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

Promoting Sustainability in Restaurants Through Innovative Technologies This episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast features Diana from Restaurant Technologies Inc., where she serves as the general counsel and oversees the company's environmental, social, and governance initiatives, focusing on sustainability. She discusses the origins and mission of Restaurant Technologies Inc., distinguished from the podcast itself despite name similarities, and highlights their main products: the Total Oil Management system and the AutoMist system. These innovations aim to automate kitchen operations, improve safety, and significantly contribute to environmental sustainability by recycling used cooking oil into biodiesel and reducing waste. Diana emphasizes the substantial environmental impact of their services, including significant reductions in landfill waste, emissions, and resource consumption. The podcast touches on future goals for increased sustainability and how restaurants can engage with their technology to reduce operating costs while contributing to a healthier planet. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to the Guest 00:29 Getting to Know Diana: From New Jersey to Restaurant Technologies 01:46 Exploring Restaurant Technologies Inc.'s Innovative Solutions 04:22 The Sustainability Journey: Transforming Used Cooking Oil 10:51 Impressive Sustainability Achievements and Future Goals 19:49 How Restaurants Can Join the Sustainability Movement 22:18 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Innovations Unveiled at the National Restaurant Association Show 2024 This episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast features Lisa Malikow, overseer of the National Restaurant Association Show, the largest food service event in the Western Hemisphere. Lisa discusses the event's scope, including its coverage of 900 product categories, the Kitchen Innovation awards, and exciting new products and technologies set to debut in 2024. Highlights include advancements in sustainability, remarkable kitchen equipment like the Chef Top with built-in AI, and innovations like the alpha cloud patty quality assistant. The show, scheduled for May 18-21 in Chicago, promises insights into back-of-house advancements, featuring educational sessions and a showroom of award-winning equipment. This episode emphasizes the importance of the show for anyone in the food service industry, from seeing cutting-edge tech to learning about sustainability practices and labor solutions. 00:00 Welcome to the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast 00:12 Introducing Lisa Malikow and the National Restaurant Association Show 02:37 Exploring the Kitchen Innovation Awards 05:30 Deep Dive into Award-Winning Innovations 07:03 Sustainability and Innovation in the Restaurant Industry 29:45 The Future of Restaurant Technology and How to Get Involved 33:41 Closing Remarks and Show Details

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy welcomes Rick Elliott, a co-founder of Conductor, a startup in the restaurant tech space. Rick shares his journey from working on oil rigs to becoming a tech entrepreneur, emphasizing the role of hard work and innovation. He elaborates on his early days co-founding Brink, a pioneering cloud-based point of sale solution for restaurants, and discusses the acquisition of Brink by PAR. Rick explains his vision for Conductor, aiming to enhance the guest experience by improving kitchen orchestration and communication. He touches on the importance of setting accurate expectations for order readiness and plans to leverage technology, including APIs and AI, to predict and communicate order times more effectively. The conversation also covers how Conductor aims to revolutionize the way restaurants manage orders and engage with customers, ultimately making operations more efficient and enhancing the dining experience. 00:00 Welcome to the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast 00:25 Meet Rick Elliott: A Journey from Oil Rigs to Restaurant Tech Innovator 01:24 The Birth and Growth of Brink POS: Pioneering Cloud-Based Solutions 08:52 From Brink to Conductor: The Next Chapter in Restaurant Tech 09:02 Introducing Conductor: Revolutionizing the Restaurant Guest Experience 21:06 The Future of Restaurant Tech: Integrations, AI, and Lean Manufacturing Principles 30:09 Stay Connected with Conductor and Wrap-Up

This episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast features Jon, a longtime friend of the host and CEO/co-founder of Tabski, a digital commerce platform for restaurants. Jon shares his journey from starting in B2B sales and entering the restaurant tech space, to launching and pivoting Tabski amidst challenges like COVID-19. Tabski aims to improve guest experience and operational efficiency through features like multi-vendor ordering and omni-channel integration, addressing the evolving needs of food halls and busy restaurants. Jon emphasizes the importance of consumer-first design in creating a connected commerce platform, highlighting the shift towards a digital-first approach in the restaurant industry. 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 00:24 Jon's Journey: From Payment Side to Restaurant Tech Innovator 01:04 The Birth and Evolution of Tapski 09:13 Exploring the ISO Model and Its Impact on Restaurants 15:05 Introducing Tapski: A New Era of Restaurant Technology 25:36 The Future of Ordering: Flexibility and Consumer Control 29:05 Conclusion & How to Connect with Tapski

Evolving Restaurant Operations through Advanced Technology Solutions In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, the host welcomes back Vishal, the CEO and founder of It's a Checkmate, to discuss advancements in restaurant technology. Vishal elaborates on how his company integrates digital ordering channels with POS systems to streamline operations for restaurants. He emphasizes the growing complexity and variety of digital ordering, from kiosks to social media, and how It's a Checkmate manages this integration seamlessly for both large brands and small establishments. He highlights successful collaborations with major brands like Wendy's and Five Guys, and discusses the importance of offering a consistent ordering experience across all digital platforms. The episode also explores menu management, capacity management, first-party ordering solutions, and the potential of voice ordering. Additionally, Vishal shares insights on the profitability and challenges of third-party platforms and the importance of being where the customers are, showcasing the dynamic and evolving landscape of restaurant technology solutions. 00:00 Welcome to the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast 00:18 Introducing Repeat Guest Vishal from It's a Checkmate 01:05 Exploring the Explosion of Digital Ordering Channels 02:11 The Future of Digital Ordering and Its Impact on Operations 04:31 Innovative Solutions for Complex Digital Ordering Challenges 06:10 The Importance of Being Where Your Customers Are 10:37 Integrating Digital Orders into Restaurant Operations 12:36 Addressing Capacity Management and Customer Expectations 16:57 The Evolution of Menu Management in a Digital World 26:18 The Role of Voice Ordering in the Future of Restaurants 33:30 How to Connect with It's a Checkmate for Solutions 36:22 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

One Big Island in Space: Revolutionizing the Coffee Industry with Farm Direct Coffee The podcast features Restaurant Technologies Group hosting Michelle and Robert Fish, co-founders of One Big Island in Space and Biggby Coffee. Michelle and Robert share their passion for supporting coffee farmers directly and promoting environmentally friendly farming methods. They speak about their missions to build long-term relationships with mid-sized farmers across the globe, ensuring fair treatment of workers, sustainable farming practices, and community investment. They discuss the intricacies of the coffee industry, the predatory practices it often harbors, and the efforts needed to navigate the enormously complex supply chain. They aim to shift their coffee supply to 100% farm-direct by 2028, aiming to support people in building a life they love, while also preserving the planet. They believe consumers could empower such change if educated about the impacts of their coffee choices. 00:00 Introduction to the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast 00:31 Guest Introduction: Michelle and Robert Fish 01:08 The Journey of Biggby Coffee 01:25 The Threats to Coffee Production 02:28 The Creation of One Big Island in Space 02:49 The Direct Trade Model and its Impact 04:20 The Importance of Ethical Farming Practices 04:50 The Global Reach of Coffee Production 05:24 The History and Atmosphere of Biggby Coffee Cafes 08:28 The Inception of One Big Island in Space 08:47 The Importance of Core Values in Business 13:04 The Reality of Coffee Production 25:10 The Future of One Big Island in Space 29:42 Conclusion and How to Support the Mission

In this episode of the 'Restaurant Technology Guys' podcast, the host and guest David Greschler, Co-Founder and CEO of Nomad Go, discuss the transformative role of Nomad Go's technology in restaurant inventory management. Nomad Go uses computer vision, spatial intelligence, and augmented reality to audit and count inventory in real time with up to 99% accuracy, revolutionizing traditional inventory methods. The technology caters for complexities such as substitutions, batch recipes, and storage issues, ultimately aiming to improve accuracy, save time, reduce wastage and increase profit for restaurants. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:31 Guest Background and Company Overview 02:22 The Problem with Traditional Inventory Management 09:16 Introducing Nomad Go's Solution 09:40 How Nomad Go Works 13:20 Addressing Substitutions and Partial Cases 17:47 The Future of Inventory Management 19:24 The Importance of Accurate Inventory in Restaurants 19:36 How We Improve Prep Lists with Scientific Precision 20:38 Dealing with Pre-Produced Items in Inventory 21:38 The Challenges of Receiving Products 23:56 The Role of Technology in Inventory Management 24:35 Making Inventory Fun with Augmented Reality 25:26 The Future of Inventory with Nomad Go 27:31 Resolving Inventory Variances 31:09 The Future of Supply Chain and Distribution 32:41 The Vision for Nomad Go 34:50 Getting Connected with Nomad Go

In this podcast episode of Restaurant Technology Guys, the guest Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, discusses the important aspects of fintech and wage access in the restaurant industry. With Tal's two-decade experience in the financial technology space, he describes the role of Instant Financial in facilitating digital payments, increasing accessibility, and making transactions cost-effective. The conversation includes an in-depth discussion about the necessity and benefits of earned wage access and direct access to tips for restaurant staff. Acknowledging the increasingly cashless society, they also discuss the challenges with traditional banking and the rise of alternative financial institutions. Tal also highlights the Instant's efforts to lower the barriers for pay access, including those who are underbanked. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:28 Guest's Background and Journey in FinTech 01:31 Understanding FinTech and Its Impact 02:37 Challenges in Restaurant Industry and Earned Wages 03:10 Importance of Instant Access to Earned Wages 09:06 The Shift to Digital Payments and Tips 12:17 The Cost of Using Cash in Restaurants 16:04 The Rise of Alternative Banking and Its Impact 19:23 How Instant Works: Earned Wages and Tips 27:17 Getting Started with Instant 28:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The podcast episode hosts Scot Turner, founder of Auden Hospitality, a global advisory business based in the UK that assists hoteliers in improving their food and beverage operations. Turner discusses the importance of restaurant technology in hotels and its potential to enhance both revenues and guest experiences. He suggests that hotels should make their restaurant operations separate from the rest and learn from independent restaurants. They should focus on digital experiences as much as physical ones and calls for greater personalization and automation in customer service. Turner also advocates for the implementation of QR ordering and the installation of digital menu boards to enhance customer engagement. Other topics discussed include user generated content and its role in increasing brand visibility, the impact of foodie and Instagram culture, the shift in F&B operations in hotels over the years, and the opportunity to modernize F&B in hotels to match guest expectations. 00:02 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:56 The Evolution of F&B in Hotels 03:12 The Shift in Hotel Dining Trends 03:58 The Importance of Innovation in Hotel Dining 07:05 The Impact of Social Media on Hotel Dining 12:48 The Importance of Creating Memorable Dining Experiences 16:08 The Role of Local Community in Hotel Dining 17:30 The Pros and Cons of Partnering with Local Brands 21:37 The Challenges and Rewards of Longstanding Relationships 21:50 The Importance of Tech in the Guest Experience 22:58 The Impact of Modern Food Delivery Services 23:29 The Digital Experience in the Restaurant Industry 24:22 The Power of QR Codes and Digital Ordering 25:16 The Role of Tech in Enhancing Guest Experience 29:08 The Future of Tech in the Hotel Industry 31:09 The Importance of Personalization in Guest Experience 38:32 The Role of Tech in Non-Traditional Food Service 43:39 The Future of Tech in the Restaurant Industry

In this enlightening conversation, Matt Wampler, a former Jimmy John's franchisee and a crucial player at Clear Cogs, talks about the role of modern technology in the restaurant industry. He discusses the power of data-driven decisions and the challenges of integrating AI in restaurant operations. The conversation also reveals how Clear Cogs has been partnering with Point of Sale (POS) companies, including freshly announced partnership with Toast, enhancing the accessibility of AI for all restaurant operators. Emphasizes on the importance of having actionable data and how Clear Cogs utilizes AI in food cost management, labor management, and more. The discussion also sheds light on ClearCogs' commitment to help restaurants improve their operations and become more profitable. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:09 Guest Introduction: Matt from Clear Cogs 00:37 The Journey from Restaurant Operator to Tech Innovator 01:10 Understanding ClearCogs: Solving Restaurant Problems with Tech 01:46 The Power of Data in Restaurant Operations 02:28 The Impact of Food Costs and Waste on Restaurant Operations 08:40 The Role of AI in Restaurant Operations 13:57 The Importance of Trust in Implementing Tech Solutions 16:20 The Future of AI in Restaurant Operations 20:02 The Role of ClearCogs in Labor Management 22:53 The Importance of Data Management in Restaurant Operations 28:36 ClearCogs' Partnership with Toast and Future Plans 36:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Revolutionizing Restaurant Loyalty Programs: A Conversation with Hang CEO Matt Smolin In this episode of the 'Restaurant Technology Guys' podcast, the hosts discuss the changing dynamics of loyalty programs with Matt Smolin, the co-founder and CEO of Hang, a next-generation loyalty software. Smolin delves into the story of his journey from working in finance to co-founding a successful startup. He also emphasizes the importance of personalization in loyalty programs and the need for brands to understand their customers' lifetime value. Mullen shares success stories from Hang's partnership with Boba Guys, reflecting on how a more engaging and understandable loyalty experience can drastically increase customer retention and spend. The conversation concludes with ways for listeners to get in touch with Hang and learn more about their solutions.

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian engages in a conversation with Marc Mathies from Vericast. The discussion revolves around how Vericast, best known as a cooperative shared mail provider in the restaurant space, pivots to the digital landscape. Marc highlights Vericast's novel data enhancement project called 'Next Drive,' bridging customer data with proprietary data to create personalised advertising campaigns with refined accuracy. The podcast also discusses the value of retailers' online advertisements, the significance of data in marketing, and the dilemma of transforming marketers into data analysts. Introduction Guest Introduction Discussing Vericast Vericast's Evolution Restaurant interactions with Vericast Vericast's Transition towards Digital The Power of Data in Marketing Next Drive: Vericast's new marketing platform The role of AI & ML in analyzing data Benefit to the Consumer Digital Advertising in Retail How to reach Vericast

Restaurant Technology Guys Discuss Storytelling and Media with Shawn Walchef In this episode of Restaurant Technology Guys, host Jeremy Julian talks to Shawn Walchef, the owner of Cali Barbecue in San Diego. Shawn shares his story of running a restaurant, struggling in the initial years, and learning to make it a success. He also discusses the impact of technology, especially social media platforms, in advertising and marketing his business. Shawn shares the importance of building a community and storytelling for restaurant businesses, even advising fellow restaurant owners to take advantage of digital platforms to share their unique stories. They then delve into the topic of personal development, work satisfaction, gratitude, and self-care. The conversation concludes with Shawn sharing his future plans and encouraging listeners to connect with him for collaboration or questions. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:11 Guest Introduction: Shawn's Journey 00:48 The Birth of Cali Barbecue 01:12 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Barbecue 02:23 The Power of Storytelling and Digital Presence 03:12 Embracing Online Reviews and Social Media 04:03 Transforming a Barbecue Business into a Media Business 07:04 The Importance of Telling Your Own Story 10:21 The Power of Continuous Improvement and Curiosity 17:18 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 22:22 The Importance of Authenticity and Transparency 24:13 The Power of Authenticity and Sharing Personal Stories 25:15 The Journey of Sobriety and Adoption 25:53 Turning Passion into a Full-fledged Business 26:28 The Shift from Traditional Marketing to Storytelling 27:55 Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Journey of Content Creation 28:50 The Power of Persistence and Consistency in Content Creation 30:23 The Impact of Storytelling and Influence 32:16 The Importance of Self-improvement and Continuous Learning 38:42 The Journey of Building a Successful YouTube Channel 41:08 The Future of Storytelling and Digital Content Creation 43:49 Conclusion: The Impact of Storytelling and Gratitude

In this episode of The Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian speaks with his guest, Justin Ulrich. Justin is the leader of the marketing team at Evocalize. They discuss Justin's diverse career path and his experience in the marketing world. Justin shares how his team at Evocalize aids local businesses with their marketing, from automating paid digital marketing to facilitating localized digital marketing strategies. They also discuss the importance of content creation and audience engagement, with an emphasis on LinkedIn as a powerful platform. Listen in to learn more about B2B and B2C brand marketing, as well as insightful advice for individuals aiming to strengthen their career and brand. Introduction Who Is Justin Ulrich? Marketing In The Restaurant World The Impact Of Networking And The Importance Of Nurturing Relationships The Power Of LinkedIn In Marketing Lessons Learned In Marketing Branding And Content Creation The Power Of Storytelling In Influencing Audiences Engaging Your Audience To Build Brand Loyalty

PopcornGTM Video In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian hosts a conversation with Paul Molinari and Michael Beck, co-founders of PopcornGTM, a company focused on delivering bold, intentional sales and marketing strategy to help restaurant technologies break through and win. They delve into the challenges of getting noticed in a crowded market, underscore the importance of resonating with target audiences, and share valuable insights on the utilization of sales and marketing strategies for success in the restaurant tech realm. Introduction Michael & Paul Introduction Background and Industry Experience Birth of Popcorn GTM State of the Restaurant Tech Market Brand Messaging and Sales strategy Conclusion

In this episode of The Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Duane Waterman from Polar Leasing discusses the company's unique temporary cold storage solutions for the restaurant industry. Polar Leasing provides rentable, ground-resting walk-in cooler freezers across the country. These units come pre-equipped with the ability to adjust to both cooler and freezer temperatures and are delivered to clients between 1-3 business days after ordering. Duane highlights the units' seamless construction and efficient operation to keep upkeep costs lower. The podcast covers the utilitarian nature of these units, which serve a wide variety of businesses and special events, delivering efficient, temporary cold storage solutions. 00:01 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:42 Understanding Temporary Cold Storage 01:29 The Origin of Polar Leasing 03:14 How Polar Leasing Works 04:11 Use Cases for Temporary Cold Storage 05:21 Technical Aspects of Temporary Cold Storage 08:09 The Process of Getting a Temporary Cold Storage Unit 10:14 Unique Applications of Temporary Cold Storage 11:14 The Technology Behind Polar Leasing 17:29 The Efficiency of Polar Leasing Units 18:42 How to Contact Polar Leasing 19:32 Conclusion

Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast: Episode featuring Swipeby In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy interviews Carl Turner, the CEO, and founder of Swipeby. They discuss the exciting strides Swipeby is making in the restaurant technology space, from implementing an AI-driven 360 online ordering platform to developing personalized, automated marketing campaigns for restaurant businesses. They delve into the benefits of AI technology for enhancing customer experiences, improving business operations, and offering real-time data analysis. Introduction About Carl Turner and Swipeby Challenges and Solution Data Analysis and Customer Experience Discussing Future of AI in Restaurants Engaging with Swipeby Closing Remarks

In this episode of Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, the host speaks with Nabeel Alamgir, CEO and co-founder of Lunchbox. They discuss Nabeel's background as an immigrant from Kuwait and Bangladesh, the birth of Lunchbox as a solution to challenges faced by restaurants in the age of technology, and the innovative features Lunchbox offers to enhance restaurant operations. They also touch on Nabeel's interesting viewpoint on the COVID-19 pandemic as an accelerant of restaurant industry shifts towards technology and the importance of mental and physical health for leaders in the hospitality industry. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:52 Understanding the Role of Lunchbox 01:53 Nabeel's Journey into the Restaurant Industry 04:27 The Growth and Evolution of Lunchbox 04:54 The Vision and Mission of Lunchbox 12:36 The Impact of the Pandemic on the Restaurant Industry 17:22 Understanding the Different Types of End Users 18:18 Improving the User Experience with Dynamic Features 19:58 Improving User Experience and Managing Third-Party Delivery Orders 20:52 The Importance of Adapting and Growing as a Company 21:19 The Decision to Acquire a Company and Entering a New Space 21:45 Understanding the Needs of Restaurant Operators 23:33 The Role of POS Systems in Restaurant Operations 27:03 The Future of Off-Premise Ordering: AI and Machine Learning 30:55 The Importance of Health and Wellness for Leaders 33:56 Connecting with Lunchbox and Future Plans

Surviving the Turnover Storm: Strategies for Building a Strong Restaurant Workforce In the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy mentions that they are joined by Kamyar Fadavi, Founder and CEO of TalentTroll and Zipyap. Kamyar discusses how his passion for technology led him to create TalentTroll, aimed at restructuring the hiring process in the restaurant and hospitality industry. His product, Zipyap, provides a unique, automated system that streamlines the hiring process for busy managers. He also emphasizes the need to understand job candidates' expectations and enhance the application experience to attract best talents. They further delve into the importance of employers building a brand, offering adequate employee training, and managing workforce turnover in the restaurant sector. 00:04 Introduction to the Podcast 00:48 Guest Introduction: Kamyar Faron 01:15 Kamyar's Background and Journey 03:26 The Problem of High Turnover in the Restaurant Industry 09:38 The Importance of Proper Onboarding and Training 13:38 Building an Employer Brand 19:02 Understanding the Value of Each Job Role 22:30 The Art of Flavor Profiling 23:04 The Importance of Team Accountability 23:19 Introducing Zippy App: A Solution for Talent Acquisition 23:59 The Challenges of Hiring in the Restaurant Industry 25:25 The High Cost of Employee Turnover 27:18 The Role of Branding in Talent Acquisition 28:48 Recruitment as a Marketing Function 29:14 The Importance of a Consistent Candidate Experience 38:59 The Power of Zippy App in Streamlining the Hiring Process 41:50 Engaging with Zippy App 43:47 Closing Thoughts on Talent Acquisition

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