Hi Auto, a global pioneer in AI-powered voice ordering for drive-thrus, has announced the appointment of Crystal Deaderick as Head of Sales, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s next phase of growth. The announcement, made on October 27, 2025, comes as Hi Auto continues to strengthen its position as a leader in AI-driven automation for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.
Deaderick’s appointment reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its client base among large QSR brands and franchise operators. With more than 20 years of experience spanning both restaurant operations and restaurant technology, she brings an unmatched understanding of what it takes to help food service brands run more efficiently and profitably.
Crystal Deaderick’s Restaurant Background Gives Hi Auto a Competitive Edge
Before entering the tech world, Crystal Deaderick spent 11 years working in restaurants, starting at age 14 and continuing through her early adulthood. That hands-on experience allows her to connect deeply with QSR operators, who face the daily challenges of balancing speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
She later transitioned into technology sales, where she held senior positions at Dragonfruit AI, Qu POS, and Revel Systems. Throughout her career, Deaderick consistently led high-performing teams, secured multi-million-dollar contracts, and built lasting relationships with major restaurant chains. Her blend of operational and technical expertise makes her uniquely qualified to help QSRs adopt automation solutions that work in real-world conditions.
Her career focus has always been centered on helping restaurants improve operations, strengthen team performance, and enhance the guest experience. This combination of restaurant knowledge and sales leadership provides Hi Auto with an executive who understands both the challenges and the opportunities of the industry.
Hi Auto Expands AI Order-Taking to 1,000 Drive-Thru Locations
Hi Auto’s AI voice-ordering platform has become one of the most widely deployed systems in the QSR sector. According to the company, it currently operates in nearly 1,000 drive-thru locations, achieving a 93 percent order completion rate and 96 percent accuracy.
The system enables restaurants to take orders faster and more consistently while improving upselling and customer interactions. By centralizing voice control and menu scripts, Hi Auto allows brands to maintain consistency across multiple locations while giving franchisees the flexibility to make localized adjustments.
Hi Auto’s leadership emphasized that Deaderick’s experience in restaurant operations makes her a strong partner for customers. Her proven record in sales, coupled with her ability to understand operational realities, will be critical as the company scales to new markets and partnerships.
Voice AI Becomes Essential for Drive-Thru Performance in the QSR Industry
The timing of Deaderick’s appointment coincides with major shifts in the restaurant landscape. According to Restroworks, drive-thrus now account for more than 75 percent of all fast-food sales in the United States, with customers expecting faster service and greater order accuracy than ever before.
Hi Auto’s 2025 Buyer’s Guide for QSRs highlights a critical industry benchmark: AI systems must achieve at least 90 percent order completion and 95 percent accuracy to be viable for wide-scale rollout. Hi Auto surpasses these thresholds, positioning itself as one of the most dependable voice AI providers in the industry.
As labor shortages persist and wages rise, QSR brands are turning to automation to sustain efficiency without compromising service quality. AI-driven ordering not only cuts wait times but also reduces errors, improves upselling consistency, and allows human staff to focus on higher-value tasks such as hospitality and food quality.
Strategic Growth and Customer-Centered AI Innovation
Hi Auto’s challenge moving forward will be maintaining its high performance as it scales to more brands and geographic markets. Expanding from hundreds to thousands of locations introduces new complexities, including regional accents, environmental noise, and varied menu structures.
Deaderick’s leadership will be instrumental in helping Hi Auto navigate these challenges. Her firsthand understanding of restaurant workflows positions her to guide clients through every stage of adoption, from pilot testing to enterprise deployment. By focusing on measurable results and seamless integration, she aims to help operators see automation as a valuable and sustainable part of their operations.
Under her direction, Hi Auto’s sales strategy will emphasize long-term partnerships with QSR leaders and franchise networks. The company’s goal is not just to sell software but to redefine what operational excellence looks like in the drive-thru experience.
As Hi Auto continues to innovate in AI and voice technology, Deaderick’s appointment underscores the company’s commitment to combining technical precision with industry insight. Her leadership represents more than a sales expansion; it reflects Hi Auto’s readiness to deliver scalable, human-centered AI that transforms how quick-service restaurants operate.
