McDonald’s Pauses Use Of AI For Ordering

McDonald’s has paused its use of AI at select drive-thrus. Looks like sometimes AI isn't a good fit.

The fast food brand said in a statement, “Through our partnership with IBM, we have captured many learnings and feel there is an opportunity to explore voice ordering solutions more broadly. After thoughtful review, McDonald’s has decided to end our current global partnership with IBM on AOT beyond this year. IBM remains a trusted partner and we will still utilize many of their products across our global System.”

"The goal of the test was to determine if an automated voice ordering solution could simplify operations for crew and create a faster, improved experience for our fans," a McDonald's spokesperson said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch while adding it still sees "an opportunity to explore voice ordering solutions more broadly."

McDonald’s began its AI trial in 2021. The AI drive-thru ordering has been documented via social media showing customers frustrated that the software kept making mistakes on their order. I say just hire a human to make mistakes with your order!

We do have some good fast food here in North Carolina. I know I personally could not live without Chick-fil-a. No matter how long the line is I seem to end up there at least once a week. And North Carolina's own Bojangles and Cookout is a southern staple. Of course, we have all the heavy hitter chains like Mcdonalds', Burger King, Wendy's, etc. But just like Bojangles and Cookout are North Carolina institutions there are chains local to other parts of the country that we (unfortunately) don't have here. If you've traveled outside of the state chances are you've had the chance to dine at a fast food restaurant that we don't have in North Carolina. And some of them leave you begging for them to open one up here.

When Shake Shack opened its first Charlotte location the line was wrapped around the building for weeks with people desperate to try it. Chains are going more national now, I think Chick-fil-a has finally made it to California. With that in mind, I created this list of 7 fast food restaurants I wish would come to North Carolina. Some that could be a possibility as they have started coming closer to this area. A few only have locations in southern California making a North Carolina expansion highly unlikely. A girl can dream though. I'm planning a trip next month to Arizona where I'll get to try some of these for the first time. Cannot wait! Have you tried any of these restaurants or know of any others you'd like to see here? Let us know!

Taco Bell is great and all, but Del Taco is the best of everything serving not only Mexican favorites but burgers, fries, and shakes as well. I never knew I needed a milkshake with my fast food tacos but now I definitely do! The chain is based out of California and has 592 locations. The closest ones to us are in Georgia. Maybe North Carolina will be next?

In N' Out has such a cult following that I'm sure you've heard of it even if you've never stepped foot in one. The burger chain is famous for it's "animal style" entrees. It's mainly located in the Southwest with Texas and Colorado being the closest location to us.

If for no other reason than the time I want Wienerschnitzel to come to South Carolina. How fun would it be to just say "I'm going to Wienerschnitzel want anything?". The menu of course includes hotdogs and corndogs but also burgers, fries, and a meatball sub. Locations are in Arizona, California, New Mexico and other western states. You'd have to go to Texas to find the closest Wienerschnitzel.

Another one that wins just because of the name. They are self-described as "a chef-driven, gourmet food concept inspired by a true love for eggs." These breakfast items are a step up from your typical fast food fare and are all made from high-quality ingredients. There are only 5 US locations along with several international ones. The US ones are in California and Vegas so doesn't look like a North Carolina expansion is imminent.

This soul food fast food chain has 7 locations in the greater LA area. Fried chicken, homestyle sides, waffles, sandwiches, and even chicken liver makes up the menu of Roscoe's. Fast food definitely doesn't look like this in North Carolina.

Fatburger considers itself the Last Great Hamburger Stand. While it is a fast food restaurant, the food is cooked and made to order. Some Fatburger restaurants have liquor licenses as well as "fat bars." Unfortunately, all the locations are in the southern part of California. The burgers, wings, and fries all look incredible.

Southern California gets all the good spots. King Taco, another LA based chain, serves soft tacos, burritos, sopes, tamales, nachos, Mexican drinks, and even rotisserie chicken at some locations.