McDonald’s Is Making A Major Change To Drive-Thrus
McDonald’s Is Making A Major Change To Drive-Thrus
Molly BurfordFri, June 5, 2026 at 8:38 PM UTC
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Credit: Imagesbybarbara / Getty Images
From the perfectly crisp and salty French fries to that ice-cold afternoon Diet Coke that is always superior when served in a Mickey D's cup, McDonald's will always be the GOAT when it comes to fast food because you get exactly what you're expecting every single time. Well, things are about to change up slightly at your McDonald's drive-thru. Here's what to expect.
McDonald's Is Rolling Out a New ArchIQ AI-Operating System
A few years ago, McDonald's tried an AI ordering system that the company decided to remove from its restaurants in 2024 after customers reported order errors. However, this was just the beginning for McDonald's in using AI for its business operations. Now, the Golden Arches just announced that it would be rolling out a new ArchIQ AI-operating system at its restaurants as part of its new McDonald's Next business strategy.
In a press release shared by the company, McDonald's shared its plans to revamp everything from its menu to the way its restaurants are run, prioritizing innovation and growth through AI. As part of this new business initiative, McDonald's shared a new restaurant concept that features more streamlined touchpoint ordering systems, enhanced brand-focused design, and a new PlayPlace at McDonald's Worldwide.
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But what is most advanced about McDonald's latest business plans is its return to AI. Five of its locations are currently testing its Arch IQ drive-thru AI system, according to Restaurant Business. This AI assistant, "Archy," was designed to make kitchen operations more efficient while lessening work inside McDonald's stores. The idea is also to free up workers' time, helping to make a more engaged customer experience in McDonalds restaurants.
"As more of the customer journey becomes automated, there are fewer opportunities for guests to connect with crew," McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski told Restaurant Business. "With fewer interactions, the bar for hospitality that makes people feel seen, welcomed, and valued only goes up. Customers also depend on us for compelling, predictable value, and even more so with unprecedented inflation."
Time will tell whether this latest venture will be successful. Stay tuned, ya'll.
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Source: “AOL Money”
