AI Playbook for Restaurant Owners
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
May 15, 2026
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
May 15, 2026
Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
May 15, 2026
Hardee’s giant Boddie-Noell inks 31-unit Scooter’s Coffee deal for NC and VA, leveraging drive-thru growth and local roots with rollout over 12–18 months.
May 15, 2026
Wingstop turns match weeks into a multi-sensory festival, aligning bold pop-ups with World Cup energy to build brand affinity and measurable momentum.
May 15, 2026
Learn how to develop a memorable restaurant brand identity that stands out in a crowded market, attracts loyal customers, and drives repeat business with actionable strategies and affordable tools.
May 15, 2026
The parent company behind Dunkin', Buffalo Wild Wings, and Arby's has filed for an IPO a move that could reshape how Wall Street views the restaurant sector.
May 15, 2026
Papa Johns has teamed up with Alphabet's Wing for drone delivery of its new sandwich lineup in parts of Charlotte marking the first partnership of its kind between Wing and a national QSR brand.
May 15, 2026
Dirty soda chain Swig is expanding into Colorado through a 10-unit franchise deal, riding a consumer beverage trend that's catching the attention of major QSR players nationwide.
May 15, 2026
A warm, expert-led look at McDonald’s Q1 results, menu makeover, and the refranchise question shaping its growth.
May 14, 2026
A reflective look at Habit Ranch, its immersive desert activation, and what it signals for brand loyalty and mindful, experiential dining.
May 14, 2026
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Explore the pivotal roles of McDonald’s tech executives in shaping the company’s digital and technology strategy, driving innovation, and enhancing customer experience.


McDonald's digital and technology strategy has seen significant advancements under the leadership of key executives, Ashbaugh and McGinnis. Ashbaugh, who joined McDonald's in 2021 as the senior vice president of technology delivery, has since played a crucial role in global engineering and operations. Her expertise in standardizing McDonald’s consumer and restaurant platforms has been instrumental in introducing new capabilities like loyalty programs, Ready on Arrival, and innovative ordering channels.
McGinnis, with over two decades of experience at McDonald’s, became the U.S. CIO in 2021, overseeing the implementation of various cutting-edge technologies across the QSR giant's vast network of restaurants. Her contributions include the integration of point of sales systems, kiosks, digital menu boards, mobile ordering solutions, and advanced back-office programs. This technological integration has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Both Ashbaugh and McGinnis have been pivotal in revolutionizing McDonald's technology landscape. Ashbaugh's focus on developing artificial intelligence tools has propelled the company towards the future, with ongoing prototyping and testing of AI-driven solutions. McGinnis, leveraging her operational expertise and customer-centric approach, has played a crucial role in scaling innovation and delivering enhanced value across McDonald’s global platforms.
The profound industry knowledge and global perspective of Ashbaugh and McGinnis have been evident in their strategic roles at McDonald’s. Ashbaugh’s background spans diverse sectors from retail to aerospace, bringing a wealth of experience to drive technological transformation. McGinnis' extensive tenure at McDonald’s has equipped her with unparalleled insights into the company’s operations and customer needs, making her a driving force behind impactful digital initiatives.
As McDonald’s continues to lead the way in digital transformation within the QSR industry, the contributions of Ashbaugh and McGinnis will be paramount in shaping the future of technology utilization within the company. Their relentless pursuit of innovation and customer-centric approach are poised to elevate McDonald’s digital offerings, ensuring continued growth and success in an increasingly tech-driven environment.