In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper interviews Kelly Esten, CMO of Toast, live from the National Restaurant Association Show 2025. They discuss the role of technology in enhancing hospitality, including how Toast integrates tools to empower staff and improve guest experiences without losing the human touch. 

Kelly shares insights on the use of AI for personalization, Toast’s expansion into the enterprise market, and upcoming innovations in point-of-sale systems. The conversation highlights how restaurants can leverage technology to build guest relationships, drive operational efficiency, and unify systems for growth.

Topics Discussed in the Episode

• Kelly Esten’s personal definition of hospitality

• How Toast integrates technology to enhance hospitality

• AI personalization applications in the restaurant industry

• Toast’s expansion into the enterprise market

• Future innovations in point-of-sale and operational systems

Connect with Kelly Esten:

https://pos.toasttab.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/toast-inc/

https://www.instagram.com/toasttab/

https://www.facebook.com/ToastTab

https://www.tiktok.com/@toast_tab

https://www.youtube.com/@Toasttab

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellysennatt/ 

Certain products and features discussed in this podcast are currently under development, and may be subject to change without notice.

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.