Send us a textThis week on The Digital Restaurant, Carl is joined by restaurant real estate expert and 10Rep founder Kyle Inserra. Together they explore the rise of kitchen automation, curbside robotics, and why DoorDash is pausing its Voice AI. Packed with insights from the National Restaurant Show, this episode covers the latest in tech, data, and operations shaping the restaurant world.Timestamps:00:00:40 – AI Dominates the National Restaurant ShowAI matures beyond hype as operators start real implementationBack-of-house robotics everywhere—from fryers to vid machinesTariff uncertainty stalls investment for some tech vendors 🗨️ “I saw so much automation for the back of house—everyone was there this year.” — Carl00:05:10 – AutoLane Launches Curbside OS for Autonomous PickupThink of it as air traffic control for self-driving food pickupsTesting in SF and Austin ahead of Tesla robo-taxi launchesCuts pickup time from 2 minutes to 1 — massive implications 🗨️ “It’s choreography for self-driving cars—and it's coming fast.” — Carl00:09:40 – Wingstop Goes All-In on Smart KitchensProprietary AI forecasts demand and halves cook timesRollout success across franchise system — rare in the spaceShows power of in-house tech stacks over integrations 🗨️ “Wingstop isn’t trying to beat the competition—they’re trying to beat themselves.” — Kyle00:12:10 – DoorDash Trend Report: Robots, TikTok & Global PalatesMen more likely to trust AI-cooked meals; Gen Z shops by photoGarlic naan, pad thai, miso soup among top 10 DoorDash ordersHalf of users take 5–10 minutes deciding what to eat 🗨️ “If you aren’t in the carousel, you’re not in the consideration set.” — Carl00:20:00 – DoorDash Pauses Voice AI, Names Preferred Tech PartnersVoice AI project shelved—for now—due to underperformanceIntegration partners now include Toast, Square, Otter, CheckmateMore scrutiny coming for tech vendors to meet Doordash standards 🗨️ “Most GenAI projects fail because they’re poorly tested—DoorDash just pressed pause.” — CarlSupport the show🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!📖 Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant🎤 Have Carl come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter.

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