---
title: "Chatbots at the drive-thru are just the beginning"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/286672159.md"
description: "McDonald's introduced AI chatbots at drive-thrus in 2021, starting with 10 locations in Chicago. This technology was developed after acquiring Apprente, a startup specializing in voice-based conversational tech. The integration of AI in fast food is just the beginning of its impact on daily life."
datetime: "2026-05-17T12:17:20.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/286672159.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286672159.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/286672159.md)
---

# Chatbots at the drive-thru are just the beginning

_This is_ The Stepback_, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more news about how AI is seeping into our daily lives,_ _follow Emma Roth__._ The Stepback _arrives in our subscribers' inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for_ The Stepback _here__._

## How it started

In 2021, McDonald's became one of the first major fast-food chains to greet customers with an AI chatbot at the drive-thru. It started small, deploying the voice-ordering technology at 10 of its locations in Chicago. McDonald's developed its drive-thru tech after acquiring Apprente, a startup focused on voice-based, conversational technology in 2019, and later wor …

Read the full story at The Verge.

### Related Stocks

- [MCD.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/MCD.US.md)
- [EATZ.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/EATZ.US.md)

## Related News & Research

- [McDonald's Is the Cheapest It’s Been in Years—Does That Make It a Buy?](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286573487.md)
- [Here's How Much $1000 Invested In McDonald's 20 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286841348.md)
- [Is AI a bubble? It’s starting to get soapy](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286937439.md)
- [Kimberly Guilfoyle's Business Announcement Is Getting Lambasted](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286596620.md)
- [Quad Announces Participation in the Rosenblatt Virtual Technology Summit: The Age of AI | QUAD Stock News](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286963031.md)