The meez Podcast Eli Feldman on How Restaurants Must Evolve to Survive
Sep 9, 2025
In this intriguing discussion, Eli Feldman, founder of Elided Opinions and Shy Bird, dives into how restaurants can adapt to survive in a competitive landscape. He emphasizes the necessity of monetizing customer attention and integrating technology like AI to streamline operations. Feldman explores the ethical implications of restaurant models, the benefits of franchising, and the need to offer unique dining experiences. He also touches on the impact of delivery services and the importance of genuine human interaction, even as tech evolves.
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Restaurants As Attention Canvases
- Restaurants are becoming canvases for attention and should be reframed as attention businesses.
- Monetizing customer attention can create higher-margin revenue streams beyond food sales.
Manufacturing Meets Sales In One Space
- Restaurants uniquely combine manufacturing and sales under one roof, creating operational tension.
- That vertical integration explains many structural challenges and opportunities in the industry.
Plan For Thin Restaurant Margins
- Account for rising food, labor, and occupancy costs when planning restaurant economics.
- Recognize thin industry margins and design revenue strategies to improve profitability.
