AI in the drive thru line is one of those stories that keeps popping up. Taco Bell is currently reassessing its reliance on artificial intelligence at drive-through locations. The company’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Dane Matthews, revealed that while Taco Bell has implemented voice AI ordering at over 500 drive-throughs, the results have been mixed, with instances of customers attempting to bypass the system, such as one viral incident where a customer ordered 18,000 water cups to connect with a human server. Matthews emphasized that the company is engaging in active discussions regarding the appropriate use of AI, suggesting that during peak hours, having a human operator might be more effective. He stated, “For our teams, we’ll help coach them: at your restaurant, at these times, we recommend you use voice AI or recommend that you actually really monitor voice AI and jump in as necessary.” This strategy allows individual franchisees to adapt their approach based on customer demand and service efficiency.
Those jobs are notable — A recent study from Stanford University indicates that artificial intelligence is beginning to disrupt early-career jobs, particularly in roles that involve tasks easily automated, such as software development and customer service. Researchers Erik Brynjolfsson, Bharat Chandar, and Ruyu Chen found that employment for workers aged 22 to 25 in the most AI-exposed occupations has declined by 13 percent since the adoption of generative AI, while older workers have seen stable or growing employment in similar fields. The report highlights that while overall employment is increasing, young workers in highly automated jobs have faced a 6 percent employment decline from late 2022 to July 2025. This trend suggests that AI is replacing entry-level positions more effectively than it augments roles requiring experience and tacit knowledge. The study also notes that occupations most at risk include customer service representatives and software developers, while those least exposed to AI disruption are typically in in-person roles, such as repair workers and laborers.
Why do we care?
Taco Bell tried AI in the drive-thru—and surprise—it’s not going smoothly. Customers hack the system, like one guy who ordered 18,000 cups of water just to get a human. The company’s already pulling back, saying AI might only work during slow times. Don’t oversell automation—pilot for the messy customer edge cases, or risk eroding trust in the rollout.”
And while that’s happening, Stanford research shows AI is killing off entry-level jobs—down 13 percent for 22–25-year-olds in roles like customer service and even software development. Older workers? They’re fine. That labor squeeze means higher costs—without entry-level feeders, MSPs will pay more for mid-career talent unless they build training pipelines.
This is the reality check: AI looks great in a pitch deck, but it breaks when you throw it into the chaos of real customers. And for the workforce, the ladder’s missing its first rung. That matters for our clients, and it matters for our own businesses—because without entry-level roles, you need a new plan to train talent. Hybrid models and intentional career paths aren’t optional—they’re survival.