Restaurant Tech Innovations: AI, Dynamic Pricing, and Future Trends with Joe Gaskowski In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Joe Gaskowski, Senior Editor at Restaurant Business, to discuss the state of the restaurant industry, especially casual dining, and future technological trends. They talk about the impact of AI in areas such as drive-thrus, back-of-house operations, and marketing. The conversation also delves into the controversial dynam...
Mar 10, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Innovating Consistency: Donato's Pizza with CEO Kevin King In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Kevin King, the CEO of Donatos Pizza, a legacy brand based in Columbus, Ohio. Kevin shares his journey in the restaurant industry, including his return to Donatos, and discusses the company's unique value proposition and operational consistency. The conversation delves into Donatos' emphasis on high-quality ingredients and their stri...
Mar 03, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Navigating Tariffs and Technology: Insights from Canada's Restaurant Guy, Jay Ashton In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Jay Ashton, known as Canada's Restaurant Guy. They delve into the non-political impact of regulations, especially tariffs, on the restaurant industry in both Canada and the U.S. Jay shares his extensive experience in the restaurant supply chain, discusses the potential severe impact of upcoming tariffs similar to...
Feb 24, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Unlocking Restaurant Success: A Deep Dive with Matt Plapp on Marketing and Loyalty In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Matt Plapp, a seasoned marketing expert in the restaurant industry and CEO of America's Best Restaurants. Matt, also known as the Chief Energy Officer, shares insights on creating memorable guest experiences and leveraging digital loyalty programs to keep restaurant guests returning. He discusses his journey from workin...
Feb 17, 2025•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian, CRO of Custom Business Solutions with over 25 years in restaurant tech, hosts Can, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Finch. Finch offers innovative digital media platforms tailored for restaurants, allowing them to advertise in-house specials and sell screen time to third-party advertisers. Can explains how Finch aims to help restaurant owners enhance guest experiences, drive behavior, and boost margins without incurrin...
Feb 10, 2025•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor for Nations Restaurant News. They discuss a wide array of topics, including Alicia's extensive background in restaurant journalism, the current and future trends in the restaurant industry, and the impacts of automation and technology on restaurant operations. They also touch on the importance of providing value and a holistic experience to consumers, the challenges and ...
Feb 03, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Revolutionizing Restaurant Tech: Yaro's Journey with PickPad In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian interviews Yaro, a multiple-time founder in the realm of restaurant technology. Yaro shares his background, detailing his migration from Ukraine to the United States and his 15-year journey in developing tech solutions for the restaurant industry. The discussion focuses on Yaro's latest innovative product, PickPad, a modular system aimed at optimizing th...
Jan 27, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Empowering Family Businesses: Insights from 'The Family Business Manifesto' In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by business coach and author Mike to discuss his new book, 'The Family Business Manifesto.' The conversation delves into the unique challenges and dynamics of family-run businesses, sharing key lessons from the book that aim to help such enterprises thrive. Mike highlights the importance of establishing clear roles...
Jan 20, 2025•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, host Jeremy Julian talks with Rishabh, a serial entrepreneur aiming to transform the beverage industry with his innovative startup, Sidework. The discussion delves into the current challenges faced by the beverage sector, especially in coffee shops and bars dealing with complex drink orders. Rishabh explains how Sidework's agnostic ingredient dispensing system simplifies and speeds up the preparation process, improves accuracy, and ...
Jan 13, 2025•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Jeremy Julian speaks with Andrew Scott, a former restaurant owner who transitioned into empowering restaurant owners through his company, Ownership Training. Andrew shares his journey from struggling with restaurant management to founding a company that helps other restaurateurs scale their businesses and regain their freedom. The discussion covers his three-step process to enhance restaurant profitability, effective hiring practices, and understanding business seasonality. Andr...
Jan 06, 2025•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian is joined by Brian Wayne, VP of Customer Success at QSR Automations. They discuss how QSR Automations' technology solutions, such as the ConnectSmart kitchen display system and front desk software, enhance kitchen efficiency and guest experience. Brian shares insights into his journey with QSR Automations, the evolution of their products, and the importance of data in improving restaurant operations. The conversation h...
Dec 30, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian, Chief Revenue Officer of Custom Business Solutions, is joined by Jeff Porter and Ryan Burhorn, co-founders of RAD, a next-generation analytics platform designed for restaurant operators. Their guest, James McGee, CFO and franchisee at Dave's Hot Chicken, shares insights into how RAD helps the rapidly growing brand make data-driven decisions that improve guest and employee experiences. The discussion covers RAD's ...
Dec 16, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Brandi Villareal, head of Uber Direct's online food delivery for the U.S. and Canada. They explore the advantages of Uber Direct's first-party delivery solution, which allows restaurant brands to maintain control over customer data and enhance customer loyalty, unlike third-party marketplaces. Brandi shares her extensive background in the food and beverage industry, including technology and opera...
Dec 09, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, Jeremy Julian talks with Danny Klein, freshly promoted to VP Editorial Director at WTWH Media's FRH properties. They delve deep into the state of the restaurant industry, discussing everything from the surge of bankruptcies and the challenges of rising costs, to evolving consumer preferences and the impact of technology. Danny shares insights on value perceptions, brand adaptations like those of Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse, and the ...
Dec 02, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy is joined by Deric Rosenbaum, President and CTO of Groucho's Deli, an 83-year-old deli chain based in the Southeast U.S. Deric shares his journey from commercial construction to leading Groucho's Deli alongside his business partner Bruce Miller. The conversation delves into Groucho's unique hybrid model between QSR and Fast Casual, their unrelenting focus on quality ingredients, and their innovative use of technolog...
Nov 25, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Cijoy, an experienced restaurant technology and operations veteran. Cijoy shares his journey from engineering to the Y2K era and his transition into the restaurant industry. He introduces his new product, GM Pilot, which aims to streamline restaurant operations by optimizing labor management, enhancing efficiency, and saving costs. The discussion highlights the significant challenges faced by GMs and how GM...
Nov 18, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, the discussion centers around InKind's innovative, tech-driven approach to scaling and supporting restaurants. InKind's CEO shares insights on leveraging Silicon Valley strategies, deploying large-scale data analytics and AI, and the significance of personalized support for independent restaurants. The episode covers the dual role of InKind as a financial service provider and a consumer marketplace, detailing creative financing solutions and marketing experiments that ...
Nov 11, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this insightful episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian chats with Chris Demery, CTO of Blaze Pizza, about the technological advancements at Blaze Pizza, particularly post-COVID-19. Chris highlights the pivotal role of user-friendly technology in enhancing both on-premise and off-premise dining experiences. The discussion covers the seamless implementation of the Qu POS system across more than 270 locations, the importance of open APIs, and the challenges and sol...
Nov 04, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, co-host Jeremy interviews serial entrepreneur Keith Sampson, who shares his journey through the payments and fintech industry influenced by personal challenges such as his father's battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. Keith discusses his 'grow through it' mindset and passion for helping others achieve their potential, highlighting five key characteristics for growth: continuous learning, gratitude, resilience, humility, ...
Oct 28, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian sits down with Laura Wilbur from Dinova to discuss strategies for attracting higher-spending corporate guests to restaurants. They delve into the benefits for both corporate diners and restaurant operators, including increased guest frequency, higher average check sizes, and loyal business relationships. Laura shares her professional insights on how Dinova helps bridge the gap between Fortune 1000 companies and high-qu...
Oct 21, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian talks with Rev Ciancio, a hospitality marketing consultant and CMO at Salad House and Handcraft Burgers Brew. They discuss effective restaurant marketing strategies, focusing on the importance of local search optimization, email marketing, and guest feedback. Rev shares insights on why social media isn't a primary driver for customer acquisition and emphasizes the value of CRM growth through regular, targeted email new...
Oct 14, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Podcast, host welcomes Santi Cuellar, Senior Manager of Product Marketing for Fusion Connect and co-host of the Tech Unmuted podcast. Santi shares insights into the evolving role of technology in the restaurant and retail sectors, particularly focusing on network infrastructure and its criticality. The discussion covers the shift in network needs driven by the pandemic, the importance of robust and secure Wi-Fi networks, and the significance of omni-c...
Oct 07, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Restaurant Technology with Joanna Fantozzi In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, we are joined by Joanna Fantozzi, a senior editor at Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. Joanna shares her journey in the restaurant tech space, discussing her role in covering tech, legislation, and specific companies within the industry. The conversation delves into the current state of restaurant technology, emphasizing the importance...
Sep 30, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Revolutionizing Restaurant Finances with Starfish AI: Insights from Jordan Silverman In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy sits down with Jordan Silverman, co-founder and CEO of Starfish, a company dedicated to helping small businesses understand and manage their finances using AI. Jordan shares his journey, from early entrepreneurial endeavors to his passion for assisting small businesses in democratizing access to data and tools. The conversation delves into ho...
Sep 23, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Journey of Pops Italian Beef: From Family Tradition to Franchise Expansion In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, the host welcomes Kacie, a lifelong restaurant industry veteran and the daughter of the founder of Pops Italian Beef. Kacie shares her personal background, the history of Pops Italian Beef, and its transition from a family-owned business to a franchised brand with 16 locations. She discusses the unique challenges and successes of maintaining consistent quality...
Sep 16, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, the hosts welcome back Meredith Sandland, CEO of Empower Delivery. Meredith offers insights into the evolution of restaurant technology and the importance of efficient delivery systems. She discusses how her company, Empower Delivery, spun out from ClusterTruck, aims to streamline the delivery process for restaurants by offering an end-to-end order fulfillment system. The conversation delves into the challenges of third-party delivery se...
Sep 09, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Harnessing AI for Restaurant Reputation Management with Akira's Co-Founder In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, the hosts sit down with Shereen, co-founder of Akira, to discuss the importance of online reputation management for restaurants. They delve into how Akira uses AI to streamline reputation efforts, manage online reviews, and deliver actionable insights to improve customer experience and branding. Shereen shares the origins of Akira and highlights the significa...
Sep 02, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, b...
Aug 26, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 fra...
Aug 19, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 imp...
Aug 12, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
