Heather Neary is propelling Taco John's into the modern era
In a bid to modernise and improve the drive-thru ordering experience, fast-food Mexican chain Taco John's has implemented a voice-activated drive-thru AI test as part of its broader technology initiatives. This move aligns with the company's focus on operational excellence and performance optimisation, using technology to drive efficiencies and better serve customers.
The test benefits Taco John's in unspecified ways, but the aim is to improve speed, accuracy, and overall customer experience by understanding spoken orders and reducing errors during order taking. The technology provider and pilot locations for this initiative have not been disclosed, but it is clear that Taco John's is committed to leveraging technology to fuel sustainable long-term growth and elevate its presence across the U.S.
The leadership of Taco John's has a particular focus on integrating technology with operations and training to enhance franchisee support and growth. This is under the guidance of Jackie Secor, who was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer. Secor oversees restaurant operations, technology, and training, aiming to leverage data-driven decision making and collaboration to optimise performance and grow average unit volume (AUV) for franchisees, while expanding the brand's footprint into new communities.
Heather Neary, the CEO of Taco John's, discussed the company's technology initiatives and menu development efforts in a podcast titled "A Deeper Dive." The podcast, which is part of Restaurant Business's content offerings, was recorded from the National Restaurant Show in May and is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The editor-in-chief of the podcast is a longtime industry journalist.
Taco John's has a strategy for franchising and expansion plans, with the aim of growing its presence across the U.S. Subscription to Restaurant Business provides access to all podcast content, offering insights into the latest trends and developments in the quick-service restaurant industry, including topics related to Mexican restaurants.
- The implementation of voice-activated drive-thru AI by Taco John's is a part of their broader finance and technology initiatives, aimed at enhancing operational excellence and improving performance.
- Franchisees of Taco John's are supported and encouraged to grow through the integration of technology with operations and training, as directed by Jackie Secor, the Chief Operating Officer, who oversees restaurant finance, technology, and training.
- Taco John's is expanding its food-and-drink business through franchising and technology, with a focus on elevating its lifestyle presence across the U.S. This strategy is outlined in podcasts like "A Deeper Dive," available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, which discuss the company's technology initiatives and menu development efforts.
