The Foodservice AI Gap Is Real—Here’s How to Close It
Data & AI - Blog
7/03/25
The foodservice industry isn’t lacking ambition when it comes to AI—it’s lacking alignment.
In Stable Kernel’s latest research, The Future Served Fast: How AI & Tech Are Reshaping Foodservice, over 60% of foodservice tech leaders said they’re stuck. Not because they lack vision, but because their current systems can’t keep up.
From QSRs to convenience stores, companies are eager to implement AI—but are wrestling with the same three problems: high costs, legacy systems, and the sheer complexity of scaling innovation across operations.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a “tech stack” issue. It’s a strategy stack issue.
Why Most AI Plans Stall Before They Start
According to the study, only one-third of foodservice brands have a clear AI strategy for core operations. The rest? They’re caught between the hype and the hardware.
Top barriers include:
- Outdated infrastructure that AI can’t plug into
- Costly integrations that can’t scale
- Unclear ROI from emerging tools
- A gap in the in-house skills needed to move faster
And as Stable Kernel’s Chief Strategy Officer Mary Elzey puts it:
“The question being asked isn’t should we use AI? It’s how do we integrate our systems with it? That architecture piece is critical—otherwise, you’re bolting AI onto places where it makes no business sense.”
The Disconnect Is at the CORE
When foodservice companies invest in tech without connecting it back to the fundamentals—Customer experience, Operations, Revenue (CORE)—they end up with more tools, but fewer results.
In fact, the report shows:
- 85% cite lack of internal resources
- 60% struggle with choosing the right vendors
- 57% feel overwhelmed by AI industry noise
Yet 81% of tech leaders said they’re actively seeking expert input on build-vs-buy decisions—and 61% plan to hire a consultancy in the next 12 months.
That’s not just encouraging. It’s a signal: The industry is ready for real partnership.
Where Stable Kernel Fits In
At Stable Kernel, we specialize in making AI and digital transformation actually work in the messy, fragmented environments most foodservice brands operate in. Our value isn’t just in engineering—it’s in aligning every investment with a real-world business outcome.
Here’s how we help:
Strategy First, Tech Second: We don’t just implement AI—we help design the infrastructure that supports it.
Build-for-You, Not Just Build: Our custom software development ensures your systems work together, not against each other.
Outcome-Focused Engagement: We tie all tech back to your CORE priorities: guest experience, operational efficiency, and revenue growth.
As Jay Gyuricza, our VP of Customer Experience and Business Development, puts it:
“Every client we work with has AI on the roadmap. But if you don’t get the foundation right, all you’re doing is throwing good money at disconnected tools.”
Ready to Move from Hype to Impact?
Your competitors feel stuck too. The difference is who they bring in to get unstuck.
Let’s talk about where you are, what’s blocking progress, and how Stable Kernel can help you move forward with results.