Most historical Romans didn’t have useful kitchens.
That’s as a result of odd Romans, often known as plebs, often lived in flats.
As you’ll be able to think about, the chance of fireside 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 newest 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 distributed pre-prepared choices to clients at reasonably priced costs…
Supply: Getty Photographs
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 at all times gone hand in hand.
However right this moment a stunning know-how shift is occurring on this sector. AI, automation and data-driven decision-making are rapidly remodeling the quick meals trade.
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 customized.
AI-Powered Glad Meals
If you happen to’ve lately felt like a drive-thru order taker knew precisely what you needed earlier than you even stated it, you won’t be imagining issues.
Main quick meals chains, together with McDonald’s and Taco Bell, are utilizing AI-powered methods to foretell and recommend orders.
These methods analyze the time of day, the climate and even what you’ve ordered earlier than to advocate objects you’re most definitely 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 exterior, you would possibly see extra chilly drinks and ice cream promoted.
If it’s the morning rush, breakfast combos is perhaps proven first.
The objective right here is to softly push you towards selections that improve gross sales and preserve traces shifting.
This may appear a bit sneaky, however it’s not practically as controversial as one other use of AI the quick meals trade is contemplating.
I’m speaking about dynamic pricing.
Similar to airways and ride-sharing apps regulate fares based mostly on peak occasions, quick meals chains are experimenting with costs that may change in actual time…
So the price of your meal may differ based mostly on elements like location, demand or your previous spending habits.
Think about pulling as much as a drive-thru and seeing a special worth than the automobile in entrance of you.
If you happen to’re satisfied that might by no means occur, I’ve dangerous information for you…
As a result of AI-driven pricing is already being examined in some markets.
Firms argue that this enables them to optimize earnings whereas nonetheless providing offers to clients who’re extra price-sensitive.
Personally, I imagine 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 exhibiting up in every single place. And as we’ve mentioned earlier than, drone supply is growing as properly.
These new applied sciences may help homeowners get monetary savings.
They’ll additionally make repetitive duties simpler, which is why we’re seeing a giant know-how shift within the kitchen.
In some areas, 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 exceptional precision.
Supply: Miso Robotics
Naturally, Flippy doesn’t get drained and ensures each order is similar.
Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) can 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% greater than the typical Chipotle within the space.
In accordance with Placer.ai, clients at that location bought 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 trade is watching carefully, as automation may imply they want fewer human employees whereas holding 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 adjustments promise higher effectivity and value financial savings. They might additionally result in higher meals high quality.
However greater than that, they present you the way advances in know-how stay in line 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 King
Chief Strategist, Banyan Hill Publishing
