Starbucks to Test AI Drive-Thru Menus in 2027, Targeting Personalized Orders and Payments
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Oct 30
Starbucks to Test AI Drive-Thru Menus in 2027, Targeting Personalized Orders and Payments
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Oct 30
Summary
Starting in 2027, Starbucks plans to test AI at drive-thrus that can recognize participating customers, surface personalized digital menus and streamline payment.
Background AI models will also be piloted to help baristas enter orders more accurately and efficiently, part of a broader push to speed service.
Brian Niccol said the effort is still early, with Starbucks planning to test, learn and scale what works rather than set a rollout date.
The company is also adding AI to app search and discovery, exploring conversational and agentic ordering, after already enabling ChatGPT ordering and launching Green Dot Assist for employees.
Starbucks joins rivals including Taco Bell and McDonald’s, which are already piloting AI-driven drive-thru systems tailored to repeat customers or individual cars.