Dairy Queen customers may soon be ordering Blizzards from an artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant instead of a human employee. The popular fast-food chain is expanding its use of AI at drive-thru locations, introducing automated ordering powered by voice technology.
The company plans to roll out this feature across select U.S. franchises in partnership with Presto, aiming to modernize operations and improve efficiency. Customers will interact directly with an AI assistant rather than a staff member when placing orders.
This shift marks a significant change in how fast-food chains handle customer service, replacing traditional human interaction with automated systems designed to speed up the ordering process.
The rollout follows pilot programs conducted in 2025, where Dairy Queen reported improvements in both order accuracy and customer satisfaction. Early testing suggests that AI could streamline operations while maintaining service quality.
AI Drive-Thru Rollout Promises Speed and Efficiency
“We’ve been thrilled to partner closely with their team to optimize the last mile of AI deployment,” said Krishna Gupta, CEO of Presto. The system focuses on seamless menu integration, natural-sounding voices, and smooth human-AI interaction.
According to reports, the AI system can process approximately 90% of customer orders accurately. This level of efficiency is seen as a major step forward in reducing wait times and improving drive-thru performance.
Despite these advancements, the company has not fully addressed how often human staff may still need to intervene when the system encounters complex or unclear orders.
Fox News Digital reached out to Dairy Queen for further comments, but additional details on nationwide expansion remain limited.
Customer Reactions Highlight Frustration and Concerns
Customer reactions to AI-powered drive-thrus have been mixed, with many expressing frustration on social media platforms. Some users claim that the technology often fails to fully replace human interaction.
“I hate fast-food AI in general. Nine out of 10 times the employees need to take over anyway,” one Reddit user commented, reflecting skepticism about the system’s reliability.
Others pointed out that AI lacks the personal touch of human service, making the ordering experience feel less engaging and more mechanical.
Still, a portion of customers remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging that improvements in speed and convenience could outweigh the drawbacks over time.
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Fast-Food Industry Moves Toward Automation
Dairy Queen’s adoption of AI reflects a broader industry trend toward automation in fast-food operations. Companies are increasingly investing in technology to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs.
Advanced drive-thru systems are being developed to handle high volumes of orders while minimizing errors and delays. AI is playing a key role in transforming how restaurants operate.
As automation becomes more widespread, the balance between efficiency and customer experience will remain a critical factor in determining long-term success.
The coming months will likely reveal whether customers embrace AI-driven ordering or continue to demand human interaction at the drive-thru.
