The DePIN revolution is coming to a fast food restaurant near you. The movement that began with helium and has spanned many categories, including maps and automotive data, is now spreading this year to hospitality. The initiative shows how quickly DePIN networks – or decentralized networks for physical infrastructure – have become mainstream.
The fast food and hospitality industry, often associated with consistency and efficiency, has been quietly evolving as decentralized technologies enter the mainstream. The adoption of DePIN by major franchises like Taco Bell and KFC signals a shift in how these companies operate and engage with technology.
At the heart of this transformation lies the integration of DePIN devices – sensors, routers and other physical infrastructure – powered by blockchain and token-based incentives. These networks enable companies to contribute to shared ecosystems while gaining real-time operational insights and receiving rewards for their participation. It is a forward-thinking approach that combines cutting-edge technology with the practical needs of fast food and hospitality businesses, paving the way for greater efficiency, sustainability and customer satisfaction.
With DePIN, the industry is embracing a strategic evolution – one that reflects the growing potential of decentralized technologies to enhance traditional models while creating new opportunities for growth.
For franchisees, the potential benefits of DePIN are significant. By integrating DePIN devices into their operations, they can open up a wide range of opportunities:
- Enhancing operational efficiency: DePIN devices, such as air quality sensors from Surrounding networkcan provide real-time data on environmental conditions. This information can be used to optimize HVAC systems, improve indoor air quality, and reduce energy consumption.
- Increase customer satisfaction: By leveraging DePIN-enabled solutions, franchises can offer a more personalized and convenient customer experience. For example, internal cell site deployments from Helium Mobile or Xnet It can provide reliable communication, while blockchain-based supply chain management can ensure product quality and freshness.
Case Study: The Power of Collaboration
A prime example of DePIN’s impact on the franchise industry is the partnership between major fast food chains and… Surrounding networkthe largest decentralized air quality network in Solana. By deploying air quality sensors across hundreds of stores, coast to coast, these franchises are not only improving air quality for their customers, but also contributing to a cleaner environment. Moreover, they generate valuable data insights that can be used to improve operations and reduce costs.
“With the increasing maturity of decentralized tokens and technologies, we are seeing a shift in how these assets are used within our stores and properties,” explains Pushpak Patel, Founding Director at the company. CMG Companiesone of the largest operators of KFC, Taco Bell, Sonic, Little Caesars, Rent-A-Center and Ace Hardware franchises in the United States.
“By installing 1,000 DePIN devices from Ambient Network, we are enhancing our ability to collect operational insights across our sites. Installing air quality sensors not only provides real-time conditions, both outdoors and indoors – it also enables us to participate in Responding to demand. And with the strategic density of our sites, we can help unlock greater network coverage, which in turn generates additional data insights that are game-changers.”
Franchisees may partner with third parties to deploy and manage infrastructure, or they may manage devices internally to improve operational efficiency with devices and achieve an excellent return on investment. With Helium, deployers see ROI ranging from a few dollars to tens of dollars per day based on factors such as location, miner density, and network demand.
Parami Investorsone of the largest deployers of Helium and Ambient devices in North America, was also bullish on DePIN’s opportunities for franchise locations. Clearly, we are seeing greater adoption by retailers and hospitality providers to adopt and deploy decentralized solutions like Helium and Ambient. Ambient is now deployed across dense commercial shopping and dining centers such as Japan Village Plaza in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo area, hotels such as Best Western in Las Vegas and fast food chains such as Taco Bell, KFC and Five Guys. Revolutions begin on the street as franchisees push for broader corporate adoption.
The road ahead
As DePIN technology continues to mature, we can expect to see more innovative applications in the franchise industry. Of decentralized energy networks such as Powerledger And community-powered solar energy from Yeshuato blockchain-based loyalty programs from He will be hangedThe possibilities are endless.
For retailers and fast food franchisees, deploying DePIN devices is not just a technology trend – it is an investment in a more efficient, profitable and sustainable future. From generating passive income to collecting valuable data and improving operations, the benefits are clear. As technology continues to evolve, franchisees and other small businesses will find more ways to leverage DePIN devices to improve the customer experience and their bottom line.
Decentralized solutions build an ecosystem that benefits everyone and promotes participation through incentives. DePIN devices are a key part of this vision. By adopting these new technologies, franchisees are setting themselves up for long-term success, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-changing market.