Wendy's To Add Self-Order Kiosks

Do you get cash from an ATM or a bank teller? Do you use the self-check line at the supermarket or choose a lane with a cashier? If you opt for machines over people - your next change is coming to a fast-food restaurant near you.

Wendy’s announced last week that it will install self-ordering kiosks at company-owned restaurants this year in an effort to hold down labor costs. Franchise owners will have a choice to switch to kiosks or stick with counter workers to take orders.

"We'll continue to invest in technology, with things in the front of the house, consumer facing, like customer self-order kiosks, mobile-order, mobile-pay," President Todd Penegor told investors on a quarterly earnings call.

The move comes as labor costs spike due to increasing minimum wages and other pressures.

Wendy’s isn’t alone. McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, KFC and Panera Bread are investing in self-order kiosks. Some already are installed in other parts of the country. They're expected to appeal to millennials, who've grown up with technology.

On Facebook, customers were quick to express their opinions whether the change is an improvement. Brandon Blietz wrote, “This is where progress is leading us. It's up to each of us to evolve and recreate the value proposition for ourselves. Innovate or die. We are very creative and resourceful beings.”

But Sheila Avery said, “I will not go there without personal service and a smiling person to help me. Good luck, Wendy's, I won't be back until you get the message. If (you) think a computer can get it right you are so wrong.”

What do you think? Will you embrace self-ordering kiosks, or opt for the human touch? Tell us below in comments or join the discussion on Facebook.

--Image via WikiMedia Commons