$0$ Industry and Business Impact Analysis:

$2\mathrm{.}1$ Industry Analysis

Figure $1$: Food Technology Maret share.

Rise of Digital Ordering and Delivery

The fast$-$food industry has observed incredible growth in digital ordering and delivery apps, so it has changed the customer$-$to$-$restaurant communication model. A Statista report shows that customers ordering food for delivery has grown $600$ times in six years, mainly through digital channels, and has increased ten times in less than two years $($Statista$,2023).$ Major retailers will transact $60-70\%$ of their sales within the next two years through digital tools. Hence, the importance of digital technologies is quite significant today. $($Statista$,2023).$ The ease and personalization of digital order platforms form two significant factors behind customer engagement today. While smart apps and online platforms have fully emerged, customers can now conveniently place orders, make changes, and track orders. This paradigm shift to digital channels has been among the primary catalysts of the COVID$-19$ pandemic, giving contactless ordering and delivery options additional importance $($Statista$,2023).$

The American quick$-$service culinary industry is led by mature brands that still dominate most of the market and have the highest brand value. It is the legendary Golden Arches that belongs to McDonald$$s$,$ which is recognized as the most potent fast$-$food brand, with a brand worth $196\mathrm{.}5$ billion U$.$S$.$ dollars in $2022.$ Starbucks, well$-$recognized for its coffeehouse experience, ranks second for its brand value of $61\mathrm{.}7$ billion U$.$S$.$ dollars $($Statista$,2023).$ Some other large names of U$.$S$.$ fast food chains are Subway, Domino's Pizza and Yum! The owner of these brands, that include Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC$.$ They have occupied the entire market, as these brands are annually listed among the top $10$ most valuable QSR brands globally at Statista $(2023).$ Although chains such as burger restaurants like McDonald$$s are often associated with the U$.$S$.$ Quick Service Restaurant $($QSR$)$ market, sandwich chain Subway has succeeded in becoming the leader by number of units among the QSR chains in the country with more than $22$ thousand establishments in the U$.$S$.$ only $($Statista$,2023).$ This diversity portrayed in the fast$-$food landscape shows how American consumers develop their preferences and likings, leading to more competition and innovation within the sector.

Artificial Intelligence along with Automation

Artificial intelligence $($AI$)$ is becoming one of the most significant to the evolution of digital alteration in the fast$-$food enterprise. Chatbots and predictions improve customer service, optimize processes, and ensure data$-$based decision$-$making. For example, chatbots can perform tasks like taking reservations and processing orders, while predictive analytics lets one foresee customer demand and adjust the menu variety $($Statista$,2023).$ Automation is also a critical trend in the fast$-$food industry, where restaurants are increasingly choosing how to automate processes to increase efficiency and production. The iconic McDonald$$s is the one to open a largely automated outlet in Fort Worth, Texas, which indicates the trend of shifting towards digitization and simplification in operations $($Statista$,2023).$

Data$-$Based Customization and the Customer Loyalty Crusade

Personalizing has become the key to the digital strategy in the fast$-$food industry. Data$-$driven personalization, primarily through customer loyalty programs, enables restaurants to design personalized deals like discounts and menu options according to unique loyalty program participants' preferences. This tactic guarantees the best customer experience and deepens brand loyalty and the number of repeat purchases $($Statista$,2023).$ Merging user data analytics and artificially intelligent recommendation engines allows fast$-$food chains to customize products as per customer segments and encourages engagement and sales. Restaurants will succeed in generating marketing campaigns and loyalty programs that will impress their customers using their customer data $($Statista$,2023).$

The Internet of Things $($IoT$)$ Technology

Fast$-$food business firms are beginning to practice IoT in several ways to make it more effective as well as attractive to customers. Smart appliances and energy management systems enable monitoring uses, predictive maintenance, and auto$-$control of many devices, resulting in meagre operation costs and high$-$quality service. $($Statista$,2023)$ Such technologies help restaurants make their kitchen workflows more efficient, keep track of equipment performance, and maintain food safety and quality standards. By implementing IoT solutions, fast food chains can harness efficiency and availability in the operational area; therefore, they can reduce downtime and improve the quality of their service delivery $($Statista$,2023).$

Innovative Payment Solutions

The mobile wallets' integration with cashless solutions and the increasing proliferation

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