Concept with the future? McDonald’s is testing its first automated store without an employee in the US

– No sales staff, but plenty of technology: McDonald’s is testing a new concept in the US that requires fewer staff. Branch in Texas does not invite you to stay.

In the latter half of 2022, fast food group McDonald’s opened a test branch that had no sales staff at all. In the daily business, there are only two kitchen staff. Customers only interact with large touch screen kiosks and robots. You will search in vain for places to eat on site. This unique quick service restaurant is located near Fort Worth, the fifth largest city in the US state of Texas.

The test branch has been developed for suppliers on the one hand and for customers who want to eat at home or on the go on the other. Thus, the restaurant is more compact and instead of several indoor dining tables, there is a delivery room for couriers, a counter for taking orders and kiosks where customers can place their take-out orders. Orders are provided for collection via bots and conveyor belts.

New McDonald’s Drive-In: “Order Ahead Lane”

The test branch also has two driving tracks. The first lane is a classic lane by paying at the first counter and picking up at the second counter. The fast food giant calls the second lane “Order Ahead Lane” — here food is only pickup and must be pre-ordered via the app. The company writes: “This is a great option for customers who want to place their order before arrival via the McDonald’s app, bypass the traditional car queue and pick up their food quickly and easily.”

Employees can no longer see customers from the vehicle. Orders are made via a conveyor belt for food and beverages. “The technology at this restaurant not only allows us to serve our customers in new and innovative ways, but it also frees up our restaurant team to focus more on the speed and accuracy of orders, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.” explains Keith Vanicek. , the franchisor who runs the experimental restaurant.

“At McDonald’s, we’ve been setting the standard for leadership for more than 45 years,” said Max Carmona, senior director of global design and restaurant development at McDonald’s. “As our customers’ needs continue to change, we strive to find new ways to serve them faster and easier than ever before.”