The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, Jeremy Julian talks with Danny Klein, freshly promoted to VP Editorial Director at WTWH Media's FRH properties. They delve deep into the state of the restaurant industry, discussing everything from the surge of bankruptcies and the challenges of rising costs, to evolving consumer preferences and the impact of technology. Danny shares insights on value perceptions, brand adaptations like those of Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse, and the future roles of QSR, casual dining, and even C-stores. The conversation also explores the intricate balance between maintaining quality service and embracing new tech to optimize operations and enhance customer experiences.00:00 Danny Klein00:43 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:58 Danny Klein's Role and Responsibilities01:58 Current Challenges in the Restaurant Industry03:50 Value Perception in Dining06:07 Opportunities in the Restaurant Sector19:08 Technology's Impact on the Restaurant Experience28:57 Convergence of Restaurants and C-Stores34:24 Conclusion and How to Follow Danny Klein

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy is joined by Deric Rosenbaum, President and CTO of Groucho's Deli, an 83-year-old deli chain based in the Southeast U.S. Deric shares his journey from commercial construction to leading Groucho's Deli alongside his business partner Bruce Miller. The conversation delves into Groucho's unique hybrid model between QSR and Fast Casual, their unrelenting focus on quality ingredients, and their innovative use of technology to enhance customer and staff experiences. Deric also discusses Groucho's approach to sustainability, adapting business models during COVID-19, and leveraging tools like Ovation and Marquis for customer feedback and reputation management. The episode wraps up with Deric sharing his personal and family favorites from Groucho's menu, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to both tradition and modern technology.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:09 Meet Deric Rosenbaum: President and CTO of Groucho's Deli00:44 The Legacy of Groucho's Deli01:27 Deric's Journey with Groucho's03:25 Groucho's Unique Dining Experience05:16 Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights08:23 Commitment to Quality and Sustainability11:02 Adapting Through Technology15:11 Customer Experience and Feedback29:21 Favorite Menu Items and Personal Stories33:20 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Cijoy, an experienced restaurant technology and operations veteran. Cijoy shares his journey from engineering to the Y2K era and his transition into the restaurant industry. He introduces his new product, GM Pilot, which aims to streamline restaurant operations by optimizing labor management, enhancing efficiency, and saving costs. The discussion highlights the significant challenges faced by GMs and how GM Pilot is designed to alleviate these burdens by automating and improving labor and inventory management without requiring extensive training or IT resources. Cijoy also outlines future plans for expanding the capabilities of GM Pilot and provides insights into effective implementation strategies.00:00 Audio GM Pilot00:57 Introduction and Welcome01:06 Guest Introduction: Meet Cijoy01:49 Cijoy's Career Journey04:39 The Birth of a New Idea06:39 Implementing the Concept11:35 Challenges and Solutions in Restaurant Tech15:10 The Role of General Managers17:30 Adapting to New Labor Models19:38 Custom Tailored Solutions for Labor Management20:16 Uncovering Hidden Opportunities in Labor Efficiency21:44 The Importance of Consistent Guest Experience22:59 Empowering GMs with Advanced Tools26:09 Future Plans: Expanding Beyond Labor Management29:24 Engagement and Implementation Process31:58 Target Audience and Market Strategy34:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, the discussion centers around InKind's innovative, tech-driven approach to scaling and supporting restaurants. InKind's CEO shares insights on leveraging Silicon Valley strategies, deploying large-scale data analytics and AI, and the significance of personalized support for independent restaurants. The episode covers the dual role of InKind as a financial service provider and a consumer marketplace, detailing creative financing solutions and marketing experiments that enhance profitability and customer experience. Listeners also learn about the platform's benefits for business travelers, including earning credits for personal dining through data-driven recommendations. The episode emphasizes practical advice for restaurant owners, market insights from owning restaurants, InKind’s funding model, and future enhancements, aiming to create a sustainable and profitable ecosystem for restaurant growth.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:55 Meet Johann Munisinghe: From Tech to Restaurants01:55 The Birth of InKind: Solving Restaurant Finance03:12 The Restaurant Incubator Experiment06:41 Scaling InKind: Financing and Marketplace11:31 Challenges and Solutions for Restaurant Operators17:01 InKind's Unique Value Proposition19:56 Challenges in Restaurant Tech20:39 Uses of Capital in Restaurants21:07 Sponsor Messages22:07 Growth and Financing Strategies23:21 Consumer Experience with InKind25:15 Leveraging Data for Recommendations28:25 Engaging with InKind for Expansion35:40 Future Vision and Expansion Plans36:41 Conclusion and Farewell

In this insightful episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian chats with Chris Demery, CTO of Blaze Pizza, about the technological advancements at Blaze Pizza, particularly post-COVID-19. Chris highlights the pivotal role of user-friendly technology in enhancing both on-premise and off-premise dining experiences. The discussion covers the seamless implementation of the Qu POS system across more than 270 locations, the importance of open APIs, and the challenges and solutions related to managing digital and in-store orders. Further, the episode explores how predictive analytics, data optimization, and customer data platforms are key to improving operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Listeners will gain practical insights into adapting technology to meet evolving guest needs, maintaining balance between digital and on-site service, and the significance of industry-specific networking for staying ahead in technological innovations.00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode00:51 Meet Chris Demery: A Legend in Restaurant Technology01:27 Chris Demery's Career Journey02:43 Philosophy on Technology and Operations04:23 The Importance of Predictable Technology05:46 Challenges and Innovations at Blaze Pizza12:45 Adapting to Post-COVID Changes16:27 Sponsor Messages17:28 Understanding Blaze Pizza's Unique Model18:43 Innovative Changes in Restaurant Operations19:33 Speed of Service and Wait Time Metrics20:56 Challenges with Custom Orders24:16 Managing Digital and In-Person Orders27:32 Leveraging Data for Better Staffing29:11 Future Innovations and Guest Experience35:17 Staying Connected and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, co-host Jeremy interviews serial entrepreneur Keith Sampson, who shares his journey through the payments and fintech industry influenced by personal challenges such as his father's battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. Keith discusses his 'grow through it' mindset and passion for helping others achieve their potential, highlighting five key characteristics for growth: continuous learning, gratitude, resilience, humility, and confidence. The conversation delves into overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of finding one’s ‘why,’ and the power of positive influences and consistency. With a special focus on embracing vulnerability and finding meaning beyond financial success, Keith reflects on impactful moments, including hosting a virtual sales conference during the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode concludes with insights on maintaining low expectations and Arthur Brooks' pillars of happiness: family, friends, faith, and meaningful work. Keith encourages listeners to contribute positively, find their medium of expression, and connect with him on LinkedIn, Instagram, and his website.00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:39 Keith's Professional Journey02:19 Personal Growth and Resilience13:17 The Power of Influence and Legacy17:42 Weekly Video Journey and Future Goals18:14 The Origin of Consistent Content Creation19:05 Overcoming the Fear of Sharing22:02 The Journey to Public Speaking27:45 Virtual Events and Their Impact29:19 Encouragement to Share Your Unique Gifts34:13 Connecting with Keith Sampson

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian sits down with Laura Wilbur from Dinova to discuss strategies for attracting higher-spending corporate guests to restaurants. They delve into the benefits for both corporate diners and restaurant operators, including increased guest frequency, higher average check sizes, and loyal business relationships. Laura shares her professional insights on how Dinova helps bridge the gap between Fortune 1000 companies and high-quality dining establishments through tailored corporate dining programs. Key topics include restaurant vetting, managing guest experiences, and the specifics of business dining trends in today's economic climate.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:12 Meet Laura Wilbur from Dinova00:19 The Importance of Corporate Guests01:16 Laura's Background and Expertise02:23 Understanding Expense Account Diners03:44 How Dinova Connects Restaurants and Corporations05:50 Navigating the Dinova App07:31 Benefits for Diners and Corporations11:13 Advantages for Restaurants15:12 Ensuring Quality Experiences19:58 Balancing Family and Business20:26 Dining Out with Family vs. Business21:24 The Importance of Customer Relationships23:11 Challenges in the Restaurant Industry26:54 Corporate Dining Best Practices33:01 Engaging with Dinova35:42 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian talks with Rev Ciancio, a hospitality marketing consultant and CMO at Salad House and Handcraft Burgers Brew. They discuss effective restaurant marketing strategies, focusing on the importance of local search optimization, email marketing, and guest feedback. Rev shares insights on why social media isn't a primary driver for customer acquisition and emphasizes the value of CRM growth through regular, targeted email newsletters. They also delve into the significance of guest sentiment and how to incentivize repeat visits for improved customer lifetime value. The episode offers practical tips and real-life examples for restaurant operators looking to enhance their marketing efforts.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:48 Meet Rev Ciancio: The Marketing Wizard02:45 Rev's Journey from Music to Hospitality08:24 The Importance of Local Search for Restaurants08:57 Common Mistakes in Restaurant Marketing17:52 The Golden Metric: CRM Growth18:15 The Power of Weekly Newsletters19:45 Email vs. Social Media: The Debate22:09 Overcoming Content Creation Challenges25:45 Essential Tech for Restaurant Marketing29:08 Guest Feedback: The Key to Success34:15 Engaging with Rev Ciancio

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Podcast, host welcomes Santi Cuellar, Senior Manager of Product Marketing for Fusion Connect and co-host of the Tech Unmuted podcast. Santi shares insights into the evolving role of technology in the restaurant and retail sectors, particularly focusing on network infrastructure and its criticality. The discussion covers the shift in network needs driven by the pandemic, the importance of robust and secure Wi-Fi networks, and the significance of omni-channel customer experiences. Santi emphasizes the necessity for restaurants to innovate not just for customer satisfaction but also for staff efficiency. He also provides a deep dive into network elements like routers, switches, and Quality of Service (QoS), explaining their impacts on operations. The episode underscores the importance of partnering with experienced technology firms to ensure seamless, secure, and efficient operations in today's digital age.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:47 Fusion Connect and Restaurant Tech Synergies01:26 Importance of Network in Restaurant Operations03:50 Understanding Network Components09:25 Omni-Channel Customer Experience15:57 Staff Expectations and Technology23:05 The Importance of Separate WiFi Networks24:43 Guest WiFi Splash Page Benefits27:29 Security Concerns with WiFi Networks31:40 Best Practices for Network Security37:03 Engaging with Network Security Providers42:07 Connecting with Fusion Connect

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Restaurant Technology with Joanna FantozziIn this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, we are joined by Joanna Fantozzi, a senior editor at Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. Joanna shares her journey in the restaurant tech space, discussing her role in covering tech, legislation, and specific companies within the industry. The conversation delves into the current state of restaurant technology, emphasizing the importance of mastering basic tech functionalities, such as digital ordering and payment solutions, before embracing advanced technologies like AI and robotics. Joanna also highlights the critical role of loyalty programs, data analytics, and personalized guest experiences in today's market. The episode concludes with insights into upcoming industry events and ways to stay informed about the latest trends in restaurant technology.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:33 Joanna's Background and Career Journey01:22 Passion for Restaurants and Hospitality02:57 State of Restaurant Technology04:13 Challenges and Basics of Restaurant Tech05:53 Importance of Seamless Customer Experience17:59 Loyalty Programs and Customer Data27:24 Future of Restaurant Technology32:40 Events and Staying Connected35:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts