Wendy’s AI-Powered Drive-Thru Revolution: How FreshAi & Digital Innovation Are Transforming QSR

March 3, 2025

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About the Guest

Matt Spessard

Chief Information Officer of Wendy';s

Matt Spessard is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Wendy’s, a global quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain with over 7,000 locations and annual revenue exceeding $2 billion. With over 26 years in the restaurant technology industry, he has played a key role in advancing AI-driven innovation, digital transformation, and customer experience strategies. Before Wendy’s, he held leadership roles at Sonic Drive-In, Church’s Chicken, and Yum! Brands. Under his leadership, Wendy’s has successfully launched FreshAi, a generative AI-powered drive-thru assistant, and a comprehensive digital modernization initiative.

Episode Overview

How can AI revolutionize the $2B+ quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry? In this episode of Technovation, Wendy’s CIO Matt Spessard joins Peter High to reveal how the company is leveraging AI, automation, and digital transformation to enhance customer and crew experiences.

With 7,000+ locations worldwide, Wendy’s is redefining fast food with FreshAi, its AI-powered drive-thru assistant, developed in partnership with Google Cloud. Matt shares how this cutting-edge technology is boosting order accuracy, improving speed, and optimizing crew workflows. Plus, he discusses how Wendy’s revamped CRM, loyalty program, and mobile-first strategy led to 40% growth in digital revenue in 2024.

Key Takeaways:

FreshAi: The AI-powered drive-thru system redefining QSR efficiency.
40% Digital Growth: How Wendy’s revamped CRM and mobile experience is driving revenue.
AI-Driven Innovation: Wendy’s framework for testing, iterating, and rejecting 6 out of 7 ideas.
The Future of AI in QSR: Edge computing, spatial computing & what’s next for digital transformation.

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