Restaurants have traditionally lagged behind other sectors in their adoption of technology, but rising labor costs have changed the narrative. Major food industry players are making strides to invest in innovation, including AI and robotics. While it is still early days, analysts have already identified some companies that are taking the lead. YUM YTD mountain Yum Brands shares year to date Robots peeling avocados, mixing salads The use of robotics in restaurants is at its nascence. Chipotle, Sweetgreen and Cava partially have an advantage due to the nature of their products, which offer customers a bowl of mixed ingredients as an end order.

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Persons: Bernstein, Danilo Gargiulo, Gargiulo, Morgan Stanley, Brian Harbour, Payne Capital Management Courtney Garcia, Rahul Krotthapalli, They've, Courtney Garcia, Garcia, Payne, Piper Sandler, Chipotle Organizations: Wall, CNBC, Google, Payne Capital Management, Starbucks, JPMorgan, Yum Brands, KFC, Taco Bell, Systems, Collider Lab Locations: Cava, Chipotle, Sweetgreen