ARM CEO Rene Haas Discusses AI Investments on "Claman Countdown"
ARM CEO Rene Haas recently appeared on "Claman Countdown" to discuss the significant investments large technology companies are making in artificial intelligence (AI), amounting to billions of dollars.
Yum Brands’ Big Week with $1 Billion Tech Investment
It was a landmark week for Yum Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell, as executives hosted their annual investor event in New York. The company unveiled new labor-saving technologies and announced a $1 billion investment in digital and technological advancements.
Yum and Taco Bell executives introduced "Bytes from Yum," an AI-driven platform designed to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and empower team members across KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill restaurants.
AI Demonstration by COO Jason Kidd
Chief Operations Officer Jason Kidd showcased the current and planned use of AI technology by presenting a video parody to Wall Street analysts. The video featured a restaurant manager interacting with a human actor portraying an AI assistant, referred to as the "Yum Bytes AI Coach," as reported by Reuters.
In the skit, the AI assistant noticed an employee’s absence and reassured the manager, saying, “Maybe he’s sick. Don’t worry if it is. I can work with driving.”
Taco Bell’s AI Drive-Thru Expansion
Currently, about 500 Taco Bell locations in the U.S. are equipped with AI voice technology to handle drive-thru orders, according to company executives. This represents a significant increase from the 100 locations previously cited in July 2024.
Taco Bell Introduces New Cantina Chicken Menu
Taco Bell also unveiled its new Cantina Chicken Menu, which includes an additional charge for packaged sauces.
AI Innovations Across Yum Brands
Yum Brands is pushing forward with AI-first strategies across its portfolio. The "Bytes from Yum" platform encompasses a range of applications, including online and mobile ordering, point-of-sale systems, kitchen and delivery optimization, menu management, inventory control, and team management. The initiative is spearheaded by Joe Park, Chief Digital and Technology Officer.
Global Implementation of Yum Bytes
The company reported that its AI restaurant coach is already in use globally, with 25,000 Yum-branded restaurants worldwide utilizing at least one aspect of the platform.
Taco Bell’s Strong Financial Performance
Taco Bell continues its strong performance into 2024, with U.S. same-store sales projected to grow by 8% in the first quarter of 2025. The company attributes this growth to its innovative product offerings, which are driving increased traffic.
Stock Performance
Yum Brands’ stock (NYSE: YUM) closed at $159.37, reflecting a 0.61% increase.
No Immediate Response from Taco Bell
Taco Bell did not immediately respond to Tech Word News’ request for comment.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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(Images: Taco Bell Drive-Thru in Hickory, North Carolina, September 2018 – iStock; Taco Bell and Pizza Hut logos – Getty Images; Kentucky Fried Chicken in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, September 2016 – Getty Images)
