Starbucks Introduces AI Assistant to Boost Efficiency and Support Baristas
Starbucks has unveiled a new generative AI assistant, developed in collaboration with Microsoft Azure’s OpenAI platform. The coffee chain wants to modernize its in-store operations and assist employees with the new AI tool, known as Green Dot Assist. It was introduced during Starbucks’ Leadership Experience in Las Vegas, a three-day gathering of over 14,000 store managers. Designed to streamline barista workflows and cut service times, the assistant will initially launch in 35 stores before expanding across the U.S. and Canada in the company’s 2026 fiscal year, starting this fall.
Starbucks Chief Technology Officer Deb Hall Lefevre said, “It’s just another example of how innovation technology is coming into service of our partners and making sure that we’re doing all we can to simplify the operations, make their jobs just a little bit easier, maybe a little bit more fun, so that they can do what they do best.”
Green Dot Assist will allow baristas to ask questions via tablet, either typed or spoken, about drink recipes, equipment troubleshooting, and store operations. Instead of referring to manuals or internal systems, employees can now receive instant, conversational responses, which Starbucks says could cut order times to four minutes or less. The company envisions further uses for the AI, such as automatically logging IT issues or suggesting replacements when a team member is absent.
Learn more about Green Dot Assist here: https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/meet-green-dot-assist-starbucks-generative-ai-powered-coffeehouse-companion/
DoorDash Supercharges Ad Platform With AI Tools and Symbiosys Acquisition
DoorDash has unveiled its most comprehensive upgrade to its advertising platform, showcasing a powerful new suite of AI-driven tools and the acquisition of ad tech firm Symbiosys. The Symbiosys platform, which enables brands to expand into external digital channels like search, social media, and display advertising, is now integrated into DoorDash’s ecosystem. The move gives businesses enhanced control over campaign performance and customer engagement both within and outside the app.
DoorDash Vice President of Ads, Toby Espinosa, said, “We’re building the future of local commerce advertising. With new product capabilities, AI-powered tools, and Symbiosys’ offsite reach, businesses of any size can now connect with high-intent consumers seamlessly. Moving forward, every business from local owner-operators to the largest global brands will have the opportunity to grow on DoorDash and beyond with the click of a button.”
Currently, over 150,000 advertisers, including large CPG companies, major retailers, and small restaurants, use DoorDash’s platform to reach high-intent consumers. In 2024, DoorDash, along with its affiliate Wolt Ads, surpassed a $1 billion annualized advertising revenue run rate.
Read more here: https://ir.doordash.com/news/news-details/2025/Introducing-the-New-DoorDash-Ads-AI-Powered-Tools-and-Acquisition-of-Ad-Tech-Platform-Symbiosys-to-Help-Restaurants-and-Brands-Grow/default.aspx
McDonald’s Introduces New Feedback System to Enhance Customer Experience
McDonald’s has rolled out a new digital feedback platform in its U.S. and Australian restaurants to streamline how customers share their dining experiences. Replacing the outdated paper-based method that required guests to manually enter a URL from their receipts, the updated system is designed to be faster and more user-friendly. Now, customers receive a prompt about an hour after placing their order via McDonald’s mobile app, inviting them to rate aspects like food quality and service.
The company said, “Technology plays a key role in helping McDonald’s stay responsive to evolving guest needs and better achieve our goals –– to feed and foster our communities. By offering a more accessible and efficient way to share responses, McDonald’s is not only enhancing its customer experience but is also paving the way for future innovations.”
The digital feedback system is fully integrated into McDonald’s broader digital infrastructure. Once customer responses are submitted, advanced tools analyze the data to identify trends, prioritize urgent issues, and inform operational improvements. Compared to the old system, the new platform has significantly boosted response rates from one per 1,000 guests to about 20 per 1,000.
Original Article Links:
Starbucks to roll out Microsoft Azure OpenAI assistant for baristas
DoorDash Launches Significant Updates to its Advertising Platform
McDonald’s has launched a digital customer feedback platform