During Chipotle’s Q2 earnings call in late July, executives made it clear the system needed to refine some of its operational processes as dine-in business returns while off-premise business remains elevated.
In doing so, Chief Restaurant Officer Scott Boatwright touted the company’s Project Square One, a game plan focused on employee training to execute orders more efficiently. Today, the company announced it’s also getting more technology involved.
Chipotle is testing two technologies specifically to streamline operations and reduce friction–a kitchen management system and an advanced location-based platform.
In eight Southern California restaurants, Chipotle is testing PreciTaste’s kitchen management system that provides “demand-based cooking and ingredient preparation forecasts” by leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning. According to Chipotle, the system monitors ingredient levels in real time and notifies employees how much to prep, cook and when to start cooking. The system was created to not only optimize throughput but to also minimize food waste.
“The new kitchen management system has alleviated manual tasks for our crew and given restaurant managers the tools they need to make informed in-the-moment decisions, ultimately enabling them to focus on an exceptional culinary and an outstanding guest experience,” Chief Technology Officer Curt Garner said in a statement.
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