Technology
Image: Five Guys
January 28, 2026
Five Guys is doubling down on artificial intelligence, expanding its partnership with SoundHound AI after the burger chain’s automated ordering system surpassed 1 million customer interactions.
The deal allows Five Guys franchisees to implement SoundHound’s voice AI agents across more locations. The technology is already in use at hundreds of the brand’s restaurants, where it handles phone orders and customer inquiries.
The expansion comes as fast casual restaurants increasingly turn to automation to manage high order volumes and labor challenges. By using AI to answer 100% of incoming calls, Five Guys aims to eliminate busy signals and long hold times, particularly during peak hours, according to a press release.
“Being able to offer our franchisees a reliable ordering solution that can handle every order — even during our busiest times — has made a real impact on both our customers and our team,” Zerrick Pearson, chief information officer of Five Guys, said in the release.
The system is designed to process natural human speech, allowing customers to place orders without following rigid prompts. Beyond taking orders for burgers and fries, the AI can answer specific questions regarding store hours, parking, promotions, and allergens.
James Hom, chief product officer at SoundHound AI, said in the release the partnership is intended to streamline operations so that kitchen staff can focus on food preparation rather than answering phones.
Based in Santa Clara, SoundHound AI provides conversational intelligence for more than 10,000 locations globally.
Five Guys, known for its customizable burgers and hand-cut fries, operates nearly 1,700 locations worldwide.
