WKS Restaurant Group, a major franchise operator managing nearly 400 restaurants across brands like Wendy's, Krispy Kreme, El Pollo Loco, and Denny's, strategically invests in technology to enhance operations and employee satisfaction. Led by Trevor Fitzgerald, the company's IT team, though small, focuses on building custom tools, especially for HR and workforce management, while leveraging vendor partnerships for broader support. They emphasize projects that drive sales and profitability, such as implementing voice AI in drive-thrus and kiosks, which have yielded significant efficiency gains. Although the restaurant environment poses challenges like connectivity issues, the company remains committed to innovation, particularly through AI applications that streamline operations and provide personalized training for managers. WKS's agile approach and willingness to experiment position it to lead technological advancements in the industry, moving beyond basic operations to transformative practices.