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.

I'm thrilled to announce the latest episode of the Tech On Toast podcast, where I had the pleasure of chatting with David Bird, Sales Director at Impact Data. We delved into the fascinating world of data-driven marketing and how businesses can leverage technology to enhance customer engagement and drive revenue. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation that I believe every marketer and business owner should consider:The Power of Automation in MarketingDavid shared insights on how Impact Data's TalkBox platform is revolutionizing the way businesses communicate with their customers. By automating marketing strategies based on customer behavior, businesses can significantly increase engagement without overwhelming their teams. Imagine sending personalized promotions to customers at the right time, ensuring that you're not just sending blanket messages but rather targeted communications that resonate with individual preferences. This approach not only enhances customer experience but also drives sales effectively.Data as an Insurance PolicyOne of the most compelling points David made was about viewing your customer database as an insurance policy for the future. In challenging economic times, retaining existing customers is more crucial than ever. By nurturing your database and utilizing it for targeted marketing, businesses can create a safety net that helps sustain revenue. David emphasized that even if you're not actively marketing, growing your database is essential. When the time comes to engage, having a robust list can make all the difference.Simplicity and Agility in Tech SolutionsIn our discussion, we touched on the importance of simplicity and agility in tech solutions. David highlighted how Impact Data focuses on deep integrations with a select number of partners, allowing them to provide tailored solutions that truly meet the needs of their clients. This approach not only simplifies the user experience but also enables businesses to adapt quickly to changing market demands. As David put it, "If we have lots of integration partners, it goes in a queue, and then they all have to be prioritized." By streamlining their focus, Impact Data can deliver exceptional value and support to their clients.I encourage you to listen to the full episode for more insights and stories from David's journey in the tech industry. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, there's something valuable for everyone in this conversation.👉 Listen now!Thank you for tuning in, and as always, I appreciate your support! Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below. What are your thoughts on leveraging data in marketing? 💬

Welcome to the Tech On Toast podcast! In this episode, host Chris Fletcher is joined by Sachin Vasani, founder of INSY, as they dive into the world of hospitality technology and marketing.Sachin shares his unique journey from a social work background to becoming an entrepreneur in the tech space, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. Discover how INSY is revolutionising the way independent restaurants attract, convert, and retain customers through innovative marketing systems that integrate online ordering, customer communications, and digital loyalty.Learn about the exciting features of INSY's products, including the game-changing missed call WhatsApp back service and the AI employee, Nishi, designed to enhance customer engagement. Sachin also discusses the importance of understanding marketing metrics and how independent operators can leverage technology to boost their profits and streamline operations.Whether you're a restaurant owner or simply interested in the intersection of technology and hospitality, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.Don't forget to check out INSY at GoINSY.com and connect with Sachin on LinkedIn!Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and sponsorship by ZenZap00:11 - Meet Sachin Vasani02:23 - Sachin's background and journey into tech11:52 - The mission of INSY22:08 - Customer success stories30:32 - Introduction of AI employee, Nishi36:02 - Future plans for INSY
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Hey everyone! I'm excited to announce the latest episode of the Tech On Toast podcast, where we dive deep into the world of hospitality tech with our special guests from Yumpingo, Jess Walton and Darren.

If you’re in the hospitality industry or just curious about how technology is transforming the way we operate, this episode is a must-listen!

Here are my top three takeaways:

1. The Power of Feedback: One of the most significant shifts in the hospitality industry is how operators are beginning to view feedback. Traditionally, feedback was often seen as a tool for damage control, primarily focused on responding to negative reviews. However, Jess and Darren emphasize that feedback should be viewed as a strategic asset. By collecting and analyzing guest insights, operators can identify areas for improvement and drive meaningful change across their businesses. This proactive approach not only enhances guest experiences but also boosts overall operational efficiency.

2. Continuous Improvement with Tech: Yumpingo has developed a unique methodology called the Continuous Actions Process (CAP), which is all about driving ongoing improvements in hospitality operations. Unlike traditional methods that may work well in manufacturing, CAP is tailored for the complexities of the hospitality sector. It allows operators to quickly identify issues, implement changes, and measure the impact—all in real-time. This means that even small tweaks can lead to significant improvements in guest satisfaction and operational performance.

3. The Human Element in Tech: While technology plays a crucial role in streamlining operations, Jess and Darren remind us that the human touch is irreplaceable. They highlight the importance of building relationships and understanding the unique challenges that hospitality operators face. By combining tech with a consultative approach, Yumpingo helps businesses not just to adopt new tools but to embrace change and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

01:19 Meet the Guests: Jess and Darren from Yumpingo

02:33 Jess's Journey in Tech and Account Management

03:39 Darren's Background and Transition to Hospitality Tech

05:12 Understanding Yumpingo's Value Proposition

06:50 The Evolution of Feedback in Hospitality

09:54 Adoption and Continuous Improvement with Yumpingo

12:28 The Role of Tech in Enhancing Customer Experience

14:48 Tech on Table: The Future of Hospitality

18:50 Driving Customer Loyalty with Data

19:13 Personalisation and CRM Integration

20:27 Challenges in Training and Development

21:43 Feedback and Operational Improvements

22:38 The Lasagna Story: A Lesson in Consistency

24:10 Leveraging Technology for Real-Time Feedback

26:14 The Importance of Addressing Minor Issues

33:33 Adapting to Market Changes

37:50 Future Trends in Hospitality Tech

41:39 Closing Thoughts