In this episode of The Financial Advantage, host Nick Stauff sits down with David Drinan, Managing Partner at BlackThorne Strategic Advisors, to explore how restaurants can unlock value through operational efficiency and smart tech investments.

David shares firsthand insights from years in restructuring, private equity, and hospitality consulting. He shows how underperforming restaurants can improve profitability by focusing on labor efficiency, purchasing strategy, and automation—without relying solely on top-line growth. From dynamic scheduling tools to voice AI and fully autonomous kitchens, David outlines the tech reshaping the industry.

They also discuss how brand values and customer expectations can clash with innovation, and why striking the right balance is key. Whether you run five locations or fifty, this episode offers practical takeaways to improve unit economics and scale more confidently.