Casey's looks to AI to answer pizza orders

• Instead of talking to an employee, customers will order through an AI system with natural language processing, like Siri and Alexa use.

Of note: Casey's is also testing self-checkout kiosks in a few stores, but it's in the early rollout stages as the company works through "operational kinks," Rebelez said.

The big picture: Phone automation can help give employees more time to focus on other duties like helping in-store customers.

• For Casey's especially, it can also be helpful for rural stores that may deal with more labor shortages.