Guest: Jonatan Marc Rasmussen, CEO & Co-Founder, All Gravy

Title: Why Your Team Is Ghosting Your Workplace Comms (and How to Fix It)

Live at HRC ( sorry for the audio blips!)

📢 In this episode:

What do Pizza Pilgrims, Gen Z, and Duolingo have in common? They’re all part of the new wave of employee engagement — and Jonatan Marc Rasmussen is here to spill the gravy on how tech is finally catching up to what workers actually want.

Jonatan, CEO and co-founder of All Gravy, joins Chris to talk about building a communication platform that doesn’t make your team roll their eyes. From ditching outdated group chats to making onboarding actually enjoyable, this episode is packed with hot takes, smart insights, and a glimpse into the future of workplace tech.

🎯 Top takeaways:

• ​WhatsApp is great… until it’s notJonatan breaks down why familiar tools aren’t cutting it anymore and how All Gravy is rethinking internal comms for a generation raised on Stories, not spreadsheets.
• ​Engagement stats that’ll make your ops team swoonSome companies are seeing 120 logins in the first 2 weeks — and not just for the banter. Employees want to connect and feel seen. This is how you build loyalty.
• ​Learning that doesn’t suckWhat if training felt more like Duolingo and less like death by PDF? Discover how integrated learning boosts retention and turns onboarding into a community moment.

🎙️ Bonus moments:

• ​[00:05:05] The chaos of onboarding
• ​[00:09:24] How AI is creeping (in a good way) into comms
• ​[00:12:04] Going big in the US
• ​[00:16:37] Why the employee experience is the brand

Ready to stop shouting into the digital void and actually engage your team?

This episode is your sign.

👉 Listen now

#TechOnToast #All Gravy #WorkplaceTech #HospitalityInnovation #GenZWorkforce #EmployeeEngagement #HospitalityTech #LearningAndDevelopment

👤 Guest: Mark Bloom, General Manager, Wolseley Hospitality Group🎧 Host: Chris Fletcher🔗 Powered by: Lightspeed – the unified EPOS and payments platform for scaling smarter and faster.⸻👋 What’s the Episode About?In this unfiltered and refreshingly honest episode, Chris is joined by Mark Bloom, GM at the iconic Wolseley Hospitality Group. From his days running student club nights and DJing garage to leading operations in one of the UK’s most respected hospitality groups, Mark shares his incredible journey — and why culture, communication, and considered tech adoption still rule the game.⸻💬 Topics Covered • From Oxford Brookes to Big Brother 2: how Mark fell into hospitality • Lessons from launching a student nightlife empire and why he walked away from it • Humble pie moments: starting over as a waiter at 27 and why he never looked back • Building guest loyalty through values, not gimmicks • Why the best tech is the invisible kind — and how analytics is quietly changing the game • A candid take on tech sales, adoption challenges, and what operators really want • Leadership lessons: how to bring your team along the journey and build future GMs • SevenRooms, stock takes, and the tech tools that actually work on the ground • Culture over flash: scaling businesses without losing the heart • Why mistakes handled well can turn guests into lifelong fans⸻💡 Mark Says:“A nightclub is like hosting a house party. A restaurant? That’s a dinner party in your own home. The expectation is different — and the pressure’s higher.”“Tech only works if your team believes in it. If it’s clunky, confusing, or unproven, you’ll never get them on board.”⸻📣 Why Listen?This is a must-listen for any operator, tech supplier or hospitality leader who wants the real story — not just the slide deck version. Mark’s perspective is sharp, grounded, and brutally honest, making this one of the most insightful conversations we’ve had this season.Whether you’re scaling a group, thinking about tech adoption, or just need a reminder that heart still matters in hospitality, this episode’s for you.⸻🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix.🧠 Powered by Lightspeed – helping 165,000+ businesses scale with real-time insights and slick integrations. Book your free demo: lightspeed.co.uk/techontoast#TechOnToast #MarkBloom #WolseleyGroup #HospitalityLeadership #RestaurantTech #CultureFirst #HospitalityCareers #GuestExperience #SevenRooms #Lightspeed

In this episode our Sales Director, Abbi, takes the mic, and we depart from Tech for one week only!

We had the pleasure of chatting with a variety of guests from the brand new MarketHalls location, including Paddington Bear himself, Richard from Farmgirl, Hayley, the head of property for MarketHalls, and many more. Here are three key takeaways that stood out to me:

1. The Power of Community Engagement 🤝
   Hayley shared insights on how Market Halls is not just about food but also about creating a vibrant community space. By engaging with local businesses and residents, they are building a hub that caters to everyone—from families to young professionals. This approach not only enhances the customer experience but also fosters a sense of belonging in the area. It’s a reminder that businesses thrive when they connect with their communities!

2. Innovation in Food Concepts 🍽️
   Richard from Farmgirl highlighted the importance of offering healthy and delicious options that cater to diverse tastes. With signature dishes like pancakes and avocado smash, they are redefining brunch culture. The introduction of unique items like the marmalade martini at Market Halls shows how innovation can attract customers and create memorable dining experiences. It’s a great lesson in staying ahead of food trends while maintaining a focus on health and quality.

3. The Importance of Team Dynamics 👥
   Tim and Franco discussed the significance of having a strong, cohesive team in place, especially during a new opening. With 1,500 applications for just 40 roles, they emphasized the need for a supportive culture where everyone feels valued. This focus on teamwork and leadership not only enhances service quality but also contributes to a positive work environment. It’s a powerful reminder that investing in your team is crucial for long-term success.

I invite you to listen to the full episode to hear more about the exciting developments at Market Halls and the stories behind the traders. Let’s celebrate the spirit of innovation and community in the food industry! 🎧✨

#Podcast #MarketHalls #Community #FoodInnovation #Teamwork #Entrepreneurship #Paddington

In this episode of Tech on Toast, Chris Fletcher chats with Eric Tiv from CrunchTime about the tools operators actually need to control costs, reduce waste, and scale operations with confidence. From bar shifts to boardrooms, Eric shares how his journey led him into hospitality tech and why he believes inventory visibility and operational consistency are the future.

Plus, we dive into the world of QSR, the power of GMs as tech influencers, scaling in the Middle East, and why McDonald’s lettuce issues might be more revealing than you think…

Whether you’re a single-site operator or scaling fast, this one’s packed with relatable stories, insights, and practical takeaways.

⏱️ Key Moments:

• [01:30] ZenZap sponsor shout-out & team comms rant

• [03:15] Meet Eric Tiv – from smoky bars to McDonald’s to CrunchTime

• [10:20] What CrunchTime actually does – and why it matters

• [17:00] 3 million eggs?! Real talk on stock, shrinkage & fraud

• [24:40] Inventory pain points and why some operators still love paper

• [32:55] Secret salespeople: why GMs are tech’s biggest influencers

• [38:10] Expansion in Saudi & why the Middle East is embracing tech

• [45:20] Operators buy tech when they need it – but should they?

• [54:15] Why support and training are still deal breakers

• [01:03:00] The impact of packaging on margin – yes, really

• [01:09:00] Operation Rodney: how naming issues can drive action

• [01:18:00] AI, automation and what’s coming next for CrunchTime

🎯 Top Takeaways:

• Inventory success isn’t about buying tech – it’s about knowing where your issues are.

• Simplicity wins: The easier the system is for your team to use, the more value you’ll get.

• GMs are key tech influencers – they carry tools from role to role.

• Visibility = opportunity. Spot your cost issues fast, then act.

• Tech without training = waste. Adoption and support are everything.

🔗 Connect:

• 💼 CrunchTime Website

• 🔍 Find Eric Tiv on LinkedIn

I'm thrilled to announce the latest episode of the Tech On Toast podcast, where I had the pleasure of chatting with Mark Roberts, the founder and CEO of Rapid Res. Mark shared some incredible insights from his journey in the tech and restaurant industries, and I wanted to highlight three key takeaways that really stood out to me:

1. The Importance of Adaptability in Business
   Mark emphasized how crucial it is for businesses, especially in the restaurant sector, to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and market dynamics. With the rise of quick-service restaurants and the shift towards convenience, traditional dining establishments must innovate to stay relevant. Rapid Res aims to bridge the gap by streamlining the dining experience, allowing restaurants to compete effectively against larger chains. This adaptability is not just about technology; it’s about understanding your customers and evolving with their needs.

2. Learning from Past Experiences
   Mark's journey with Easy Pre-Orders taught him invaluable lessons about the startup landscape. He candidly discussed the challenges he faced, from securing funding as a first-time entrepreneur to navigating the complexities of the restaurant industry. His experience highlights the importance of resilience and learning from both successes and failures. As he embarks on this new venture with Rapid Res, he’s applying those lessons to create a more efficient and customer-centric solution. It’s a reminder that every setback can be a stepping stone to future success.

3. The Power of Collaboration
   One of the most exciting aspects of Mark's approach with Rapid Res is the emphasis on partnerships. By collaborating with restaurants and leveraging technology, he’s creating a platform that not only benefits his business but also drives foot traffic back to local eateries. This collaborative spirit is essential in today’s competitive landscape, where businesses must work together to thrive. Mark’s vision of enhancing the dining experience through technology is a testament to the power of teamwork and shared goals.

I encourage you to listen to this episode for a deeper dive into Mark's insights and the innovative solutions Rapid Res is bringing to the table. Whether you're in the tech space, the restaurant industry, or just someone interested in entrepreneurship, there’s something valuable for everyone.

🎧 Tune in now and let’s keep the conversation going!
#TechOnToast #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #RestaurantIndustry #Collaboration #Adaptability

I'm excited to announce the latest episode of the Tech On Toast podcast, where we dive deep into the world of hospitality technology with our special guest, Pete Saunders, Head of Relationships at Zonal Hotel Solutions.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of technology and hospitality, and I wanted to share three key takeaways that stood out to me:

1. The Importance of Integration in Tech Stacks
   One of the biggest challenges facing hospitality operators today is managing complex tech stacks. Pete highlighted how many businesses are overwhelmed with numerous products that don’t communicate effectively with each other. This often leads to "dirty integrations" and reporting nightmares. The solution? A streamlined approach with a focus on integration, allowing operators to have a cohesive system that enhances efficiency and improves the guest experience.

2. Total Revenue Management: A Game Changer
   We discussed the shift from traditional revenue management to total revenue management. This approach not only looks at room rates but also considers all revenue streams from a guest, such as dining and additional services. By understanding the total value a guest brings, operators can make more informed decisions that drive profitability. This holistic view is crucial in today’s competitive landscape.

3. The Role of AI in Enhancing Guest Experience
   AI is no longer just a buzzword; it’s becoming an integral part of hospitality technology. Pete shared insights on how Zonal is leveraging AI to analyze customer data and provide actionable insights to staff. This not only helps in personalizing the guest experience but also empowers teams to deliver exceptional service without the stress of complicated systems.

I encourage you to listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into these topics and more! Whether you're in hospitality or tech, there are valuable insights that can help you navigate the evolving landscape of our industry.

A big thank you to our sponsor, ZenZap, for supporting this season of the podcast. And as always, thank you for tuning in! Let’s keep the conversation going—what are your thoughts on these takeaways?

#TechOnToast #Hospitality #Technology #Podcast #AI #RevenueManagement #Integration #ZonalHotelSolutions

This week Chris talks to James Brown, CEO of Brewdog Bars and Co-Founder of TIPJAR.

During the episode Chris & James discuss the journey James & TIPJAR have been on since first meeting Chris at an EXP101 event back in 2019. A lot has happened since then on James’s journey with both Brewdog and TIPJAR.

Amongst huge growth and product iterations James teaches us a fairly big lesson about trademarking your product. It's a remarkable series of events with one of the tech world's giants, lawyers, counter offers and a German court ruling…you need to tune into hear this!!

Apart from that big news, we also discuss the following,

• TIPJAR’s inception and uncovering a problem no one else wanted to solve!

• Building a tech product in a pandemic

• Hiring and keeping great people

• Protecting your product and fighting for what's yours.

• Supporting the hospitality industry and putting cash back in the workers pockets

• Brewdog’s global domination and looking after people, regardless of what the papers say!

• Getting the industry legislation ready 

• Running two companies and finding balance between family life and worklife.

And much more, welcome back to the Tech on Toast podcast.

The Tech on Toast Podcast is brought to you by⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠pointOne EPoS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠pointOne EPoS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ offers the complete Epos system for your hospitality business, from mobile order and pay and self-serve kiosks to restaurant and kitchen management, pointOne has the solution. Head over to their website today to find out more and get in touch with their experienced team.