Chick-fil-A Rejects AI Drive-Thru Ordering as Rivals Automate

Chick-fil-A, with $23.9 billion in sales, says it will not replace human drive-thru order takers with AI, CEO Andrew Cathy told CNBC. McDonald's is testing its Archy voice system, while Wendy's FreshAI completed 86% of orders unassisted in one test.

• Chick-fil-A keeps human order takers, citing hospitality as core to its brand
• The chain reported about $23.9 billion in 2025 sales
• Wendy's FreshAI completed 86% of orders without human help in one test
• McDonald's plans to test its Archy voice AI in English and Spanish