Afleveringen
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In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian welcomes Anne Pritt, Chief Marketing Officer for Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay. Jeremy and Anne discuss the collaboration with celebrity chef Bobby Flay, focusing on how Bobby's travels inspire seasonal and craveable menu items including burgers, fries, and shakes. Anne shares her extensive background in marketing with brands like Tim Horton's and Sbarro, and explains the philosophy behind Bobby’s innovations and limited-time offerings, including the use of high-quality ingredients like certified Angus beef. They also discuss the tech stack used to ensure consistent product quality and the strategic growth plan for expanding Bobby’s Burgers through traditional and non-traditional franchises. Listeners are encouraged to learn more about Bobby's Burgers and potential franchise opportunities.
00:00 Bobby's Burgers
00:54 Introduction and Warm Welcome
01:22 Meet Anne Pritz: Chief Marketing Officer of Bobby's Burgers
01:36 Anne's Professional Journey
02:53 Who is Bobby Flay?
03:48 The Unbeatable Burger Experience
04:58 Personal Stories and Bobby Flay's Approachability
07:24 Bobby's Burgers: The Fast Casual Concept
10:07 Menu Innovation and Limited Time Offerings
14:16 Marketing Strategies for New Products
18:39 Latest Menu Innovations: Greek Town Burger and Blueberry Cheesecake Milkshake
26:25 Franchising Opportunities and Expansion Plans
33:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode, Jeremy interviews Laura Wilber of Dinova. Laura explains her role in connecting 560 global companies and the US Department of Defense with a network of 25,000 restaurants that cater to business travelers. She highlights the value of having a business dining strategy, especially when consumer confidence and traffic are trending down. Dinova helps restaurants attract business diners, who often spend more when using company-issued credit cards. Laura also discusses the program's inclusivity, extending benefits to quick serve restaurants and high-end dining alike. She shares how restaurant operators can join Dinova's network to increase their visibility and sales. The episode underscores the important role Dinova plays in driving restaurant success.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:08 Laura Wilbur's Background and Role
00:53 Dinova's Services and Impact
01:42 Sponsorship and Event Details
02:04 Business Dining Strategy Insights
03:30 Incentives for Business Travelers
05:16 Restaurant Operator Involvement
08:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Nicholas Fontenot, CTO and partner at Crust Pizza Co., a Houston-based fast casual pizza brand known for its unique approach to pizza making and franchise operations. Nicholas shares insights into what sets Crust Pizza apart, including their dedication to fresh ingredients and a proprietary tech stack designed to streamline franchise operations. He discusses the journey from his background in tech and franchises to enhancing Crust Pizza's back-end processes with innovative technology solutions. They delve into the challenges and strategies behind building their own POS system and the importance of achieving consistency and quality across all franchise locations. The conversation highlights the balance of growing a brand while maintaining a high standard of food quality and customer experience. Nicholas also teases future expansion plans and emphasizes the importance of selecting quality franchise partners.
00:00 Crust Pizza
01:06 Introduction and Welcome
01:35 Meet Nicholas: Background and Journey
02:46 Crust Pizza: Concept and Quality
05:23 Challenges and Tech Solutions in Franchising
08:26 Building and Automating the Kitchen
16:21 Developing a Custom POS System
25:34 Franchise Growth and Future Plans
29:53 Conclusion and Farewell
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In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Maria, co-founder of Palona AI. They discuss how Palona is transforming the restaurant industry through generative AI, voice automation, and multimodal technologies to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. With a background in leading tech companies like Google and Meta, Maria explains the capabilities of AI in hyper-personalization, conversational marketing, and overcoming challenges such as AI hallucinations. The episode also covers the onboarding process for AI solutions in restaurants and how these technologies can provide consistent and individualized guest experiences.
00:00 Palona.Ai
01:03 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:40 Guest Background and Experience
03:04 Defining AI and Its Impact
07:04 AI in the Restaurant Industry
08:47 Multimodal AI Solutions
11:14 Human-Like AI Interactions
17:04 Standardizing Guest Experience with AI
20:05 AI-Powered Customer Interactions
21:04 Personalized Dining Experiences
22:34 Implementing AI in Restaurants
25:11 Guest Identification and Data Management
26:04 Ensuring AI Reliability and Security
28:48 Handling Special Requests and Continuous Learning
32:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode, Krish, the founder and CEO of Know, discusses the transformative mission of his company to make every frontline worker a 'superhero.' Krish explains how the Know app helps streamline day-to-day operations, reduce chaos, and improve worker satisfaction and retention in industries with high turnover, like restaurants. The app functions as a comprehensive digital assistant, offering training, task management, and direct communication from management. Krish also explores the importance of micro-learning and the app's multilingual capabilities, emphasizing the need to meet workers where they are, both geographically and technologically.
00:00 Introduction to Krish and His Mission
00:27 Streamlining Day-to-Day Operations
01:28 Addressing Employee Turnover
03:47 The Role of Technology in Training
04:44 Customizing and Documenting Processes
07:36 Micro Learning and On-Demand Information
09:52 International Reach and Multi-Language Support
11:07 Conclusion and Contact Information
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In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, hosts Jeremy Julian and David Alvarado delve into the world of financial technology and its impact on the restaurant industry. They discuss the critical importance of earned wage access, allowing employees to get paid daily, and the advantages it offers for both employers and employees. David Alvarado, who has extensive experience in the restaurant industry, shares insights from his journey, including his tenure at Blooming Brands and his current role at Instant Financial. Instant Financial provides a solution that enables daily pay for non-tipped employees and digital tip distribution, streamlining operations and reducing costs for restaurants. The episode also covers the broader implications of financial wellness tools, including financial literacy education, credit building, and health and wellness benefits, emphasizing how these tools can significantly improve employees' lives. This podcast is a must-listen for restaurant operators looking to gain a competitive edge by adopting technology that addresses modern employees' needs.
00:00 Instant Financial
01:17 Introduction and Welcome
01:45 Meet David Alvarado
02:14 David's Career Journey
03:36 Introduction to Instant Financial
04:57 Understanding Earned Wages
07:24 Benefits of Instant Pay
13:35 Addressing Concerns About Instant Pay
23:33 Digital Tips Management
31:09 Employee Financial Wellness
37:33 Conclusion and Contact Information
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In this episode, Paul Potvin, Chief Financial Officer of California Fish Grill, introduces himself and discusses the seafood chain’s mission, expansion plans, and innovative strategies. He elaborates on the company's focus on providing high-quality, sustainable seafood at affordable prices in a fast casual setting. Paul highlights how technology, such as digital menu boards and self-service kiosks, has transformed operations and enhanced customer experience, especially during the pandemic. He also shares insights on managing supply chain challenges and maintaining value for customers. The discussion ends with Paul's personal menu recommendations for new guests.
00:00 Introduction to Paul Potvin and California Fish Grill
00:20 Expansion Plans and Market Strategy
00:47 Brand Mission and Vision
01:19 Value and Innovation in Seafood
03:09 Digital Transformation and Kiosk Implementation
07:38 Impact of Digital Menu Boards
11:30 Paul's Recommendations and Conclusion
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In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, hosts Jeremy Julian and Angelo Esposito, Founder and CEO of WISK, delve into the innovative solutions WISK offers for inventory management in the restaurant industry. They discuss the challenges of traditional inventory methods, the development of WISK's technology combining AI and user-friendly features, and the significant impact these solutions can have on managing prime costs in bars and restaurants. The conversation also touches on AI's role in the restaurant technology arena, offering insights into how modern tools can streamline operations and improve accuracy. Listeners are encouraged to explore WISK's platform and the potential benefits it can bring to their inventory processes.
00:00 Wisk
01:21 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:30 Understanding Prime Costs in Restaurants
01:58 Introducing WISK.ai: Streamlining Restaurant Operations
02:50 Challenges in Restaurant Inventory Management
04:05 The Origin Story of WISK.ai
06:47 Digitizing Old School Processes
08:31 The Evolution of WISK.ai
12:08 Current Inventory Management Practices
14:45 Common Mistakes in Inventory Management
17:38 Receiving Product Correctly
18:59 Understanding the Inventory Formula
19:30 Simplifying Inventory and Purchasing
20:36 Handling Item Variations
22:24 The Importance of Demos
27:27 AI in Inventory Management
32:36 Whisk's Full Capabilities
33:32 How to Get in Touch and Learn More
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In this episode, Cristal Craven, Director of Strategic Partnerships at SynergySuite, introduces herself and explains the concept of 'back office' in the restaurant industry. She discusses how SynergySuite's all-in-one platform simplifies operations by integrating various essential functions like inventory management, scheduling, cash management, and kitchen safety. Cristal emphasizes the importance of partnerships and data consolidation for making informed business decisions. She also highlights SynergySuite's strategy of using tools like Tableau for customizable reports, which allow brands to make specific, data-driven decisions without overburdening the engineering team. The conversation covers the evolving landscape of restaurant technology and how adopting a comprehensive back office solution can save costs, reduce waste, and streamline operations, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.
00:00 Introduction to Cristal Craven
00:21 Defining Back Office Software
01:03 SynergySuite's Comprehensive Approach
02:03 Importance of Data and Partnerships
04:27 Simplifying Technology for Operators
06:52 Adapting to Industry Challenges
09:25 How to Connect with SynergySuite
10:34 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
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In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian, the Chief Revenue Officer for CBS North Star, interviews Ha Ly, the head of marketing for Poke Works. They discuss the rapid expansion of Poke Works across the U.S. and delve into the unique aspects of the poke cuisine. Ha describes poke as a build-your-own bowl concept featuring raw fish cured in various sauces, emphasizing freshness and flavor. They talk about the national penetration of Poke Works, its key marketing strategies for entering new markets, and enhancing guest experiences. Additionally, Ha shares insights on Poke Works' new Hawaiian Hot Plates menu and the importance of their loyalty program in driving repeat customer visits. The conversation provides a comprehensive overview of the brand's growth, guest acquisition strategies, and the exciting new offerings designed to attract a wider audience.
00:00 PokeWorks
00:56 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:10 Discovering Poke Cuisine
06:08 Poke Works Expansion and Market Penetration
07:25 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement
10:34 Loyalty Programs and Customer Retention
21:28 New Product Offerings and Future Plans
24:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of The Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with the founders of Kids Menu, Herman and Chrissy, to discuss their innovative platform aimed at transforming the children’s dining experience. Kids Menu provides restaurants with customizable, entertaining, and on-demand kids menus that capture children's interest, allowing families to have a more pleasant dining experience. They delve into the ease of use of their platform, which is inspired by tools like Canva, and discuss the business impact of engaging kids menus on restaurant revenue. The founders also share their long-term vision, including gamification, loyalty programs, and enhanced community connectivity. This episode offers valuable insights for restaurant operators seeking to enhance family dining experiences.
00:00 Kids Menu
00:52 Introduction and Welcome
01:17 Meet the Founders: Background and Experience
02:12 Introducing KidsMenus.com
04:02 The Problem with Traditional Kids Menus
04:26 How KidsMenus.com Solves the Problem
11:47 Ease of Use and Quick Setup
18:15 Affordability and Market Research
20:44 Impact on Business and Customer Stories
28:44 Legal Risks and Brand Integrity
33:19 Future Vision and Roadmap
35:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Kat Claypool from Wisetail, a leader in learning management systems for the restaurant industry. Kat discusses her career journey and the pivotal role Wisetail plays in improving restaurant operations through its employee enablement platform. The conversation covers Wisetail’s comprehensive tools, including learning management systems, operational checklist tools, and newly integrated content management systems resulting from their acquisition of Player Link. Emphasizing the importance of micro-training and tailored solutions for frontline workers, they explore how Wisetail aids in consistency, retention, and data-driven decision-making. Jeremy and Kat also delve into the advantages of tech consolidation, accessibility on multiple device platforms, and the impact of AI in enhancing training content. This episode offers valuable insights into how Wisetail is transforming the restaurant industry's approach to employee training and operational efficiency.
00:00 Wisetail
01:15 Introduction and Welcome
01:27 Meet Kat from Wisetail
03:05 What is Wisetail?
05:06 The Importance of Micro Training
09:16 Hybrid Training and Real-Time Support
26:09 Tech Consolidation and Operational Efficiency
30:35 Conclusion and Contact Information
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In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian is joined by Mina, the CEO of Tony Roma's. The discussion covers Mina's unique journey from an attorney conducting due diligence during the 2020 pandemic to becoming the permanent CEO in 2023. Mina shares her vision for revitalizing the beloved brand, focusing on menu innovation, expanding both domestically and internationally, and appealing to Gen Z and Millennials. The conversation highlights the brand's resilience, the importance of social media and influencer marketing, and the flexible support system provided to franchisees. Tune in to learn about Mina's strategy to reintroduce Tony Roma's to a new generation while preserving its cherished legacy.
00:00 Tony Roma's
01:01 Introduction and Welcome
01:23 Meet the New CEO of Tony Roma's
01:56 Journey to Becoming CEO
03:10 Challenges and Achievements
04:28 Revitalizing the Tony Roma's Brand
07:55 Explaining the Tony Roma's Experience
09:53 Innovations and Menu Updates
13:45 Franchisee Relations and Flexibility
17:13 Creating Memorable Experiences
19:52 Social Media and Marketing Strategies
23:05 Future Growth and Expansion Plans
27:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian welcomes back a returning guest from Pollo Campero. They discuss sustainable growth, entering new markets, and engaging guests through modern platforms. The guest, Pollo Campero’s VP of Franchise Development, shares insights on brand expansion, customer experience, and leveraging technology. They delve into the brand's strategic efforts during the pandemic, including implementing a mobile app, optimizing kitchens, and expanding customer experience programs. The episode highlights Pollo Campero’s growing presence in the U.S., their marketing strategies to connect with younger generations, and the importance of supply chain logistics. The conversation also touches on the integration of automation and AI in their operations and the significance of maintaining strong supplier relationships.
00:00 Audio Pollo Campero
00:59 Introduction and Welcome
01:30 Guest Background and Experience
02:27 Brand Evolution and Growth
06:39 Unique Dining Experience
09:54 Market Expansion Strategy
14:17 Supply Chain and Distribution
17:20 Engaging Younger Demographics
22:22 Customer Experience and Feedback
24:46 Pandemic Impact and Recovery
29:47 Technology and Innovation
35:04 Long-term Vision and Partnerships
37:30 Conclusion and Contact Information
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In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian is joined by hospitality tech veteran Seth Temko of Full On Strategy. Seth shares insights from his 25 years in the industry, discussing his various roles in pioneering restaurant tech initiatives and innovations. They delve into Seth's newest venture, Full On Strategy, a consultancy aimed at helping restaurant and tech companies implement effective go-to-market strategies. The episode explores the importance of awareness, education, and touchpoints in marketing, how to identify and address early signs of unmet forecasts, and strategic advice for scaling a business successfully. Seth and Jeremy also emphasize the role of emotional selling and the necessity of data-informed marketing. A valuable listen for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of successful restaurant tech implementations and business growth. For more details visit fullonstrategy.com or connect with Seth on LinkedIn.
00:00 Audio Full On Strategy
00:58 Introduction and Guest Background
01:37 Early Career in Hospitality Tech
02:44 Innovations and Missed Opportunities
04:09 Career Transitions and New Ventures
05:50 Founding Full On Strategy
06:57 Consulting Services and Approach
11:09 Marketing Challenges in Restaurant Tech
19:24 Understanding Buyer Psychology
21:29 The Importance of Doing the Right Thing in Marketing
22:55 Understanding Marketing Attribution and Data Points
27:00 Challenges and Strategies in Marketing Alignment
33:28 The Role of Marketing in Hyper Growth
38:20 Engaging with Full On Strategy
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Succeeding in the Restaurant Industry with NRN's Sam Oches
In this episode, Jeremy Julian hosts Sam Oches, Editor in Chief of The Nation's Restaurant News, to discuss significant trends and insights shaping the restaurant industry in 2025 and beyond. Sam highlights the success strategies of top restaurant brands like Texas Roadhouse, Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane's, and Jersey Mike's, emphasizing consistency, quality, and efficient operations. They also explore innovation while maintaining brand integrity, employee investment, and managing growth. Moreover, they delve into the impact of technology, especially in enhancing employee efficiency, and the importance of adaptive strategies for casual dining brands. The episode is rich with strategies for navigating the evolving restaurant landscape.
00:00 Sam Oches
00:41 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:08 Sam Oches: Background and Role
02:15 Current Trends in the Restaurant Industry
02:40 Successful Restaurant Brands and Their Strategies
04:36 Balancing Consistency and Innovation
10:48 Employee Investment and Retention
15:14 Growth Strategies and Challenges
19:30 Casual Dining: Challenges and Opportunities
20:17 Introduction to Fogo de Chão's Success
20:45 Gen Z's Favorite Full-Service Restaurant
21:47 The Evolution of Casual Dining
22:37 Twin Peaks: A Modern Sports Bar Experience
23:26 Gustavo Group's Community-Centric Approach
24:47 Balancing Tradition and Innovation
27:39 Future of Restaurant Technology
31:43 Employee Engagement and Retention Strategies
34:39 Connecting with Industry Leaders -
Restaurant Tech Innovations: AI, Dynamic Pricing, and Future Trends with Joe Gaskowski
In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Joe Gaskowski, Senior Editor at Restaurant Business, to discuss the state of the restaurant industry, especially casual dining, and future technological trends. They talk about the impact of AI in areas such as drive-thrus, back-of-house operations, and marketing. The conversation also delves into the controversial dynamic pricing, voice AI, and the strategic use of third-party delivery services. Additionally, the challenges of integrating new tech with legacy systems and the importance of tech consolidation for seamless operations are highlighted.
00:00 Audio Joe Guszkowski
00:50 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:14 Joe Gaskowski's Background and Role
02:29 Trends in Restaurant Technology for 2024
03:06 The Rise of AI in the Restaurant Industry
04:49 Dynamic Pricing in Restaurants
15:10 Voice AI and Its Applications
21:50 Third-Party Delivery Services
25:44 Technology in Casual Dining
31:40 Future of Restaurant Technology
33:47 Conclusion and Upcoming Events -
Innovating Consistency: Donato's Pizza with CEO Kevin King
In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Kevin King, the CEO of Donatos Pizza, a legacy brand based in Columbus, Ohio. Kevin shares his journey in the restaurant industry, including his return to Donatos, and discusses the company's unique value proposition and operational consistency. The conversation delves into Donatos' emphasis on high-quality ingredients and their strict adherence to consistency, aided by their proprietary technology and operating systems. Kevin also talks about the brand's innovative use of AI in ordering, automation, and their strategic partnerships, including with Red Robin. The episode explores Donatos' future plans, including automation in kitchens and expanding their footprint while maintaining core mission values of quality, service, and hospitality.
00:00 Audio Donatos Pizza
00:11 Introduction to Today's Episode
01:13 Meet Kevin, CEO of Donatos Pizza
01:47 Kevin's Career Journey
02:53 Returning to Donatos
07:23 Donatos' Unique Value Proposition
11:28 Mission and Values of Donatos
14:21 Customer Experience and Market Strategy
16:56 Technology and Innovation at Donatos
30:07 Franchising and Expansion
35:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts -
Navigating Tariffs and Technology: Insights from Canada's Restaurant Guy, Jay Ashton
In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Jay Ashton, known as Canada's Restaurant Guy. They delve into the non-political impact of regulations, especially tariffs, on the restaurant industry in both Canada and the U.S. Jay shares his extensive experience in the restaurant supply chain, discusses the potential severe impact of upcoming tariffs similar to or worse than COVID-19, and stresses the need for strategic planning. They also explore innovative revenue streams, the role of AI in restaurant management, and the importance of community and cooperation among restauranteurs. If you're looking for ways to future-proof your restaurant against economic uncertainties, this episode is filled with practical advice and unique insights.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:12 Meet Jay Ashton: Canada's Restaurant Guy
03:34 Impact of Tariffs on the Restaurant Industry
07:54 Strategies for Restaurants to Navigate Tariff Challenges
17:09 Exploring New Business Models and Revenue Streams
25:16 The Role of AI and Technology in Modern Restaurants
31:00 Conclusion and How to Stay Connected - Laat meer zien
