How Jack in the Box Uses AI to Transform Data, Personalization & QSR Strategy

AI is transforming how quick service restaurants (QSRs) operate - from customer personalization and supply chain optimization to delivering consistent, high-quality experiences at scale.In this episode of Reimagine with AI, Paul Bruffett, VP of Data & Analytics at Jack in the Box (Ex - Accenture & Starbucks), shares how AI is revolutionizing the fast-food industry and what it takes to scale innovation across millions of daily transactions.Tune in to discover:1) How to build scalable data infrastructure for millions of transactions daily2) The balance between AI-driven automation and human hospitality3) How personalization can deepen guest connections when done right4) Real-world generative AI use cases in QSRs5) What separates AI pilots from full-scale enterprise transformation6) The next wave of AI in hospitality: decision aids, simulations, and reinforcement learningWhy it matters:Quick service restaurants are a microcosm of AI’s biggest opportunities and challenges. Leaders across CPG, retail, and eCommerce can learn from how QSRs balance speed, scale, personalization, and technical debt to stay ahead.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & guest background01:14 – Scaling data infrastructure for millions of transactions03:20 – Prioritizing insights when data is overwhelming04:45 – Key architectural decisions at Starbucks & Jack in the Box06:31 – Technical debt: balancing speed vs. scale07:25 – Does AI diminish or deepen hospitality?09:19 – Personalization at kiosks and in digital channels10:57 – Practical AI use cases in QSR today13:27 – Avoiding tech hype: focusing on real customer problems14:44 – Where AI is undervalued: supply chain, pricing, and forecasting16:07 – Pilots vs. transformation: separating leaders from laggards17:45 – Building AI-ready organizations and teams20:01 – The next frontier: QSR processes AI could disrupt21:59 – Generative AI for innovation and ideation24:49 – The “organizational memory” advantage of AI25:02 – What’s next for AI in QSRs26:38 – Personalization at scale: blending digital and physical experiences28:36 – Using tech to surprise and delight🎙 Guest:

Paul Bruffett, VP of Data & Analytics at Jack in the Box | Ex–Accenture, Starbucks

🎧 Host: Imteaz Ahamed, Host | Ex–Reckitt💡 Subscribe to Reimagine with AI by Sigmoid for more conversations with data and business leaders on how AI and analytics are reshaping industries.