Chipotle Mexican Grill is piloting two technologies to deliver better forecasting, optimal quality and increased convenience for digital guests. One is a cook-to-needs kitchen management system and the second is a location-based technology to enhance mobile app functionality, according to a company press release.

Eight Southern California restaurants are testing a KMS that leverages AI and machine learning to monitor ingredient levels in real-time and tells the crew how much to prep, cook and when to start cooking, while automatically populating real-time production planning for each restaurant.

"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 the release.

Results of the KMS, powered by PreciTaste, reveal the pilot is streamlining kitchen operations for crew members while ensuring a full line of fresh ingredients for guests, Garner said.

In 73 Ohio restaurants, Chipotle is testing advanced location-based technology to enhance its app functionality to provide a convenient experience for guests, Garner said. For guests who opt-in, the program can engage with app users upon arrival and utilizes real-time data to enhance their experiences with order readiness messaging, wrong pick-up location detection, reminders to scan the Chipotle Rewards QR code at checkout and more.

"Empowering our restaurants with advanced technologies is critical for operational excellence and better positions our teams for our ambitious growth plans," Scott Boatright, chief restaurant officer, said in the release.

Radius Networks' technology platform, Flybuy, is powering Chipotle's contextual restaurant program, and early results reveal positive performance with improved in-store rewards engagement, order alert notifications and efficiencies with earlier assignments for marketplace delivery drivers.

The two pilots aren't the first of Chipotle's journey toward AI. Earlier this year, it introduced Chippy, a chip-making robot at its innovation center. Chippy is now moving into the second phase of the pilot and will make start making chips for guests next month in Fountain Valley, California, store before deciding on a national implementation strategy.

Chipotle has over 3,000 restaurants.

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