This week in restaurant news, Shake Shack and Wendy’s tap drive-thru while Red Robin reevaluates priorities. By PYMNTS  |  January 13, 2023 As restaurants look to offset margin pressure from food and wage inflation, Shake Shack is turning to the drive-thru channel to boost efficiency. In a presentation to investors Tuesday (Jan. 10) as part of the ICR Conference 2023, the fast-casual chain’s CEO, Randy Garutti, discussed the potential of the channel.“We believe that we’re targeting an over $4 million [average unit volume (AUV)],” Garutti said. “There have been many of the current drive-thrus who are run rating higher than...

PAR’s G5 Communications System is Leading the Pack in Drive-Thru Technology by Brandon Solnit, PAR Technology -    QSRs and drive-thru operations need state-of-the-art technology that pairs well with their volume and traffic levels. Thanks to PAR Technology, drive-thru solutions are evolving with the PAR G5 communications system. This all-in-one headset solution is designed to make your team more productive and comes with everything you need to successfully operate a drive-thru: a complete base station, a mountable docking/charging station, and of course, the G5 headsets. The PAR G5 communications system is simple to set up and can be configured to perform necessary functions...

  Nancy Luna  McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Panera Bread unveiled new drive-thru tech. Taco Bell said it is testing AI-powered bots at the drive-thru.  Here are 13 chains adding voice bots, robotic fry cooks, and mobile-order express lanes.  McDonald's and Subway recently unveiled new contactless technology for takeout and drive-thru orders. DRIVETHRUCITY The nation's two largest fast food chains in terms of locations are joining a fray of restaurant companies betting big on innovation that involves faster service and fewer humans amid an ongoing labor shortage. Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Domino's are using AI-powered voice bots to take orders, while fast-casual...