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How Hughes is Powering the Future of QSR Connectivity & Fast Food Tech

Hughes is providing managed connectivity solutions that serve as the foundational infrastructure enabling AI-driven operations in quick service restaurants. As QSRs increasingly adopt ordering automation, kitchen management systems, and digital menu boards, reliable and secure network connectivity becomes critical to seamless performance across distributed locations. The discussion explores how Hughes addresses the unique connectivity demands of the fast food industry.

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By Daniel Litwin · Carl UdlerDaniel LitwinExperts TalkHughes
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Key takeaways

01

Reliable connectivity is the backbone of AI-enabled QSR operations, supporting ordering systems, kitchen automation, and digital signage.

02

Hughes provides managed network and satellite connectivity solutions tailored to the distributed, multi-location nature of quick service restaurant chains.

03

As fast food tech evolves, the demand for secure, low-latency, always-on connectivity continues to grow across the QSR sector.

Quick service restaurants (QSRs) are under increasing pressure to enhance speed, efficiency, and customer experience—all while managing a growing network of digital systems. From AI-powered ordering kiosks to real-time kitchen automation, modern QSRs are more connected than ever. The restaurant AI market was valued at $9.68 billion in 2024, and expected to reach $49 billion within five years.

The restaurant AI market was valued at $9.68 billion in 2024, and expected to reach $49 billion within five years.

However, this digital transformation brings the challenge of maintaining seamless, secure, and high-speed QSR connectivity across multiple platforms and devices. A stable and intelligent network infrastructure is no longer optional; it's a competitive necessity. SatComm & connectivity technology giants like Hughes are at the forefront of this transformation, providing the connectivity, AI, and cybersecurity solutions that QSRs need to thrive.

Welcome to Experts Talk. In this episode, Daniel Litwin, the voice of B2B, sits down with Carl Udler, Senior Marketing Director at Hughes, to explore the crucial role of enterprise connectivity in modern QSR operations. From proactive monitoring to AI-driven analytics, Udler breaks down how Hughes is helping QSRs stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.

The main topics of conversation…

  • The Backbone of QSR Tech: QSR connectivity now powers everything from digital menu boards to automated drive-thru ordering and smart kitchen monitoring systems.
  • Balancing Speed & Security: As third-party integrations with platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats grow, QSRs must navigate the fine line between seamless transactions and maintaining PCI compliance.
  • AI and Predictive Analytics: QSRs leveraging AI-powered network monitoring are reducing downtime and optimizing customer experiences like never before.
About the Guest

Carl Udler is a senior marketing and operations leader with over 25 years of experience in enterprise connectivity, specializing in the QSR, retail, and financial services industries. At Hughes, he has played a key role in driving market expansion, overseeing $110M in revenue strategies, and integrating AI-powered network solutions for major brands like Taco Bell, KFC, and ExxonMobil. His expertise in cybersecurity, IoT, and managed services has helped businesses enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, and digital transformation.

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About the author

Daniel Litwin
Daniel LitwinEditor, B2B Media, MarketScale

Daniel Litwin is a journalist of multiple disciplines focused on finding and telling engaging stories for B2B communities. He has interviewed executives from Fortune 500 companies including Honeywell, Microsoft, John Deere, and Chipotle, and leads editorial direction at MarketScale. Litwin hosts weekly shows and podcasts while helping develop new content approaches across the MarketScale platform. He holds a B.J. in Radio/Television Reporting/Anchoring and a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

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About the Experts

Daniel Litwin
Daniel Litwin

Host & B2B Journalist at MarketScale

MarketScale

Daniel Litwin is the Voice of B2B at MarketScale, where he hosts and produces content across a range of industries including food service, technology, and logistics. He specializes in translating complex industry topics into accessible conversations for business audiences. Litwin serves as moderator and interviewer for the Experts Talk series and other MarketScale productions.

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Hughes Network Systems

Connectivity Solutions Provider

Hughes

Hughes is a global provider of satellite and managed network services, offering connectivity solutions to enterprises including quick service restaurant chains. The company delivers broadband, managed Wi-Fi, and edge networking technologies to support distributed multi-location businesses.

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