Don’t Be Surprised When A Computer Greets You At Missoula Drive-Thrus

Technology continues to advance in almost every industry, including the fast food industry. There was the viral story about how Wendy's will roll out digital menus, which led people to discuss the possibility of "surge pricing" for the restaurant.

Read More: UPDATE: Montana Wendy's Pricing May Not Change After All

Most fast food places have apps that can make ordering easier, especially when using the drive-thrus. McDonald's has a recorded voice that greets you at the drive-through asking if you have used their app for your order. If you haven't used the app a person will greet you and then take your order. The Missoula Taco Bell, on Brooks Street, has taken this one step further.

Ordering Taco Bell in Missoula is a Different Experience

Ordering some food the other evening at the Taco Bell drive-thru, I was greeted by a recorded voice, but a person didn't take over this time. My entire order was taken by a computer. For me that was a different experience. I was concerned that the computer may not get my order correct, since I have a tendency to "hold the tomatoes and sour cream" on everything I order. The order was correct, and the computer even asked me if I wanted to add a drink to the order.

I understand that I am officially an old person now, because I am fascinated by this technology. I always think things like this happen in major cities in the country before it finally lands in Montana, so this is probably already an older technology in bigger cities. I also am very aware that I am a picky eater. The interaction with the computer was fine and my order was correct, so I guess this technology will be here to stay. The one thing that the computer didn't do, was ask me if I wanted to round up my order to help local school children. I have a feeling that will be programmed into the system very soon.