Dairy Queen has begun deploying artificial intelligence chatbots at dozens of its drive-thru locations across the United States and Canada, making it the latest fast-food chain to integrate AI technology into customer service operations.

The AI chatbot system is designed to serve two primary functions: accelerating drive-thru service times and encouraging customers to add more items to their orders, according to reports. The technology represents part of a broader trend among fast-food restaurants seeking to leverage artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and boost sales.

The rollout comes as the restaurant industry increasingly turns to automation and AI solutions to address labor challenges and streamline operations. Drive-thru service has become particularly important for fast-food chains, especially following the pandemic when contactless service options gained prominence.

Dairy Queen's implementation follows similar moves by other major fast-food chains that have experimented with AI-powered ordering systems. The company has not disclosed specific details about the technology provider or the timeline for broader deployment across its restaurant network.

The chatbot deployment reflects the growing adoption of conversational AI in retail and food service sectors, as companies seek to reduce wait times while potentially increasing average order values through automated upselling capabilities.