Yum Brands is ramping up AI tool adoption, with CFO Ranjith Roy revealing plans to extend the push into 2026 during the Q3 2025 earnings call. The Byte Coach tool went live in 4,000 more KFC restaurants this quarter, totaling over 28,000 locations in Yum Brands’ portfolio, with more capabilities coming next year.

The company aims to expand developer access to AI coding tools by 2026, with one-third of developers already using AI-powered tools for the Byte SaaS platform. Yum Brands plans for the majority of developers to adopt AI tools early next year. Executives prioritize AI adoption amid strategic changes in the restaurant company.

Former CFO and Franchise Officer Chris Turner takes the reins as Yum Brands CEO, succeeding the previous leadership regime. Technology leadership also shifts with the departure of Joe Park, who spearheaded the Byte platform’s development. The company remains focused on the platform as a key driver of success, emphasizing international market expansion.

Jim Dausch, formerly Pizza Hut’s global chief digital and technology officer, now oversees the Byte platform as Yum Brands’ chief digital and technology officer and Byte president. The company looks to Dausch to accelerate the transformation of restaurant technology, enhancing guest experience, streamlining operations, and bolstering franchisee economics.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Yum Brands advances AI strategy despite disruptions