Fast Food and Counter Workers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (4%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (11%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 24 (86%)

• Take customers' orders and write ordered items on tickets, giving ticket stubs to customers when needed to identify filled orders.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Request and record customer orders, and compute bills, using cash registers, multi-counting machines, or pencil and paper.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan, prepare, and deliver meals to individuals with special dietary needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Arrange reservations for patrons of dining establishments.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Communicate with customers regarding orders, comments, and complaints.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Scrub and polish counters, steam tables, and other equipment, and clean glasses, dishes, and fountain equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Accept payment from customers, and make change as necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes, to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Balance receipts and payments in cash registers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Serve food, beverages, or desserts to customers in such settings as take-out counters of restaurants or lunchrooms, business or industrial establishments, hotel rooms, and cars.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare daily food items, and cook simple foods and beverages, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, pizza, or coffee, using proper safety precautions and sanitary measures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean and organize eating, service, and kitchen areas.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Monitor and order supplies or food items, and restock as necessary to maintain inventory.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Brew coffee and tea, and fill containers with requested beverages.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Serve customers in eating places that specialize in fast service and inexpensive carry-out food.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect and return dirty dishes to the kitchen for washing.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Wash dishes, glassware, and silverware after meals.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Wrap menu items such as sandwiches, hot entrees, and desserts for serving or for takeout.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Notify kitchen personnel of shortages or special orders.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare and serve cold drinks, frozen milk drinks, or desserts, using drink-dispensing, milkshake, or frozen-custard machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Select food items from serving or storage areas and place them in dishes, on serving trays, or in take-out bags.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Replenish foods at serving stations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform personnel activities, such as supervising and training employees.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Distribute food to servers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Set up dining areas for meals, and clear them following meals.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Add relishes and garnishes to food orders, according to instructions.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Deliver orders to kitchens, and pick up and serve food when it is ready.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Arrange tables and decorations according to instructions.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about fast food and counter workers and AI