Inside Zaxbys Tech Stack Overhaul—And a Look At What's Next
Zaxbys CTO Mike Nettles has completely overhauled the brand's tech stack since 2021, with the brand now surpassing 1,000 locations and over 70% of transactions occurring at the drive-thru. Partnering with Hi Auto, they piloted voice AI across 25 stores, fine-tuning for nine months before rollout. The AI improved dynamic upselling but created kitchen operational challenges, leading to integration with PAR Brink POS and QSR Automations kitchen display systems to streamline order flow.
Impact and considerations
Zaxbys' tech overhaul illustrates how the restaurant industry is leveraging voice AI and system integration to boost operational efficiency, reflecting a digital transformation trend that may impact business travelers' dining experiences and efficiency during trips.
Key points
- Zaxbys has surpassed 1,000 locations, with over 70% of transactions at the drive-thru.
- CTO Mike Nettles has completely rebuilt the tech stack since 2021, with no legacy systems remaining.
- Partnered with Hi Auto to pilot voice AI across 25 stores, fine-tuning for nine months before rollout.
- Voice AI achieved high double-digit upselling rates but increased kitchen operational pressure.
- Integrated with PAR Brink POS and QSR Automations systems to streamline order flow.
- Tech strategy grounded in operational data, gaining franchisee support.
- Nettles emphasizes a fast-follower approach, avoiding being a tech pioneer.
- Voice AI required menu re-engineering to accommodate flexible conversations.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- Hospitality Technology
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 20 Aug 2026, 10:59
- Page published
- 21 Aug 2026, 03:19
- Last updated
- 20 Aug 2026, 10:59
- Original links
- Hospitality Technology：Inside Zaxbys Tech Stack Overhaul—And a Look At What's Next (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 20 Aug 2026, 10:59