As minimum wages rise, so does the push to get rid of workers.
Leonard Comma, CEO of Jack-in-the-Box says the company is considering swapping some cashiers for self-ordering kiosks. "It just makes sense to consider replacing cashiers with machines as minimum wages rise," said Comma.
Jack in the Box previously tested technology such as kiosks. According to Comma, the kiosks resulted in a higher average check and helped with efficiency. But at the time Comma said the cost of installing the kiosks wasn't worth it.
Jack in the Box isn't the only fast-food chain that has considered using automation to reduce labor costs and modernize.
Wendy's announced plans to install self-ordering kiosks within a year. McDonald's is adding kiosks to 2,500 stores, though it pledged not to replace cashiers with kiosks.
"With government driving up the cost of labor, it's driving down the number of jobs," then Carl's Jr. and Hardee's CEO Andy Puzder told Business Insider in 2016. "You're going to see automation not just in airports and grocery stores, but in restaurants."
You can have $15. But it will be at the expense of hours and jobs.
Pizza Hut Delivery Vehicle
Introducing the first Pizza Hut fully autonomous delivery concept vehicle. Excited for our future with @Toyota #CES2018 pic.twitter.com/YGNQUgijha
— Pizza Hut (@pizzahut) January 8, 2018
Does anyone think this thing will fly?
