QSR | Track 1: Tech Check & Innovation Central

We’re wasting no time and getting right into the AI arena. In this case, let’s start with the balance restaurants are trying to strike—can you implement the game-changing tech without losing the people part of your business?

Restaurants have more data than ever and tools to gather information. But are you on the path to true hyper-personalization? Let’s break down what it takes to get there and the tech solutions and marketing practices making it happen.

How are digital touchpoints shaping hospitality? What is “phygital?” What’s the true state of omnichannel? However you break it down, restaurants have more avenues and channels to engage with guests than ever—but reaching them and taking them along for the ride is never an easy process.

Following this morning’s Drive-Thru Report reveal, we’ll go deeper into the technologies and innovations separating winning brands, and what it means to run the modern QSR drive-thru that delivers consistency, experience, and somewhat beyond expectation.

The future is automated—but not everything should be. QSR leaders share real-world wins, missteps, and what actually pays off when integrating robotics, smart kitchens, and AI-driven workflows. Expect practical takeaways, not tech hype.

Discount fatigue is real, and the old playbook of “buy one, get one” no longer builds lasting loyalty. This panel explores how QSR leaders are shifting from transactional rewards to emotional connection, using data, personalization, menu engineering, and brand storytelling to deliver value that guests feel.