Matt WamplerCEO & Co-Founder, ClearCOGS · CEO & Co-Founder, ClearCOGS 🔪

Why AI Shouldn’t Be Used the Same Across Every Restaurant

7 Oct 2025 · 1 min

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In this segment, the speaker argues that AI implementations must be aligned with each restaurant’s unique business goals and brand identity rather than applying a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. Using Shake Shack as a case study, he describes how the chain is actively reshaping its identity—making it “bigger, better, badder and faster”—and suggests that AI should be evaluated for the specific facets where it can immediately move the needle, such as reducing operational friction and simultaneously improving the lives of employees and customers. The broader point is that AI’s value is maximized when it is tailored to the distinct strategic priorities of each restaurant brand.

Chapters

What does your business need to move that needle? Some businesses are content with the way they are. Other businesses aren't. So in the Shake Shack world, we were trying to invigorate and change ourselves and create this identity that we were and making it bigger, better, and badder and faster. Like Randy always said, the bigger we used to get, the smaller we still have to think, right? Other brands have the opposite approach. We're so big, we can do no wrong. I think when it comes to AI, it's what facets of the business can AI immediately have an impact? Is it reducing your friction? And is it making the employee life better and the consumer life at the same time?