One Byte at a Time.

They say AI is coming for your job.

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Maybe. But apparently, it’s coming for your Chalupa first.

‍Taco Bell just announced a co-manager called Byte — an AI assistant that’s coaching shift leads in real-time across 500+ stores. Not a pilot. A rollout. Byte helps frontline managers make better calls on labor, prep, and order timing during lunch rushes and 2 a.m. crunchwrap binges. It watches what's happening and nudges you toward the right move, like a calorie-free Yoda with a drive-thru headset.

I’ve read the article. I’ve seen the tools. But I’m not here to give you a strategy brief.

I’m here to say this: you can’t shame me out of Taco Bell.

I’ve eaten it when I lived in a house with no power. I’ve eaten it at 11 p.m. after 120 cold calls selling mortgage to people who filled out pop-ups on the internet. Eating at a Michelin-starred dinner at Daniel in New York with my wife didn’t stop the craving.

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Taco Bell transcends socioeconomic lines.

It’s the great equalizer. Lawyers, linemen, and late-night loners all meet here. Some people brag about generational wealth. I have generational mild sauce.

Byte might make the kitchen smarter. But it’s not going to replace the guy who’s eaten so many Nacho Fries his group chat frequently drops hazard memes.

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A quick search for “taco” in iCloud turned these gems up:

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I love the idea of smart tools helping frontline leaders win. I really do. Byte is worth tracking. And if you're running multiple shifts or managing hourly teams, read the article here.

Then look into their stack: Qu’s AI platform and Savoya for logistics-style coordination.

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But know this: whatever tech shows up next…

I’m still getting Taco Bell.

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For those wondering, here’s my standard order:

1.     Mexican pizza (no meat, add rice — a summer as a vegetarian stuck)

2.     Cheesy gordita crunch

3.     Chicken chalupa with nacho cheese

4.     Nacho fries

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