US-based burger chain Five Guys has broadened its collaboration with voice and conversational AI technology provider SoundHound AI.

The voice-based ordering agent developed by SoundHound AI is already in operation at numerous Five Guys locations and has handled more than one million guest interactions.

Under the expanded arrangement, franchisees will now have increased opportunity to implement the technology in their own outlets.

The system is being used to pick up all incoming calls for orders, including at peak trading times. It reduces missed calls and helps customers place orders faster and with greater accuracy.

For employees, the AI ordering tool is intended to minimise call-related interruptions so that staff can devote more attention to tasks inside the restaurant, including food preparation and serving customers on site.

Five Guys CIO Zerrick Pearson said: “We’re always looking for ways to innovate and make the guest experience as smooth and convenient as possible.

“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.”

SoundHound AI’s platform has been trained specifically on the Five Guys menu and configured to recognise natural speech, allowing customers to talk to the system in the same way they would to a staff member.

Alongside taking orders, it can respond to questions on menu options, promotions, opening hours, parking, allergens and other common queries.

SoundHound AI chief product officer James Hom said: “Five Guys is a forward-thinking partner that continues to raise the bar on what the ordering experience can be.

“We’re proud to support their restaurants with solutions that enhance both the guest experience and day-to-day operations for staff.”

Earlier this month, ezCater brought Five Guys onto its catering marketplace via a new partnership.