Your favorite restaurant is becoming a tech company

The new competitive edge for restaurant chains isn't just menu innovation — it's technological infrastructure.

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• Restaurant chains from Taco Bell to Starbucks are experimenting with AI and other tech.
• The investment is intended to improve efficiency, protect margins, and drive traffic.
• However, there's a balance to strike between cutting-edge tech and hospitality-focused service.

Not long ago, a restaurant's edge was its secret sauce.