N.H. call center takes food orders

NASHUA, N.H. (AP) – A call center has begun handling food orders from drive-through customers at the Wendy’s in New Hampshire, as well as out-of-state stores that are testing the concept.

Telephone operators in the center use a software menu to order for customers, relaying the information to computers in the restaurants.

The Order Perfect system was developed by a company called Exit41 in Andover, Mass.

“There’s no change for the customer except that its faster,” said Kevin Fritton, executive vice president of 256 Operating Associates, which operates 14 Wendy’s stores in New Hampshire and Vermont. Fritton has installed the technology at six of his 14 drive-through locations.

There also are call centers in Kentucky, Colorado and Missouri. Fast food chains Panda Express, Burger King and McDonald’s also use call centers.