Alex Sambvani is the Co-Founder & CEO of Slang.ai, a startup that helps full-service restaurant operators automate their inbound phone calls using AI. In this episode, we’ll talk about what separates Slang from traditional IVR systems, the myriad of inquiries it can handle for guests, and a litmus test for what makes a valuable AI startup.
Amos Golan is the founder & CEO of Chunk Foods, a startup that makes plant-based, whole cut meat products like steak and brisket. In this episode, we’ll talk about the plant-based predecessors to Chunk, how the startup is leveraging solid-state fermentation to create a clean label, and broader consumer trends within flexitarian and plant-based diets.
Maya Sapir-Mir is the Co-Founder & CEO of PoLoPo, a Israel-based startup pioneering a new method of molecular farming to grow egg proteins in potatoes. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Polopo leverages CRISPR to express proteins within potatoes, how molecular farming works, and the end-to-end supply chain that helps it compete against traditional agriculture.
Matt Smolin is the Co-Founder & CEO of Hang, an interactive omnichannel loyalty platform used by brands like Roam Burgers, Boba Guys, and Budweiser. In this episode we’ll talk about the lack of personalization in today’s loyalty ecosystem, how Hang is leveraging minigames to unlock 50% greater spend for its restaurants, and the importance of omnichannel loyalty.
Phil Mikhaylov is the Co-Founder & CEO of Unicorn, a modern auction platform for spirits and wine enthusiasts. In this episode, we’ll talk about the market for liquid collectibles, how the platform offers custodial services for buyers and sellers, and the data it is uncovering within the alcohol industry.
Abhinav Kapur is the Co-Founder & CEO of Bikky, a customer data analytics platform that helps multi-unit restaurants understand the frequency and lifetime value of their guests. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Bikky is threading the needle between various data silos, how it helps operators understand guest retention, and the future of personalized loyalty.
Nathan Myhrvold is the author of The Modernist Cuisine, an esteemed cookbook series that examines the art and science of cooking for highly curious chefs and enthusiasts. In this episode we’ll chat about Nathan’s transition from CTO at Microsoft to French culinary school, how he thinks about food science, and the cutting edge of bread making.
Sami Inkinen is the Co-Founder & CEO of Virta Health, a digital clinic that reverses type 2 diabetes through nutrition. In this episode, we’ll talk about the broken incentives of the American healthcare system, the efficacy of Virta’s program for treating diabetes and promoting weight loss, and the future of healthy eating.
John Rabiner and Mike Sanuti are the co-founders of Prime Site, an end-to-end construction and advisory firm that leverages data and insights for retailers. In this episode we’ll analyze real estate strategies of fast-growing salad and beverage concepts, talk about omnichannel fulfillment, and analyze grocery retail expansion across dollar, convenience, and smaller-footprint formats.
Francisco Martin-Rayo is the Co-Founder & CEO of Helios, an AI platform that aggregates billions of data points to predict the climate, economic, and political risks facing global commodities. In this episode, we’ll chat about how some of the largest food players and commodity traders are leveraging Helios’ platform, the various tradeoffs we need to be considering in agribusiness, and technological solutions that can help create a more resilient food system over the long haul.
Ali Wing is the CEO of Oobli, a biotech startup that manufactures “sweet proteins” that reduce the amount of added sugar in foods and beverages by 75-90%. In this episode we’ll talk about the science behind these trickster sugars, Oobli’s two-pronged go-to-market strategy, and the metabolic health crisis in America.
Matt Wampler is the Co-Founder & CEO of ClearCOGS, an AI-based demand forecasting platform that helps restaurants move beyond guesswork. In this episode, we’ll talk about how the platform helps drive profitability for customers like Goop Kitchen, how it builds its predictive models on back-of-house and POS data, and the potential for AI across the entire restaurant customer journey.
Matt Tucker is the SVP and Head of Tock, a comprehensive restaurant reservation platform focused on revenue management through offerings like events, experiences, off-premise, and more. In this episode, we’ll talk about what sets Tock apart from the competition, how it has evolved beyond fine dining, and the future P&L of restaurants.
Christine Schindler is the Co-Founder & CEO of PathSpot, a health & safety operating system for restaurants and food manufacturers. In this episode, we talk about PathSpot’s proprietary handwashing compliance hardware, how it serves as the system of record for standard operating procedures, and the power of its data to help prevent foodborne illness before it happens.
Stephen Goldstein is the COO of Kernel, a redesigned restaurant model for the next era of hospitality that leverages automation and efficiency to drive convenience, better wages, sustainability, and quality. In this episode, we’ll talk about Stephen’s journey from RBI, Deliveroo, and Wonder to Kernel, the concept’s unique approach of vertical integration, and how Kernel’s modular design could influence the course of its future.
Rajat Bhageria is the Founder & CEO of Chef Robotics, an AI startup focused on automating assembly lines within foodservice and CPG. In this episode, we’ll talk about Chef’s unique approach to robotics, how it quickly scaled to helping produce over 12 million meals, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and robots within the food industry.
Reed McCord is the Founder & CEO of First Bite, a software platform providing market intelligence and CRM tools for CPG brands selling into foodservice. In this episode, we’ll talk about Reed’s early experience helping scale Impossible Foods, the black box of foodservice distribution, and how First Bite is helping brands identify and sell to the most likely restaurant customers.
Judy & Eliot Frost are the co-founders of Beli, a social network and review platform dedicated to restaurant fanatics. In this episode we’ll talk about the problems with the existing rating platforms and restaurant discovery, how Beli aims to play a pivotal role in the end-to-end dining experience, and the power of its data to unlock personalized recommendations.
Priyam Saraswat is the co-founder of Voosh, a dashboard that helps restaurants maximize profitability on third-party delivery apps. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Voosh leverages AI to help restaurants win back lost revenue from chargebacks, optimize their promotions, and get a full picture of their delivery P&L across multiple platforms.
Dr. Joseph Weiss is a gastroenterologist and clinical professor at University of California San Diego. In this episode, we’ll talk about the various functions of the gut microbiome, why many probiotics are scientifically unproven, and the power of resistant starch prebiotic foods.
Gunpil Hwang is the co-founder & CEO of Aniai, a hamburger automation startup based in Seoul, Korea. I was also joined by Head of North American Sales Eric Hansen. In this episode, we’ll talk about Aniai’s first-principles approach to kitchen automation, how it’s different from competitors, and the current and future foodservice robotics landscape.
Anne Palermo is the Co-Founder & CEO of Aqua Cultured Foods, a startup developing whole-muscle cut alternatives to seafood using biomass fermentation. In this episode we’ll talk about the health and sustainability challenges facing traditional aquaculture, how AQUA is partnering with high-end restaurants, and the market opportunity to offer a high-fiber, lower-cost seafood alternative.
Cole Jones is the Founder & CEO of Local Line, an e-commerce network connecting local farmers with restaurants and grocers. In this episode, we’ll talk about the importance of keeping food dollars within local economies, how large QSRs like Chipotle are using the platform to purchase tens of millions of pounds of local produce, and how farmers can tap into a marketplace of buyers looking for new suppliers. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the HNGRY Newsletter...
Ellen Brune is the VP of Product Management at AutoStore, a warehouse automation system for online grocery and e-commerce fulfillment for brands like Best Buy, Puma, HEB, and Giant. In this episode, we’ll discuss the tradeoffs between manual and automated grocery fulfillment, how automation can deliver groceries faster and more accurately, and how it might transform the physical shopping experience of the future. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the HNGRY Newsletter...
Sai Alluri is the Co-Founder & CEO of Momos, an all-in-one customer engagement platform that helps restaurants grow and retain their guests. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Momos is consolidating email marketing and feedback management, leveraging AI, and how restaurants are using it to identify key areas to delight their customers. Subscribe to the HNGRY Newsletter
Micahel Robinov is the co-founder and CEO of Farm To People, a New York City-based grocery delivery service that procures fresh produce, meat, dairy, and more directly from local farmers. In this episode, we’ll talk about sourcing products from sustainably-grown purveyors, the unit economics powering its delivery service, and the future of hyperlocal, decentralized food production and distribution. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the HNGRY newsletter...
Derek G. Taylor is the founder of Menotti’s Coffee Shop and The Park, a on-chain DAO powering food, beverage, and music projects like Happy Friday Coffee. In this episode, we’ll chat about the potential to move offline communities on-chain, how blockchain can create more equity within hospitality, and the pure espresso technology behind Happy Friday Coffee that enables espresso to be served without any machines. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the HNGRY newsletter...
Nick Kenner is the Founder & CEO of Just Salad, a fast casual salad chain on a mission to unlock everyday health and sustainability. In this episode, we’ll chat about technology’s role when it comes to nutrition, automation, and retention, its reusable bowl program, and the whitespace opportunity for salad to steal share away from fast food. Sign up for the HNGRY newsletter
Marcus Antebi is the founder & CEO of goodsugar, a NYC-based quick service concept serving unpasteurized organic smoothies and juices as well as plant-based prepared foods and baked goods. In this episode, we’ll explore Marcus’ entrepreneurial journey including the founding story of Juice Press, his unique approach to culinary and retail, and his plans to expand into CPG. Full disclosure that unlike prior episodes, there is a lot of raw profanity in this conversation....
Kevin Brown is the Co-Founder & CEO of Innit, an AI platform purpose-built for large CPGs, grocers, and healthcare companies. In this episode, we’ll talk about the problems with off-the-shelf large language models in food, the future of personalized nutrition, and the promise of smart kitchens. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the HNGRY newsletter
