The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions
Restaurant Technology Podcasters... Drawing from years of combined experience in restaurant technology, implementation, and marketing, The Restaurant Technology Guys are here to help you run your business better. Check them out www.restauranttechnologyguys.comJeremy literally grew up in the Restaurant Technology Industry. His family is the founders of Custom Business Solutions, Inc. and Jeremy’s early school vacations were spent soldering components for restaurant customers. Twenty-plus years later and Jeremy is COO for CBS, in charge of the implementation of technology systems for CBS customers. It’s fair to say that Jeremy is very much in touch with the challenges and...
Restaurant Marketing You Can Track — Brett Linkletter, Dishio
The conversation delves into the challenges of restaurant marketing and the evolution of marketing strategies in the industry. It explores the power of digital marketing, the importance of targeting and tracking in restaurant marketing, driving repeat business, and the development of a marketing platform to address the needs of the industry. The conversation covers the evolution of e-commerce advertising, the challenges of proving ROI, the complexity of marketing funnels, the journey of building a tech product, raising funds, aspirations for the industry, the power of personalization and AI, and the engagement and consultation process. The key takeaways include the...
US Foods’ Menu IQ: Snap a Recipe, See Your Food Cost — James Jones
The conversation covers James D. Jones' background in technology, US Foods' technology-forward approach, the challenges of technology adoption in the food service industry, the impact of COVID-19 on technology adoption, and the development of US Foods' e-commerce platform and sales CRM transformation. It also delves into the benefits of US Foods' Moxie and Menu IQ tools, the use of AI in menu profitability, and the future of technology in the food service industry.
Takeaways
Technology adoption in the food service industry has been slow but is accelerating due to factors like COVID-19 and the...California Pizza Kitchen Scaled on Culture — Rick Rosenfield
Rick Rosenfield, co-founder of California Pizza Kitchen, shares the story of how he and his partner, Larry Flax, changed the way America eats pizza. From their humble beginnings as federal prosecutors to creating a unique brand that set trends and transformed the industry, Rick's journey is a testament to innovation and vision. The conversation delves into the creation of California style pizza, the introduction of upscale casual dining, and the translation of unique flavors to salads, all of which contributed to the success of California Pizza Kitchen. The conversation with Rick Rosenfield covers the growth and development of the...
Surcheros: The Tex-Mex Franchise Winning in Towns Everyone Else Skips
The Restaurant Technology Guys podcast features Luke Christian and Jake Philpotts,, the founder and vice president of development at Surcheros, a fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant chain. They discuss the unique founding story, the passion for people, site selection, off-prem sales, and the franchisee experience.
Takeaways
Passion for people drives the success of Surcheros.Site selection and off-prem sales are critical for the growth of the brand.Franchisees are attracted to the authenticity and transparency of the Surcheros team.Chapters
00:00 Founding Story and Unique Concept03:16 Passion for People and Purpose06:32 Site Selection...Don’t Mess With Breakfast: Inside The Big Biscuit — Chad Offerdahl
The CEO of The Big Biscuit, Chad Offerdahl, shares the brand's journey, growth, and menu innovation. He discusses the concept's focus on Southern comfort food, the success of traditional breakfast items, and the balance between technology and hospitality. The brand's regional expansion and franchisee selection criteria are also highlighted.
Takeaways
Southern comfort food is experiencing a resurgence in the marketplace, with a shift towards traditional and reliable breakfast options.The Big Biscuit emphasizes cultural fit and shared values when selecting franchisees, focusing on regional growth and operational simplicity.Menu innovation is driven by guest...Restaurant Cooking Oil, Reinvented: RTI’s Alissa Partee
The conversation covers the process of managing used cooking oil in restaurants, the innovative solutions provided by Restaurant Technologies Incorporated (RTI), and the environmental impact of their services. The incoming CEO, Alyssa Partee, discusses the company's closed-loop cooking oil network, its impact on green diesel production, and the importance of proper oil disposal. She also highlights the company's consultative approach to partnerships and the benefits of their automated oil management system.
Takeaways
Closed-loop cooking oil networkImpact on green diesel productionConsultative approach to partnershipsBenefits of automated oil management systemChapters
00:00 Introduction...Cracking Eggs in the Drive-Thru: Farmer Boys’ John Lucas
The conversation covers the introduction of Farmer Boys, the concept of the brand, John's culinary journey, expansion and franchising, the franchisee vetting process, and favorite Farmer Boys menu items. The brand's diverse menu and commitment to quality ingredients are highlighted throughout the discussion.
Takeaways
Diverse MenuQuality IngredientsChapters
00:00 Introduction to Farmer Boys05:16 The Farmer Boys Concept09:25 John's Culinary Journey22:46 Expansion and Franchising29:53 Franchisee Vetting Process35:29 Favorite Farmer Boys Menu ItemsRTG Insights – AI-Powered Forecasting: Cutting Food Waste Before It Starts
The conversation explores the use of AI in forecasting food costs and demand in the restaurant industry. It emphasizes the importance of leveraging data and machine learning models to optimize purchasing, reduce waste, and improve overall restaurant performance.
Takeaways
AI can help forecast food costs and demandLeveraging data and machine learning models can optimize purchasing and reduce wasteChapters
00:00 AI in Forecasting Food Costs01:25 Building a Smart Prep List03:23 Demand Forecasting and Purchasing Behavior05:50 Factors Influencing Purchasing Behavior07:16 Tracking Waste and Behavior Changes08:16 Training and Enhancing AI SystemsThe $30,000 Refund Nobody Caught: MachineQ’s Tom Woodbury
The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the implementation of IoT and AI in the restaurant industry. It explores the impact of security camera audits, the introduction of IoT technology, the automation of mundane tasks, the challenges and solutions in IoT implementation, the paradigm shift in data management, the reliability and security of IoT data, and the future of IoT and AI in restaurants. The discussion also delves into the impact of IoT on network traffic, actionable insights and AI augmentation, preventative maintenance, and incremental adoption of IoT solutions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vision...
The Future of Sports Streaming for Bars and Restaurants
00:00 Introduction and episode overview
00:30 Jeremy introduces the sponsor and guest
00:57 Bryan shares his background and entry into media
02:04 What is EverPass and its mission
03:54 The importance of live sports in customer experience
05:47 Content aggregation and legal considerations
08:10 Technology behind EverPass and content control
12:00 NFL Sunday Ticket and exclusive rights
14:57 Misconceptions about streaming sports legally
20:05 Getting started with EverPass and deployment timeline
25:02 Driving customer engagement with digital assets
30:03 How to contact EverPass and next steps
Restaurant Scheduling, Fixed: How Shiftwerx Cuts the Chaos
00:00 Introduction and Jeremy's opening remarks
00:26 Guest introduction: Jake and his background
01:18 The chaos of restaurant scheduling and initial solutions
02:15 The inspiration behind Shiftwerx and its core features
04:09 Gathering staff preferences and creating schedules
05:37 In-app currency and shift trading market
07:33 Understanding restaurant needs and data integration
09:18 Handling staff availability and schedule changes
11:10 Staff morale, control, and fairness in scheduling
13:02 Tools for schedule creation and automation
17:21 Market features: shift swaps, incentives, and safety
19:45 Use of AI and avoiding hallucinations...
Turning One-Time Visits Into Loyalty: Guestologie’s Ryan
00:00 Introduction to Ryan Volberg and His Journey
02:48 The Evolution of Restaurant Technology
05:49 The Concept of Daily Pay for Hospitality Workers
08:25 Introducing Guestology: A New Approach to Guest Engagement
11:05 Understanding Guest Loyalty and Retention
14:06 The Mechanics of Guest Recognition and Personalization
21:18 Crafting Personalized Guest Experiences
23:07 The Power of Machine Learning in Hospitality
24:24 Understanding the SAPS Model for Guest Loyalty
26:58 The Cost of Loyalty: Status vs. Discounts
29:42 Attribution and Proving Value in Guest Engagement
30:18 Engaging Occasional Guests: Strategies for Retention
36:43 Building Lasting Relationships with Guests
How AI Is Transforming Drive-Thru Performance — Eric Lam
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Berry AI and Eric Lam
02:41 Understanding AI in QSR: The Role of Berry AI
04:20 The Importance of Speed of Service in Drive-Throughs
07:15 Traditional Methods vs. Computer Vision in QSR
13:40 Operational Decisions: When to Pull Cars Forward
16:37 Making Data Actionable for Restaurant Operations
20:59 Addressing Privacy Concerns with Computer Vision
21:35 Recent Success: Berry AI's Major Win
22:20 Future Directions for Berry AI and Computer Vision
Five Rules of Leadership in Grocery Retail — Steve Black
00:00 Introduction to Steve Black and His Journey
02:48 The Five Rules of Leadership
05:43 The Importance of People in Business
08:15 Inception of the Five Rules
10:57 Rule One: Do Your Job
13:42 Rule Two: Be Kind
16:32 The Impact of Kindness in Leadership
19:34 The Importance of Kindness in Leadership
22:03 No Surprises: A Leadership Principle
24:23 Eliminating Drama in the Workplace
28:45 Protecting the Brand: A Leadership Responsibility
33:01 Embedding Leadership Lessons Through Masterclass
Superfood Bowls at Scale — Jeff Finster
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Background
03:46 The Birth of Everbowl and Business Philosophy
06:24 Understanding Acai and Its Nutritional Value
09:16 Everbowl's Unique Concept and Offerings
12:00 Community Engagement and Business Model
14:36 Targeting the Health-Conscious Consumer
17:39 The Future of Everbowl and Market Positioning
23:11 Transforming Consumer Behavior in Fast Food
26:09 Franchising and Growth Strategies
28:38 Real Estate and Location Challenges
32:24 Franchisee Expectations and Support
38:24 Ever Bowl's Signature Offerings
IoT in Food Service: Connected Restaurant Ops — Jay Fiske
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Technology and Innovations
03:00 The Evolution of the Internet of Things in Food Service
05:32 Proactive Maintenance and Efficiency in Operations
08:17 Data-Driven Decision Making and Overcoming Skepticism
11:14 Energy Management and Cost Control in Restaurants
21:09 Optimizing HVAC Systems for Energy Efficiency
24:34 Refrigeration Management and Energy Savings
29:23 The Future of Connected Kitchens
33:48 Automation and Robotics in Food Service
38:25 Engaging with Open Kitchen Solutions
Restaurant Oil Management, Rethought — Chris Hellmann
00:00 Introduction to Chris Hellmann and His Background
03:57 Chris's Journey at Coca-Cola
11:18 Transition to Restaurant Technologies, Inc. (RTI)
15:53 Value Proposition of RTI for Consumers and Operators
22:52 Insights and Learnings for Restaurant Operators
How Dog Haus Redefined the Franchise Model — Michael Montagano
00:00 Introduction to Dog Haus and Its Vision
03:13 The Unique Concept of Dog Haus
10:44 Growth Strategy and Unit Economics
18:37 International Expansion Plans
22:36 Balancing On-Premise and Off-Premise Sales
28:57 Attracting the Next Generation of Consumers
Teriyaki Madness on Restaurant Tech — Aunna Macias
00:00 Introduction to Teriyaki Madness and Aunna Macias
02:05 Growth and Expansion of Teriyaki Madness
03:45 Philosophy of Technology Adoption in Franchising
06:33 Franchisee Feedback and Tech Adoption
08:37 Balancing Control and Flexibility in Franchise Operations
10:41 Innovation and Limited Time Offers (LTOs)
13:27 Managing Tech Projects and Communication
15:58 Overview of the Tech Stack at Teriyaki Madness
17:44 Digital Menu Boards and Integration Challenges
18:45 Improving Data Accuracy and Collection
20:43 Future Investments and Operational Efficiencies
23:44 Menu Recommendations and Unique Orders
The Phone Is Costing You Thousands: AI Voice — Christian Wiens
00:00 Introduction to Loman AI and Its Mission
02:07 Christian's Journey in the Restaurant Industry
06:24 Understanding Voice Ordering AI
09:44 The Evolution of AI in Restaurant Tech
12:55 The Benefits of Loman AI for Restaurants
15:12 Human Touch and Latency in AI Solutions
18:34 The Evolution of AI in Restaurant Ordering
24:32 Personalization and Customer Engagement
30:28 Challenges and Solutions in Restaurant Communication
35:30 Onboarding and Customer Support Excellence
How Handel’s Ice Cream Stays Fresh — Jennifer Schuler
00:00 Introduction to Handel’s Ice Cream and Its Legacy
02:55 Craftsmanship and Freshness in Ice Cream Making
05:34 Community Engagement and Customer Experience
08:30 Store Formats and Customer Interaction
11:25 Flavor Selection and Seasonal Offerings
16:51 Flavor Innovation and Local Connection
19:23 Ensuring Consistency Across Locations
22:34 Encouraging Flavor Exploration
30:19 Franchise Expansion Strategy
Barry’s Bagels on Lean Franchise Growth
00:00 Introduction to Barry's Bagels
01:08 The Founding Story of Barry's Bagels
03:35 Mark and Jim's Backgrounds
05:31 The Unique Offerings of Barry's Bagels
09:58 Site Selection and Franchising Strategy
14:45 Exporting Company Culture
19:23 Franchisee Selection and Support
20:27 Innovative Revenue Channels
27:04 Engaging with Potential Franchisees
Menu Engineering: Data-Driven Design That Lifts Margins
00:00 Introduction to Dinetec and Menu Engineering
03:34 Understanding Menu Nerds and Their Importance
09:08 The Role of Data in Menu Engineering
13:37 Art and Science of Menu Design
17:33 Franchise Dynamics and Menu Consistency
22:43 The Role of Technology in Restaurant Operations
27:36 Leveraging Point of Purchase Materials
34:24 The Importance of Physical Menus
36:39 AI's Impact on Menu Management
41:56 Engaging with Dinetec for Menu Solutions
Timber Pizza: From Food Truck to Franchise — Chris Brady
00:00 Introduction to Timber Pizza Company
02:33 The Founding Story of Timber Pizza
08:12 The Unique Pizza Style of Timber
13:42 Seasonal and Creative Menu Offerings
17:19 Ensuring Consistency in a Growing Franchise
20:09 The Timber Pizza Experience
25:43 Franchising Opportunities and Ideal Partners
Employee Benefits in Restaurants — Sven Jensen
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Technology Solutions
02:39 Understanding Employee Benefits in the Restaurant Industry
05:19 Challenges in Providing Employee Benefits
08:27 The Importance of Employee Support
11:16 Streamlining Employee Benefits Management
14:16 Cost-Effectiveness of Employee Benefits
17:19 The Business Case for Employee Benefits
19:57 Measuring Success: Retention and Profitability
21:27 The Challenges of Employee Turnover
24:12 Understanding Insurance Logistics
29:10 Revolutionizing Employee Benefits
31:51 Engaging with ProTier: A Simple Process
38:27 The Competitive Edge in Employee Retention
Catering: The Untapped Revenue Channel for Restaurants
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:58 Elias' Journey into Restaurant Technology
01:51 The Value of Catering in Foodservice
02:47 Challenges Unique to Catering Business
03:47 Catering Menu Design and Customer Expectations
05:10 B2B vs B2C Catering Dynamics
06:36 Allergen Management and Food Safety
07:43 Menu Structuring for Different Catering Types
08:31 Bundling and Upselling Strategies
09:33 Margins and Profitability in Catering
10:15 Systematizing Catering Operations
11:35 Digital Tools for Catering Management
12:18 Enhancing Guest Experience and Satisfaction
13:17 The Power of Follow-Up and Customer Loyalty
14:18 Using Data and AI for Customer Insights
15:12 Rally Catering’s System an...
Revolutionizing Restaurant Orders with AI: Reducing Abandoned Carts
In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian interviews Steven Klein, co-founder of a tech company focused on solving challenges in the restaurant industry. They discuss the importance of enhancing customer experience through AI, the challenges of abandoned carts in online ordering, and the transition from third-party to first-party orders. Steven shares insights on how AI can help understand customer intent and streamline the ordering process, ultimately improving sales and customer loyalty. The conversation also touches on case studies of successful implementations and the future direction of restaurant technology.
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Technology and...
The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Business
00:00 Introduction to Atmosphere TV and Its Mission
03:29 Content Strategy and Audience Engagement
06:25 The Evolution of Atmosphere's Offerings
09:22 The Role of Digital Signage in Business
12:15 Live Sports and Real-Time Content
14:59 Advertising and Driving Customer Behavior
17:36 Installation and User Experience
21:38 The Impact of AI on Advertising
24:06 Conclusion and How to Get Started with Atmosphere TV
Community and Custard: The Rita's Expansion
00:00 Introduction to Rita's and Lawrence's Background
02:54 The Unique Offerings of Rita's
05:35 Signature Flavors and Product Quality
08:50 Innovative Location Strategies for Growth
11:23 Franchisee Success and Sales Growth
14:24 Supply Chain and Product Consistency
17:12 Community Engagement and Marketing Strategies
20:21 Year-Round Appeal of Rita's
23:03 Franchise Opportunities and Incentives
26:18 Conclusion and Future Growth Plans
Unlocking Customer Insights in Restaurants
00:00 Introduction to Identity Resolution in Restaurants
01:22 The Journey to Data-Driven Marketing
03:26 Challenges in Capturing Customer Data
05:16 Understanding the Identity Graph
07:51 The Importance of Customer Insights
10:56 Data Silos and Their Impact
12:48 Making Data Actionable
15:50 Deep Dive into Identity Resolution
19:22 Bridging the Gap in Customer Engagement
20:55 Personalized Marketing Strategies
23:05 Data Privacy and Security
24:50 Differentiating from Loyalty Programs
26:05 Engagement and Implementation with Bridge
28:02 The Role of AI in Data Utilization
29:30 How to Engage with Bridge
How Detroit-Style Pizza Grew from a Trailer to 25 Locations in Just Seven Years
In this episode, Jeremy Julian sits down with Kiplen Welsh, President of Via 313, to explore the incredible journey of building a rapidly expanding restaurant brand rooted in Detroit-style pizza. They discuss strategic growth, innovative menu development, off-premise excellence, and the value of thoughtful partnerships in scaling a restaurant business sustainably.
00:00 - Welcome to the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast
00:41 - Introduction of Kip Welsh and Via 313’s origin story
01:54 - Background of Kip’s career in casual dining
03:01 - Overview of Detroit-style pizza and brand concept
04:25 - Detroit style pizza history and what sets it a...
Navigating the $150 Billion Delivery Market with Loop AI
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
06:36 What is Loop AI?
09:07 The Necessity of Delivery in Restaurants
15:32 How Loop AI Helps Restaurants Optimize Delivery
21:37 Data-Driven Decision Making with Loop AI
31:31 The Future of Loop AI and AI in Restaurants
Revolutionizing Restaurant Costs with AI Solutions
00:00 Introduction to Cost Reduction in Restaurants
03:02 Understanding Spend Management and AI Solutions
05:39 The Importance of Anomaly Detection in Cost Savings
08:32 Overcoming Common Objections in Cost Management
11:20 Identifying Hidden Costs and Vendor Relationships
14:19 Engagement Process with Clients
16:55 Exploring Non-Core Costs and Their Impact
19:33 The Role of Waste Management in Cost Reduction
22:28 Client Engagement and Onboarding Process
25:17 Benchmarking and Data Privacy in Cost Management
28:05 Conclusion and Future of Spend Intelligence
Innovating Mexican Cuisine: Costa Vida's Journey
00:00 Introduction to Costa Vida and Alan Beck
02:44 Costa Vida's Unique Approach to Mexican Cuisine
05:33 The Importance of Operational Buy-In for Off-Premise Success
08:16 Strategies for Successful Catering Operations
11:04 Innovations in Off-Premise Dining and Delivery
16:36 The Role of Packaging in Food Delivery
20:24 Competitive Analysis and Learning from Others
23:01 Personal Favorites and Customer Engagement
Revolutionizing Restaurant Costs with AI Solutions
00:00 Introduction to Cost Reduction in Restaurants
03:02 Understanding Spend Management and AI Solutions
05:39 The Importance of Anomaly Detection in Cost Savings
08:32 Overcoming Common Objections in Cost Management
11:20 Identifying Hidden Costs and Vendor Relationships
14:19 Engagement Process with Clients
16:55 Exploring Non-Core Costs and Their Impact
19:33 The Role of Waste Management in Cost Reduction
22:28 Client Engagement and Onboarding Process
25:17 Benchmarking and Data Privacy in Cost Management
28:05 Conclusion and Future of Spend Intelligence
Unlocking Customer Insights in Restaurants
00:00 Introduction to Identity Resolution in Restaurants
01:22 The Journey to Data-Driven Marketing
03:26 Challenges in Capturing Customer Data
05:16 Understanding the Identity Graph
07:51 The Importance of Customer Insights
10:56 Data Silos and Their Impact
12:48 Making Data Actionable
15:50 Deep Dive into Identity Resolution
19:22 Bridging the Gap in Customer Engagement
20:55 Personalized Marketing Strategies
23:05 Data Privacy and Security
24:50 Differentiating from Loyalty Programs
26:05 Engagement and Implementation with Bridge
28:02 The Role of AI in Data Utilization
29:30 How to Engage with Bridge
How Detroit-Style Pizza Grew from a Trailer to 25 Locations in Just Seven Years
In this episode, Jeremy Julian sits down with Kiplen Welsh, President of Via 313, to explore the incredible journey of building a rapidly expanding restaurant brand rooted in Detroit-style pizza. They discuss strategic growth, innovative menu development, off-premise excellence, and the value of thoughtful partnerships in scaling a restaurant business sustainably.
00:00 - Welcome to the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast
00:41 - Introduction of Kip Welsh and Via 313’s origin story
01:54 - Background of Kip’s career in casual dining
03:01 - Overview of Detroit-style pizza and brand concept
04:25 - Detroit style pizza history and what sets it a...
Navigating Tech Debt in the Restaurant Industry
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Technology and Ken's Background
03:39 Understanding Winbrands and Its Evolution
07:55 Commonalities Across Industries: Insights from IT
12:37 Navigating Change Management in IT
16:30 Addressing Shadow IT: Definitions and Challenges
19:42 Building Relationships to Manage Shadow IT
24:02 Collaborative Problem Solving Across Departments
The Future of Authentic Marketing in Restaurants
00:00 Introduction to Scale Social AI
03:20 The Birth of Scale Social AI
05:50 Authenticity in Marketing
09:33 AI in Content Creation
12:28 Data-Driven Marketing Strategies
17:46 User Experience and Content Quality
19:50 Leveraging User-Generated Content
21:13 Targeting and Localized Marketing Strategies
25:28 Hyper-Personalization in Advertising
30:54 Quality Control Through User-Generated Content
33:28 The Future of Influencer Marketing
Revolutionizing Retail: Linga's Unified Platform
00:00:15 Introduction to the Episode
00:00:24 Guest Introduction: Hardy Singh
00:00:42 Linga's Unified Platform
00:02:32 Hardy's Role at Linga
00:05:28 Linga's Mission and Expansion
00:07:20 Linga's POS Platform
00:14:00 Retail Transformation
00:16:11 Technology and Innovation
00:27:18 Linga's Product Evolution
00:28:57 How to Learn More About Linga
