Qu, an intelligent commerce platform for QSR and fast-casual restaurants, has launched Qu Pay, an embedded end-to-end payments solution. The platform combines payment processing, guest identity, order intelligence, and capital access into a single unified system. Qu Pay operates across point-of-sale, kiosks, drive-thru, web, and mobile channels. It is already live with several brands, including Roy Rogers. The solution addresses a key industry challenge where legacy processors leave up to 65% of transactions without usable guest identity data. The platform offers operators direct access to capital and cash flow tools based on transaction data, with no separate bank relationship required. Qu Pay also reduces onboarding timelines by up to 75%, allowing merchants to go live in days rather than weeks.

Qu introduces Intelligent Commerce Platform to help restaurants deploy AI without compromising margins. E-mail Address StreetInsider.com Top Tickers, 4/24/2026 April 17, 2026 8:00 AM EDT Industry-first edge-based approach moves intelligence into the store and core operations, enabling real-time decision-making while reducing cost and complexity ARLINGTON, Va.-(BUSINESS WIRE)- Qu, the pioneer of the restaurant industry's first unified commerce solution, today announced a new stage in its evolution: the Intelligent Commerce Platform (ICP). Unlike other AI offerings that simply add a layer on top of disconnected systems, ICP embeds native intelligence directly in the store, at the edge, and across every order within its unified commerce infrastructure. This approach enables operators to run smarter in real time and scale AI without introducing unsustainable costs. The company will unveil the platform at the 2026 Restaurant Leadership Conference (RLC), April 19-22, in Phoenix. Qu's Real-time Kitchen Intelligence Score This development comes at a critical moment for restaurant operators as they grapple with rising costs, declining traffic, and margins hovering near all-time lows. At the same time, AI adoption is accelerating but delivering limited results. According to Qu's 2026 Restaurant Technology Benchmark Report, 73% of operators are investing in AI, yet only 5% report measurable value, while 55% cite operational execution as their biggest challenge. Qu's innovative strategy addresses this gap by introducing a new AI operating model for restaurants, one that fundamentally rethinks how intelligence is deployed while avoiding the high expense of cloud-based AI. Core intelligent capabilities at launch include real-time Kitchen Intelligence Scores and AI-driven operational insights delivered through Qu's Notify mobile app; production forecasting and dynamic demand planning; AI-powered ordering and computer vision; energy and equipment intelligence; and enterprise AI agents for promotions and discounts across locations. "Restaurants don't need more AI - they need AI that actually works within the realities of their business," said Amir Hudda, CEO of Qu. "If you rely solely on cloud-based models, costs scale quickly and unpredictably. Our Intelligent Commerce Platform is built to allow AI to run where it is the most cost-effective. This approach enables operators to increase bottom-line and top-line performance in this challenging economic environment." Early adopters of Qu's intelligent commerce capabilities are already seeing measurable outcomes for guest experience and operations, including: * 25% shorter guest wait times * 29% faster drive-thru speeds * 2.5-3% decrease in food and labor costs * 30-50% faster issue resolution * 20-40% less time reviewing reports * 85-90% less time spent on menu management "AI is only valuable if it works for the economics of a restaurant. With margins already under pressure, we can't afford solutions that drive up costs behind the scenes. Qu's approach - especially leveraging edge AI instead of relying solely on the cloud - gives us a smarter, more affordable way to modernize operations while staying focused on profitability," said Dawn Gillis, CTO at Golden Corral. The Intelligent Commerce Platform builds on Qu's existing Unified Commerce foundation and is available to current customers as part of the platform's ongoing evolution, with the following capabilities: * Real-time Kitchen Intelligence Score with AI-driven operational insights and actionable recommendations surfaced via Qu's mobile reporting app, Notify * Production forecasting and dynamic kitchen load balancing to improve makeline speeds and throughput * AI-powered ordering and computer vision to increase order accuracy and detect bottlenecks * Energy & equipment intelligence to monitor equipment health, reduce energy costs, and prevent failures early * Enterprise AI agents to optimize decisions like promotions and discounts Experience the Intelligent Commerce Platform in action at Restaurant Leadership Conference at booth 337. Qu will partner with Bites and ConverseNow to enable direct AI and voice ordering, with every order flowing into the POS - preserving guest data, margin, and control. Contact [email protected] to schedule a meeting at the show. Qu is the unified commerce platform helping quick-service and fast-casual restaurants boost efficiency and grow revenue. Purpose-built from the ground up with smart cloud technology, Qu puts real-time intelligence where it's needed most - right in the restaurant - through its proprietary Business Edge, Qube. The result: streamlined operations, stronger margins, and memorable guest experiences. On a mission to propel restaurants beyond today's limitations, Qu is a long-term technology partner trusted to deliver solutions that are as reliable as they are revolutionary, and intuitive as they are impactful. Based in Arlington, Virginia, Qu is backed by leading restaurant entrepreneurs and investors, including Cota Capital, Enlightened Hospitality Investments, Bobby Cox Companies, and NRD Capital.

Qu has launched its Intelligent Commerce Platform, embedding AI directly into restaurant operations to help operators deploy artificial intelligence without inflating costs. Unlike cloud-based AI solutions, the platform runs intelligence at the edge, within stores and across unified commerce infrastructure. The Arlington-based company's platform addresses a critical gap: whilst 73% of restaurant operators invest in AI, only 5% report measurable value, according to Qu's 2026 benchmark report. Early adopters have achieved 25% shorter wait times, 29% faster drive-thru speeds and 2.5-3% reductions in food and labour costs. Core capabilities include real-time kitchen intelligence scores, production forecasting, AI-powered ordering with computer vision, and equipment monitoring. The platform is available to existing customers and will debut at the Restaurant Leadership Conference on 19-22 April in Phoenix.