Yum Brands is partnering with tech giant Nvidia to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence in its restaurants, including Taco Bell and KFC. The collaboration will enable Yum to roll out AI order-taking, computer vision, and restaurant performance assessments.
The partnership marks a shift in strategy for Yum, which has built up its internal tech operations under its Byte platform. Yum has already tested Nvidia technology in some Pizza Hut and Taco Bell locations, and plans to deploy it across over 500 restaurants by the second quarter.
Nvidia’s involvement will allow Yum to customize AI models as needed, while owning the intelligence from the partnership. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but shares of both companies have risen significantly in recent years, with Nvidia’s market cap dwarfing that of Yum.
Restaurant companies like McDonald’s and Wendy’s are also investing in AI to improve operations and save on labor. As tech giants compete in an AI arms race, partnerships between restaurants and tech companies are becoming increasingly common.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/18/taco-bell-parent-yum-brands-partners-with-nvidia-to-speed-up-use-of-ai.html