March 2025

AI is Cooking Up Big Changes in the Fast Food Sector

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March 28, 2025

More fast food chains are going all-in on artificial intelligence. And it’s not just to jump on the bandwagon and impress us with cool tech. They’re leveraging AI to make their operations faster, smarter, and more efficient. From robot-powered kitchens to AI-driven hiring tools, major brands are using AI technology to serve up speed and accuracy like never before. Here’s how your favorite fast food joints are using AI to transform the way we eat on the go.

How Are Fast Food Restaurants Using AI?

1. Drive-Throughs That Actually Get Your Order Right

Ordering at the drive-through can sometimes feel like a game of chance. Will your order be correct so you can speed through the lane with your food, or will you be stuck in a loop of clarifying and repeating your order? Thankfully, AI is changing that. Chains like Wendy’s and Taco Bell have already rolled out AI-powered drive-through assistants that take your order with near-perfect accuracy, even recognizing different accents and slang.


In 2023, Wendy’s partnered with Google Cloud to create FreshAI, a voice assistant that processes orders faster and recommends menu items based on customer preferences. In 2025, the company plans to expand the voice-activated AI drive-through system from the current 100+ locations to around 500 to 600 locations by the end of the year.


Yum! Brands is also aiming for the global rollout of its voice AI technology and has been investing heavily in AI-driven tech. Currently, more than 100 Taco Bell locations across 13 states are already using AI-powered drive-throughs. Other fast food chains, including McDonald’s, Burger King, and Dunkin’, are also exploring this technology. As these AI-driven ordering systems speed things up and reduce human error, we’ll no longer have to worry about our request for "extra pickles" turning into "extra napkins!"

A customer is paying with his digital wallet at a fast food kiosk.

2. From Robots to Drones: AI Delivery Service Takes Flight

Commonly deployed as robot servers or delivery bots, AI-powered food delivery is changing how restaurants are serving their customers. These machines are powered by advanced tech like robotics, machine learning, and automation, which enable them to move toward a preset destination. With their ability to optimize routes and delivery times, they can quickly get food from the kitchen to the customer’s table or even their home. These AI-powered autonomous deliveries can also help reduce labor costs while keeping operations running smoothly — even during staffing shortages. 


Autonomous robots have already been bringing orders straight to customers inside restaurants or within nearby areas. Domino’s, one of the first fast food chains to introduce robot delivery vehicles, continues to explore the technology to speed up service despite staffing shortages.


Now, the technology is going even further, literally. AI-driven drones are taking fast food delivery to the skies. Subway showed it could make drone delivery possible during its Footlong Sub campaign on World UFO Day. Delivery drones swept the sky of Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Orlando to drop Subway's Ultimate Footlong Offering to the yards of the most active Subway MVP Rewards members. While it was a one-day promotional event, it's an exciting glimpse into the future.


If you’re among those looking forward to having drone delivery as a regular delivery option, you may not have to wait that long to enjoy the service. The recent partnership between DoorDash and Wing brings together on-demand food delivery and autonomous drones to provide fast and contactless deliveries in more locations. With DoorDash’s robust platform and Wing’s drone tech, we’re likely to see more drone deliveries sweeping the skies above. Although the service is still limited to deliveries for Wendy’s, their first restaurant partner, in Virginia, many are still excited to eventually have a squadron of drones delivering food in their neighborhoods.


If you’re a restaurant owner struggling to find delivery drivers, maybe it’s time to consider getting a robot that can roll right up doorsteps with a hot pizza or literally drop subs from the sky.

3. Smarter Systems = Faster, Fresher Food

Chains are using AI and predictive analytics to target ads based on everything from your past orders to the weather (yep, AI knows you’re more likely to crave an iced coffee on a hot day). McDonald’s even uses AI to adjust its digital menu boards in real time, suggesting different items based on trends, location, and time of day. These digital menu boards work so well in helping customers with their orders that they’ve resulted in a 20% increase in sales.


But AI isn’t just taking orders; it’s doing its magic in the kitchen too! Yes, we’ve seen clips of robots making hilarious mistakes while prepping food orders, but CaliExpress by Flippy is proving to skeptics that an autonomous kitchen won’t be a big flop. This pop-up eatery with an open kitchen shows robots in action making burgers, deep frying chicken and fries, and serving food. With CaliExpress offering a real preview of how robots can make kitchens more efficient, the idea of an all-robotics restaurant is fast gaining traction among fast-food operators.

Robot arms in a fast food kitchen are prepping salads in metal bowls.

4. AI Aids in Staffing to Keep Hiring and Scheduling Burnout at Bay

Finding and keeping workers in the fast food industry is not as simple as dumping fries in the deep fryer. This is why AI-powered recruitment and scheduling tools are a lifesaver — or should we say, a business-saver — for fast food owners. They help ensure that stores are always staffed properly and that shifts are scheduled optimally to avoid overworking employees. Happier employees mean better service for customers, so everyone wins!


One concrete example of this is Chipotle’s Ava Cado. In the last quarter of 2024, Chipotle rolled out its new AI-powered hiring system from Paradox. Now, candidates are screened and processed by Ava Cado, an AI hiring assistant. By automating tasks like collecting information, scheduling interviews, and sending job offers, Chipotle can fill positions faster than you can say guacamole.

5. Streamlined Fast Food Operations Result in Faster Business Growth

AI isn’t just shaking up the kitchen or making ordering a breeze. It’s also stepping in to streamline the behind-the-scenes operations that keep fast food businesses running smoothly. From managing inventory to processing payroll, AI is helping drive growth and efficiency across the board.


A couple of years ago, Domino’s Pizza piloted its AI solutions for inventory, supply chain, and logistics management. Partnering with Microsoft, they now use Azure and OpenAI to personalize customer experiences, predict demand, optimize inventory, and streamline logistics.

A woman is entering an order into a self-serve kiosk at a fast food restaurant.

The Future of Fast Food: AI Is Just Getting Started

Faster service, smarter staffing, and better customer experiences are just the beginning of what AI can do in the fast food sector. In the near future, we could see even more advanced AI-powered kitchens, fully automated restaurants, and even personalized meal recommendations based on health data.


One thing is certain: fast food is getting smarter. And it’s no longer a secret that AI is the secret sauce making it all happen. So the next time you grab a burger, just know that behind the scenes, AI might be the one taking your order, cooking your fries, and even predicting what you’ll want to eat next!


And if you’re in the restaurant business, now is the time to explore AI-driven solutions like Push Operations. Implementing innovative technologies will allow you to serve customers faster, optimize labor costs, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive industry.

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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

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For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

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Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

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What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

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Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

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  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
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  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
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  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
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  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
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  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.
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Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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