Chipotle is testing technology to enhance employee and customer experiences in its stores, the company has announced. The technologies, including a kitchen management system and a location-based technology to enhance its app functionality, will streamline operations and reduce friction, according to Chipotle.
PreciTaste's kitchen management system is being tested in eight stores in Orange County, California. It leverages AI and machine learning to monitor ingredient levels in real-time, indicates to employees the ingredient quantities to prep, when to start cooking, and more. By forecasting ingredient needs, the system intends to optimize freshness and minimize food waste.
"The new kitchen management system has alleviated manual tasks for our crew and given restaurant managers the tools they need to make informed in the moment decisions, ultimately enabling them to focus on an exceptional culinary and an outstanding guest experience," said Chipotle CTO Curt Garner in a statement.
Radius Networks' Flybuy platform is being tested in 73 restaurants in Ohio. It enhances the Chipotle app function to provide users with improved location detection, order readiness messaging, and reminders to use different services.
"Empowering our restaurants with advanced technologies is critical for operational excellence and better positions our teams for our ambitious growth plans," said Scott Boatright, Chipotle chief restaurant officer, in a statement.
Earlier this year, the company also began working with Miso Robotics to test Chippy, a kitchen robot that makes tortilla chips.
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