Wisking it all

About the Episode Welcome to Episode 50 of the Wisking It All Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have Branden Mcrill, co-founder, and CEO of Five Out, join us for an insightful discussion on the universal challenges within the restaurant industry. With over 26 years of hospitality experience, Branden dives deep into the critical aspects of achieving profitability through labor and purchasing optimization. We'll explore his journey from humble beginnings parking cars and washing dishes, to working at prestigious restaurants like Alinea and eventually launching Five Out—a cutting-edge AI and machine learning solution revolutionizing restaurant operations. Learn how Five Out's automation software is helping restaurants streamline labor budgets, prep, and purchasing to enhance guest satisfaction and profitability. Branden also shares valuable lessons from his extensive career, stresses the importance of balancing guest experience with business economics, and discusses the future of AI in the restaurant industry. Whether you're a restaurant owner, manager, or enthusiast, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on optimizing operations and harnessing the power of technology in hospitality. Stay tuned for this enlightening conversation! Takeaways FiveOut is an automation solution for the restaurant industry that uses machine learning models to optimize labor budgets, prep, and purchase volumes. The typical customer profile is QSR and FSR restaurants, particularly those at the higher end of the SMB and mid-market sectors. The onboarding process is streamlined and automated, requiring only integration with the point of sale system. The platform provides automated labor budgets, prep lists, and purchase orders, reducing the need for manual data entry and improving efficiency. Restaurants should measure success across multiple metrics, not just profitability. Automating labor budgeting and scheduling can help restaurants deploy the right budget at the right time. Sensitivity is crucial in inventory management to ensure the right amount of stock without any shortfall. AI and automation are transforming the restaurant industry, with robots and automation being used for various tasks. 5-Out aims to become a comprehensive solution for scheduling, prep, and purchase automation. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:05 Starting 5-Out and the Need for Automation 08:09 Branden's Journey in the Restaurant Industry 10:29 Forecasted Revenue Using Algorithms 12:01 Transitioning to Software and AI 14:29 Refining Software Focus Towards QSR FSR Restaurants 18:23 Efficient Tech Setup Vital for Restaurant Success 20:39 Historical Sales Data is All We Need 25:11 Optimizing Staff Levels for Improved Service Efficiency 27:26 Restaurant Labor Scheduling: Time, Cost, Productivity Data 30:43 True AI is Automation, But We Need Humans 32:06 Success Not Celebrated, Errors Draw Attention. Consistency Valued 36:34 The Importance of Sensitivity in Inventory Management 40:41 The Role of AI and Automation in Restaurants 44:28 The Future of 5-Out: Scheduling, Prep, and Purchase Automation 48:07 Where to Find 5-Out This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

About the Episode Cameron Rowe, the founder of Hover, discusses the drone delivery startup and its focus on last-mile food delivery. He shares his background in the drone space and how he transitioned from doing real estate photography to starting Hover. Cameron also talks about his experience with Techstars and appearing on Dragon's Den (the Canadian version of Shark Tank). He explains the challenges of obtaining permits and licenses for drone delivery and the importance of targeting locked markets. Moreover, the user experience involves ordering through delivery apps or directly from restaurants, with plans to integrate with partners in the future. Hover is a drone delivery company that focuses on delivering food and other items to hard-to-reach areas. They primarily serve the Toronto Islands and other locked areas where it is difficult to access by traditional means. Their typical customers are those who want the convenience of food delivery in these areas and are willing to pay a premium for it. Finally, Hover is also exploring boat delivery in areas like Miami and cargo ship delivery using larger drones. They are focused on scalability and ensuring that what they deliver is meaningful and reasonably priced for customers. Keywords drone delivery, last-mile delivery, food delivery, startup, Techstars, Dragon's Den, permits, licenses, locked markets, user experience, drone delivery, food delivery, hard-to-reach areas, Toronto Islands, boat delivery, cargo ship delivery, scalability takeaways Hover is a drone delivery startup focused on last-mile food delivery. Cameron Rowe transitioned from doing real estate photography to starting Hover. Techstars and Dragon's Den provided valuable opportunities and credibility for Hover. Obtaining permits and licenses is a challenge in the drone delivery space. Hover targets locked markets where traditional delivery methods fall short. The user experience involves ordering through delivery apps or directly from restaurants, with plans to integrate with partners in the future. Hover specializes in drone delivery to hard-to-reach areas, primarily serving the Toronto Islands. Their typical customers are those who want the convenience of food delivery in these areas and are willing to pay a premium for it. Hover is exploring boat delivery in areas like Miami and cargo ship delivery using larger drones. Scalability and reasonable pricing are key considerations for Hover as they expand their delivery services. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Hover and Cameron Rowe 02:20 Cameron Rowe's Background and Inspiration for Hover 04:16 Techstars and Dragon's Den Experience 07:04 Reality TV Pitch, Practiced, Nervous, Personalized Answers 11:18 The Impact After the Show 12:54 Targeting Locked Markets for Success 14:22 Progress from Real Estate to Drone Deliveries 17:00 The User Experience: Ordering and Delivery 19:30 Drone Delivery Challenges 20:30 High Delivery Costs Impact Customer Behavior in Toronto 22:09 Seek Repeatable Opportunities, Assess Promo Value Impact 24:32 How Storytelling Impacts the Business 26:44 Distribution and Scalability 28:36 Unmanned Traffic Management 31:43 Detect Noncompliant Drones, Ensure Communication and Autonomy 33:42 Exciting Mindset Shift, Meeting Phenomenal People 35:25 Learning Curve and Personal Development 37:28 In your Mid-Twenties, Learn and Grow Constantly 39:23 Plugs and Future Expansion 41:12 Plugs and Future Expansion This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

About the Episode Mehdi Zarhloul, CEO of Crazy Pita Restaurant Group, shares his journey from working in restaurants as a teenager to opening his own Mediterranean restaurant chain. He discusses the challenges and successes he experienced along the way, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Mehdi also talks about the importance of technology in his business, including the use of virtual cashiers and AI for scheduling and inventory management. Mehdi Zarhloul, the founder of Crazy Pita, shares his insights on running a successful restaurant business and the importance of creating a memorable customer experience. Finally, he emphasizes the value of using technology to streamline operations and connect with customers. Mehdi also discusses his decision to start franchising and his vision for expanding his brand. He highlights the importance of building a strong team and having a clear strategy in place. Mehdi's passion for hospitality and creating lasting memories shines through in his approach to business. Takeaways Mehdi Zarhloul started Crazy Pita Restaurant Group after gaining experience in the restaurant industry and being inspired by his love for Mediterranean cuisine. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the restaurant to adapt and focus more on takeout and delivery, leading to the creation of additional concepts within the brand. Technology played a crucial role in the restaurant's operations, including the use of virtual cashiers and AI for scheduling and inventory management. Mehdi emphasizes the importance of creating an ecosystem that is customer-centric and connected to both employees and guests. Use technology to streamline operations and connect with customers Franchising can be a way to expand your brand and create a legacy Building a strong team and having a clear strategy are key to success Focus on creating a memorable customer experience and building lasting connections Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:01 Transition from Four Seasons to Entrepreneurship 07:24 Creating pita shop with unique Middle Eastern flavors 10:15 Economic challenges led to demand for fast casual 13:41 Consider downsizing to focus on takeout options 15:39 Embracing Technology in the Restaurant Industry 17:02 The Role of Virtual Cashiers and AI 21:09 Franchising program offers easy restaurant operation system 22:08 Creating a Customer-Centric Ecosystem 26:04 Building a Strong Team and Having a Clear Strategy 27:46 Creating Memorable Customer Experiences and Lasting Connections 29:26 Creating priceless hospitality through kindness and training 34:16 Focus on People and Product 36:18 Expanding the Brand and Future Plans This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

About the Episode Shereen shares her insights on the importance of integrating feedback channels and trend analysis in online reviews, and how Akira's platform helps businesses manage their online presence effectively. She discusses the development of conversational data and how AI can provide unique insights on customer feedback, identifying exceptional experiences and key themes. Throughout the conversation, Shereen emphasizes the significance of using natural language and storytelling when conveying data insights to help people understand and take action. She also shares her experience at McDonald's and how it shaped her approach to customer service and continuous improvement. Angelo Esposito, our host, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Shereen about the transition from reactive to proactive approaches in business and the importance of showing up for customers and implementing their feedback quickly. Tune in to learn more about Akira's target market, their transparent pricing strategy, and their future plans to continue serving customers and helping brands grow. Don't miss this informative episode filled with valuable insights on reputation management and data-driven decision-making in the hospitality industry! takeaways Akira simplifies reputation management and delivers prescriptive insights to help businesses improve. They focus on better storytelling with data and aim to start conversations that might not have been started otherwise. Akira works with multi-concept, multi-brand, and multi-unit establishments, providing insights on ratings, sentiment, and customer retention. The founders emphasize the importance of storytelling and natural language communication in presenting data to customers. Akira analyzes customer feedback to identify key themes and sub-themes. They prioritize feedback based on sentiment scores and prevalence of themes. Akira offers a unified inbox to consolidate feedback from various channels. The platform provides AI-powered analysis and escalation of feedback. They can generate auto-responses or allow for manual responses based on workflow rules. Akira helps businesses manage and update their listings for accurate and consistent information. Their ideal customers are multi-brand, multi-unit businesses. Akira's future plans involve continued growth and helping brands improve through feedback analysis.**** Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Pronunciation 04:30 Working with Multi-Concept, Multi-Brand, and Multi-Unit Establishments 07:56 The Importance of Storytelling with Data 09:58 Lessons Learned from Early Customers 12:05 Transition from reactive to proactive is rewarding 14:29 Advised against Salesforce, emphasized storytelling for operators 16:16 First Paying Customer and Key Learnings 19:23 Developing conversational data for easy operator queries 21:10 Introduction to Key Themes and Sub-Themes 23:51 The Benefits of a Unified Inbox 26:17 Motivating Improvement through Feedback Measurement 29:19 AI Analysis and Prioritization of Feedback 32:13 The Importance of Direct Feedback and Listing Management 34:08 Google reviews show customer feedback challenges 39:50 Opinionated about syndication to important listing directories 41:25 Developing go-to-market strategy for Akira's popcorn 43:08 Targeting Multi-Brand, Multi-Unit Businesses 44:15 Future Plans for Akira

About the episode Monte Silva, an owner and restaurant executive coach with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, shares his journey from starting as a dishwasher at the age of 15 to eventually transitioning into restaurant management, operations, and coaching. He emphasizes the importance of creating a perfect business model that encompasses exceptional service, hospitality, product, brand, sales growth, profitability, and culture to achieve success in the restaurant industry. Throughout the episode, Monte and Angelo delve into the common challenges faced by the restaurant industry, such as labor market shifts, supply chain issues, and inflation. They also discuss the significance of valuing employees, considering them as assets rather than liabilities, and setting realistic yet challenging goals to drive top-line revenue. Monte also introduces his upcoming book, "Shift Happens," which focuses on changing mindsets and beliefs in the restaurant industry. The book, set to be released in August, will be available in 14 languages and offer various formats, including Kindle, audiobook, and journal. Join us as we explore the world of restaurant success with Monte Silva, and discover valuable insights and strategies to help your business thrive in the ever-changing hospitality industry. Don't forget to check out Monte's podcast, Restaurant Success Club, and his weekly newsletter, Restaurant Success Newsletter, on LinkedIn for more great content! Takeaways Valuing and investing in employees is crucial for creating a positive work culture and retaining talent. Shifting focus from percentages to driving top-line revenue can lead to greater profitability. Common challenges in the restaurant industry include the labor market, supply chain issues, and inflation. Silva's upcoming book, 'Shift Happens,' explores mindset shifts and strategies for success in the new economy. Establish a strong brand and set aggressive but fair goals Create attainable yet challenging goals that require effort from the team Invest in scalable systems and build a strong team Always be proactive in hiring and developing employees Invest in growth opportunities Create a perfect box with excellent service, a great product, a strong brand, and a positive culture Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 01:31 - Getting Started in the Hospitality Industry 03:45 - Transition to Coaching and Founding Monte Silva Coaching 08:56 - Does Establishment Types Matter? 10:37 - Challenges Faced by Restaurant Owners 14:12 - Upcoming Book: 'Shift Happens' 15:17 - Value perception, labor cost, employee retention strategy 19:32 - Focus on results, not just percentages. 23:53 - Advice on prioritizing goals with limited resources 26:17 - Creating Attainable Yet Challenging Goals 28:45 - Investing in Scalable Systems and Building a Strong Team 31:20 - Being Proactive in Hiring and Developing Employees 33:27 - Scaling American diner needs management and training 36:37 - Key to success in restaurant industry: Perfect box 40:05 - What's next to Monte Silva Coaching

About the episode Harold Isaac Walters, CEO and co-founder of Shootz, shares his journey in the food and beverage industry. Shootz is a Hawaiian Asian fusion restaurant that specializes in fried chicken katsu. Harold's background in tech and e-commerce influenced his approach to running Shootz, focusing on data collection and digital marketing. He emphasizes the importance of having a solid tech stack, starting with a POS system and then incorporating tools for COGS, labor, loyalty, and marketing. Harold also discusses the challenges and lessons learned in scaling the business, including the importance of having a solid model, prime cost management, and a strong culture. Harold Walters also shares insights on scaling a restaurant business. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what works and doubling down on successful aspects of the business. He also highlights the challenges of incorporating technology into operations and advises being mindful of the costs and potential complications. Walters discusses the shift in his vision for Shootz, from aiming for a $100 million exit to aspiring to become a billion-dollar brand with 100 locations by 2029. He emphasizes the need to define the vision and create an environment for growth within the company. Takeaways Having a solid tech stack is crucial for running a successful restaurant, starting with a POS system and then incorporating tools for COGS, labor, loyalty, and marketing. Data collection and digital marketing are essential for restaurant success, especially in the digital age. Scaling a restaurant requires careful consideration of prime cost management, building a strong culture, and making strategic decisions about locations and menu offerings. Having a clean slate and a willingness to learn can be an advantage when entering the food and beverage industry, as it allows for fresh perspectives and open-mindedness. Profitability is key in the restaurant industry, and all decisions should ultimately contribute to the bottom line. Identify what is working in your business and double down on those aspects for greater success. Be mindful of the costs and potential complications of incorporating technology into your operations. Define a clear vision for your business and create an environment for growth. Reverse engineer your goals and work backwards to determine the necessary steps to achieve them. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:35 What is Shootz? 04:06 Applying E-commerce Experience to Shoots 07:12 Learning about and choosing restaurant tech platforms 11:26 Questioning restaurant owner on marketing tech stack 16:18 Order of priorities in business expansion 22:30 Analyze top sellers, focus on profitability, scalability 23:40 Tech isn't a solution to all problems 25:27 Navigating the Challenges of Technology 29:11 From a $100 Million Exit to a Billion-Dollar Brand 33:06 Importance of clear, authentic, and big vision 37:35 Theming days for productivity and focus 40:10 Refining operations, technology, and vision for growth 42:50 Where to find Shootz and Harold Isaac Walters

About the Episode In this conversation, Angelo Esposito interviews John Florinis, EVP Product at MealTicket, about his journey in the fintech and payments industry and the evolution of restaurant technology. They discuss the importance of POS, inventory management, and labor management in the restaurant tech stack. They also explore the challenges of implementing back-of-house solutions and the need for professional services to assist operators. This episode touch on the potential future trends in restaurant technology, including tighter integration with accounting systems and the use of AI for efficiency gains. John emphasizes the goal of helping restaurants become more profitable and saving them time to focus on what they love. John Florinis discusses the importance of understanding the needs of food distributors and suppliers in the food service industry. He highlights the challenges of managing rebates and incentives for distributors and the role of technology in optimizing their businesses. Florinis also emphasizes the need for organizational alignment and customer impact when prioritizing product features and enhancements. He shares insights on crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resiliency of the industry. Finally, he advises early-career professionals to stay open to new ideas, build a broad network, and understand the evolving needs of customers. ‍ Takeaways POS, inventory management, and labor management are crucial components of the restaurant tech stack. Implementing back-of-house solutions can be challenging, and professional services can provide assistance. Future trends in restaurant technology may include tighter integration with accounting systems and the use of AI for efficiency gains. The goal of restaurant technology is to help restaurants become more profitable and save time for operators. Understanding the needs of food distributors and suppliers is crucial in the food service industry. Managing rebates and incentives for distributors is a complex task that can be optimized with technology. Organizational alignment and customer impact should be considered when prioritizing product features and enhancements. Crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic required a focus on helping the industry navigate uncertain times. Building resiliency and adapting to changing circumstances is essential for the hospitality industry. Early-career professionals should stay open to new ideas, build a broad network, and understand evolving customer needs. ‍Timestamps *Timestamps* ‍ ‍00:00 Introduction and Background 02:21 Meal Ticket: Helping Stakeholders in the Food Service Value Chain 04:24 John's Journey from Banking to Restaurant Tech 07:57 The Evolution of Restaurant Technology 13:06 Building a Successful Restaurant Tech Stack 22:42 The Future of Restaurant Technology 24:12 Converting Pen and Paper Users to Digital Solutions 25:02 Exciting Trends in Restaurant Technology 25:51 Understanding the Needs of Food Distributors and Suppliers 28:45 Optimizing Businesses through Rebate Management 31:49 Prioritizing Product Features and Enhancements 35:23 Navigating Crisis Management during COVID-19 42:26 Building Resiliency in the Hospitality Industry 48:22 Lessons for Early-Career Professionals

About the Episode Stephanie Olson, the Founder and Campaign Director of RestauWant, discusses the inspiration behind founding RestauWant and how her journey began in the hospitality industry. RestauWant offers full-service digital marketing solutions for restaurants, with a focus on optimizing ad spend and creating compelling storytelling campaigns. They help restaurants increase revenue by incorporating different event types, upselling, and diversifying campaigns. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of integrating all marketing efforts and tracking the performance of ads to ensure cost-effectiveness. She also highlights the role of photography and video in capturing attention and conveying the unique value of a restaurant. Looking ahead, RestauWant is excited to work with new restaurants, grow their team, and continue making a difference in the industry. Takeaways RestauWant offers full-service digital marketing solutions for restaurants, focusing on optimizing ad spend and creating compelling storytelling campaigns. Integrating all marketing efforts and tracking the performance of ads is crucial for cost-effectiveness and revenue growth. Photography and video play a significant role in capturing attention and conveying the unique value of a restaurant. RestauWant is excited to work with new restaurants, grow their team, and continue making a difference in the industry. Timestamps *Timestamps* 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Inspiration behind RestauWant 04:00 What RestuaWant works on 05:54 Integrating the art of story-telling to video strategy 08:17 Focusing revenue by incorporating marketing campaigns 14:24 Creating Efficient and Effective Marketing Strategies 20:55 Competing for restaurant customers with creative advertising 23:51 The Importance of Moments of Truth in the Restaurant Industry 25:35 Managing reputation by encouraging positive reviews online 29:02 Staying Up-to-Date with Marketing Trends in the Hospitality Sector 30:35 Advice for Improving Online Visibility and Engagement 32:46 The Role of Photography 34:48 Future Trends in Digital Marketing for Restaurants 36:06 Dream marketing campaign 38:11 What's Next for RestauWant

About the Episode In this episode, Zach Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Thanx, discusses the creation and purpose of his guest engagement platform designed for restaurants. Thanx aims to drive customer lifetime value through data-driven insights, focusing on loyalty programs, data capture, marketing automation, and data visualization. Zach highlights successful loyalty programs from brands like Velvet Taco, Chipotle, and Taco Bell, and introduces the concept of "Loyalty 3.0." He also explores the transformative role of AI and machine learning in personalizing customer experiences, the importance of CRM in marketing, and the future of guest engagement solutions. Thanx offers modular, point-of-sale agnostic solutions to help restaurants achieve their business goals and stand out in a competitive market. Takeaways Thanx is a guest engagement platform for restaurants that focuses on driving customer lifetime value. Data is crucial in understanding customer behavior and driving repeat visits. Thanx offers loyalty programs, data capture, marketing automation, and data visualization solutions. The platform aims to make data-driven marketing easy for small businesses and is point-of-sale agnostic. Thanx works with mid-market and enterprise brands in the restaurant industry. Thanx helps restaurants drive repeat business and increase customer lifetime value through personalized marketing and rewards. The company focuses on understanding guests as individuals and tailoring marketing efforts to their specific preferences and behaviors. Thanx offers a modular solution that integrates with other restaurant tech systems, allowing for customization and flexibility. Restaurants should evaluate solutions based on their ability to achieve business goals and provide long-term value, rather than just feature checklists. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Overview of Thanx 03:38 The Challenge of Driving Repeat Visits 06:35 Measuring Success in Guest Engagement 09:16 Where Thanx Evolve to: Digital Ordering and Customer Data 11:33 Who's a Good Fit Customers for Thanx 12:42 Walkthrough Experience Using Thanx 16:26 Clients Success Story 20:00 How CRM works on Thanx 23:30 Future Ideas Thanx Working on 26:28 Where to Draw the Line in Personalized Marketing 29:11 Advice to Restauranteurs for Looking Solutions 33:21 Choosing Solutions Based on Business Goals and Long-Term Value 36:16 What's Next for Thanx 38:22 Where to Find Thanx

About the Episode In this episode, Angelo Esposito sits down with Michael Beck, Co-founder and CRO of Popcorn GTM, a dynamic agency specializing in go-to-market strategies within the hospitality tech sector. They delve into the nuances of marketing to the hospitality industry, discussing evolving sales strategies and the art of differentiation in a crowded market. Central to their conversation is the role of empathy and deep industry insight in fostering meaningful connections with clients. Popcorn GTM sets itself apart by infusing a rock and roll pop culture vibe into its operations, emphasizing not only revenue growth for clients but also cultivating a vibrant and engaging work culture. The discussion also covers broader challenges and opportunities in the restaurant sector, especially concerning technological advancements like AI and XR. They address the ethical use of customer data, the significance of comprehending AI's practical applications, and the value of mentorship in navigating the industry landscape. Michael also shares his commitment to waterway conservation, reflecting on his project aimed at purifying rivers and lakes. The episode wraps up with both offering book recommendations and a lighthearted debate on the hypothetical benefits of time travel for sealing business deals. Takeaways Selling into the hospitality industry requires empathy and industry knowledge. The sales landscape has shifted from hero salesmen to risk mitigation and tribal selling. To stand out in a competitive market, brands should focus on creating a unique and memorable identity. Popcorn GTM differentiates itself by bringing a rock and roll pop culture swagger to its work and focusing on revenue creation for its clients. Restaurant operators should assess their pain points and quantify the cost of those pain points before choosing a tech system. AI and XR are playing a significant role in the restaurant industry, but it is important to understand the utility and ethical considerations of these technologies. Customer experience is a key focus in the restaurant industry, but there is a fine line between personalization and manipulation. Finding good mentors is crucial for personal and professional growth. Waterway conservation is an important cause, and efforts should be made to clean up rivers and lakes. Book recommendations: 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen R. Covey and 'Start with Why' by Simon Sinek. The superpower of time travel would be useful for going back and correcting mistakes in sales interactions. Timestamps 00:00 Selling into the Hospitality Industry 04:15 The Shift in the Sales Landscape 08:22 Empathy and Industry Knowledge 13:29 Standing Out in a Competitive Market 16:35 Popcorn GTM: Bringing a Rock and Roll Pop Culture Swagger 24:31 The Impact of AI and XR in the Restaurant Industry 41:10 Balancing Personalization and Ethics in Customer Experience 44:03 The Importance of Waterway Conservation 45:58 Book Recommendations for Sales Professionals 46:56 The Superpower of Time Travel for Closing Deals