Papa John's International has announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud to integrate artificial intelligence into its pizza ordering processes. This initiative aims to enhance customer experience by personalising interactions such as push notifications, marketing emails, and loyalty offers based on past behaviour. New features will include an online chatbot and ordering through virtual assistants.
This move reflects a broader trend among fast-food chains leveraging AI to improve sales, customer service, and operations. Papa John's views the adoption of AI as a way to catch up with competitors technologically and reclaim its leadership position, having been the first national pizza chain to introduce online ordering in 2001.
CEO Todd Penegor, who previously led a similar AI partnership at Wendy's, has brought in Kevin Vasconi—formerly of Wendy's and Domino's—to oversee the tech transformation. Future plans include using AI to optimise delivery routes and manage store inventories, signalling a comprehensive digital overhaul.
For technology leaders, this development underscores the growing importance of AI in enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency. It highlights the need for strategic partnerships and investments in AI to remain competitive in the evolving market landscape.