Overview

• Taco Bell said it is re-evaluating deployments and easing expansion after errors and trolling drew viral criticism, including a clip of someone attempting to order 18,000 water cups.
• Voice AI now runs at more than 500 U.S. drive‑thrus and has handled about two million orders since 2023, according to the company.
• Chief digital and technology officer Dane Mathews said very busy lanes may work better with human order‑takers and that restaurants will be coached on when to use, monitor, or take over from the system.
• The company is shifting to a hybrid model rather than abandoning automation, with technical upgrades pursued through Yum! Brands’ partnership with Nvidia.
• Industry peers report similar challenges, with McDonald’s ending an IBM trial before turning to Google’s tools and Wendy’s and White Castle encountering mixed results.