Donato's Pizza Leverages AI and Automation to Elevate Operations

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Jane Grote-Abell, the executive chairwoman of Donato's Pizza, has made it her mission to leverage technology to improve operations, free up staff time for hospitality, and elevate the quality of the company's offerings. From AI-assisted phone ordering to precision pizza assembly robots, Grote-Abell is committed to using innovation to serve customers better.

Why it matters

Donato's Pizza's embrace of technology, led by Grote-Abell, represents a broader trend in the food service industry to use automation and AI to streamline operations, enhance the customer experience, and maintain high quality standards. As consumers increasingly expect convenience and precision from their dining experiences, companies that can effectively integrate technology stand to gain a competitive edge.

The details

Grote-Abell's passion for using technology to serve people was instilled in her from a young age, when she watched her father create a custom pepperoni slicer to meet his specifications. Now, as executive chairwoman of Donato's, she has continued this mission, adopting AI-driven forecasting and strengthening relationships with technology partners like Agápe Automation and Appetronix. These innovations are on display at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, where guests can watch precision robots assemble and bake Donato's pizzas to order inside a standalone kiosk in just six minutes.

• Grote-Abell has been the executive chairwoman of Donato's Pizza for an undisclosed number of years.
• The pizza assembly robots are currently on display at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Donato's Pizza plans to continue expanding its use of AI and automation technology to improve operations and the customer experience across its locations.