Wendy’s Piloting Spanish AI Drive-Thru Capabilities in Select Ohio and Florida Markets

Wendy’s has announced that it is upping the ante in the AI department, as the fast-food giant is running a pilot program of Spanish AI at drive-thrus in select Ohio and Florida markets.

In a press release shared with RetailWire, it was revealed that in order to improve customer ordering and increase accessibility to its freshly prepared food, the chain is constantly developing the features of Wendy’s FreshAI, its generative AI assistant, in the drive-thru. The most recent initiative by Wendy’s is a trial program to offer Spanish language support at 28 of the company’s Florida and Ohio restaurants.

“We’ve embraced generative AI at the drive-thru to assist Wendy’s crew members while evolving the technology to meet our customers’ needs. I’m energized by our partnership with Google Cloud to continue pushing this technology forward with new Spanish language capabilities designed to expand access, reshaping 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 furnished with the press release.

Per the company, Wendy’s FreshAI “isn’t just a speaker and a microphone — it’s a personalized, responsive experience for every customer.” To start an order in Spanish at one of the 28 locations, customers just need to say “Spanish” or “Español” into the microphone to prompt the pilot language. Then the system will both 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 is running for the rest of the summer.

“As summer ends, Wendy’s is giving fans a celebratory treat that can’t be beat,” the company said in the announcement. “Fans can choose between the Classic Chocolate Frosty or savor the final days of the seasonally inspired Triple Berry Frosty while supplies last — which combines three of the freshest fruit flavors of the season — strawberry, blackberry and raspberry — into one summer treat.”

The $1 small Frosty treats will be available at participating Wendy’s restaurants nationwide from now until Sept. 15. The Frosty remains the most well-liked beverage at the massive fast-food chain, regardless of whether customers like to sip it, dip it, or scoop it.

Download the app to start earning Rewards points and to receive more scrumptious deals. For every $1 spent, you will receive 10 points that may be redeemed for free merchandise. Additionally, guests can “stack” qualified rewards and incentives to get the most out of their Wendy’s visit.