Founders' Forum Predicting Tomorrow’s Customers: AI in Restaurant Management with Matt Wampler
What if restaurants could predict exactly who would walk through their doors tomorrow? Matt Wampler, CEO and co-founder of ClearCOGS, has made this vision a reality by leveraging AI to solve the restaurant industry's biggest challenges. In this episode, Matt shares his journey from a struggling Jimmy John’s franchisee to an entrepreneur transforming the restaurant landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Struggles and Turning Point: Matt took over a failing Jimmy John’s franchise in DC, transforming it through hard work and dedication.
- From Franchisee to Tech Founder: After selling his restaurants, Matt taught himself programming and data science, realizing AI’s potential in forecasting demand.
- ClearCOGS and AI Innovation: Matt co-founded ClearCOGS, using AI to help restaurants predict demand, optimize staffing, and improve operations.
- Transforming the Industry: ClearCOGS now serves 100+ brands globally, providing predictive analytics that benefits restaurants of all sizes.
- The Future Vision: Matt aims to create a "restaurant co-pilot" that equips operators with the insights they need for success.
Matt's innovative approach to AI in restaurants is reshaping the industry by giving operators tools that were once only available to the largest players. Discover how AI is revolutionizing the restaurant business and learn why Matt believes that predicting demand is not just a wishful thought—it’s a practical solution that technology can deliver.
About Matt Wampler:
Matt is an ex-operator turned tech-founder. He spent close to a decade as a Jimmy Johns franchisee winning awards for Highest COMP and Highest Sales Increase in the chain. Matt is currently the CEO of ClearCOGS with the mission to empower restaurants with the information they need to run more smoothly and profitably. He's deeply passionate about the industry and is hyper-focused on bridging the gap between the potential of AI and the everyday realities of running a restaurant.
In addition to work, I'm a proud father of two daughters, a woodworker, make my own maple syrup, and bake a hell of a sourdough loaf of bread.
Connect:
Website www.clearcogs.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/matthewjwampler/
Twitter @w_a_m_p_l_e_r
Threads @matthew.wampler
Instagram @matthew.wampler
TikTok @matt.wampler
This episode is brought to you by Workshop Strategy; Merging experience, innovation, and purpose. Go to workshopstrategy.com to learn more.
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