Hungry Jack’s AI Drive-Thru: The Future of Fast Food in Australia
AI Technology is Transforming Your Hungry Jacks Burger Order Experience
Hungry Jack’s, Australia’s beloved fast-food chain and the local face of Burger King, is making waves with its innovative AI drive-thru technology. As one of the country’s top fast-food brands, with over 450 locations, Hungry Jack’s is blending its signature flame-grilled burgers with cutting-edge advancements to enhance customer experiences. In 2025, the chain is trialling AI-powered drive-thru systems and devices like the Brekk-E-Tag, sparking both excitement and debate among Aussies. This article explores the top five Australian websites covering Hungry Jack’s AI drive-thru initiatives, diving into how this technology is reshaping the fast-food landscape, its benefits, and what it means for customers and workers alike.
The Rise of AI at Hungry Jack’s Drive-Thrus
Hungry Jack’s has been a staple in Australia since 1971, when it opened its first store in Perth under the leadership of Jack Cowin. Known for its Whopper and commitment to quality, the chain is now embracing technology to stay ahead in the competitive fast-food market. The introduction of AI drive-thru systems and devices like the Brekk-E-Tag reflects Hungry Jack’s focus on speed, accuracy, and convenience. By analyzing insights from five leading Australian websites—Hungry Jack’s official site, 9News, PerthNow, Daily Mail Australia, and QSR Media—we’ll uncover how these innovations are transforming the drive-thru experience.
1. Hungry Jack’s Official Website: Your Gateway to Innovation
The official Hungry Jack’s website (hungryjacks.com.au) is the go-to source for updates on the chain’s offerings, including its AI drive-thru trials. The site highlights how customers can use the Hungry Jack’s app to order ahead, complementing the AI technology being tested. While it doesn’t dive deep into the AI specifics, it emphasizes the chain’s commitment to improving service through digital tools. For instance, the app allows pre-orders for faster pick-up at drive-thrus, aligning with the AI’s goal of streamlining operations. The website also showcases menu items like the Rebel Whopper and Jack’s Cafe coffee, reinforcing Hungry Jack’s focus on quality alongside innovation.
2. 9News: AI Drive-Thru Trials Hit Sydney
9News reported on May 23, 2025, that Hungry Jack’s is trialling an AI drive-thru system at its St Peters outlet in Sydney’s inner west. This virtual assistant takes orders with a digital voice, allowing customers to request a human crew member if needed. The trial aims to test the technology’s ability to boost efficiency and accuracy. According to a Hungry Jack’s spokesperson, customer feedback will shape whether the system rolls out to more of the chain’s 450 stores. This move positions Hungry Jack’s as a leader in fast-food innovation, promising quicker service for Aussies craving a flame-grilled burger.
3. PerthNow: Customer Reactions to AI Voices
PerthNow shared a viral TikTok story on June 2, 2025, capturing an Aussie’s surprise at encountering the AI drive-thru at a Hungry Jack’s location. The customer, posting as pnuks, was taken aback when a digital voice greeted them, jokingly calling it “cooked.” The interaction, which garnered over 750,000 views, highlighted the novelty of ordering a Double Whopper via AI. However, the article also noted concerns from viewers about job losses, with comments lamenting the impact on teenage employment. Despite the buzz, PerthNow emphasized that human staff still prepare the food, balancing tech with tradition.
4. Daily Mail Australia: Debating AI’s Impact on Jobs
On June 4, 2025, Daily Mail Australia covered the AI drive-thru trial, sparking a broader conversation about its implications. The article quoted AI expert Niusha Shafiabady, who predicted that repetitive tasks like order-taking could soon be automated across fast-food chains. While the technology promises fewer order errors and faster service, some customers expressed unease, with one saying, “You can’t convince me this is cheaper than paying real wages.” Daily Mail highlighted fears of job displacement, particularly for entry-level roles, but also noted that AI could create new opportunities in fields like automation and data analysis.
5. QSR Media: Brekk-E-Tag and Beyond
QSR Media, on May 31, 2025, detailed Hungry Jack’s Brekk-E-Tag, a unique RFID-based device tested at the Tumbi Umbi store in New South Wales. This gadget, attached to a car’s visor, alerts the drive-thru when a customer approaches, automatically placing a pre-saved breakfast order. The Brekk-E-Tag beeps to signal the customer to proceed to the payment window, streamlining morning rushes. QSR Media also discussed Hungry Jack’s broader strategy, including its push into drive-thru coffee via Jack’s Cafe, aiming to rival major chains. With plans to expand to 700 stores in the next five to seven years, Hungry Jack’s is betting big on tech-driven growth.
Why AI Drive-Thrus Matter for Customers
The AI drive-thru systems and Brekk-E-Tag offer tangible benefits for Hungry Jack’s customers:
- Speed: By automating order-taking, AI reduces wait times, especially during peak hours.
- Accuracy: Digital systems minimize human error, ensuring your Whopper comes with the right toppings.
- Convenience: The Brekk-E-Tag lets regulars grab their usual breakfast order without repeating it, perfect for busy mornings.
These innovations cater to Millennials and Gen Z, who make up a significant portion of Hungry Jack’s 4.2 million customers, as noted by Roy Morgan Research. With Australians visiting fast-food outlets 4.8 times every four weeks on average, faster service is a game-changer.
The Flip Side: Job Concerns and Public Sentiment
While the technology is impressive, it’s not without controversy. Social media, particularly posts on X and TikTok, reveal mixed feelings. Some Aussies are excited about the futuristic experience, but others worry about job losses. A post on X from June 3, 2025, echoed concerns about “millions of Aussies” facing job displacement as AI takes over drive-thru roles. Comments on PerthNow’s article reflected similar sentiments, with users lamenting the loss of entry-level jobs for teens. However, Hungry Jack’s has clarified that humans remain essential for food preparation, and the chain is investing in employee training, including psychological safety workshops, as noted on their LinkedIn page.
Hungry Jack’s Vision for the Future
Hungry Jack’s isn’t just stopping at AI drive-thrus. The chain is expanding its Jack’s Cafe concept, aiming to become Australia’s second-largest coffee chain by rolling it out to all 450 stores within two years. This move, combined with the AI trials and Brekk-E-Tag, shows Hungry Jack’s commitment to evolving with customer needs. CEO Chris Green, quoted in QSR Media, emphasized a “guest-obsessed” approach, ensuring the chain adapts to trends like plant-based burgers and digital ordering. With suburban and regional locations driving growth, Hungry Jack’s is poised to maintain its edge in Australia’s fast-food scene.
Tips for Navigating Hungry Jack’s AI Drive-Thru
If you’re visiting a Hungry Jack’s with an AI drive-thru, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Use the App: Pre-order via the Hungry Jack’s app for exclusive deals and faster pick-up.
- Speak Clearly: AI systems rely on voice recognition, so enunciate your order to avoid mix-ups.
- Try Brekk-E-Tag: If available at your local store, register for a Brekk-E-Tag for seamless breakfast orders.
- Give Feedback: Hungry Jack’s is seeking customer input during trials, so share your thoughts to shape the rollout.
Hungry Jack’s AI drive-thru trials are a bold step into the future, blending the chain’s legacy of flame-grilled goodness with modern technology. From the St Peters AI assistant to the Tumbi Umbi Brekk-E-Tag, these innovations promise quicker, more accurate service for Australia’s burger lovers. While concerns about jobs persist, Hungry Jack’s is balancing automation with human touch, ensuring staff remain integral. As the chain eyes 700 stores and a bigger slice of the coffee market, it’s clear Hungry Jack’s is hungry for progress. Next time you’re craving a Whopper, swing by a drive-thru and experience the future of fast food firsthand.
