Wendy's AI guru joins Presto — and he's betting drive-thrus may never be the same

Michael Chorey, a prominent figure in the AI landscape, has transitioned from Wendy's to become the cofounder and president of Presto IQ, an innovative division of AI automation provider Presto. Chorey, who previously spearheaded the development of Wendy's FreshAI, believes that artificial intelligence can dramatically enhance the efficiency of order-taking at drive-thrus, outperforming traditional methods. This move signifies a pivotal shift for Chorey, as he leaves the corporate fast-food environment to focus on broader technological applications aimed at personalizing and automating customer interactions in the restaurant industry. Chorey expressed his vision for the future of hospitality, stating, "This unlocks the future of what hospitality means, starting in the drive-thru." During his tenure at Wendy's, Chorey dedicated three years to actualizing the FreshAI initiative. By the time he departed in early August, the chain had already begun implementing AI-driven ordering systems at 300 drive-thru locations, with plans to expand this number to 600 by the end of the year. Despite early skepticism regarding usability and accuracy, Wendy's leadership, including CEO Kirk Tanner, has been optimistic, noting improvements in the AI's understanding of customer preferences. Wendy's is not alone in adopting AI technology; other major fast-food chains are also exploring similar innovations. For instance, McDonald's initiated its AI ordering system in collaboration with IBM but halted the project after encountering significant issues. However, they are now revisiting AI integration through a new partnership with Google. Meanwhile, Yum Brands is expanding its AI capabilities across various outlets, including Taco Bell and KFC. Presto's technology is already being trialed at several major chains, including Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. Chorey emphasized the importance of tailoring AI solutions to fit the unique communication styles of different brands and their customers, noting the dynamic nature of customer interactions throughout the day. As AI continues to gain traction in the fast-food sector, there are concerns about its impact on human workers. Presto's co-CEO, Krishna Gupta, anticipates a future where human operators may no longer be necessary in drive-thru environments within three years. However, he also highlighted the potential for AI to free workers from monotonous tasks, allowing them to engage more meaningfully with customers. For restaurants considering AI implementation, the consensus among Chorey and Gupta is clear: the question is no longer if they will adopt this technology, but when. The fast-food industry is evolving rapidly, and the ability to adapt quickly will be essential for brands to stay competitive. As the landscape continues to shift, the future of drive-thrus promises to be smart, scalable, and increasingly automated.