The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions

00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Technology and Data Intelligence02:57 The Challenges of Fragmented Restaurant Data05:36 The Role of AI in Restaurant Management08:31 Real-World Applications of Livelytics11:17 Leading vs. Lagging Indicators in Restaurant Analytics13:56 Integrating Multiple Data Sources for Insights17:08 The Importance of Quick Implementation19:56 Ad Hoc vs. Canned Reporting in Restaurant Analytics22:48 Ensuring Data Accuracy and Trust in AI25:44 Competitive Advantage through Data Intelligence28:21 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, we highlight the top 10 most loved and impactful episodes of 2025, based on both personal enjoyment and audience engagement on YouTube and audio podcasts. Featuring industry experts and groundbreaking companies, we discuss technological advancements and strategic insights in the restaurant industry. Highlights include Bill Lindsay from Cogswell on AI-driven inventory management, EveryBite's smart menu technology for dietary preferences, House of Giants' digital ordering innovations, and more. The episode celebrates the successes of 2025 and looks forward to more exciting content and innovations in 2026, encouraging listeners to subscribe and suggest future guests.00:00 Introduction and Overview00:52 Episode 1: Bill Lindsay from Cogswell04:42 Episode 2: EveryBite's Innovative Solution07:52 Episode 3: House of Giants' Digital Transformation10:45 Episode 4: Matt's Human-Centric Leadership13:44 Episode 5: Mellow Mushroom's Guest Experience16:49 Episode 6: Poke Works' Hawaiian Cuisine19:16 Launching Hawaiian Hot Plates19:29 Explosive Growth of Rewards Program20:21 Pollo Campero's US Expansion23:21 RTI's Energy Management Innovations26:30 TechRyde's Seamless Integration29:57 Wisetail's Learning Management33:48 Wisk's Inventory Management Solutions36:23 Conclusion and Future Episodes

In this episode, Jeremy Julian and Yvonne Lara discuss Pizza Inn's innovative marketing strategies and community engagement efforts. They explore how the brand has revitalized its image through local ownership and creative campaigns, such as the I8 promotion, which successfully increased sales and customer engagement. The conversation highlights the importance of operational excellence and the role of franchisees in maintaining brand consistency and customer satisfaction.00:01:40 Introduction to Pizza Inn00:03:17 Legacy and Community Connection00:04:41 Signature Offerings and Local Ownership00:05:57 Brand Consistency and Community Involvement00:11:09 Marketing Strategies and Campaign Success00:15:07 Operational Excellence and Future Plans

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Peter Wiley, co-founder and marketing IT mastermind behind Hothead Burritos. They discuss the company's innovative use of technology and marketing strategies which have fueled their rapid growth. Peter shares insights on the importance of integrating marketing with IT, streamlining operations through digital ordering, and leveraging loyalty programs. The conversation also covers Hothead Burritos' unique offerings, including their variety of sauces, and their approach to catering and delivery. Listeners get a deep dive into how tech-savvy practices can lead to a more efficient and customer-focused restaurant experience.00:00 Hot Head Burritos01:13 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:41 Hothead Burritos: Brand Overview04:18 Expansion and Locations05:18 Customer Experience and Menu Customization09:32 Digital Integration and Online Ordering13:23 Third-Party Delivery and Integration17:36 Catering and Large Orders18:46 Creating an Online Ordering Menu for Catering20:03 Evaluating Menu Offerings for Online and Catering21:26 The Importance of Loyalty Programs22:24 Incentivizing Catering Orders27:19 Converting Customers Across Channels30:35 Leveraging AI and Data Analytics32:33 Popular Menu Items and Personal Favorites34:39 Staying Engaged with Hothead Burritos

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Jason Ingermanson, the founder of Mokas Coffee and Eatery. Jason shares his entrepreneurial journey from starting a $30,000 coffee shop in a Kansas mall to growing multiple successful brands, including Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. Celebrating Mokas 20-year anniversary, Jason discusses the development and franchising of Mokas, his focus on quality and community involvement, and the core values driving the brand's success. He also shares insights on local store marketing, guest loyalty, and support systems provided to prospective franchisees. Tune in for an inspiring story of passion, discipline, and dedication in the restaurant industry.00:00 Mokas Coffee & Eatery00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:05 Jason's Journey: From Coffee Lover to Entrepreneur03:02 The Birth and Growth of Mokas Coffee and Eatery04:01 Navigating Challenges and Expanding During the Pandemic05:21 Mokas' Unique Brand and Customer Experience06:59 Commitment to Quality and Community10:39 Franchising and Future Plans18:13 The Story Behind the Name 'Mokas'22:29 Franchisee Success Stories23:14 The Importance of Transparency23:41 Challenges in the Restaurant Industry24:26 Expanding to New Markets29:13 Local Store Marketing Strategies32:06 Franchise Application Process34:06 Discovery Day Experience37:17 Master Franchise Opportunities40:57 Connecting with Jason Ingram Manson

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian converses with Paul Tran, a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise expert. With a 20-year journey in the restaurant industry, Paul shares his story of turning a student loan into a successful Cajun crawfish restaurant and subsequent experiences scaling major brands like Halal Guys and Pepper Lunch. Paul discusses the importance of selecting the right franchisee, maintaining operational consistency, and building strong relationships between franchisees and franchisors. He also offers insights on effective marketing strategies and operations that contribute to franchise success. The episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to scale in the restaurant industry or seeking entrepreneurial inspiration.00:00 Paul Tran of Pepper Lunch01:39 Introduction and Welcome01:50 Meet Paul Tran: A Journey in the Restaurant Industry02:35 Paul's Early Ventures and Lessons Learned05:44 The Halal Guys and Franchise Experience07:05 Pepper Lunch: A New Venture09:27 Insights on Franchising and Finding the Right Franchisees14:59 Challenges and Success in Scaling a Franchise24:16 California Brands in Texas24:54 Franchisee and Franchisor Relationships26:02 Choosing the Right Franchisee26:47 Healthy and Unhealthy Tensions31:21 Marketing and Community Outreach37:10 Pepper Lunch Concept Explained42:36 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian welcomes Geoffrey Toffetti, CEO of Frontline Performance Group (FPG), to discuss how restaurateurs can unlock hidden revenue, improve staff performance, and elevate guest experience without additional advertising costs. Geoffrey shares insights from his extensive career in hospitality and corporate consulting, detailing FPG's innovative solutions that utilize real-time analytics and AI-powered training. The conversation highlights the importance of systemized training for frontline employees, focusing on maximizing revenue through service-based sales techniques. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on making meaningful investments in staff to drive up to 10% revenue growth, improve tips, and enhance overall restaurant performance. The episode also covers the practical steps for implementing and measuring success in these initiatives.00:00 Frontline Performance Group01:26 Introduction and Welcome01:59 Guest Introduction: Geoffrey Toffetti02:08 Geoffrey Toffetti's Career Journey03:18 Current Role at Frontline Performance Group03:47 Focus on Hospitality and Restaurant Industry05:21 Identifying and Solving Industry Problems10:44 Service-Based Sales Philosophy14:29 Training and Technology Integration20:27 Measuring Success and Analytics24:56 Engaging Different Demographics27:46 Results and Success Stories29:34 How to Engage with Frontline Performance Group32:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian welcomes Jason Morgan, the CEO of Original ChopShop, to discuss the brand's unique fast casual offerings and growth strategy. Jason shares his journey from accounting to hospitality, his experience with Zoe's Kitchen, and how he's leveraging those lessons at Original ChopShop. They delve into the restaurant's diverse and healthful menu, the importance of technology in maintaining quality and consistency, and the challenges of scaling a company-owned business. Jason also discusses the brand's focus on customer feedback and its efforts to expand in strategic markets while highlighting their catering program. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in restaurant innovation and growth.00:00 Original ChopShop01:21 Introduction and Guest Background01:59 Jason's Journey in the Restaurant Industry03:37 Original ChopShop Story05:54 Unique Menu and Concept08:16 Menu Development and Technology Integration15:26 Breakfast and Expansion Strategy17:55 Revealing Industry Insights18:21 Company-Owned vs Franchise Models20:23 Strategic Market Expansion23:40 Challenges and Achievements28:09 Signature Dishes and Personal Favorites31:27 Catering and Off-Premise Strategies33:11 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian discusses the transformative journey of digital signage with Eli Chmouni, CEO of Neon. Eli shares his unique path to founding Neon, a company that simplifies digital signage for restaurants and retail with a plug-and-play approach. From his stint working at a Burger King drive-through for research to creating a solution that increases sales by up to 17%, Eli's dedication to solving customer problems is evident. The episode dives into the integration of Neon's software with POS systems, the benefits of digital signage in both customer-facing and employee-facing environments, and how Neon's ease of use and customer support set it apart in the market. Tune in to learn how digital signage can enhance operations and boost sales across various industries.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:22 Meet Eli, CEO of Neon00:36 The Birth of Neon01:06 Neon's Impact on Digital Signage01:28 Jeremy's Introduction and Disclaimer02:07 Eli's Background and Early Ventures02:59 Spotlight and the Digital Signage Problem04:14 Creating Pixie and the Birth of Neon05:05 Neon's Growth and Market Impact10:43 The Importance of Convenience and Support12:51 Eli's Burger King Experience14:04 Neon's Drive-Through System15:19 Challenges and Solutions in Digital Menu Boards19:48 Flexibility and Efficiency of Digital Signage21:02 Focusing on the Restaurant Space21:26 Dynamic Menu Integration with POS Systems22:24 Addressing Out-of-Stock Items23:02 Maximizing Digital Signage Impact23:54 Reliability of Digital Signage Systems25:01 Handling Internet Outages28:37 Drive-Through Innovations33:19 Expanding Beyond Quick Service Restaurants33:52 Innovations in Music and Loyalty Programs37:28 Final Thoughts and Contact Information39:02 Comprehensive Digital Solutions for Various Industries

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian sits down with Scott Taylor, CEO of R&R Brands. Scott shares his fascinating journey from being a law school dropout to becoming a successful restaurateur. He provides insights into his experiences growing brands like Walk-Ons and Party Foul, discusses the structure and purpose of R&R Brands, and outlines his vision for helping other restaurant groups succeed. Scott also delves into common pitfalls for new restaurateurs, how to create value in casual dining, and the role of technology in enhancing customer experience. Listeners interested in franchising, restaurant growth, and brand building will find this episode particularly enlightening.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:33 Meet Scott Taylor: From Law School to Restaurant CEO03:19 Scott's Journey: From Marriott to Beef O'Brady's05:50 Building Walk-Ons and Party Foul07:38 The Birth of R&R Brands13:14 Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans18:35 Common Pitfalls for Restaurant Founders21:26 Exploring R&R's Restaurant Concepts24:16 Exploring Nashville Hot Chicken and Boozy Slushies24:56 Expanding to College Campuses and Airports25:33 Walk-Ons: The Ultimate Sports Bar Experience27:09 The Future of Casual Dining29:10 Enhancing Restaurant Experiences with Technology31:32 Creating Value and Unique Dining Experiences35:41 The Story Behind Rhythm and Rooster36:59 R&R's Unique Approach to Restaurant Partnerships39:40 Cultural Alignment and Future Growth43:37 Staying Connected and Future Plans