On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Taco Bell’s plans for voice AI in the drive thru, Starbucks’ best week ever, McDonald’s issue with tipped wages, and M&A activity heating up. First up is Taco Bell, which found itself in headlines when a viral video showed its voice AI glitching when a customer tried to order thousands of cups of water. While it was a prank, it called out the unreliability of some AI today, and Sam and Alicia discuss what it could mean for customer-facing AI at restaurants. Next they talk about Starbucks, which had some AI news of its own: It rolled out an inventory management tool that will benefit its operators. The coffee giant also announced that it had enjoyed its best sales week ever after the annual Pumpkin Spice Latte launch. Sam and Alicia break down these headlines and what they mean for Starbucks. Then they tackle the news that McDonald’s was parting ways with the National Restaurant Association over a dispute about the sub-minimum wage; the Golden Arches has drawn a line in the sand and claims the sub-minimum wage is making labor competition unfair between quick and full serve restaurants. Could this be the first domino to fall in a bigger industry-wide tipping conversation? Managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister then joins for the extra serving portion of the episode to talk about recent merger and acquisition news, including Freddy’s acquisition and the rumors of other chains that could be up for sale. Finally, we share a conversation between senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn and Original ChopShop’s Kyle Frederick.

For more on these stories:  

Taco Bell is adjusting its Voice AI plans

Starbucks rolls out AI-based inventory counting technology

McDonald’s splits with National Restaurant Association over tip policy