Wendy's, a leading fast-food chain, is set to revolutionize its drive-thru service by integrating advanced voice artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The company plans to deploy this innovative solution in up to 600 of its locations by the end of 2025. This move aims to streamline the ordering process and improve customer satisfaction. Despite some initial challenges with accuracy, Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner remains optimistic about the technology's potential. The deployment follows successful trials at around 100 restaurants since 2023, and the company is collaborating closely with Google Cloud on this project. Other major players in the industry, such as Taco Bell, have also been exploring similar technologies.
The integration of voice AI into Wendy's drive-thru operations represents a significant leap forward in the fast-food industry. By the close of 2025, customers visiting these selected Wendy's outlets will interact with an AI-powered assistant named FreshAI. This system allows patrons to place their orders more efficiently while reducing wait times. CEO Kirk Tanner has personally tested the technology multiple times a week at a location near the company’s headquarters, ensuring that it meets high standards. "FreshAI understands what to ask for, and the accuracy is definitely improving," Tanner noted during a recent earnings call. The company's commitment to refining the technology reflects its dedication to enhancing customer experiences.
While voice AI has faced criticism in the past, particularly from competitors like McDonald’s, which discontinued its trial due to order inaccuracies, Wendy’s remains confident in its approach. The company believes that continuous improvements and rigorous testing will address these concerns. Moreover, the success of this year's rollout could serve as a pivotal moment for expanding voice AI across Wendy's entire network. “It’s got a bright future, and we’re moving forward,” Tanner emphasized. Wendy’s collaboration with Google Cloud underscores the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology to stay competitive in the fast-food market.
Other notable fast-food chains are also embracing voice AI. Yum! Brands, parent company of Taco Bell, has reported using the technology on over two million orders. With 300 Taco Bell stores currently utilizing voice AI, the trend indicates a broader shift towards automating drive-thru services. As Wendy’s progresses with its implementation, it may set a new standard for how fast-food chains operate, potentially influencing others to follow suit. The ongoing advancements in AI technology promise to reshape the dining experience, making it faster and more convenient for consumers.
The expansion of voice AI at Wendy’s marks a transformative period for the brand. By prioritizing technological innovation, the company aims to provide a seamless and efficient ordering process for its customers. As the rollout continues, the feedback gathered from these initial phases will be crucial in fine-tuning the system. Ultimately, this initiative not only enhances customer satisfaction but also positions Wendy’s as a leader in adopting next-generation solutions within the fast-food sector. The future looks promising for both Wendy’s and its patrons as they embrace this exciting new era of drive-thru service.
Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in a delightful mix of romance and laughter, and Netflix offers an extensive selection of romantic comedies to suit every taste. From timeless classics like "Notting Hill" to contemporary hits such as "Set It Up," there's no shortage of films that will warm your heart. The streaming giant has revived the rom-com genre with its original productions, providing viewers with both nostalgic favorites and fresh, modern stories. Whether you're looking for a lighthearted love story or a more nuanced exploration of relationships, Netflix has curated a collection of 20 must-watch movies that promise to entertain and enchant.
The resurgence of romantic comedies can be traced back to Netflix's efforts in the late 2010s. After a period where the genre seemed to fade from prominence, Netflix introduced several hit rom-coms, including "Set It Up" and "To All the Boys I've Loved Before." These films not only captivated audiences but also set the stage for a new wave of romantic comedies. One standout example is "Anyone But You," which features Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in a charming tale of two individuals who agree to fake date at a wedding. This film, along with others, showcases how Netflix continues to innovate within the genre, offering diverse narratives and characters that resonate with today's audience.
In addition to its originals, Netflix also hosts a variety of classic rom-coms that have stood the test of time. For instance, "Notting Hill" remains a beloved favorite, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in a heartwarming story about an American movie star who falls for a London bookshop owner. Another gem is "About Time," where Domhnall Gleeson plays a man who discovers he can travel through time and uses this ability to find love. These films, among others, highlight the enduring appeal of romantic comedies and their ability to transport viewers into worlds filled with humor, emotion, and unforgettable moments.
Netflix's commitment to diversity and inclusivity is evident in its rom-com offerings. Films like "The Half of It" and "Always Be My Maybe" bring fresh perspectives and underrepresented voices to the forefront. In "The Half of It," Leah Lewis stars as Ellie Chu, a Chinese-American student who helps a football player write love letters to his crush while harboring her own feelings. Meanwhile, "Always Be My Maybe" features Ali Wong and Randall Park as childhood friends who reconnect as adults, adding a layer of cultural nuance to the traditional rom-com formula. These movies demonstrate the richness and depth that can be found in the genre when it embraces different experiences and backgrounds.
To celebrate Valentine's Day, Netflix provides a treasure trove of romantic comedies that cater to various moods and preferences. Whether you're in the mood for a light-hearted laugh, a heartfelt drama, or a mix of both, the platform has something for everyone. From the whimsical charm of "Love at First Sight" to the grounded realism of "The Incredible Jessica James," these films offer a range of emotional journeys. As you browse through this curated list, you'll discover that each movie brings its unique flavor to the rom-com genre, ensuring that there's always something new and exciting to fall in love with.
The daughters of one of Target's founding figures have voiced their deep concern over the company's recent changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In letters to prominent newspapers, Anne and Lucy Dayton expressed alarm at the rapid shift away from policies that were once a cornerstone of the company's values. Their father, Bruce Dayton, was instrumental in transforming a local Minneapolis department store into a national retail giant. The sisters emphasized their father's commitment to ethical business practices and community engagement. This development reflects a broader trend among companies scaling back on DEI efforts amid increasing political pressure.
Daughters Speak Out Against DEI Rollback
In the heart of a bustling autumn season, Anne and Lucy Dayton, daughters of Bruce Dayton, one of the visionary entrepreneurs who built Target into a household name, have publicly aired their concerns regarding the company’s recent policy shifts. Bruce Dayton, alongside his four brothers, expanded their father’s modest Minneapolis department store into a renowned national brand. Now, decades later, his daughters are drawing attention to what they perceive as a significant departure from the values their father championed.
In letters published in the Financial Times and the Los Angeles Times, Anne and Lucy Dayton highlighted their father’s unwavering belief in fostering strong communities and prioritizing customer satisfaction. They expressed dismay over the corporate world’s apparent capitulation to political pressures, particularly noting that it is not illegal for companies to establish business models based on ethical standards. The sisters criticized the speed with which businesses have retreated from these principles, warning of the potential long-term consequences for both society and corporate success.
Target, under CEO Brian Cornell, had previously affirmed its commitment to DEI as a core value, emphasizing its importance for both societal progress and brand strength. However, recent actions suggest a shift in this stance. The company began reducing LGBTQ+ pride merchandise following campaigns by conservative activists. Additionally, a proposed class-action lawsuit filed by a Florida police pension fund accused Target of misleading statements regarding the financial impact of its DEI strategy. While some companies openly announce policy changes, others quietly remove DEI references from their communications, reflecting a complex and evolving landscape of corporate social responsibility.
From a journalistic perspective, this situation underscores the delicate balance between maintaining corporate values and responding to external pressures. It raises important questions about the sustainability of ethical commitments in the face of political and economic challenges. The Dayton sisters' public statement serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of founding principles and the responsibility of leadership to uphold them. As the debate around DEI continues, it will be crucial for companies to navigate these issues thoughtfully, ensuring that their actions align with both their stated values and the needs of their stakeholders.