Burger King recently introduced an artificial intelligence chatbot named “Patty” into its daily restaurant operations, embedding the tool inside employees’ headsets to assist with workflow — and gently nudge drive-thru manners.
Patty, powered by a base model from OpenAI, is part of a broader web and app platform called BK Assistant, designed to provide real-time training and operational support.
The AI can alert managers when menu items are unavailable, help workers recall ingredients, and track phrases like “please” and “thank you,” aiming to keep service polite and efficient.
The system activates when a customer pulls into the drive-thru and stops when the interaction ends, but according to the company, the BK Assistant won’t listen to all of employees’ conversations.
The voice-enabled headset is currently being piloted in 500 restaurants, according to NBC. Both the web and app versions of BK Assistant are expected to be available nationwide by the end of the year.
Burger King’s chief digital officer said the goal is to simplify operations and provide coaching support.
AI adoption expands across the industry
Burger King is one of several fast food chains experimenting with AI, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Arby’s, and Popeyes.
According to AP News, success for AI-powered drive-thrus has been mixed.
Scores of mishaps and mistakes have been well documented by customers on social media over the last couple of years.
Others have shared privacy concerns viewing the technology as a form of workplace surveillance.
As fast-food chains increasingly adopt AI tools, the industry — like many others — is poised for significant change.