Wendy’s has announced that it is upping the ante in the field of artificial intelligence as the fast-food giant pilots a Spanish-language artificial intelligence program in drive-thru locations at select stores in Ohio and Florida.
In a press release obtained by RetailWire, the chain announced that it is continually evolving the capabilities of Wendy’s FreshAI, its generative AI assistant, in the drive-thru to improve customer ordering and increase the availability of freshly prepared food. Wendy’s’ latest initiative is a test program offering Spanish-language assistance at 28 of the company’s restaurants in Florida and Ohio.
“We introduced generative AI in the drive-thru to support Wendy’s associates while continuing to evolve the technology to meet the needs of our customers. Our partnership with Google Cloud motivates me to continue to advance this technology with new Spanish language features designed to expand access and reimagine the drive-thru experience for our Wendy’s fans today and in the future,” said Matt Spessard, Wendy’s chief information officer, in a statement accompanying the press release.
According to the company, Wendy’s FreshAI is “not just a speaker and a microphone – it’s a personalized, responsive experience for each customer.” To place an order in Spanish at any of the 28 locations, customers just need to say “Spanish” or “Español” into the microphone to invoke the pilot language. Then the system will speak and process the order in Spanish.
News of this new development in the AI market comes hot on the heels of the announcement of the brand’s $1 Frosty promotion, which runs for the rest of the summer.
“As summer comes to a close, Wendy’s is giving fans an unbeatable holiday treat,” the company said in the announcement. “Fans can choose between the Classic Chocolate Frosty or indulge in the last few days of the seasonally inspired Triple Berry Frosty while supplies last – which combines three of the season’s freshest fruit flavors – strawberry, blackberry and raspberry – for a summer treat.”
The $1 little Frosty treats are available now through September 15 at participating Wendy’s restaurants nationwide. The Frosty remains the giant fast-food chain’s most popular drink, whether customers prefer to sip, dip or spoon it.
Download the app to start earning rewards points and other great offers. For every dollar spent, you’ll earn 10 points that can be redeemed for free merchandise. Plus, guests can “stack” qualifying rewards and incentives to get the most out of their Wendy’s visit.
