# KFC, Taco Bell, and Cava Update

> KFC, Taco Bell, and Cava share strategic moves amid sales shifts and health concerns.
- Title: KFC, Taco Bell, and Cava Update · Nation's Restaurant News
- Summary: KFC, Taco Bell, and Cava share strategic moves amid sales shifts and health concerns.
- Keywords: kfc, taco bell, cava, voice ai, cyclospora outbreak, same-store sales, muse concept, global modernization, sales guidance, qxr, Nation's Restaurant News
- Source: Nation's Restaurant News — https://nrn.com/quick-service/kfc-taco-bell-and-cava
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kfc, taco bell, cava, voice ai, cyclospora outbreak, same-store sales, muse concept, global modernization, sales guidance, qxr, food, business
## KFC Global Modernization
KFC is moving from quick service restaurant to quality experience restaurant with global modernization efforts.

> Yum Brands was scarce on details regarding the KFC U.S. comeback
## Taco Bell Voice AI Expansion
Taco Bell plans to expand Voice AI at drive-thru to 1,500 U.S. restaurants by year end from current 900 locations.

> Yum executives said they expect ai to be transformative to the business after experiencing productivity gains from early rollouts
## KFC Muse Concept Launch
KFC launched an immersive restaurant concept called Muse featuring kwench by kfc beverage lineup and kfc mix'd platform for custom chicken experiences.

> KFC Middle East rolled out a new everyday value platform alongside limited time offers
## Cyclospora Impact on Cava
Cava's third quarter same-store sales increased 3.1% with traffic slightly positive despite cyclospora outbreak concerns.

> Cava CEO Brett Schulman said sales decreased by about 150 basis points due to the impact of the cyclospora outbreak
## Cava Sales Guidance
Cava raised full-year sales guidance to 6-7% same-store sales increase from earlier projections of 4.5-6% increase.

> The company expects same store sales will increase between 6-7% this year
## Voice AI Performance
Voice AI at drive-thru improved service speed by 8% and reduced refunds by 12% with driver wait times down 20 seconds.

> Where Voice AI has already been deployed, drive-thru speed of service has improved by 8% while refunds have been reduced by 12% and delivery driver wait times have been reduced by 20 seconds
## KFC U.S. Comeback Details
Yum Brands provided limited details on KFC U.S. comeback with focus on global modernization efforts.

> Yum Brands was scarce on details regarding the KFC U.S. comeback
## Cyclospora Outbreak Impact
Cyclospora outbreak caused consumers to avoid fresh produce for a period during Cava's third quarter.

> consumers steered clear of fresh produce for a bit during the quarter
## Key takeaway

KFC expands global modernization with KFC Muse concept; Taco Bell rolls out Voice AI to 1,500 U.S. locations; Cava raises sales guidance after cyclospora outbreak impact.