Presto Phoenix, Inc., a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, has announced a strategic expansion of its partnership with Galardi Group, the parent company of Wienerschnitzel. This collaboration will bring Presto’s state-of-the-art Voice AI ordering technology to a growing number of drive-thru locations across the United States.
Galardi Group has already implemented Presto’s Voice AI at 35 Wienerschnitzel locations, with an additional 50 locations currently in the onboarding process. Voice AI With ambitious growth plans set for 2025, the company aims to roll out the technology across its extensive network of over 350 corporate and franchise drive-thru locations nationwide.
Transforming the Drive-Thru Experience with AI
Presto’s Voice AI technology is designed to enhance the drive-thru experience by automating order-taking, streamlining operations, and allowing restaurant staff to focus on quality food preparation and customer service. By acting as a virtual employee, the Voice AI system reduces the burden of multitasking on human staff while simultaneously improving order accuracy and optimizing upselling opportunities.
Gee Lefevre, CEO of Presto, expressed his excitement about the partnership’s expansion:
Galardi Group’s leadership is equally enthusiastic about the impact of AI in their operations. Rusty Bills, Chief Operating Officer of Galardi Group, highlighted the company’s forward-thinking approach:
Proven Performance and Measurable Success
The effectiveness of Presto’s AI-driven system has already been demonstrated in real-world scenarios. A recent upsell test conducted at Wienerschnitzel locations showed that when Presto Voice consistently recommended the all-beef hotdog to customers, there was an average increase of 5% in total sales. These results underscore the AI system’s ability to drive revenue growth while enhancing customer engagement.
Beyond revenue improvements, the AI solution addresses key operational challenges faced by QSRs. The automation of order-taking reduces stress on employees, minimizes order errors, and improves overall drive-thru speed. As a result, franchise owners benefit from reduced labor costs and improved customer satisfaction ratings.
A Commitment to Innovation and Growth
Wienerschnitzel has a long-standing history of embracing innovation to drive business success. JR Galardi, CEO of Galardi Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining its entrepreneurial spirit as it expands nationwide:
Presto has been a pioneer in leveraging large language model (LLM)-driven AI for drive-thru operations. With over 15 years of experience in enterprise restaurant technology, the company has built a robust and scalable solution tailored for nationwide rollouts. Its customer-centric approach prioritizes strong corporate and franchisee relationships, making it a trusted partner for QSR brands looking to integrate AI into their operations.
The Future of AI in the QSR Industry
The rapid adoption of AI technology in the restaurant industry signals a fundamental shift in how QSRs operate. With increasing labor costs, staff shortages, and the need for improved efficiency, AI-powered solutions like Presto Voice are becoming essential tools for competitive advantage.
Voice AI technology is particularly valuable in drive-thru operations, where speed and accuracy are critical. By automating order-taking, restaurants can reduce wait times, eliminate common human errors, and create a more seamless experience for customers. The technology also provides valuable data insights, allowing franchise owners to track sales patterns, optimize menu offerings, and tailor promotions based on real-time trends.
As the partnership between Presto and Galardi Group continues to grow, the integration of AI at Wienerschnitzel locations will serve as a model for other QSR brands looking to modernize their operations. With a strong track record of success and a commitment to ongoing innovation, both companies are poised to lead the industry into the next era of AI-driven restaurant technology.
