The rise of digital food ordering — alongside lasting labor and supply chain shortages — is forcing quick-service restaurants to reinvent. From conversational AI to serving robots, here’s how startups are unbundling the world’s largest fast food chain.
Fast food superstar McDonald’s hit a 5-year revenue high of $23B in 2021, marking almost 21% YoY growth as global Covid-19 restrictions on restaurants were lifted.
The company’s impressive topline growth can be partially attributed to its digital efforts, such as the MyMcDonald’s Rewards program and its focus on digital ordering, which now makes up a third of the company’s sales.
However, success in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is never certain, especially amid ever-changing consumer behaviors, labor shortages, and ongoing supply chain disruptions.
In the face of these challenges, startups are continuously innovating to support fast food restaurants in mitigating operational roadblocks and responding to new consumer demands. Below, we look at how these companies are unbundling McDonald’s, from robotic food prep to autonomous delivery.
