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

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Erin Hooper, head of Sales and Customer Success for Franchise Systems AI. They discuss the innovative end-to-end franchising system that Erin and her team have developed to streamline processes for franchisors and franchisees. Aaron shares insights about the platform's customizable marketing campaigns, sales applicant portals, project management for site selection, vendor integration, and ongoing location management. Jeremy highlights the uniqueness of Franchise Systems AI in consolidating multiple systems into one platform, addressing common pain points in franchising. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone involved in franchising, offering a comprehensive look at how technology can enhance operational efficiency and overall success.00:00 Franchise System00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:55 Erin's Background in Hospitality and Franchising02:58 Overview of Franchise Systems AI04:40 Marketing and Sales Process for Franchises05:53 Customizable Applicant Portal13:00 Onboarding and Training for Franchisees14:44 Site Selection and Vendor Integration20:10 Challenges in Project Management20:27 Integrating Vendors into the Platform21:12 Ensuring Franchisee Compliance22:29 Post-Opening Support for Franchisees23:59 Operational Management Tools24:37 Marketing and AI Integration26:36 Audit and Training Systems28:29 Sales and Labor Analysis29:58 The Unique Value of Franchise Systems32:07 Pepper Lunch as the Alpha Brand35:40 Engaging with Franchise Systems36:50 Final Thoughts and Surprises

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian converses with Eric Cacciatore, founder and host of the Restaurant Unstoppable podcast. They discuss the journey and valuable lessons learned over 12 years and 1,200+ episodes of Eric's podcast. Key highlights include the importance of having integrity, always learning, teaching others, effective communication, and collaboration in the restaurant industry. Eric emphasizes the evolution of podcasting, the significance of building relationships, and the impact of systems like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) on restaurant operations. Together, they underline that the heart of a successful restaurant lies in the people behind it and their dedication to continuous growth and service to others.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:01 Meet Eric Cacciatore: The Podcast Pioneer02:19 Eric's Journey: From Restaurants to Podcasting04:24 The Evolution of Podcasting06:23 On-Site Interviews: The Heart of the Podcast08:48 Core Values and Lessons Learned17:41 The Importance of Integrity and Action20:12 Being a Student and a Teacher23:58 Teaching and Delegating for Success25:29 Implementing EOS in Business26:03 Understanding EOS and Its Benefits27:15 Real-World Applications of EOS32:01 The Importance of Continuous Learning35:50 Building a Collaborative Network43:42 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Brian Reece and Steve Crowley, co-founders of Service Physics, a consultancy focused on optimizing restaurant operations. The discussion delves into the concept of service physics, which helps improve productivity for staff and guest experiences in restaurants. Brian and Steve share their background, the principles of lean manufacturing and Kaizen, and how they align business goals with operational efficiency. They emphasize the importance of using data to drive changes, the value of customer and staff feedback, and methods to ensure long-term implementation success. The episode concludes with information on an upcoming workshop in Dallas aimed at making their methods accessible to a wider audience.00:00 Service Physics00:14 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:29 Meet Brian and Steve: Background and Journey04:08 Service Physics: Concept and Mission06:58 Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen in Restaurants12:41 Evaluating and Improving Restaurant Operations16:01 Aligning Business Aspirations with Operations19:41 Addressing Sacred Cows and Customer Feedback23:50 Myth-Busting Customer Value25:02 Empathy Through Technology25:52 Empowering Staff Voices26:56 Problem-Solving Acumen29:33 Guest Experience Challenges35:18 Engaging with Service Physics42:10 Transforming the Industry

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian and guest Ron Cardwell from Restaurant Technologies Incorporated discuss the importance of cooking oil in the restaurant industry. Ron, the Director of Commodity Strategy, explains how their oil management system can help restaurants deliver the best guest experience through effective oil handling practices. They also delve into the types of oils used by restaurants, the factors affecting oil performance, and the importance of proper oil management for safety and sustainability. Tune in to learn how to maximize oil usage, manage costs, and ensure the quality and consistency of your restaurant's food.00:00 RTI Inc00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:45 Role and Responsibilities at Restaurant Technologies03:01 Sustainability Efforts and Environmental Impact06:01 Understanding Cooking Oils in Restaurants10:00 Oil Management and Performance14:30 Economic Considerations of Different Oils19:24 The Finite Supply of Beef Tallow20:18 Challenges with Peanut Oil Supply20:56 Consistency and Performance in Cooking Oils22:08 Educating Restaurants on Oil Management25:30 The Importance of Proper Oil Handling26:57 Safety Concerns in Oil Management28:23 Choosing the Right Oil Supplier32:39 How to Connect with Restaurant Technologies

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by bestselling author and speaker Matt Rolfe to discuss the critical role of culture in the restaurant industry. They dive deep into the challenges restaurants face when scaling and how effective leadership and clear communication can transform team dynamics. Matt shares his personal journey of overcoming learning disabilities and his passion for the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of co-creating goals with staff and maintaining a focus on employee experience. The conversation also includes practical steps on how to build trust within teams, the significance of consistent messaging from leadership, and how to measure and recognize success. Additionally, Matt offers insights into working through failures and the value of seeking help. For more details, listeners can connect with Matt on various platforms and explore his content-rich resources.00:00 Matt Rolfe00:14 Introduction and Guest Welcome02:08 Matt's Journey into Hospitality04:14 Unique Approach to Consulting06:18 Common Challenges in Organizations09:28 Creating Clarity and Accountability12:51 Employee Experience and Leadership15:08 Real-Life Examples and Lessons22:14 The Importance of Core Values22:32 Living Your Values23:13 Humility and Growth26:35 The Power of Asking for Help29:25 Empowering Your Team32:34 Engaging with Matt Rolfe39:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Adam, the founder of CaptiveWiFi. The discussion delves into the ways CaptiveWiFi is revolutionizing the use of WiFi in the hospitality industry by providing cloud-based, low-cost, high-value solutions that enhance guest engagement, loyalty, and revenue. Adam explains how their platform creates a seamless customer experience through beautifully designed splash pages, efficient data capture, and intelligent loyalty integration. The episode also covers security measures, feedback collection, and the importance of leveraging guest data to create personalized and valuable interactions. Adam emphasizes the importance of a cohesive customer journey and shares insights on how businesses can make the most of their WiFi to drive customer engagement and retention.00:00 CaptiveWifi01:10 Introduction to Today's Episode01:32 Meet Adam: Founder of CaptiveWiFi02:44 The Problem with Traditional WiFi Systems03:59 CaptiveWiFi's Innovative Solutions07:27 Importance of Capturing Guest Data10:55 Enhancing Guest Experience with WiFi14:28 Managing WiFi Infrastructure and Security15:59 Touchless Loyalty and Future Innovations23:26 Innovative Customer Tracking Solutions24:15 Maximizing Footfall Data25:04 Optimizing Store Layout and Staffing26:43 Advanced Kiosk Analytics29:51 Integrating WiFi and Reservation Data35:42 Enhancing Customer Feedback Systems39:19 Agile Solutions for Businesses40:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy interviews industry veteran Bill Lindsey, founder of COGS-Well, a company specializing in cost of goods sold software for restaurants. Bill shares insights from his long career in the restaurant industry, which began in 1974 as a restaurant manager and evolved into developing restaurant management software. The discussion covers the basics of back office systems, the importance of managing cost of goods and labor, and strategies for improving profitability, such as menu engineering, waste reduction, and leveraging AI for inventory management. Bill also highlights the unique features and methodologies of COGS-Well, designed to set up inventory systems quickly and efficiently while maintaining high data quality through auditing teams. Additionally, the episode emphasizes the importance of partnering with vendors, leveraging rebates, and making data-driven decisions. For more information and a demo of COGS-Well's solutions, listeners are encouraged to visit their website and dedicated landing page.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:25 Meet Bill Lindsey: Industry Veteran01:44 Understanding Back Office Systems03:16 Labor and Food Costs: A Balancing Act07:09 Impact of Tariffs and Volatility on Food Costs13:18 Strategies for Managing Costs26:55 Boosting Sales with Desserts and Appetizers28:06 Leveraging Rebate Programs for Extra Income30:58 Reducing Waste with AI and Donations35:38 Introduction to Cogswell's Unique Approach37:00 Setting Up and Managing Inventory Efficiently44:01 Optimizing Menu and Labor Costs52:03 The Importance of Partnering and Data-Driven Decisions

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian sits down with Sandeep, the founder of TechRyde, to discuss how his innovative middleware solutions are transforming guest engagement and connectivity in the restaurant industry. Sandeep shares his journey from being a technology and POS installer to creating a comprehensive middleware that integrates various apps with POS systems to streamline kitchen operations, reduce labor costs, and ensure on-time deliveries. They delve into the benefits of kitchen automation, real-time data analysis, AI integration, and the impressive ROI achieved by clients using TechRyde's systems. The episode concludes with success stories and insights into the future of restaurant technology.00:00 Techryde00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:33 Sandeep's Background and Journey03:22 Tech Ride: Concept and Evolution05:11 Kitchen Automation and Middleware Solutions08:06 Real-Time Data and Machine Learning in Restaurants14:37 Importance of Kitchen Automation Systems24:46 Future of AI in Restaurant Technology27:07 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with co-founders Lucy Logan and Sid Conklin from Every Bite. They discuss their innovative solutions for restaurant menus focused on personalization and food safety to better cater to a growing population with dietary restrictions and allergies. The smart menu technology offers a seamless, low-effort integration into existing restaurant systems, improving guest experiences and driving higher conversion rates. This episode dives deep into the impact of personalization in the dining industry, the technology behind Every Bite, and how simple it is for restaurants to implement these changes while enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.00:00 Everybite01:18 Introduction and Welcome01:47 Meet the Entrepreneurs: Lucy and Sid04:03 The Problem with Static Menus05:06 The Birth of Every Bite05:58 The Scale of Dietary Restrictions08:08 Personalization in the Digital Age09:41 Smart Menus: A Game Changer14:54 Mobile and In-Store Experience16:36 The Power of Customization19:35 Seamless Integration for Restaurants20:55 Introduction to PDF Import and Smart Menu21:44 AI and Machine Learning in Menu Personalization22:14 Simplifying Menu Updates for Restaurants23:41 Real-Time Menu Sync and Automation25:46 Enhancing Staff and Guest Experience27:53 Onboarding and Personalization Process29:48 Marketing and Customer Engagement35:39 Voice Search and Future Innovations38:14 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, hospitality leadership coach Matt Rolfe discusses the challenges faced by the industry, particularly surrounding the alignment of strategy and execution. He emphasizes the importance of co-creating strategies with operational teams and understanding guest experience to optimize average checks. Addressing the role of culture, resilience, and the need for clear, guest-focused strategies, Rolfe provides actionable insights for restaurant operators to navigate turbulent times and achieve sustainable success.00:00 Introduction and Meet Matt Rolfe00:05 Matt's Background and Approach to Leadership00:21 Creating and Executing Strategies02:02 The Importance of Culture in Strategy03:07 Facing Uncertainty and Building Resilience05:05 Focusing on Guest Experience06:21 Tailoring Service to Different Guest Types07:06 Getting in Touch with Matt Rolfe07:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts