Part 9/12:
Extrapolating these efficiencies across all U.S. fast food establishments paints a stark picture. With approximately 215,000 locations employing millions of workers, the adoption of AI could lead to the loss of about one-fifth of the workforce—around 1 million jobs.
This likely trajectory is driven by ongoing investments by companies aiming for higher profit margins, lower costs, and faster service. The strategic implications extend beyond employment; competitive pricing, lower food costs, and improved customer satisfaction could reshape the entire fast food landscape.