As artificial intelligence continues to transform the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, Hi Auto, the global leader in AI order taking for drive-thrus, announced the appointment of Crystal Deaderick as its new Head of Sales. The move comes as the company continues its rapid expansion across international markets, and follows Hi Auto’s release of its new Buyer’s Guide for QSRs, a practical resource to help restaurant leaders navigate the fast-evolving world of Voice AI in the drive-thru.
Deaderick brings more than 20 years of combined experience across restaurants and restaurant technology, including over a decade leading enterprise technology sales for major QSR brands. In her new role, she will drive Hi Auto’s customer acquisition and revenue growth strategy, focusing on partnerships with top brands and franchise operators.
“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.”
From Restaurant Floors to Executive Boardrooms
Before entering the tech world, Deaderick spent 11 years working in restaurants, starting at just 14 years old and continuing through college and early adulthood. That firsthand experience has shaped her understanding of QSR operations and what teams need to succeed under pressure.
She has since held senior sales roles at Dragonfruit AI, Qu POS, and Revel Systems, where she helped her teams close multi-million-dollar deals and consistently exceeded growth targets. Known for her ability to connect with operators and executives alike, Deaderick bridges the operational and strategic sides of restaurant innovation.
“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.”
A Company Defining the Future of Drive-Thru AI
Hi Auto has established itself as the most widely deployed AI order taker in the QSR industry, operating across nearly 1,000 drive-thru locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. Its system delivers over 93% order completion and 96% accuracy, helping restaurants provide faster, more consistent service while optimizing performance across locations.
The platform centralizes control over voice, scripts, and upsells, enabling brands to maintain consistent guest interactions while giving franchisees the flexibility to adjust menu items and promotions at the local level. This hybrid of standardization and customization is what sets Hi Auto apart in the fast-evolving Voice AI market.
Setting Standards for Smarter AI Adoption
Earlier this month, Hi Auto released its new Buyer’s Guide for QSRs, offering an objective framework for restaurant leaders evaluating AI order-taking technologies. The guide outlines key technical and operational considerations, such as accuracy, completion rate, integration readiness, and scalability, and provides an evaluation matrix for comparing vendors.
“The drive-thru AI Order Taker simplifies and standardizes the entire drive-thru experience,” Baharav said in the release. “Guests receive clear communication and consistent service no matter which lane or location they visit. The right AI system can even support loyalty programs and help create more personalized experiences.”
While the Buyer’s Guide doesn’t directly focus on Hi Auto’s own platform, it underscores the company’s commitment to helping the industry make more informed, data-driven buying decisions, an approach that mirrors the operational discipline it delivers to its customers.
Expanding with Purpose
As Deaderick steps into her new role, Hi Auto’s mission remains centered on enabling QSRs to deliver better guest experiences while unlocking new efficiencies. Her background in both restaurant operations and enterprise technology positions her to guide brands through the adoption of AI solutions that enhance, not replace, the human touch.
With a proven AI platform, growing international footprint, and new sales leadership in place, Hi Auto continues to solidify its position as the most trusted name in drive-thru voice automation, helping QSRs run smarter, faster, and more profitably in an increasingly AI-driven world.
