Sandwich chain’s IPO mentions AI 22 times despite no AI products

A sandwich chain’s IPO filing mentioned the term 'artificial intelligence' 22 times despite having no AI products, according to a TechCrunch analysis of the S-1 document.

The filing included boilerplate AI risk warnings without explaining specific uses or risks, describing only that 'We are beginning to use AI Technologies in our business.'

The article argues this reflects investor thirst for AI exposure, noting that tech companies and even non-AI startups feel compelled to 'sprinkle AI dust' across their pitches to attract capital.

The filing also mentioned software 52 times and data 112 times, reflecting reliance on digital tools common to modern businesses.

A Starbucks AI inventory tool failure is cited as an example of AI risks in food businesses, where an AI system 'couldn’t count and was recently scrapped.'

The author suggests the risk of an AI-specific disaster for a sandwich business is minimal compared to other operational risks, such as weather events like lightning strikes.