances in kitchen know-how like refrigeration, to revolutionary concepts just like the Automat, which allotted pre-prepared choices to prospects at inexpensive costs…
Supply: Getty Pictures
To brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald, who helped invent new merchandise and processes to hurry up making hamburgers…
Supply: Wikicommons
Know-how advances and quick meals have all the time gone hand in hand.
However right this moment a surprising know-how shift is going on 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 quicker.
It’s about utilizing know-how to make each a part of the quick meals expertise extra environment friendly, extra worthwhile and much more personalised.
AI-Powered Joyful Meals
In the event you’ve not too long ago felt like a drive-thru order taker knew precisely what you wished earlier than you even mentioned 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 counsel orders.
These programs analyze the time of day, the climate and even what you’ve ordered earlier than to advocate gadgets you’re probably 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 sizzling outdoors, you would possibly see extra chilly drinks and ice cream promoted.
If it’s the morning rush, breakfast combos is perhaps proven first.
The aim right here is to softly push you towards decisions that enhance gross sales and maintain traces transferring.
This may appear a little bit sneaky, but it surely’s not almost as controversial as one other use of AI the quick meals business is contemplating.
I’m speaking about dynamic pricing.
Similar to airways and ride-sharing apps regulate 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 worth than the automotive in entrance of you.
In the event you’re satisfied that might by no means occur, I’ve unhealthy information for you…
As a result of AI-driven pricing is already being examined in some markets.
Firms argue that this permits them to optimize income 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 homeowners right this moment are coping with employee shortages and rising wages. That’s one cause why we’re seeing self-ordering kiosks displaying up in every single place. And as we’ve mentioned earlier than, drone supply is rising as properly.
These new applied sciences can assist homeowners get monetary savings.
They will additionally make repetitive duties simpler, which is why we’re seeing a giant know-how shift within the kitchen.
In some places, human cooks are both being assisted or outright changed by robots.
Firms like Miso Robotics have developed kitchen assistants like Flippy, a robotic arm that may flip burgers and fry meals with outstanding precision.
Supply: Miso Robotics
Naturally, Flippy doesn’t get drained and ensures each order is identical.
Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) can also be utilizing plenty 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 have been 10% larger than the common Chipotle within the space.
In keeping with Placer.ai, prospects at that location acquired their meals quicker, 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 absolutely automated kitchens.
Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) acquired Spyce, a Boston-based restaurant, that makes use of robotic cooks to arrange meals from begin to end, chopping labor prices and dashing 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 changing into extra high-tech than ever.
AI is dealing with orders. Robots are cooking meals. Knowledge is deciding what you see on the menu.
These modifications promise better effectivity and price financial savings. They may additionally result in higher meals high quality.
However greater than that, they present you the way advances in know-how stay in keeping with our most simple wishes…
Like with the ability to seize a fast, tasty meal at any time when we’re hungry.
Simply don’t be shocked if Flippy isn’t as keen on french fries as you might be.
Regards,
Ian King
Chief Strategist, Banyan Hill Publishing
