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

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Craig Miller and Cliff Hudson, two key figures behind Sonic's transformation into a digital-first, nationwide brand. They discuss their new book, 'Bricks and Clicks,' which details their journey of automating business practices right before COVID-19 and their successful implementation of a digital strategy. The conversation explores how they integrated technology to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency, including the introduction of mobile ordering and digital payment systems. Their strategies not only bolstered sales but also turned technological innovations into significant business advantages. The episode also delves into change management, the importance of the partnership between business and tech, and the challenges and successes faced along the way. 00:00 Sonic 00:14 Introduction and Welcome 01:59 Meet Cliff Hudson: Sonic's Transformational Leader 03:34 Craig Miller's Journey to Sonic 04:22 The Evolution of Technology in Business 07:21 Sonic's Unique Drive-In Experience 11:00 The Impact of Credit Card Technology 13:50 The Tech Oval Vision 17:52 Building a Business Partnership 25:37 Implementing the Tech Oval 30:10 Craig's Arrival and Marketing Evolution 31:50 Building the Tech Backbone 34:59 Omnichannel Strategy and Franchisee Buy-In 36:38 Implementing Digital Touchpoints 42:53 Centralizing Marketing Efforts 49:29 Final Guest Experience and Company Sale 54:43 Reflections and Book Promotion

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Erin Hooper, head of Sales and Customer Success for Franchise Systems AI. They discuss the innovative end-to-end franchising system that Erin and her team have developed to streamline processes for franchisors and franchisees. Aaron shares insights about the platform's customizable marketing campaigns, sales applicant portals, project management for site selection, vendor integration, and ongoing location management. Jeremy highlights the uniqueness of Franchise Systems AI in consolidating multiple systems into one platform, addressing common pain points in franchising. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone involved in franchising, offering a comprehensive look at how technology can enhance operational efficiency and overall success. 00:00 Franchise System 00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:55 Erin's Background in Hospitality and Franchising 02:58 Overview of Franchise Systems AI 04:40 Marketing and Sales Process for Franchises 05:53 Customizable Applicant Portal 13:00 Onboarding and Training for Franchisees 14:44 Site Selection and Vendor Integration 20:10 Challenges in Project Management 20:27 Integrating Vendors into the Platform 21:12 Ensuring Franchisee Compliance 22:29 Post-Opening Support for Franchisees 23:59 Operational Management Tools 24:37 Marketing and AI Integration 26:36 Audit and Training Systems 28:29 Sales and Labor Analysis 29:58 The Unique Value of Franchise Systems 32:07 Pepper Lunch as the Alpha Brand 35:40 Engaging with Franchise Systems 36:50 Final Thoughts and Surprises

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian converses with Eric Cacciatore, founder and host of the Restaurant Unstoppable podcast. They discuss the journey and valuable lessons learned over 12 years and 1,200+ episodes of Eric's podcast. Key highlights include the importance of having integrity, always learning, teaching others, effective communication, and collaboration in the restaurant industry. Eric emphasizes the evolution of podcasting, the significance of building relationships, and the impact of systems like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) on restaurant operations. Together, they underline that the heart of a successful restaurant lies in the people behind it and their dedication to continuous growth and service to others. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:01 Meet Eric Cacciatore: The Podcast Pioneer 02:19 Eric's Journey: From Restaurants to Podcasting 04:24 The Evolution of Podcasting 06:23 On-Site Interviews: The Heart of the Podcast 08:48 Core Values and Lessons Learned 17:41 The Importance of Integrity and Action 20:12 Being a Student and a Teacher 23:58 Teaching and Delegating for Success 25:29 Implementing EOS in Business 26:03 Understanding EOS and Its Benefits 27:15 Real-World Applications of EOS 32:01 The Importance of Continuous Learning 35:50 Building a Collaborative Network 43:42 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Brian Reese and Steve, co-founders of Service Physics, a consultancy focused on optimizing restaurant operations. The discussion delves into the concept of service physics, which helps improve productivity for staff and guest experiences in restaurants. Brian and Steve share their background, the principles of lean manufacturing and Kaizen, and how they align business goals with operational efficiency. They emphasize the importance of using data to drive changes, the value of customer and staff feedback, and methods to ensure long-term implementation success. The episode concludes with information on an upcoming workshop in Dallas aimed at making their methods accessible to a wider audience. 00:00 Service Physics 00:14 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:29 Meet Brian and Steve: Background and Journey 04:08 Service Physics: Concept and Mission 06:58 Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen in Restaurants 12:41 Evaluating and Improving Restaurant Operations 16:01 Aligning Business Aspirations with Operations 19:41 Addressing Sacred Cows and Customer Feedback 23:50 Myth-Busting Customer Value 25:02 Empathy Through Technology 25:52 Empowering Staff Voices 26:56 Problem-Solving Acumen 29:33 Guest Experience Challenges 35:18 Engaging with Service Physics 42:10 Transforming the Industry

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian and guest Ron Cardwell from Restaurant Technologies Incorporated discuss the importance of cooking oil in the restaurant industry. Ron, the Director of Commodity Strategy, explains how their oil management system can help restaurants deliver the best guest experience through effective oil handling practices. They also delve into the types of oils used by restaurants, the factors affecting oil performance, and the importance of proper oil management for safety and sustainability. Tune in to learn how to maximize oil usage, manage costs, and ensure the quality and consistency of your restaurant's food. 00:00 RTI Inc 00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:45 Role and Responsibilities at Restaurant Technologies 03:01 Sustainability Efforts and Environmental Impact 06:01 Understanding Cooking Oils in Restaurants 10:00 Oil Management and Performance 14:30 Economic Considerations of Different Oils 19:24 The Finite Supply of Beef Tallow 20:18 Challenges with Peanut Oil Supply 20:56 Consistency and Performance in Cooking Oils 22:08 Educating Restaurants on Oil Management 25:30 The Importance of Proper Oil Handling 26:57 Safety Concerns in Oil Management 28:23 Choosing the Right Oil Supplier 32:39 How to Connect with Restaurant Technologies

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by bestselling author and speaker Matt Rolfe to discuss the critical role of culture in the restaurant industry. They dive deep into the challenges restaurants face when scaling and how effective leadership and clear communication can transform team dynamics. Matt shares his personal journey of overcoming learning disabilities and his passion for the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of co-creating goals with staff and maintaining a focus on employee experience. The conversation also includes practical steps on how to build trust within teams, the significance of consistent messaging from leadership, and how to measure and recognize success. Additionally, Matt offers insights into working through failures and the value of seeking help. For more details, listeners can connect with Matt on various platforms and explore his content-rich resources. 00:00 Matt Rolfe 00:14 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:08 Matt's Journey into Hospitality 04:14 Unique Approach to Consulting 06:18 Common Challenges in Organizations 09:28 Creating Clarity and Accountability 12:51 Employee Experience and Leadership 15:08 Real-Life Examples and Lessons 22:14 The Importance of Core Values 22:32 Living Your Values 23:13 Humility and Growth 26:35 The Power of Asking for Help 29:25 Empowering Your Team 32:34 Engaging with Matt Rolfe 39:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Adam, the founder of CaptiveWiFi. The discussion delves into the ways CaptiveWiFi is revolutionizing the use of WiFi in the hospitality industry by providing cloud-based, low-cost, high-value solutions that enhance guest engagement, loyalty, and revenue. Adam explains how their platform creates a seamless customer experience through beautifully designed splash pages, efficient data capture, and intelligent loyalty integration. The episode also covers security measures, feedback collection, and the importance of leveraging guest data to create personalized and valuable interactions. Adam emphasizes the importance of a cohesive customer journey and shares insights on how businesses can make the most of their WiFi to drive customer engagement and retention. 00:00 CaptiveWifi 01:10 Introduction to Today's Episode 01:32 Meet Adam: Founder of CaptiveWiFi 02:44 The Problem with Traditional WiFi Systems 03:59 CaptiveWiFi's Innovative Solutions 07:27 Importance of Capturing Guest Data 10:55 Enhancing Guest Experience with WiFi 14:28 Managing WiFi Infrastructure and Security 15:59 Touchless Loyalty and Future Innovations 23:26 Innovative Customer Tracking Solutions 24:15 Maximizing Footfall Data 25:04 Optimizing Store Layout and Staffing 26:43 Advanced Kiosk Analytics 29:51 Integrating WiFi and Reservation Data 35:42 Enhancing Customer Feedback Systems 39:19 Agile Solutions for Businesses 40:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy interviews industry veteran Bill Lindsay, founder of Cogswell, a company specializing in cost of goods sold software for restaurants. Bill shares insights from his long career in the restaurant industry, which began in 1974 as a restaurant manager and evolved into developing restaurant management software. The discussion covers the basics of back office systems, the importance of managing cost of goods and labor, and strategies for improving profitability, such as menu engineering, waste reduction, and leveraging AI for inventory management. Bill also highlights the unique features and methodologies of Cogswell, designed to set up inventory systems quickly and efficiently while maintaining high data quality through auditing teams. Additionally, the episode emphasizes the importance of partnering with vendors, leveraging rebates, and making data-driven decisions. For more information and a demo of Cogswell's solutions, listeners are encouraged to visit their website and dedicated landing page. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:25 Meet Bill Lindsay: Industry Veteran 01:44 Understanding Back Office Systems 03:16 Labor and Food Costs: A Balancing Act 07:09 Impact of Tariffs and Volatility on Food Costs 13:18 Strategies for Managing Costs 26:55 Boosting Sales with Desserts and Appetizers 28:06 Leveraging Rebate Programs for Extra Income 30:58 Reducing Waste with AI and Donations 35:38 Introduction to Cogswell's Unique Approach 37:00 Setting Up and Managing Inventory Efficiently 44:01 Optimizing Menu and Labor Costs 52:03 The Importance of Partnering and Data-Driven Decisions

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian sits down with Sandeep, the founder of TechRyde, to discuss how his innovative middleware solutions are transforming guest engagement and connectivity in the restaurant industry. Sandeep shares his journey from being a technology and POS installer to creating a comprehensive middleware that integrates various apps with POS systems to streamline kitchen operations, reduce labor costs, and ensure on-time deliveries. They delve into the benefits of kitchen automation, real-time data analysis, AI integration, and the impressive ROI achieved by clients using TechRyde's systems. The episode concludes with success stories and insights into the future of restaurant technology. 00:00 Techryde 00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:33 Sandeep's Background and Journey 03:22 Tech Ride: Concept and Evolution 05:11 Kitchen Automation and Middleware Solutions 08:06 Real-Time Data and Machine Learning in Restaurants 14:37 Importance of Kitchen Automation Systems 24:46 Future of AI in Restaurant Technology 27:07 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with co-founders Lucy Logan and Sid Conklin from Every Bite. They discuss their innovative solutions for restaurant menus focused on personalization and food safety to better cater to a growing population with dietary restrictions and allergies. The smart menu technology offers a seamless, low-effort integration into existing restaurant systems, improving guest experiences and driving higher conversion rates. This episode dives deep into the impact of personalization in the dining industry, the technology behind Every Bite, and how simple it is for restaurants to implement these changes while enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty. 00:00 Everybite 01:18 Introduction and Welcome 01:47 Meet the Entrepreneurs: Lucy and Sid 04:03 The Problem with Static Menus 05:06 The Birth of Every Bite 05:58 The Scale of Dietary Restrictions 08:08 Personalization in the Digital Age 09:41 Smart Menus: A Game Changer 14:54 Mobile and In-Store Experience 16:36 The Power of Customization 19:35 Seamless Integration for Restaurants 20:55 Introduction to PDF Import and Smart Menu 21:44 AI and Machine Learning in Menu Personalization 22:14 Simplifying Menu Updates for Restaurants 23:41 Real-Time Menu Sync and Automation 25:46 Enhancing Staff and Guest Experience 27:53 Onboarding and Personalization Process 29:48 Marketing and Customer Engagement 35:39 Voice Search and Future Innovations 38:14 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, hospitality leadership coach Matt Rolfe discusses the challenges faced by the industry, particularly surrounding the alignment of strategy and execution. He emphasizes the importance of co-creating strategies with operational teams and understanding guest experience to optimize average checks. Addressing the role of culture, resilience, and the need for clear, guest-focused strategies, Rolfe provides actionable insights for restaurant operators to navigate turbulent times and achieve sustainable success. 00:00 Introduction and Meet Matt Rolfe 00:05 Matt's Background and Approach to Leadership 00:21 Creating and Executing Strategies 02:02 The Importance of Culture in Strategy 03:07 Facing Uncertainty and Building Resilience 05:05 Focusing on Guest Experience 06:21 Tailoring Service to Different Guest Types 07:06 Getting in Touch with Matt Rolfe 07:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian is joined by Christian, the President of Love My Point. They discuss the innovative strategies Love My Point is employing to enhance franchise success through technology automation. Christian shares his background in the restaurant industry, the concept behind American-style pubs, and how they integrate customer feedback into menu innovation. They delve into the substantial investments made in technology, including a robust learning management system and customer loyalty programs, aimed at supporting franchisees and improving overall operations. The episode highlights the importance of scalable business models and continuous improvement in the restaurant industry. 00:00 Love my Point 00:56 Introduction and Welcome 01:17 Meet Christian: President of The Point Pub and Grill 01:47 Christian's Background in the Restaurant Industry 02:46 Defining the American Style Pub 05:44 Menu Innovation and Upscale Dining 09:41 Utilizing Technology for Menu Feedback 11:08 Franchisee Support and Training Systems 15:20 Learning Management System Explained 17:00 Managing Digital Training in Restaurants 19:50 Guest Loyalty and Recidivism 21:39 Investment in Technology and Systems 24:13 Franchise Expansion and Opportunities 28:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Jeremy interviews David Greschler, CEO and co-founder of Nomad Go, about their innovative inventory management technology. David explains how Nomad Go utilizes spatial vision and augmented reality to eliminate the tedious manual inventory counting process. The technology, leveraging the computational power of devices like iPads and iPhones, offers highly accurate and instantaneous inventory counts, mitigating the inefficiencies associated with traditional methods. By enabling more frequent and precise inventory checks, Nomad Go helps businesses reduce waste, avoid stockouts, and reallocate labor more effectively, ultimately improving bottom and top-line performance. The episode concludes with David providing insights on how to learn more about Nomad Go and their upcoming appearances at industry trade shows. 00:00 Introducing Nomad Go 00:17 How Nomad Go Works 05:46 Benefits of Using Nomad Go 07:37 Future of Inventory Management 08:54 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian, Chief Revenue Officer for CBS Northstar, interviews Ahsan from Mellow Mushroom. They discuss the unique aspects of Mellow Mushroom, a casual dining brand based in Atlanta that offers a distinct spin on pizza. Jeremy shares his love for the brand, and they delve into topics around restaurant industry success, choosing technology partners, and competing both digitally and in-restaurant as they approach 2025. Ahsan shares his atypical journey from management consulting to his current role, highlighting his focus on customer and employee experience, the importance of technology and data, and the brand's response to digital transformation accelerated by COVID-19. The episode also explores Mellow Mushroom’s efforts in franchise development, menu innovation, maintaining a balance between in-dining and off-premise services, and creating a cohesive brand experience. 00:00 Mellow Mushroom 00:14 Introduction to the Episode 01:09 Guest Introduction and Background 01:45 Journey to Mellow Mushroom 03:54 Role and Responsibilities at Mellow Mushroom 04:46 Brand Evolution and Refresh 05:35 Core Values and Guest Experience 14:42 Digital Transformation and Challenges 21:01 The Goldilocks Zone of Pizza 21:23 Enhancing Off-Premise Experience 21:51 Profitability and Food Quality Challenges 23:21 Innovative Menu Offerings 23:59 Unique Flavor Profiles and LTOs 30:06 Local Favorites and Customization 32:32 Franchising Opportunities and Expansion 35:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, host Eric interviews Erin Levzow, a versatile consultant with extensive experience in digital marketing for various industries, including technology, retail, and hospitality. They discuss the evolution of marketing from traditional to digital, the importance of data analytics, and effective strategies for managing both online and offline retail environments. Erin also shares insights into overcoming common marketing challenges like tech consolidation and maintaining brand identity. Additionally, Erin introduces her podcast, 'Bite Size and Bossy,' aimed at empowering women in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the need for women to actively seek opportunities and share their stories. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:13 Erin Levzow's Background and Experience 00:44 Modern Marketing Challenges and Strategies 01:48 Digital Transformation in Restaurants 02:13 Offline Retail Tactics and Data Utilization 03:43 Navigating Market Uncertainty 06:22 Engaging with Erin for Marketing Solutions 07:43 Promoting the 'Bite Size and Bossy' Podcast 10:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Alexandra from FeedCheck, a reputation management solution for restaurants and brick-and-mortar locations. They discuss the importance of managing online reputation from a single platform, the challenges businesses face without such solutions, and how FeedCheck helps streamline the process by aggregating reviews from multiple platforms like Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and Yelp. Alexandra shares insights on how the AI-driven platform categorizes reviews, generates customized responses, and highlights trends to improve customer engagement and business operations. They also cover the global reach of FeedCheck, the benefits of responding to both positive and negative reviews, and how the platform can drive top-line sales and customer loyalty. 00:00 Feedcheck 00:53 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:17 Alexandra's Background and Career Journey 02:17 Introduction to FeedCheck 02:40 How FeedCheck Works 03:23 Challenges and Solutions in Review Management 06:41 Importance of Responding to Reviews 08:22 AI in Review Management 22:36 Global Reach and Client Engagement 23:22 Onboarding Process and AI Benefits 29:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Hamed Mazrouei, founder of Vivant and Milagro, discusses his dual-focus approach to helping restaurants achieve consistent internet connectivity and exceptional customer retention. He explains the critical importance of preventing network outages to maintain seamless online operations and increase revenue. Hamed also shares his insights on why customer retention is vital for the restaurant industry and outlines practical strategies for encouraging repeat visits. Through his companies, Hamed aims to drive top-line revenue growth and ensure restaurant success by solving connectivity and retention challenges. 00:00 Introduction to Hammed Ri 00:14 The Importance of Internet Connectivity 02:40 Cost and Benefits of Reliable Internet 05:48 Customer Retention in the Restaurant Industry 07:55 Strategies for Enhancing Customer Retention 14:39 Conclusion and Contact Information

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

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

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