Yum China Unveils Q-Smart AI Tool to Improve KFC Store Efficiency
Yum China Holdings has launched a new AI-powered hands-free assistant tool called Q-Smart across select KFC locations in China as part of a strategic move to improve operational efficiency and streamline restaurant management.
The company, responsible for operating Yum Brands’ franchises in China, including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, announced the pilot launch on Friday, emphasising its commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology in food service operations.
What is Q-Smart?
Q–Smart is a voice-enabled AI assistant developed to support restaurant managers in their day-to-day operations. The tool is designed to enhance productivity by automating and optimising key operational tasks such as
- Staff scheduling
- Inventory management
- Food quality inspection
By leveraging artificial intelligence, Q-Smart enables managers to make faster, data-driven decisions and maintain consistent service quality across outlets.
Aligning with Yum’s Global AI Strategy
The Q-Smart launch follows earlier AI initiatives by Yum’s global operations, including the Byte by Yum! software introduced in February 2025. That platform focused on reducing restaurant wait times, speeding up food delivery, and enhancing customer experience through automation.
Yum China’s adoption of Q-Smart shows the company’s alignment with Yum Brands’ digital transformation strategy, highlighting how AI is reshaping the global quick-service restaurant (QSR) landscape.
Pilot Rollout and Expansion Plans
The current deployment of Q-Smart is part of a pilot phase across select KFC restaurants. Yum China confirmed that it will gather user feedback from store managers during this phase to refine the tool before implementing a large-scale rollout.
“Q-Smart will continue evolving with input from those who use it daily. The goal is to roll it out across more restaurants once fully optimized,” said Yum China in a press release.
Driving Operational Efficiency with AI in Food Service
With labour shortages, rising operating costs, and shifting consumer demands, the food service industry is turning to AI-driven tools like Q-Smart to:
- Improve workflow efficiency
- Reduce manual errors
- Maintain food safety and quality standards
- Save time and labor costs
Yum China’s AI deployment not only strengthens internal operations but also positions the company as a tech-forward leader in Asia’s fast-growing restaurant industry.
A Smart Step Toward Future-Ready Restaurants
As Yum China continues to invest in digital innovation, tools like Q-Smart are expected to play a vital role in enhancing scalability, consistency, and customer satisfaction. The AI assistant reflects a broader trend of automation in quick-service restaurants, setting the stage for more intelligent and efficient store operations in the years ahead.
