Bringing efficiency to the drive-thru lane—without losing the human touch

At this year’s National Restaurant Association Show, cutting-edge tech filled every corner of McCormick Place—robot baristas, AI bartenders, and smart kitchen sensors. But amidst the buzz, the real theme was clear: streamline operations, boost profitability, and reduce labor strain. That’s exactly where Flash Order came in.

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As part of the wave of practical innovation, Flash Order was highlighted by Restaurant Business for its drive-thru ordering solution, designed to simplify service without sacrificing human backup. Our demo showcased how QR codes—strategically placed along drive-thru lanes—enable customers to start their orders on their phones while still in line.

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Whether it's via a simple scan, Apple CarPlay, or even Tesla integration, guests can browse the menu, customize items, and even pay—all before reaching the window. But if they don’t finish the order? No problem. A team member can jump in to complete it on-site.

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"The future of drive-thru isn’t about replacing people—it’s about making their jobs easier and the customer experience faster. If guests can order before they reach the window, everyone wins" -Weston Hafen, Flash Order’s Business Development Lead

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As labor costs rise and staffing remains a challenge for restaurants nationwide, tools like Flash Order Drive-Thru solutions are gaining attention not for their flash—but for their function.

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We’re proud to be building tools that help restaurants serve faster, reduce friction, and adapt to the new normal—with or without robots.

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Read the full article here:
"At the National Restaurant Association Show, Technology Moves to the Back of the House," -Restaurant Association