Two of the biggest names in food service—Starbucks and Yum! Brands—have recently made headlines for their differing, yet surprisingly complementary, approaches to AI and automation. The message from both? Technology belongs in the back of house—not at the expense of the human touch.
In a world racing toward digital everything, these two giants just ran their tech experiments. And their results send a powerful message about the future of restaurant innovation.
Starbucks Tried Automation—Then Doubled Down on People
According to a recent CBS News report, Starbucks found itself at a crossroads after testing new AI and automation tools designed to streamline the customer experience. The result? They’re walking it back.
Rather than replacing human interaction with screens or machines, Starbucks is refocusing on what made the brand iconic: personal, high-touch service.
The company recently announced plans to hire thousands of new baristas, highlighting a renewed emphasis on hospitality, speed, and emotional connection over tech-centric ordering kiosks.
The takeaway? Automation can’t replace the barista who remembers your name and favorite drink.
Yum! Brands is Going All-In on Back-of-House AI
Meanwhile, Yum! Brands—the parent company of Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut—is embracing a different strategy. In a recent episode of NVIDIA’s AI Podcast, Yum! revealed its focus on AI behind the scenes, using tech to drive efficiency, accuracy, and real-time decision-making.
From optimizing drive-thru timing to streamlining supply chains, their AI initiatives are laser-focused on one thing: freeing up staff to focus on what matters most—serving guests.
This is not about replacing people. It’s about empowering them.
Where ClearCOGS Fits In
At ClearCOGS, this is music to our ears. Our mission has always been clear: build AI tools that support restaurant staff, not replace them.
We’re proud to deliver forecasting solutions that take the guesswork out of prep, ordering, and labor planning—so your team can stop worrying about inventory and start focusing on delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
We believe the future of restaurants isn’t robots at the counter. It’s well-prepared, well-supported teams delivering high-quality hospitality—with a little help from smart, invisible tech in the background.
The Verdict: AI That Enhances, Not Replaces
So, what happens when two of the world’s biggest food service brands test the limits of AI?
Starbucks learned that the soul of customer service is still human.
Yum! Brands proved that operational AI can boost performance without compromising that human connection.
These aren’t opposing strategies—they’re two sides of the same coin. And together, they validate the very thing ClearCOGS was built on: technology should make restaurant teams better—not smaller.
Want to see how AI can support your staff instead of replacing them?
📅 [Let’s talk—schedule a demo today.]
