Taco Bell, a subsidiary of Yum Brands, highlighted its AI advancements at a Yum investor event in Brooklyn, New York, on Mar. 5.

The fast-food chain now uses AI voice technology for drive-through orders at about 500 US locations, up from 100 in mid-2024.

Executives also introduced “Byte by Yum,” an AI-powered suite that helps restaurant managers with labor scheduling and inventory management.

A demo video showcased Byte AI Restaurant Coach, which provided solutions for labor shortages and inventory optimization.

Yum’s chief technology officer Joe Park described the AI initiatives as still in early stages. Around 25,000 of Yum’s 61,000 global restaurants now use at least one tool from the “Byte by Yum” suite.

Fast food chains, including Taco Bell’s competitors, are increasingly adopting AI-driven solutions like drive-through automation, kiosks, and digital loyalty programs.

Yum Brands also projected an 8% rise in same-store sales for Taco Bell this quarter and hinted at the possibility of expanding its in-house AI software beyond Yum’s brands.