This episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast features an insightful conversation with Tyler, an entrepreneur who made a significant impact on the restaurant technology space within a year. Tyler shares his journey from starting as an entrepreneur at 23, keeping his business within a close-knit community, to deciding on a path of mergers and acquisitions that led to the creation of VersiTech and its subsidiaries, Bold Integrated Payments and Tonic point of sale. The dialogue delves deep into the motivations behind expansion, focusing on making an impact rather than solely chasing financial success. Tyler and the host, Jeremy, discuss the importance of community and relationships, both personally and professionally, shaped by their life experiences. Tyler's story of resilience and growth is underscored by the shared principle of humility and the desire to affect positive change in the industry and people's lives. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the benefits of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) for business clarity and employee engagement, and concludes with personal reflections on gratitude, health, and the impact one can have on the world.00:00 Welcome to the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast00:33 Introducing Tyler: From Unknown Entrepreneur to Industry Sensation01:10 The Evolution of VersiTech: Merging Payments and POS Solutions01:56 The Power of Impact: Tyler's Mission Beyond Profits04:32 Building Community: The Foundation of Tyler's Success04:41 Personal Stories of Resilience and Community21:07 Fostering Relationships and Creating a Welcoming Space25:18 A Story of Transformation and Success26:22 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories28:41 The Impact of a Podcast: Reaching and Uplifting Others32:11 Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Growth36:59 Core Values and Their Role in Business and Personal Life41:05 Embracing Challenges and Staying Humble46:20 Gratitude, Health, and Making a Difference48:35 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

This episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast features a deep dive into how restaurants can use data to drive business decisions, enhance customer experience, and ultimately boost sales. The hosts are joined by Pat Riley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Data Delivers, and Adam Gollum, CEO of Primanti Brothers, a 91-year-old restaurant brand. They discuss the importance of organizing and monetizing the vast amounts of data generated by restaurants to understand and influence customer behavior. The conversation touches on the utilization of third-party data, loyalty programs, and data analytics to identify customer trends, preferences, and the efficiency of marketing strategies. The guests share real-life examples, including operational changes and menu item adjustments, to illustrate how data informs decisions leading to improved customer retention and acquisition. The discussion emphasizes that despite the availability of data, its effective use is what differentiates successful restaurant operations.00:00 Welcome to the Data-Driven Restaurant World00:19 Introducing the Experts: Data Delivers and Primanti Brothers02:23 The Power of Data in Restaurant Marketing09:35 Navigating the Pandemic: Strategies and Insights16:07 Operationalizing Data for Menu Success20:20 Expanding Reach with Third-Party Data26:23 The Future of Restaurant Data Utilization32:31 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Promoting Sustainability in Restaurants Through Innovative TechnologiesThis 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 Guest00:29 Getting to Know Diana: From New Jersey to Restaurant Technologies01:46 Exploring Restaurant Technologies Inc.'s Innovative Solutions04:22 The Sustainability Journey: Transforming Used Cooking Oil10:51 Impressive Sustainability Achievements and Future Goals19:49 How Restaurants Can Join the Sustainability Movement22:18 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Innovations Unveiled at the National Restaurant Association Show 2024This 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 Podcast00:12 Introducing Lisa Malikow and the National Restaurant Association Show02:37 Exploring the Kitchen Innovation Awards05:30 Deep Dive into Award-Winning Innovations07:03 Sustainability and Innovation in the Restaurant Industry29:45 The Future of Restaurant Technology and How to Get Involved33:41 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 Podcast00:25 Meet Rick Elliott: A Journey from Oil Rigs to Restaurant Tech Innovator01:24 The Birth and Growth of Brink POS: Pioneering Cloud-Based Solutions08:52 From Brink to Conductor: The Next Chapter in Restaurant Tech09:02 Introducing Conductor: Revolutionizing the Restaurant Guest Experience21:06 The Future of Restaurant Tech: Integrations, AI, and Lean Manufacturing Principles30:09 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 Introduction00:24 Jon's Journey: From Payment Side to Restaurant Tech Innovator01:04 The Birth and Evolution of Tapski09:13 Exploring the ISO Model and Its Impact on Restaurants15:05 Introducing Tapski: A New Era of Restaurant Technology25:36 The Future of Ordering: Flexibility and Consumer Control29:05 Conclusion & How to Connect with Tapski

Evolving Restaurant Operations through Advanced Technology SolutionsIn 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 Podcast00:18 Introducing Repeat Guest Vishal from It's a Checkmate01:05 Exploring the Explosion of Digital Ordering Channels02:11 The Future of Digital Ordering and Its Impact on Operations04:31 Innovative Solutions for Complex Digital Ordering Challenges06:10 The Importance of Being Where Your Customers Are10:37 Integrating Digital Orders into Restaurant Operations12:36 Addressing Capacity Management and Customer Expectations16:57 The Evolution of Menu Management in a Digital World26:18 The Role of Voice Ordering in the Future of Restaurants33:30 How to Connect with It's a Checkmate for Solutions36:22 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

One Big Island in Space: Revolutionizing the Coffee Industry with Farm Direct CoffeeThe 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 Podcast00:31 Guest Introduction: Michelle and Robert Fish01:08 The Journey of Biggby Coffee01:25 The Threats to Coffee Production02:28 The Creation of One Big Island in Space02:49 The Direct Trade Model and its Impact04:20 The Importance of Ethical Farming Practices04:50 The Global Reach of Coffee Production05:24 The History and Atmosphere of Biggby Coffee Cafes08:28 The Inception of One Big Island in Space08:47 The Importance of Core Values in Business13:04 The Reality of Coffee Production25:10 The Future of One Big Island in Space29:42 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 Introduction00:31 Guest Background and Company Overview02:22 The Problem with Traditional Inventory Management09:16 Introducing Nomad Go's Solution09:40 How Nomad Go Works13:20 Addressing Substitutions and Partial Cases17:47 The Future of Inventory Management19:24 The Importance of Accurate Inventory in Restaurants19:36 How We Improve Prep Lists with Scientific Precision20:38 Dealing with Pre-Produced Items in Inventory21:38 The Challenges of Receiving Products23:56 The Role of Technology in Inventory Management24:35 Making Inventory Fun with Augmented Reality25:26 The Future of Inventory with Nomad Go27:31 Resolving Inventory Variances31:09 The Future of Supply Chain and Distribution32:41 The Vision for Nomad Go34:50 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 Introduction00:28 Guest's Background and Journey in FinTech01:31 Understanding FinTech and Its Impact02:37 Challenges in Restaurant Industry and Earned Wages03:10 Importance of Instant Access to Earned Wages09:06 The Shift to Digital Payments and Tips12:17 The Cost of Using Cash in Restaurants16:04 The Rise of Alternative Banking and Its Impact19:23 How Instant Works: Earned Wages and Tips27:17 Getting Started with Instant28:07 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 Introduction01:56 The Evolution of F&B in Hotels03:12 The Shift in Hotel Dining Trends03:58 The Importance of Innovation in Hotel Dining07:05 The Impact of Social Media on Hotel Dining12:48 The Importance of Creating Memorable Dining Experiences16:08 The Role of Local Community in Hotel Dining17:30 The Pros and Cons of Partnering with Local Brands21:37 The Challenges and Rewards of Longstanding Relationships21:50 The Importance of Tech in the Guest Experience22:58 The Impact of Modern Food Delivery Services23:29 The Digital Experience in the Restaurant Industry24:22 The Power of QR Codes and Digital Ordering25:16 The Role of Tech in Enhancing Guest Experience29:08 The Future of Tech in the Hotel Industry31:09 The Importance of Personalization in Guest Experience38:32 The Role of Tech in Non-Traditional Food Service43:39 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 Welcome00:09 Guest Introduction: Matt from Clear Cogs00:37 The Journey from Restaurant Operator to Tech Innovator01:10 Understanding ClearCogs: Solving Restaurant Problems with Tech01:46 The Power of Data in Restaurant Operations02:28 The Impact of Food Costs and Waste on Restaurant Operations08:40 The Role of AI in Restaurant Operations13:57 The Importance of Trust in Implementing Tech Solutions16:20 The Future of AI in Restaurant Operations20:02 The Role of ClearCogs in Labor Management22:53 The Importance of Data Management in Restaurant Operations28:36 ClearCogs' Partnership with Toast and Future Plans36:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Revolutionizing Restaurant Loyalty Programs: A Conversation with Hang CEO Matt SmolinIn 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 WalchefIn 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 Welcome00:11 Guest Introduction: Shawn's Journey00:48 The Birth of Cali Barbecue01:12 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Barbecue02:23 The Power of Storytelling and Digital Presence03:12 Embracing Online Reviews and Social Media04:03 Transforming a Barbecue Business into a Media Business07:04 The Importance of Telling Your Own Story10:21 The Power of Continuous Improvement and Curiosity17:18 Balancing Personal and Professional Life22:22 The Importance of Authenticity and Transparency24:13 The Power of Authenticity and Sharing Personal Stories25:15 The Journey of Sobriety and Adoption25:53 Turning Passion into a Full-fledged Business26:28 The Shift from Traditional Marketing to Storytelling27:55 Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Journey of Content Creation28:50 The Power of Persistence and Consistency in Content Creation30:23 The Impact of Storytelling and Influence32:16 The Importance of Self-improvement and Continuous Learning38:42 The Journey of Building a Successful YouTube Channel41:08 The Future of Storytelling and Digital Content Creation43:49 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 VideoIn 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 Introduction00:42 Understanding Temporary Cold Storage01:29 The Origin of Polar Leasing03:14 How Polar Leasing Works04:11 Use Cases for Temporary Cold Storage05:21 Technical Aspects of Temporary Cold Storage08:09 The Process of Getting a Temporary Cold Storage Unit10:14 Unique Applications of Temporary Cold Storage11:14 The Technology Behind Polar Leasing17:29 The Efficiency of Polar Leasing Units18:42 How to Contact Polar Leasing19:32 Conclusion

Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast: Episode featuring SwipebyIn 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 Background00:52 Understanding the Role of Lunchbox01:53 Nabeel's Journey into the Restaurant Industry04:27 The Growth and Evolution of Lunchbox04:54 The Vision and Mission of Lunchbox12:36 The Impact of the Pandemic on the Restaurant Industry17:22 Understanding the Different Types of End Users18:18 Improving the User Experience with Dynamic Features19:58 Improving User Experience and Managing Third-Party Delivery Orders20:52 The Importance of Adapting and Growing as a Company21:19 The Decision to Acquire a Company and Entering a New Space21:45 Understanding the Needs of Restaurant Operators23:33 The Role of POS Systems in Restaurant Operations27:03 The Future of Off-Premise Ordering: AI and Machine Learning30:55 The Importance of Health and Wellness for Leaders33:56 Connecting with Lunchbox and Future Plans