Restaurant operations have changed. Data has replaced cash, technology touches every step of service, and disconnected systems now create more friction than progress. In this episode of Go Beyond the Connection, Tom Seeker, Chief Technology Officer at Ziggi’s Coffee, explains why the connected kitchen has become the operational heartbeat of the modern restaurant.

Tom brings a rare perspective shaped by experience across the Navy, restaurant operations, and executive technology leadership. He breaks down how today’s kitchens are no longer collections of isolated tools, but living ecosystems where front-of-house, back-of-house, and back-office systems must work together in real time. When those systems fail to communicate, teams lose clarity, decisions slow down, and margins suffer.

Throughout the conversation, Tom shares how integrated technology changes the way restaurants operate at every level. From guest ordering to payment reconciliation, each interaction generates data that can either become noise or be transformed into actionable intelligence. The difference lies in whether leaders design their technology stacks to work as one environment rather than a patchwork of vendors and devices.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why the connected kitchen is now central to restaurant performance and scalability
2. How real-time data visibility replaces guesswork during busy shifts
3. Why too much data can slow teams down if systems are not integrated
4. How innovation labs help operators test, certify, and deploy technology with less risk
5. Why CTOs who understand the business model earn a real seat at the table

Tom also dives into his approach to innovation labs. Instead of changing systems blindly, his teams test multiple POS platforms, kiosks, sensors, and back-office tools together before rollout. This end-to-end testing uncovers conflicts early, reduces downtime, and helps operators avoid costly mistakes that often appear only after deployment.

“The connected kitchen today is the tech stack within the restaurant that impacts how things flow between front of house and back of house, and the ability for all of your electronics to communicate in a singular world and allow data to be intelligently gathered, manipulated, and displayed so you can act in real time.”

— Tom Seeker, Chief Technology Officer at Ziggi’s Coffee

This episode is not about chasing the latest technology trend. It’s about building clarity. When every system speaks the same language, teams act faster, stress decreases, and leaders gain confidence in their decisions. The connected kitchen becomes a strategic advantage that protects both guest experience and profitability.

If you lead technology, operations, or innovation in restaurants or multi-location environments, this conversation offers a practical framework for simplifying complexity and turning real-time information into better outcomes.

Listen, watch, or explore the full episode:

1. 🎧 Captivate Audio Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/go-beyond-the-connection/
2. 📄 Episode Blog & Podbook: https://www.bigleaf.net/podcast-episodes/034-tom-seeker/
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4. 📰 LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7313431647520006144

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Barnhills Buffet
2. Outback Restaurant Partners
3. Meguiar's
4. Shrimp Basket
5. Burton Golf
6. Earl Enterprises
7. Planet Hollywood
8. Brio
9. Bravo
10. Bertucci
11. Buca
12. Ziggy's Coffee
13. Olo
14. Chowie
15. Checkmate
16. Toast
17. NCR
18. POSitouch
19. Samsung