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

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, the hosts welcome Chad and Lauren Coulter, co-founders of Biscuit Belly. They share their journey from being pharmacists to becoming successful restaurateurs, developing their biscuit-centered restaurant brand. The Coulters discuss their strategic branding efforts, the challenges and adaptations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and their expansion plans. They also reflect on the importance of maintaining a unique dining experience, both on-premise and off-premise, while highlighting their focus on building a strong, community-centered brand. Listeners gain insights into the operational intricacies of franchising and the duo's vision for future growth.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:27 Meet Chad and Lauren Coulter02:30 The Origin of Biscuit Belly17:02 Navigating the Pandemic22:15 Biscuit Belly's Menu and Experience24:42 Expansion and Franchising30:25 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, the host welcomes Casey Cooley, President of Pivotal Growth Partners and Director of Franchising and Development for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. Casey discusses his role in helping emerging restaurant franchises grow by focusing on recruiting the right franchisees and selecting the optimal locations. He emphasizes the importance of a phased vetting process to determine if a brand is franchisable and the need for a comprehensive support system. Casey also highlights how different franchising models, technology, and location strategies impact the success of franchise brands. Additionally, he shares success stories from Vicious Biscuit and Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, providing valuable insights for both potential franchisors and franchisees.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:14 Meet Casey Cooley: Background and Role01:24 Franchising Process and Vetting03:31 Challenges and Mistakes in Franchising06:29 Franchisee Accountability and Success11:20 Technology and Location Strategy18:01 Expanding Beyond Core Markets25:31 Success Stories and Emerging Brands33:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, the host interviews Ashley McNamara, VP of Marketing at Apex Order Pickup Solutions. They discuss the efficiency and security of Apex's automated locker systems designed for restaurant order pick-ups. Ashley explains how these lockers streamline the order retrieval process, improve data visibility, and enhance customer and staff experiences. Topics include the comparison with traditional shelves, the role of geo-fencing, and the impact of integrated digital ordering systems. They also touch upon the benefits for third-party delivery drivers and the flexibility of the locker system in various restaurant settings.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:10 Meet Ashley from Apex00:34 Apex Order Pickup Solutions Overview01:24 Challenges with Traditional Pickup Methods02:50 Automated Locker Solutions03:47 Sponsor Message04:12 Enhancing Customer Experience with Technology05:55 Food Quality and Safety08:36 Smart Solutions and Geofencing15:56 Handling Large Orders and Special Cases18:37 Third-Party Delivery Integration21:13 Implementation and Space Requirements25:53 Integration with Existing Systems30:24 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, host Jeremy welcomes Anan, a long-time listener and an AI expert with significant experience in restaurant tech and operations. The discussion dives deep into the challenges and solutions associated with delivery in the restaurant industry, focusing on Loop AI—a platform designed to help restaurants understand and improve their delivery profitability. Anan shares his journey from AI research to working at Uber and starting his own restaurants, and eventually creating Loop AI to address the financial and operational struggles of delivery services. The conversation covers the intricacies of delivery, taxation, profitability, and marketing spend, emphasizing the importance of data and technology in making informed business decisions for delivery channels.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:13 Guest Introduction: Anan's Journey01:34 The Rise of Delivery in Restaurants02:26 Challenges in Delivery Profitability03:16 Loop AI: Revolutionizing Restaurant Delivery06:02 Understanding Financial Complexities11:34 Marketing and Consumer Behavior17:02 Taxation and Reconciliation38:10 Engaging with Loop AI41:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, Jeremy interviews Travis, an expert in credit card security and tokenization, from VGS (Very Good Security). They discuss the importance of security in the restaurant industry, the role of tokenization in ensuring PCI compliance, and the benefits of owning customer payment data. Travis shares insights on how VGS helps restaurants and other merchants improve their security and customer experience by protecting sensitive data and enabling flexible payment processing. He also provides examples of successful implementations and the onboarding process for new clients. The episode highlights the growing need for advanced security solutions in the face of increasing data breaches and the importance of understanding customer data for targeted marketing.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:20 Meet Travis: Background and Experience02:51 Understanding VGS and Tokenization04:07 Importance of Security in Payment Processing05:08 Challenges and Solutions in PCI Compliance08:11 Enhancing Customer Experience with Tokenization15:23 Portability and Flexibility of Tokenized Data23:22 Customer Success Stories26:57 Onboarding and Implementation with VGS29:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Ryan Black, the co-founder of Sambazon. Ryan shares his fascinating journey of discovering acai in Brazil 25 years ago and turning it into a popular superfood in the United States. He discusses the sustainable and environmental impact of Sambazon, the challenges in establishing a supply chain, and the evolution of acai from a niche product to a mainstream health food. Ryan also outlines the future plans for Sambazon, including their retail and franchise expansions. This episode offers insights into entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation in the food industry.00:00 Welcome to the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast00:29 Discovering Acai: A Journey Begins01:39 The Nutritional and Environmental Impact of Acai03:10 Bringing Acai to the American Market09:06 Challenges and Innovations in Acai Distribution15:02 The Acai Bowl Experience Explained17:33 Expanding Acai's Reach: Retail and Beyond22:08 Sambazon's Sustainable Business Model28:36 Launching Acai Bowl Franchises35:30 Closing Thoughts and How to Get Involved

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, the host introduces Todd Myers, CEO of GoZone WiFi, a software company that helps brick-and-mortar businesses, including restaurants, monetize their WiFi services. Todd shares insights on the evolution of WiFi technology and discusses how GoZone WiFi enables companies to collect customer data, enhance guest experiences, and drive revenue through targeted marketing campaigns. Highlighting both the security aspects and the substantial benefits of managed WiFi, Todd provides valuable real-world examples and success stories. The conversation also touches on GoZone WiFi's flexible hardware integration and their freemium model, making advanced WiFi solutions accessible to a broad range of businesses.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:22 Meet Todd Myers: The Journey of a WiFi Pioneer02:36 The Evolution of WiFi in Restaurants and Beyond06:52 The Security Risks and Solutions for Restaurant WiFi12:24 Exploring the Benefits of Managed WiFi for Restaurants26:28 Success Stories and How to Get Started with GoZone

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, the hosts welcome Heather Cox Codes, a self-declared tech nerd and social media strategist. Heather shares her journey from working at her mom's boutique to becoming a key figure in the tech and restaurant industry, specializing in WordPress website design and SEO optimization. Heather discusses the complexities of branding, the importance of cohesive and user-friendly websites, and the necessity of consistent social media presence. She also touches on personal experiences, offering insights into overcoming challenges and leveraging digital tools for business growth.00:00 Welcome to the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast00:07 Meet Heather: A Tech Nerd in the Restaurant Industry01:24 Heather's Journey: From Hospitality to Tech04:15 The Challenges of the Restaurant Industry06:29 Heather Cox Codes: Branding and Web Design for Restaurants10:24 The Importance of Cohesive Branding in Hospitality15:56 Optimizing Restaurant Websites for Every Generation18:41 Demystifying SEO for Restaurants21:03 Revolutionizing Kitchen Operations with Total Oil Management21:32 The Ever-Changing World of SEO and Its Importance21:58 Leveraging Social Media for Organic Traffic and Customer Engagement23:08 The Critical Role of Social Proof in Restaurant Selection24:48 Active Digital Presence: A Must for Restaurants26:09 Content Creation Strategies and the Power of Posting Daily30:09 Overcoming the Fear of Sharing Your Story on Social Media33:12 The Strategic and Creative Journey of Launching a Podcast36:25 Leaving a Legacy Through Digital Content38:05 Engaging with Heather Cox: Insights and Opportunities

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, the conversation focuses on the critical role of customer data in driving brand success within the restaurant industry. Guest speaker Lewis, with a 25-year background in digital media, discusses the transition from traditional metrics like click-through rates to more effective measures linking advertising to in-store performance. He emphasizes the importance of first-party data over third-party data, especially in light of privacy concerns and the deprecation of cookies. Pairzon's approach combines AI algorithms to predict consumer behavior with a focus on real-time, actionable insights from a restaurant's own data. The dialogue covers the challenges restaurants face in capturing customer data and how solutions like loyalty programs and e-receipts can aid in better targeting and personalization. Lewis shares insights on the evolving landscape of digital advertising, the effectiveness of different platforms, and the imperative of understanding and utilizing first-party data for competitive advantage.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Speaker00:24 The Importance of Customer Data in the Restaurant Industry00:48 Deep Dive into Digital Advertising and Marketing Evolution01:13 Challenges and Solutions in Modern Marketing Metrics02:24 The Power of AI in Predicting Consumer Behavior02:33 Leveraging First-Party Data for Marketing Success03:30 Understanding and Overcoming Data Challenges in Restaurants09:04 The Role of Loyalty Programs in Data-Driven Marketing23:11 The Future of Targeted Advertising and the Importance of First-Party Data27:27 How Pairzon Enhances Restaurant Marketing with Data34:53 Conclusion and How to Connect with Pairzon

In this episode, the host welcomes Will Pemble, an entrepreneur who previously founded one of the largest web hosting companies, web.com, and later sold it. Will delves into his journey from web hosting to management consulting and back to his roots in technology and web optimization with his latest venture, Page Leap. Will describes Page Leap as a tool designed to address the myriad challenges of SEO for restaurants, highlighting the importance of page speed, content optimization, and technical SEO factors for increasing conversions. The conversation emphasizes the potential of Page Leap to level the playing field for smaller restaurant chains against industry giants in search engine results. Furthermore, both Will and the host discuss the complexities of SEO, the dire consequences of slow-loading pages, and the critical elements necessary for a successful restaurant landing page. This episode offers valuable insights into how meticulous SEO execution can drive business growth and customer engagement in the restaurant industry.00:00 Welcome to the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast00:12 Introducing Will Pemble: From Web.com to Page Leap02:19 The Genesis of Page Leap: Revolutionizing Web Speed03:06 SEO Strategies and the Importance of Page Speed05:27 Building Page Leap: A Journey from Idea to Execution09:11 The Impact of Page Speed on Conversion Rates14:10 Breaking Down the Anatomy of an Effective Landing Page16:06 Exploring SEO Essentials for Restaurants17:58 The Art of Dave's Hot Chicken Locations18:46 Optimizing for Mobile and Page Speed20:13 Accessibility and Security in Web Design23:47 The Birth of PageLeap: Revolutionizing SEO Execution25:46 Engaging with PageLeap: A Solution for Restaurateurs28:36 Leveling the SEO Playing Field for Small Businesses31:32 The Vision of PageLeap: Empowering Every Business