The Digital Restaurant

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In the latest episode of The Digital Restaurant podcast, we delve into the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, particularly focusing on the technological innovations reshaping dining experiences. Our discussion begins with the intriguing shift in the ghost kitchen segment, highlighting notable industry players like Kitchen United and Crave. We explore whether the concept of ghost kitchens was merely a pandemic phenomenon or a fundamental shift in the food service industry, examining the transition of these kitchens into more sustainable, tech-driven models.

We then transition to a captivating discussion on the blurring lines between the front of house (FoH) and back of house (BoH). Illustrating this trend, we spotlight a new fine dining restaurant in Brooklyn, which merges these traditionally separate spheres, providing diners with a more immersive and transparent experience. This segment delves into the broader implications of such innovations for casual dining and traditional restaurants, emphasizing the importance of experiential dining, transparency, and involvement in modern culinary experiences.

Another critical topic we cover is the surge in drive-thru and throughput optimization in the fast-casual sector, using Modern Market as a case study. We discuss how this trend is not only enhancing customer experience but also streamlining operational efficiency, reflecting a broader shift in consumer preferences and dining habits.

The episode also features a thought-provoking segment on Walmart's technological advancements and their potential implications for the restaurant industry. We explore how Walmart's investments in AI, robotics, and digital marketing could set new standards for the restaurant sector, particularly in improving customer experience, store advertising and operational efficiency.

Lastly, we delve into the recent anti-trust investigations within the EU concerning food delivery marketplaces. This discussion highlights the growing scrutiny over the balance of power between delivery platforms and restaurants, exploring the impact on competition, pricing, and consumer choice.

This episode of The Digital Restaurant not only offers deep insights into current trends but also forecasts the future of dining, from ghost kitchens and fine dining experiences to the integration of technology in fast-casual settings. It's a must-listen for anyone keen on understanding the dynamic interplay of technology, customer experience, and operational efficiency in today's restaurant industry.

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🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!

📖  Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant

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Ever wondered how restaurants manage the intricate dance of creating an exceptional dining experience while navigating the challenges of modern-day operations? This episode will be your backstage pass to that world, featuring Robin Robertson, the COO of Modern Market Eatery. Robin uncovers the sheer complexity of restaurant operations and enlightens us on how the guest experience has transformed due to new channels and a persisting labor crisis. Tune in to understand the importance of reducing team member anxiety, fostering a lively atmosphere, and using technology to simplify operations at Modern Market Eatery.

Buckle up as we take a deep dive into the realm of restaurant automation and efficiency as we learn how Modern Market Eatery has harnessed the power of technology to reduce anxiety and increase precision in its operations. Robin sheds light on their future-oriented drive-through designed by the kitchen-first approach and the role of digital tools ensuring accuracy in off-premise settings. He also emphasizes the importance of people retention and spreading joy within their teams. Get a front-row seat as we explore the early stages of a restaurant interview and understand the power of navigating operational complexities. Learn how Modern Market Eatery leverages social media, YouTube, and other digital channels to engage customers and provide a seamless, enjoyable dining experience. Don't miss out on this insightful journey into the heart of restaurant operations.

Support the show

🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!

📖  Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎤 Have Carl come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter. 

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Did you ever wonder how the future of food delivery would look like? Brace yourself as we dive into a fascinating discussion about the ongoing consolidation of the restaurant and off-premise industries. We'll be talking about HelloFresh and Nestle's new strategic moves and what they mean for your dinner table. Break down the ins and outs of HelloFresh's bold move towards establishing its own delivery fleet, and Nestle's big-bucks investment in Wanda with a vision of a mega mealtime app. Ponder with us on the potential impacts these developments may have, from improved customer service to innovative menus and even service.

Support the show

🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!

📖  Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎤 Have Carl come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter. 

Send us Fan Mail

The fascinating world of data within the restaurant industry unfolds with our expert guest, Andrew Smith, the co-founder of Savory Fund. His unique insights, stemming from an impressive blend of tech and restaurant industry experience, truly bring to light the enormity and complexities of data management spanning across multiple restaurant brands. Can you grasp the concept of data as the new oil? Join us as we navigate this intriguing landscape, tackling brand consolidation trends, the evolution of restaurants into e-commerce entities, and the art of breaking down vast data sets into actionable decision-making commodities.

We dive into the heart of guest acquisition and marketing strategies in the restaurant industry. Discover how the apparent burden of marketplace fees transforms into an ingenious marketing cost for potential customers and the role of A/B testing in guiding marketing expenditure. Listen closely as Andrew unveils the pivotal role of technology in growing a business and his personal journey of leveraging a suitable tech stack to fuel brand growth. He paints a vivid picture of how tech innovations heighten efficiency profits and foster a more targeted marketing approach.

This episode culminates with deeply exploring building customer loyalty and brand galvanization. Andrew emphasizes the significance of a carefully chosen tech stack in cultivating customer loyalty and boosting efficiency. Our discussion sheds light on how A/B testing can enhance our understanding of customer behavior and how marketplace fees can be deployed as a marketing cost. Andrew's experience in investing in a brand, scaling it through an appropriate tech stack, and the essential role of data in these processes is a journey worth listening to. This engaging blend of tech and restaurant industry wisdom promises practical strategies for business growth. We promise you this is one episode you won't want to miss!

Support the show

🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!

📖  Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎤 Have Carl come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter. 

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In this week's episode of The Digital Restaurant podcast, Carl and Meredith cover three main topics. First, DoorDash is testing a feature that reminds users to tip their drivers, addressing the challenge of high delivery costs. Wingstop is making a big investment in technology, creating a platform called "My Wingstop" to personalize customer experiences in-store and online, aiming to boost digital sales. Starbucks plans to add 20,000 locations and implement a $3 billion cost-cutting strategy using tech efficiencies, emphasizing an omni-channel approach.

John Legend has entered the restaurant tech world with a platform focused on positive recommendations and influencer-driven suggestions. This unique approach to reviews and recommendations could prove successful. Additionally, Toast conducted a survey of restaurant operators, revealing trends and challenges in the industry. They've also introduced a new app, ToastNow, allowing owners to access real-time data and communicate with on-site staff.

Overall, this episode provides insights into the latest trends in the digital restaurant industry, offering thoughtful analysis and predictions for the future.

Support the show

🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!

📖  Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎤 Have Carl come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter. 

Send us Fan Mail

How do you build a food empire with a provocative name and a loyal following? You'd surely like to hear from Jason Crain, the President of Slutty Vegan, about the brand's meteoric rise and the strategies that helped them drive conversion and traffic. This episode will let you peek behind the curtain to see how big brand experience with the likes of Amazon and Shazam has informed their customer engagement. As we delve into their innovative use of text messaging, website interactions, social media, and how they handle customer feedback, nothing is off the table.

Pinky Cole's key executive colleague offers you a journey into a distinct 1P experience for its customers. We'll explore their use of QR codes that catapult customers into a their heavily branded world and leads to higher frequency of orders. Check out how they've made a statement with their packaging and created a frictionless ordering experience. Strap in as we venture into the future of augmented reality in restaurant spaces and how it could potentially redefine your dining experience.

Support the show

🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!

📖  Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎤 Have Carl come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter. 

Send us Fan Mail

Cyberattacks, a $14M investment into MoonBowls and which restaurants top the off-prem satisfaction report? All these headlines and more represent our thoughts and views on the world of restaurants, technology and off premise food in our round up of last week’s hot news stories - subscribe today to The Digital Restaurant and register at www.deliveringthedigitalrestaurant.com for more bonus content.

Articles mentioned in the video:

Delivery innovation is hotting up amidst the offprem satisfaction report release

https://bit.ly/403Q2Bq

https://bit.ly/3QqOA7V

https://bit.ly/48XAfIx

The Threat of Cyberattacks on Restaurants

https://bit.ly/45Bfboc

The Uber Eats Craving Report is released

https://bit.ly/3s0ofVO

Chick Fil'a $4.4M payout has drawn pricing attention

https://bit.ly/3Qqrzmt

Salted raise $14M to double store count

https://bit.ly/45AJqvq

Access the full transcript here.

Support the show

🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!

📖  Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎤 Have Carl come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter. 

Send us Fan Mail

Ready to uncover the secret sauce that propelled a local Los Angeles restaurant chain to the front page of DoorDash? Our conversation with Landon Kelley, from HomeState, reveals the strategic decisions and operational excellence that catapulted this thriving establishment to new heights on the popular delivery platform. Landon enlightens us on how they leveraged user feedback, nurtured relationships with DoorDash drivers, and managed the unique challenges of an exclusive partnership with a third-party platform.

Buckle up as we delve deeper into the nitty-gritty of Home State's success. We learn about their innovative approach of using their restaurant locations as fulfillment networks for DoorDash orders. Landon also shares valuable insights about managing chargeback situations and the potential role of AI in mitigating such instances. Plus, he opens up about their experiences with DashPass subscribers and how the program has influenced their business. We promise that this is not just another restaurant success story; it's a lesson in strategic partnerships and operational savvy!

Support the show

🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!

📖  Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎤 Have Carl come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter. 

Send us Fan Mail

Wonder buys an apron, How Amazon's anti-trust suit affects restaurants and a $24M Blackbird Boost. All these headlines and more represent our thoughts and views on the world of restaurants, technology and off premise food in our round up of last week’s hot news stories - subscribe today to The Digital Restaurant and register at www.deliveringthedigitalrestaurant.com for more bonus content.

Articles mentioned in the video:
1. Wonder acquires Blue Apron for $103M 

2. Blackbird acquires $24M in funding round 

Related Article: A Resy Founder Expands His Loyalty Program for Restaurants

3. Amazon's anti-trust legal pains could affect restaurants 

4. Doordash incentivizes guests to dine-out 

5. The QSR drive thru study gets Taco Bell another win 

Related Articles: 

23rd Annual Drive-Thru Study by Intouch Insight 

Danny Klein's LinkedIn article

Access the full transcript here.

Support the show

🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!

📖  Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎤 Have Carl come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter. 

Send us Fan Mail

What triggers loyal guests? Why stored value matters? And a Panda is getting sold in Asia
All these headlines and more represent our thoughts and views on the world of restaurants, technology and off premise food in our round up of last week’s hot news stories - subscribe today to The Digital Restaurant and register at www.deliveringthedigitalrestaurant.com for more bonus content.

Articles mentioned in the video:
1. Which day is the most popular for loyalty triggers? Paytronix has the data! Have you joined more loyalty programs this year?
Accessible on Tuesday September 26th: http://www.paytronix.com/resources/reports/annual-loyalty-report

2. Panera continues to innovate consumer interactions with one-swipe ordering, but is it time for them to invest in the back-of-house? Has anyone else had this experience?

3. Thanx stored value changes the game. Are you willing to pre-pay for food?

4. Delivery Hero divesting out of Asia, exploring a sale of Food Panda to Grab...I this a sign of what's to come for the US?

5. HealthifyMe uses AI food recognition for calorie counting - how else could this be used?

Access the full transcript here.

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About the CREATE event:

Catch Carl and Meredith this October 1-3 in The CREATE Experience! The CREATE Experience, hosted this Oct. 1-3 in Palm Springs by Nation’s Restaurant News, is an engaging and interactive event for restaurant leaders who are looking to plug in with their peers, gain practical insights and have a relaxing retreat while they’re at it. We’ll be there hanging out in the CREATE Media Lounge, and you can come say hello in between sessions on technology, finance, customer experience, and more. Head to https://create.nrn.com for more information and to register for free.

Support the show

🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!

📖  Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎤 Have Carl come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant

🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter.