The DePIN revolution is coming to a fast food franchise near you. The movement that started with Helium and has spread to several categories, including mapping and automotive data, this year is now spreading to hospitality. The initiative shows how quickly DePINs – or decentralized networks of physical infrastructure – are becoming mainstream.
The fast food and hospitality industries, often associated with consistency and efficiency, are quietly upgrading as decentralized technologies make their way into the mainstream. The adoption of DePIN by major franchises such as Taco Bell and KFC signals a shift in how these companies operate and engage with technology.
At the heart of this transformation is 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 being rewarded for their participation. It’s 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 improve 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 unlock a wealth of opportunities:
- Improved operational efficiency: DePIN devices, such as Ambient Network air quality sensors, can provide real-time data on environmental conditions. This information can be used to optimize HVAC systems, improve indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption.
- Increased customer satisfaction: By leveraging DePIN-powered solutions, franchisees can offer a more personalized and convenient customer experience. For example, indoor cell locations from Helium Mobile or XNET can provide reliable connectivity, while blockchain-based supply chain management can ensure product quality and freshness.
A case study: the power of collaboration
A good example of DePIN’s impact on the franchise industry is the partnership between major fast food chains and the Ambient Network, the largest decentralized air quality network at Solana. By deploying air quality sensors across hundreds of stores, coast to coast, these franchises not only improve air quality for their customers, but also contribute to a cleaner environment. In addition, they generate valuable data insights that can be used to optimize operations and reduce costs.
“With the growing maturity of tokens and decentralized technologies, we are seeing a shift in how we can use these assets in our stores and properties,” explains Pushpak Patel, Founding Principal at CMG Companies, one 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 units from Ambient Network, we are improving our ability to gather operational insights across our locations. Having air quality sensors installed not only provides real-time conditions, both outdoors and indoors – it also allows us to participate in demand response- programs. And with the strategic density of our locations, we can help unlock greater coverage for the network, which in turn generates additional data insights.”
Franchisees can partner with third parties to deploy and manage the infrastructure, or they can manage the units in-house to improve operational efficiency with the units and potentially generate an excellent return on investment. With Helium, these deployer participants see ROI from a few dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per day based on factors such as location, miner density and network demand.
Parami Investors, one of the largest distributors of Helium and Ambient units in North America, has also been positive about DePIN opportunities for franchise locations. We are clearly seeing greater adoption by retailers and hospitality providers to adopt and implement decentralized solutions such as Helium and Ambient. Ambient is now deployed across high-density commercial shopping and dining centers such as Japanese Village Plaza in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district, hotels such as the Best Western in Las Vegas, and fast food chains such as Taco Bell, KFC and Five Guys. Revolutions start on the streets with franchisees pushing the envelope for wider enterprise adoption.
The road ahead
As DePIN technology continues to mature, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the franchise industry. From decentralized energy grids like Powerledger and community-driven solar from Glow to blockchain-based loyalty programs from Hang, the possibilities are endless.
For fast food retailers and franchisees, implementing DePIN devices is not just a technological trend – it is an investment in a more efficient, profitable and sustainable future. From generating passive income to collecting valuable data and optimizing operations, the benefits are clear. As technology continues to evolve, franchisees and other small businesses will find even more ways to leverage DePIN devices to improve both the customer experience and their bottom line.
Decentralized solutions build an ecosystem that benefits everyone and drive participation through incentives. And DePIN devices are an important part of this vision. By embracing these new technologies, franchisees are setting themselves up for long-term success and ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-changing market.
