Big Change Could Be Coming to All 53 Wendy’s Locations in MN

If you don't like change, you aren't going to like this bit of news today. Something new will be popping up at Wendy's locations in the United States in 2025. 53 Wendy's in Minnesota could be impacted.

New Change Could Be Coming Soon To All 53 Wendy's Stores in Minnesota

Two years ago, PEW Research Center stated that about 55% of Americans used AI daily. Now, it is happening all around us every day and according to Gallup, the average user may not even know it.

Last year, 333.34 million companies throughout the entire world were incorporating AI into their operations. Sometimes this is seen by the end user. Sometimes it isn't. If you visit a Wendy's restaurant in the future, it sounds like customers will notice some AI being incorporated.

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The AI That You'll Soon See at Wendy's Stores in the United States, Including in Minnesota

Wendy's has always been known to be the place where you can find square burgers. Their frosty also pairs up pretty well with french fries. The items on their menu might be iconic but the way you order them will soon be futuristic.

According to Reader's Digest, back in 2024, Wendy's introduced their new voice-enabled ordering system called "Fresh AI" at about 100 of their locations. This new system will be noticed at the drive-thru. In 2025, Wendy's restaurants will see a boom in AI drive-thru ordering as it places this new system into 500 to 600 locations.

It hasn't been announced publicly what 500 to 600 restaurants will receive the upgrade. Minnesota has 53 locations and if they don't already have AI in the drive-thru, it could happen by the end of 2025.

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Why Is Wendy's Using AI in the Drive-Thrus?

If your job is working the drive-thru at a Wendy's, I anticipate that your roll will be changing in the near future (if it hasn't already). A person has to be paid. Training costs money. Schedule changes when people get sick or have to miss work can negatively impact the operations of a fast-food restaurant like Wendy's. A computer system does require some cost but no one has to figure out a W-2 for a computer.

CAUTION! Get Ready to Spend More When Using AI To Order

Here's a fun little nugget for you that you should be aware of - if you approach a drive-thru or kiosk that is utilizing AI for your order, there is a good chance you will spend more money.

According to pymnts.com, Kirk Tanner, CEO of Wendy's, shared that using AI technology in the ordering process will help increase the average amount customers spend. The reason is due to the fact that AI is suggesting to the customer at the time of purchase other items that could complement their meal.