Technology Too Fuel Fast Food in 2017

McDonald’s and Starbucks continue to cultivate customer relevance leveraging technology in both the front and back of the house operations.  However in 2017 both will elevate the consumer focus with voice recognition ordering. That’s right can you HEAR ME Now.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed at a conference this summer that the development is already underway.  That being collaboration between Microsoft and McDonald’s. Nadella explained that the development would allow  customers’ spoken orders to be turned into text and relay the info directly to the kitchen, shaving time off the process and eliminating the possibility of the customer and an employee mishearing one another,

Now Starbucks said it will update its smartphone app next year to include voice recognition ordering, a capability some are predicting will be a major focus of restaurants in 2017.  The coffee chain indicated that the capability will be extended to some iPhone users early next year, with the availability broadened as the year progresses.  So if you skipped FSTEC last year you had better think about attending next year.

McDonald’s reported that it plans add voice recognition, with the intention of adding the capability at drive-thru’s. Starbucks' new system, called My Starbucks Barista, will enable customers to speak their orders into a smartphone loaded with the chain’s popular app. The order will be relayed to the store designated by the customer, and the charge will automatically be added to the patron’s account.

Now once again in case you had not seen this or heard several restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area are participating in the test of a Google-supported system that combines voice and face recognition. Customers say, “I’ll pay with Google,” setting in motion a visual confirmation that the customer is who he or she says they are. The account is charged, completing the transaction. Now here is the link to FSTEC. 

Foodservice Solutions® Grocerant Guru® recommends very few conferences however FSTEC is one that you should put in your 2017 budget and plan on attending. 

www.FoodserviceSolutions.us  is the global leader in grocerant niche business development.  We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities.  Has your company had a Grocerant ScoreCard completed?  Want one?  Call 253-759-7869 Email: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us