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

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

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian is joined by Christian, the President of Love My Point. They discuss the innovative strategies Love My Point is employing to enhance franchise success through technology automation. Christian shares his background in the restaurant industry, the concept behind American-style pubs, and how they integrate customer feedback into menu innovation. They delve into the substantial investments made in technology, including a robust learning management system and customer loyalty programs, aimed at supporting franchisees and improving overall operations. The episode highlights the importance of scalable business models and continuous improvement in the restaurant industry.00:00 Love my Point00:56 Introduction and Welcome01:17 Meet Christian: President of The Point Pub and Grill01:47 Christian's Background in the Restaurant Industry02:46 Defining the American Style Pub05:44 Menu Innovation and Upscale Dining09:41 Utilizing Technology for Menu Feedback11:08 Franchisee Support and Training Systems15:20 Learning Management System Explained17:00 Managing Digital Training in Restaurants19:50 Guest Loyalty and Recidivism21:39 Investment in Technology and Systems24:13 Franchise Expansion and Opportunities28:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Jeremy interviews David Greschler, CEO and co-founder of Nomad Go, about their innovative inventory management technology. David explains how Nomad Go utilizes spatial vision and augmented reality to eliminate the tedious manual inventory counting process. The technology, leveraging the computational power of devices like iPads and iPhones, offers highly accurate and instantaneous inventory counts, mitigating the inefficiencies associated with traditional methods. By enabling more frequent and precise inventory checks, Nomad Go helps businesses reduce waste, avoid stockouts, and reallocate labor more effectively, ultimately improving bottom and top-line performance. The episode concludes with David providing insights on how to learn more about Nomad Go and their upcoming appearances at industry trade shows.00:00 Introducing Nomad Go00:17 How Nomad Go Works05:46 Benefits of Using Nomad Go07:37 Future of Inventory Management08:54 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian, Chief Revenue Officer for CBS Northstar, interviews Ahsan from Mellow Mushroom. They discuss the unique aspects of Mellow Mushroom, a casual dining brand based in Atlanta that offers a distinct spin on pizza. Jeremy shares his love for the brand, and they delve into topics around restaurant industry success, choosing technology partners, and competing both digitally and in-restaurant as they approach 2025. Ahsan shares his atypical journey from management consulting to his current role, highlighting his focus on customer and employee experience, the importance of technology and data, and the brand's response to digital transformation accelerated by COVID-19. The episode also explores Mellow Mushroom’s efforts in franchise development, menu innovation, maintaining a balance between in-dining and off-premise services, and creating a cohesive brand experience.00:00 Mellow Mushroom00:14 Introduction to the Episode01:09 Guest Introduction and Background01:45 Journey to Mellow Mushroom03:54 Role and Responsibilities at Mellow Mushroom04:46 Brand Evolution and Refresh05:35 Core Values and Guest Experience14:42 Digital Transformation and Challenges21:01 The Goldilocks Zone of Pizza21:23 Enhancing Off-Premise Experience21:51 Profitability and Food Quality Challenges23:21 Innovative Menu Offerings23:59 Unique Flavor Profiles and LTOs30:06 Local Favorites and Customization32:32 Franchising Opportunities and Expansion35:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, host Eric interviews Erin Levzow, a versatile consultant with extensive experience in digital marketing for various industries, including technology, retail, and hospitality. They discuss the evolution of marketing from traditional to digital, the importance of data analytics, and effective strategies for managing both online and offline retail environments. Erin also shares insights into overcoming common marketing challenges like tech consolidation and maintaining brand identity. Additionally, Erin introduces her podcast, 'Bite Size and Bossy,' aimed at empowering women in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the need for women to actively seek opportunities and share their stories.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:13 Erin Levzow's Background and Experience00:44 Modern Marketing Challenges and Strategies01:48 Digital Transformation in Restaurants02:13 Offline Retail Tactics and Data Utilization03:43 Navigating Market Uncertainty06:22 Engaging with Erin for Marketing Solutions07:43 Promoting the 'Bite Size and Bossy' Podcast10:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts