Like it or not, AI-powered drive-thrus are becoming the norm.
It’s been a rough rollout for AI drive-thrus. While there was excitement about the technology at the beginning, a series of viral issues made people question whether the tech was really ready for widespread adoption.
For example, one Krispy Kreme shopper virally shared their frustration after the AI drive-thru failed to recognize his order. In the case of Taco Bell, a range of AI pranks—such as asking the robot for thousands of water cups—made the company roll back plans for mass adoption.
Still, some companies insist that this technology is so advantageous that they will continue to bring it to stores, even if it doesn’t entirely work. One of the supposed benefits of computer-powered drive-thrus is that customers will not have to deal with difficult employees. But what if the computer itself has an attitude?
What Happened During This Woman’s Popeyes Order?
In a video with over 184,000 views, TikTok user Jennifer (@00.j3n) films herself placing an order at Popeyes using an AI-powered drive-thru.
The order is fairly normal. Jennifer asks for an item, the machine confirms it, and then she makes modifications as needed. Occasionally, the robot makes suggestions. For example, it asks if she wants an item “with Cajun fries.”
Finally, after confirming the order, the robot asks if Jennifer, “Got any room for apple pie?”
“Nope,” Jennifer responds. There is a prolonged silence.
After Jennifer reiterates her “No,” the machine tersely responds, “Please show your coupon at the window.”
In the background, one can hear the other AI drive-thru continuing to talk despite the customer driving away.
Did This AI Give The Customer Attitude?
Immediately, commenters began claiming that the robot had been rude to Jennifer, or even that the robot had gotten frustrated with her.
“It got offended you didn’t want apple pie,” wrote a user.
“AI: this human keep going off script!” offered another.
For Jennifer’s part, she says in the comments that she felt the AI was perfectly cordial—but that it was clear that “he was done with the convo after the ‘no’” on the apple pie.
There’s little information about which company provides the AI technology for Popeyes’ drive-thrus in the United States. The chain began rolling out the technology in 2024 in the United Kingdom, powered by the Israeli company Hi Auto.
While some American locations tested using an AI-ordering system powered by the Boston, Massachusetts-based TORI, formerly OpenCity, it’s unclear if this technology is still running in all American locations.
Do Customers Like AI Drive-Thrus?
As adoption is still in the early days, and technology is still being improved, it’s difficult to accurately assess customers’ feelings about AI drive-thrus.
From the data that’s currently available, it seems that Americans are lukewarm on the idea. That said, many are open to changing their minds.
A 2025 YouGov survey found that only 4% of Americans prefer AI-powered drive-thrus over human-powered ones. A majority of respondents, 55%, said they prefer a human.
Among respondents who preferred not to order with AI chatbots, the top concern at 51% was the potential for errors. Around half expressed disappointment with the lack of human interaction, while 38% said they find interacting with AI annoying.
That said, those who have interacted with AI drive-thrus show reduced concerns about some of these issues. This shows that, while opinion on this issue is presently not positive, feelings about AI drive-thrus may change as they become more common.
@00.j3n My sister didn’t believe me at first so I thought maybe others would want to see what it’s like to have a conversation with an AI drive thru as well #popeyes #aidrivethru #fypシ
Commenters Like The AI Drive-Thru
Even if some believed that the AI got snarky with Jennifer, many commenters said they preferred the experience to the alternative.
“Yk id probably go to Popeyes more bc of this,” wrote a user.
“Honestly this is the first video of a drive thru AI that I’ve seen that actually responds semi-normally instead of taking 6-8 business days to reply when you say something,” added another.
Still, some weren’t sold.
“Imagine you’re almost late to work and you gotta order from a [expletive] robot,” offered a third, followed by a crying emoji.
BroBible reached out to Popeyes, TORI, Hi Auto, and Jennifer via email.