Technology

Torchy's Tacos deploys voice AI smart ordering

Photo: Soundhound

December 5, 2024

Torchy's Tacos had deployed voice AI smart ordering at its 130 locations thanks to a partnership with SoundHound, a voice artificial intelligence company headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

Customers speak naturally as they would to another person, and the system will recognize orders instantly and accurately, said Torchy's CTO Thai Tran.

"At Torchy's Tacos we want our guests to have the best experience every time they engage with the brand," he said in a company press release. "Partnering with SoundHound and using their Smart Ordering system, we are able to give our guests another way to easily order our food. We know that they'll get an easy-to-use option that ensures their orders are accurate, done on time, and they get the service they have come to expect from us. And it allows our team to be more efficient so we can elevate the total guest experience."

This voice AI ordering capability manages all incoming calls, handling multiple calls and orders simultaneously. It not only takes food orders but also answers common questions about menu items, specials, store hours and allergen information, letting Torchy's team members focus on preparing tacos and providing excellent in-store service, said James Hom, chief product officer of SoundHound AI.

"As we continue to scale our AI-powered restaurant solutions, we have seen the impact they have in redefining how restaurants engage with their customers, adding an entirely new layer of convenience and efficiency," he said in the release. "We're excited to work with Torchy's Tacos to transform how guests order and experience their meals, from the first call to the first bite."

SoundHound's recent consumer study shows that nearly 80% of regular diners in the U.S. believed that AI voice assistants will handle most food ordering in the next few years. The company's voice AI solutions are in over 10,000 restaurant locations, with solutions for phone, drive-thru, kiosk, headset and other devices.