As quick-service restaurants (QSRs) race to modernize their operations, one of the most critical battlegrounds is the drive-thru, where speed, accuracy, and consistency directly impact profitability. Hi Auto, the global leader in AI-powered drive-thru order taking, announced the appointment of Crystal Deaderick as its new Head of Sales, signaling the company’s next phase of growth and customer acquisition.
Deaderick brings years of experience spanning restaurants and restaurant technology, including selling digital solutions to top QSR brands. Her career bridges the operational realities of restaurant work with the strategic lens of enterprise technology sales, an increasingly vital combination as AI reshapes the sector.
In her new role, Deaderick will spearhead Hi Auto’s sales strategy, focusing on expanding relationships with large QSR brands and franchise operators worldwide. Her appointment comes at a time when Hi Auto’s AI platform, already deployed in nearly 1,000 drive-thru locations, is fast becoming the industry standard for AI order taking.
“I’ve spent my career helping restaurants run smoother, grow faster, and take better care of their teams and guests,” said Deaderick. “Hi Auto’s solution actually delivers on that. It’s easy to implement, it works at scale, and it makes a real difference in the day-to-day flow of the business. I’m proud to be part of something that’s already raising the bar for QSR performance.”
A Restaurant Veteran with a Tech-Driven Perspective
Before entering the technology space, Deaderick spent 11 years working in restaurants, starting at age 14 and continuing through college and early adulthood. That firsthand operational experience, she says, shapes how she approaches technology sales.
Her résumé includes senior roles at Dragonfruit AI, Qu POS, and Revel Systems, where she consistently exceeded expectations and helped secure multi-million-dollar deals. Across these roles, she has earned a reputation for translating complex technology solutions into tangible operational outcomes, whether through improved efficiency, faster service, or stronger guest satisfaction.
“Crystal knows how restaurants run. That’s what makes her such a powerful partner to our customers,” said Roy Baharav, Co-Founder and CEO of Hi Auto. “She’s proven she can win the trust of QSR brands and deliver real value. As we scale to more locations, her leadership will help us reach the right customers, faster.”
The Rise of AI in the Drive-Thru Lane
AI-driven order taking has rapidly shifted from a novelty to a necessity for QSRs aiming to maintain throughput and profitability in an increasingly competitive market. Labor shortages, rising wages, and heightened consumer expectations for speed and personalization are driving operators to adopt voice AI as a dependable front-line solution.
Hi Auto stands out as one of the most widely deployed platforms in the space. Its AI order taker achieves over 93% order completion and 96% accuracy. These figures position the company as a trusted partner for global restaurant chains. By combining centralized control with local customization, Hi Auto allows brands to standardize scripts, promotions, and upsells while empowering individual locations to tailor interactions to regional menus or limited-time offers.
The system’s value extends beyond customer-facing benefits. It also provides executives with consistent insights into operational performance across franchise networks, helping QSRs make smarter data-driven decisions about staffing, menu design, and customer engagement.
Scaling Global Operations
Founded in 2019, Hi Auto has quickly emerged as a global force in AI order taking, operating across the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. The company’s technology continues to evolve in response to operator feedback, supporting both corporate brands and franchisees seeking scalable automation that doesn’t sacrifice quality or brand experience.
Deaderick’s appointment comes as Hi Auto prepares for its next wave of partnerships and technological advancements. Her proven ability to connect with operators, paired with her deep understanding of restaurant workflows, is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding Hi Auto’s reach.
As AI continues to transform the restaurant landscape, Deaderick’s addition marks another step in Hi Auto’s mission to make every drive-thru faster, smarter, and more human through technology designed for the people who use it most.
