SoundHound AI Inc. (SOUN) saw a 30% increase in its stock price by midday on Thursday following the announcement that Torchy’s Tacos, the popular taco chain, will roll out SoundHound’s Voice AI technology for phone orders across all of its locations. This move marks a significant achievement for SoundHound, highlighting the growing adoption of its cutting-edge Smart Ordering product in the restaurant industry.
The Voice AI technology, developed by SoundHound, has been specially trained on Torchy’s Tacos menu, allowing it to accurately process even the most customized orders. Customers can simply speak naturally, just as they would with a person, and the system will instantly recognize and fulfill their orders—whether it’s the popular Trailer Park Taco or the Green Chile Queso. This user-friendly interface offers a faster and more accurate ordering experience, reducing human error and boosting overall efficiency.
The new system handles 100% of incoming calls, including the ability to manage multiple calls and orders at the same time. This means customers can place their orders promptly while Torchy’s staff can focus on preparing fresh tacos and delivering excellent in-store service. Additionally, the AI system can respond to common customer questions about menu items, specials, store hours, and allergens, further improving the customer experience.
A recent study by SoundHound reveals that nearly 80% of regular diners in the U.S. believe that AI voice assistants will dominate food ordering in the near future. This reflects the broader trend in the restaurant industry toward automation, as businesses look for ways to enhance operational efficiency. SoundHound’s AI solutions are already in use across more than 10,000 restaurant locations, supporting various platforms such as phone orders, drive-thru, kiosks, and headsets.
With over 100 million customer interactions and hundreds of millions of dollars in food orders processed by its technology, SoundHound has established a strong presence in the AI-driven customer service space. The company’s growing influence is evident as more restaurant chains adopt its solutions to streamline operations and improve the dining experience.
As Torchy’s Tacos joins the list of major brands embracing SoundHound’s Voice AI, the company’s impressive stock surge signals investor excitement about its potential for continued growth. As the demand for voice AI in the restaurant industry rises, SoundHound is poised to be a key player in shaping the future of automated customer service.
