GoKawiilStarbucks to test AI that recognizes drive-thru customers in 2027
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol told investors on the company's fourth-quarter 2026 earnings call that it will test AI models at drive-thru lanes during fiscal 2027, aiming to recognize repeat customers as they approach and surface personalized digital menus with suggested orders. Drive-up customers make up about half of Starbucks' business, and Niccol said AI would help input orders more accurately while baristas focus on talking with customers. Starbucks did not specify the recognition technology, testing locations, or any effect on prices.