Technology

Freebirds adds techs to enhance employee engagement, deploys robotics in kitchens

Provided

October 12, 2021

Texas-based Freebirds World Burrito is deploying the Wisetail learning experience platform to help strengthen culture, engagement and well-being for employees, also known as tribe members, according to a company press release. Wisetail's learning management system and learning experience platform make it easy for tribe members to stay up to date with responsibilities and foster a community with fellow Freebirds employees, Mica Willoughby, director of training and internal communications at Freebirds World Burrito, said in the release.

"Freebirds' tribe members are at the heart and soul of the company," Willoughby said. "It's our priority to make sure they have access to tools and resources needed to feel their best at work while also being able to build a community with fellow tribe members. In its first week of implementation, we've had amazing engagement from our tribe, including over 4,000 tribe-member likes within the platform and a lot of positive feedback."

An empowered company culture leads to positive brand affinity for both employees and customers, Ali Knapp, president at Wisetail said in the release. "It's critical for employees to feel a sense of community and it's our mission to help companies achieve that with Wisetail's LMS and LXP solutions," Knapp said.

Robotics on the menu
The partnership with Wisetail is just one of many investments in technology that is fueling Freebirds' dynamic growth. Earlier this month, Freebirds announced a partnership with Now Cuisine to implement robotic takeout stations across Dallas, slated to launch in 2022. The takeout stations will produce fresh bowls, 24/7 starting in multifamily and office buildings, with plans to later expand to college campuses, airports, hotels and other locations. Additionally, the company recently deployed the Qu unified omnichannel ordering platform at its restaurants, creating one unified system that integrates in-store POS equipment, online and mobile ordering, third-party delivery systems, inventory tracking, CRM systems and Freebirds' loyalty program.

This summer, Freebirds announced a major unit expansion, planning to double its total number of locations over the next five years. The main areas of expansion will be across Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, though the growth will see locations open across the state. The brand has already announced new restaurant openings in the pipeline in Spring, Kingwood, Dripping Springs and Katy.

Created in Texas with headquarters in Austin, Freebirds has 55 locations throughout the state.