McDonald’s Dallas — “That is one big kiosk (and it comes with people inside too!)
Hard to miss the flaring Newsweek 12/22/2022 article — this is one heck of a kiosk, or should we say RMU (robotic merchandising unit). Essentially a public facing ghost kitchen of sorts.
WFAA back in December posted nice video and writeup
In Brief Summary
- no human contact to order and pick up your favorite meal
- customers use automated screens to order fast food and collect it via a machine
- McDonald’s explained in a statement that the restaurant includes new features including the “Order Ahead lane,” where customers can receive their order on a conveyor belt.
“The technology in this restaurant not only allows us to serve our customers in new, innovative ways, it gives our restaurant team the ability to concentrate more on order speed and accuracy, which makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone,” explains Keith Vanecek, the franchisee operating the test restaurant. “I am immensely proud to have this new restaurant concept serving our customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.”
Not sure how they do this — The Order Ahead Lane also has the added feature of letting crew members know when your car is getting close to the location so they can time your order to your arrival. Operating like a deep-fried ballet, this feature aims to make sure your burger and fries (or whatever else you’re getting) will be freshest by the time you arrive.
This all came out Dec 2, and really McDonalds referred to it in 2020.
mcdonalds drive-thru kiosk
Other Resources
- Today.com article is pretty good
- WFAA beat everybody and included video
From McDonalds
There’s never been a McDonald’s restaurant quite like this before.
Here’s what you need to know about a new McDonald’s test restaurant located just outside Fort Worth, Texas (and why we’re so excited about it):
1. There’s a brand new way to pick up your order: The Order Ahead Lane. The Order Ahead Lane is a separate Drive Thru lane where customers receive their orders via a food and beverage conveyor. This is a great option for customers who want to place their order ahead of arrival through the McDonald’s app, skip the traditional Drive Thru line and receive their food quickly and conveniently.
[insert picture or GIF of OAL]
“At McDonald’s, we’ve been setting the standard for Drive Thrus for more than 45 years,” explains Max Carmona, Senior Director, Global Design & Restaurant Development, McDonald’s. “As our customers’ needs continue to change, we are committed to finding new ways to serve them faster and easier than ever before.”
2. It’s designed for customers on the move. When you step inside the test restaurant concept, you’ll notice it’s considerably smaller than a traditional McDonald’s restaurant in the U.S. Why? The features – inside and outside – are geared toward customers who are planning to dine at home or on the go. Inside the restaurant, there’s a delivery pick-up room for couriers to retrieve orders quickly and conveniently. There are also kiosks, where customers can place their orders to go, and a pick-up shelf for orders. Outside the restaurant, there are several parking spaces dedicated to curbside order pick-up, as well as designated parking spaces for delivery drivers.
3. Our technology makes for a better crew and customer experience. The Order Ahead Lane uses technology that allows the restaurant team to begin preparing customers’ orders when they’re near the restaurant. The enhanced technology at this location helps the hardworking restaurant team, too. The restaurant’s app updates, food and beverage conveyor, and new kitchen format all streamline operations – leading to a fast, seamless experience for both customers and crew. “The technology in this restaurant not only allows us to serve our customers in new, innovative ways, it gives our restaurant team the ability to concentrate more on order speed and accuracy, which makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone,” explains Keith Vanecek, the franchisee operating the test restaurant.
4. It’s “test and learn” – for now. This unique restaurant concept can only be found in one location outside Fort Worth, Texas. We’re excited to test new ideas and innovations that can potentially benefit restaurant teams and customers around the world.
5. Testing this new restaurant concept is part of McDonald’s “Accelerating the Arches” growth strategy – and we first shared our plans for this concept at our Investor Update in 2020. We’re always innovating to improve our customer experience, no matter how they want to order or receive their food. “I am immensely proud to have this new restaurant concept serving our customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex,” Keith Vanecek says.
We can’t wait for local customers to experience it.
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