How to Build a Starbucks-Style AI Voice Agent for Automated Ordering

Starbucks is one of the most recognized brands in the world — serving millions of customers daily. Now imagine walking into a Starbucks, speaking to an AI voice agent, and having your coffee order taken, customized, priced, and confirmed — without human intervention.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how I built a Starbucks-style AI voice ordering system using the VHO platform, and why using a well-known brand example like this is one of the easiest ways to help potential clients understand the value of AI automation.

Why Use Starbucks as a Demo?

When pitching AI voice automation, the biggest challenge isn’t the technology — it’s helping people visualize the outcome.

Say “AI voice agent for F&B” and you’ll lose most non-technical clients. Say “Imagine ordering a Frappuccino from Starbucks by talking to an AI” and everyone instantly gets it.

That’s why I often build demos for known brands — Starbucks, KFC, McDonald’s — even if the actual solution will be customized for another business. It shortens the sales conversation by showing something familiar.

Step 1: Crafting the Prompt

As with any AI voice agent, the prompt defines everything. I started in ChatGPT and asked:

“Create a voice agent prompt for an ordering system for Starbucks. It should be able to order anything from the menu and tell the exact price.”

To make the AI more accurate, I refined the prompt by adding the full Starbucks menu (in euros, since I’m in Germany). This ensures the AI can reference every drink, snack, and food item — along with prices.

Step 2: Setting It Up in VHO

Step 3: The Demo Conversation

AI: “Hi, this is Kate from Starbucks. What would you like to have?” Customer: “Café Latte.” AI: “Got it — €5.40. Ready in 5–10 minutes.”

Step 4: Why It Works

This isn’t about automating Starbucks — it’s a demo. Every restaurant understands the Starbucks process, so they can easily imagine the system with their own menu.

From here, the same setup can work for:

Want to see it in action?