Finding the right technology partner for your restaurant shouldn't feel like a blind date gone wrong, yet for many operators, that's exactly what it becomes. 

Seth Rankin, with 20 years of experience at OpenTable and a passion for growing people and companies, pulls back the curtain on what truly matters when selecting restaurant technology.

The conversation dives deep into why most restaurants struggle with their tech partnerships. Seth explains that the disconnect often begins when technology companies focus on their features rather than understanding the restaurant's specific challenges. 

With the average restaurant juggling 15 different technology systems, operators need partners who ask the right questions: 

• What problem are you trying to solve? 
• How is this affecting your business? 
• What are your goals for the next 6-12 months?

Seth offers practical guidance on evaluating potential tech partners, emphasizing the importance of referrals, integration capabilities, and comprehensive support structures. 

As he humorously notes, "Nothing crashes on a Sunday at 9 PM—it's always on a Friday at 7 PM," highlighting why responsive support during critical service times is non-negotiable. Beyond reactive support, Seth outlines what proactive quarterly check-ins should look like, encouraging operators to come prepared with specific examples and feedback.

The conversation shifts to emerging technologies, with Seth providing insights on various platforms from POS systems to reservation tools and artificial intelligence applications. 

He makes a compelling case for embracing AI in appropriate contexts, comparing today's hesitation to the early resistance toward digital reservation systems. Just as those systems ultimately enhanced rather than replaced the maître d' role, today's AI tools can handle routine inquiries while freeing staff to deliver more meaningful hospitality.

Whether you're evaluating new technology or trying to get more from your existing systems, this episode offers actionable strategies for building tech partnerships that truly support your restaurant's success. Reach out to Seth directly at [email protected] for personalized guidance on navigating the complex world of hospitality technology.

Resources:

Seth Rankin

Open Table

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