The Morning Sam, Morning Ralph Podcast

In this episode of The Morning Sam, Morning Ralph Podcast, host Paul Molinari discusses the broken restaurant technology sales model with Matt Haselhoff, principal consultant of One Goal Consulting. Matt shares his insights on the overwhelming challenges vendors face with the current sales approach and introduces his innovative model to improve the process. They touch upon the impact of AI, the importance of integrating technologies, and the rising issue of 'vendor fatigue.' Matt also discusses his One Goal Consulting project and how it aims to cut through the noise in the industry by leveraging the expertise of veteran sales agents. Tune in to explore solutions for improving the tech sales landscape in the restaurant industry.

In episode 016 of 'Morning, Sam. Morning, Ralph.', Paul Molinari interviews Tammy K. Billings, a veteran in the restaurant industry. Tammy shares her extensive experience in connecting people with jobs and her big plans to elevate this work including her journey from starting in the restaurant industry to becoming a key player in restaurant tech and her passion for helping others find the right roles. She highlights the importance of networking, structured data in hiring, and the need for innovation in recruitment processes. Additionally, Tammy introduces her upcoming podcast, 'Bite Sized and Bossy,' focused on giving women in the industry a powerful voice.

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph,' hosts Paul Molinari and Chad Horn welcome a special guest, Troy Hooper, an industry veteran with extensive franchising experience. Troy dives deep into his current role as CEO of Hot Palette America, where he oversees the Pepper Lunch brand in North America. He discusses leveraging technology for improved customer and franchisee experience, the importance of ingredient quality, and the innovative strategies that set Pepper Lunch apart. From implementing AI solutions to introducing groundbreaking, sustainable packaging, Troy shares his insights and the brand’s exciting future plans. Tune in to learn more about how Pepper Lunch is amping up the fast-casual dining experience and setting new standards in the franchising industry.

Paul and Chad interview Jill Chapman from COREgives.org. CORE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial relief to restaurant workers with families facing crises like health issues, injuries, or natural disasters. Jill discusses CORE's origins, mission, and unique challenges within the industry. She highlights the importance of providing financial support to restaurant employees, who often lack paid time off and healthcare. Chapman also shares inspiring stories of families CORE has helped, emphasizing the profound impact of their support.  Visit COREgives.org to support.

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph, the podcast for restaurant technology professionals, hosts Chad and Paul talk with Stephen Brown, Head of Operations Excellence at Antares Restaurant Group (aka Burger King New Zealand), about AI integration in their drive-thru service. Known as Patty, this AI system, conceived by AI software company, Hi-Auto, takes orders with a personalized Kiwi accent and has positively impacted staff stress levels, customer service, and order accuracy. Stephen shares their journey from conception to deployment, the benefits seen in both customer and employee engagement, and future expansion plans, including using AI for coaching within the restaurant. This initiative has not resulted in job losses but has enhanced operational efficiency and customer experience.

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph,' Paul and Chad dive into a conversation with Shawn Walcheff, the influential owner of Cali BBQ Media and the Cali BBQ multi-unit restaurant brand based in San Diego. Shawn shares his journey and insights on digital storytelling, emphasizing the importance of 'being the show, not the commercial' to attract the right customers and build better customer relationships. The discussion also touches on Shawn's practical approach to overcoming fears of content creation and leveraging AI in restaurant operations for improved accountability and efficiency. Additionally, Shawn shares his skepticism towards the saying 'if you build it, they will come,' stressing that storytelling and marketing are key to success in the competitive restaurant industry. Tune in to learn about the power of consistent content creation, AI's role in restaurant technology, and the significance of sharing authentic stories to inspire and educate within the industry.

This episode of the podcast 'Morning Sam Morning Ralph' features Michael Getz and Jason Kramer from Illumina Interactive, discussing how e-learning can address high turnover in the restaurant industry. They emphasize creating engaging, interactive training that incorporates storytelling and real-life scenarios, catering to multi-generational workforces and industry trends like AI and gamification. The guests highlight their company's 25-year experience in developing aesthetically appealing and thought-provoking content, aiming to support restaurants and suppliers in creating effective training materials that are both compelling and scalable.

Join hosts Paul and Chad in an engaging episode of 'Morning Sam Morning Ralph,' discussing restaurant technology with Lauren Selman, VP of Operations at the International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA). Lauren shares insights on how IFBTA fosters collaboration and innovation in the food and beverage industry through networking and educational opportunities. The conversation covers the unique role of IFBTA chapters, the significance of experiential events, and the vital need for women in tech and hospitality leadership, culminating in an introduction to WORTH – Women of Restaurants, Technology, and Hospitality.

In this episode of Morning Sam Morning Ralph, hosts Chad and Paul welcome Ned Algeo from Multipli Group to discuss the challenging task of closing deals with CFOs. Ned shares his expertise on providing capital solutions and back office support for small to midsize restaurant companies, emphasizing the importance of real-time data and financial oversight. The discussion also covers effective strategies for tech vendors to successfully pitch to CFOs, the significant role CFOs play beyond financial management, and the necessity of aligning internal champions and user-friendly interfaces in technology adoption. Don't miss Ned's insights on making impactful changes and ensuring business growth.

Join the Popcorn GTM fellas, Paul Molinari, Chad Horn, and Michael Beck in Episode 8 of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph' as they welcome Angela Diffley, Co-Founder of the Restaurant Technology Network (RTN). The conversation dives deep into recent technology trends, the emergence and utility of AI in the restaurant industry, and the powerful role of collaboration and standardization that RTN helps the industry achieve. Angela shares the mission behind RTN, cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics, and the importance of industry technology standards for smoother integrations. They also discuss exciting initiatives like Startup Alley at MURTEC 2025 and future trends in restaurant tech. Tune in for insights on how the restaurant industry is evolving with technology and the critical role of community and partnerships.

In this episode of the 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph' podcast, we dive into an exciting discussion on restaurant efficiency with Scott Siegel (Co-founder and CRO of Curbit), Paul Amestoy (Co-founder and Chief Strategist at Kitchen Armor), and Brent Sides (VP of Sales at Kitchen Armor). Discover how Curbit and KitchenArmor are revolutionizing the restaurant industry by ensuring timely, efficient, and fresh order deliveries through digital synchronization and real-time communication. The episode highlights their partnership, the technology behind their solutions, and the impact on customer satisfaction and restaurant operations, featuring a case study on Flanigan's.

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph,' the spectacular hosts, Paul Molinari, Chad Horn, and Michael Beck return from a short break at Prosper Forum to discuss the latest in restaurant technology with a special guest, Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor at Nation's Restaurant News (NRN). Tune in to hear insights from the Prosper Forum, the importance of digital solutions in the restaurant industry, and a deep dive into the build vs. buy debate for tech solutions. Joanna shares her extensive knowledge on emerging technologies, dynamic pricing, and the impact of AI on restaurant operations. Plus, don't miss her thoughts on the future of robotics in kitchens and the ongoing evolution of delivery services. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a restaurant operator, this episode has something for everyone.

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph,' hosts Paul Molinari and Michael Beck discuss the complexities and challenges of restaurant operations, especially in the context of order management and fulfillment, with guests Fran Dougherty, CEO of Curbit, and Scott Siegel, CRO of Curbit. They jump into the innovative solutions Curbit offers to manage kitchen capacity, ensuring timely and fresh food delivery. By leveraging AI and real-time data, Curbit aims to optimize the guest experience, reduce stress for restaurant staff, and enhance operational efficiency. The episode also covers the impact of accurate timing on customer satisfaction, employee retention, and overall restaurant revenue.

In episode four of the 'Morning Sam Morning Ralph' podcast, hosts Paul Molinari and Chad Horn discuss scrappy marketing tactics for restaurant technology startups, emphasizing practical, resourceful strategies over expensive campaigns. They are joined by Kevin Jaskolka, SVP of marketing at Checkmate, who shares insights from his 25 years of experience. Topics covered include the importance of pivoting based on customer needs, demand generation, leveraging trade shows and trade publications effectively, the utility of case studies, and the role of PR and social media. They stress the value of having a fractional agency over specialized hires in the early stages and discuss the concept of lifetime value to customer acquisition cost (LTV to CAC) for evaluating marketing ROI.

Restaurant reputation management has a few moving parts. From your Google business listings to your Google, Yelp, Apple, and all the places your guests have a few things to say (positive and negative) about your restaurants. Shereen Qumsieh is the CEO of Akira, a next-generation, AI-powered reputation management solution that is helping restaurants of all sizes master their reputation. Every review and guest interaction holds the power to shape perceptions. Akira pledges to keep your reputation not just safe, but thriving. Sponsored by Akira, check out the Episode 3 of the Morning Sam, Morning Ralph Podcast from your friends at Popcorn GTM. Show links: https://helloakira.com

In this episode of the MSMR podcast, host Michael Beck and his team, including Paul Molinari and Chad Horn, interview Jeremy Julian, Chief Revenue Officer at Custom Business Solutions and host of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast. Jeremy discusses his long tenure in the restaurant and tech industry, the evolution of point-of-sale (POS) systems, and the importance of custom business solutions that cater to the unique needs of each restaurant. Key topics include the pros and cons of custom versus off-the-shelf POS systems, integration and configuration challenges, the impact of regulatory requirements, and strategies for increasing efficiency and reducing costs within restaurant operations. Jeremy also emphasizes the importance of strong customer relationships and understanding individual business problems to provide tailored technological solutions. The discussion highlights the significance of data utilization and analytics in enhancing operational performance and customer experiences, as well as the need for adaptability and innovation in the rapidly changing restaurant industry. Additionally, Jeremy shares personal insights into his podcasting journey and emphasizes the importance of giving back to the industry. The episode concludes with the hosts and guest reflecting on the future of restaurant technology and the significance of partnerships and customer-centric solutions. Show links: https://popcorngtm.com https://restauranttechnologyguys.com https://cbsnorthstar.com

Morning, Sam. Morning, Ralph: The Future of VR in Entertainment and Hospitality Join Paul Molinari, Michael Beck, and Chad Horn for the inaugural episode of 'Morning, Sam. Morning, Ralph.' In this episode, the team discusses the potential impact of virtual reality on various industries with their first guest, Adam Anfiteatro, founder and CEO of Edge VR. Learn about emerging technologies, the future of VR in entertainment and hospitality, and how brands can leverage immersive experiences to engage customers. Discover insights into the economics of VR, the importance of content, and the next steps for VR technology in transforming traditional business models. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:00 Podcast Purpose and Focus 02:02 Introducing the First Guest: Adam Tro 02:36 Adam's VR Innovations 04:16 VR in Entertainment and Hospitality 12:23 Edge VR's Portable Solutions 17:19 The Power of Scent in VR 17:48 Guest Engagement and Immersion 18:37 Freestyle Hip Hop: Future of VR 19:05 VR in the Restaurant Industry 20:18 Training with VR: A Game Changer 22:05 Generational Shifts and VR 23:34 Economics of VR in Entertainment 26:45 Interactive VR Experiences 29:09 Myth Busting VR Misconceptions 32:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Show links: https://popcorngtm.com https://theedgeunreal.com/