The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian discusses the transformative journey of digital signage with Eli Chmouni, CEO of Neon. Eli shares his unique path to founding Neon, a company that simplifies digital signage for restaurants and retail with a plug-and-play approach. From his stint working at a Burger King drive-through for research to creating a solution that increases sales by up to 17%, Eli's dedication to solving customer problems is evident. The episode dives into the integration of Neon's software with POS systems, the benefits of digital signage in both customer-facing and employee-facing environments, and how Neon's ease of use and customer support set it apart in the market. Tune in to learn how digital signage can enhance operations and boost sales across various industries.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:22 Meet Eli, CEO of Neon

00:36 The Birth of Neon

01:06 Neon's Impact on Digital Signage

01:28 Jeremy's Introduction and Disclaimer

02:07 Eli's Background and Early Ventures

02:59 Spotlight and the Digital Signage Problem

04:14 Creating Pixie and the Birth of Neon

05:05 Neon's Growth and Market Impact

10:43 The Importance of Convenience and Support

12:51 Eli's Burger King Experience

14:04 Neon's Drive-Through System

15:19 Challenges and Solutions in Digital Menu Boards

19:48 Flexibility and Efficiency of Digital Signage

21:02 Focusing on the Restaurant Space

21:26 Dynamic Menu Integration with POS Systems

22:24 Addressing Out-of-Stock Items

23:02 Maximizing Digital Signage Impact

23:54 Reliability of Digital Signage Systems

25:01 Handling Internet Outages

28:37 Drive-Through Innovations

33:19 Expanding Beyond Quick Service Restaurants

33:52 Innovations in Music and Loyalty Programs

37:28 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

39:02 Comprehensive Digital Solutions for Various Industries

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian sits down with Scott Taylor, CEO of R&R Brands. Scott shares his fascinating journey from being a law school dropout to becoming a successful restaurateur. He provides insights into his experiences growing brands like Walk-Ons and Party Foul, discusses the structure and purpose of R&R Brands, and outlines his vision for helping other restaurant groups succeed. Scott also delves into common pitfalls for new restaurateurs, how to create value in casual dining, and the role of technology in enhancing customer experience. Listeners interested in franchising, restaurant growth, and brand building will find this episode particularly enlightening.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:33 Meet Scott Taylor: From Law School to Restaurant CEO

03:19 Scott's Journey: From Marriott to Beef O'Brady's

05:50 Building Walk-Ons and Party Foul

07:38 The Birth of R&R Brands

13:14 Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans

18:35 Common Pitfalls for Restaurant Founders

21:26 Exploring R&R's Restaurant Concepts

24:16 Exploring Nashville Hot Chicken and Boozy Slushies

24:56 Expanding to College Campuses and Airports

25:33 Walk-Ons: The Ultimate Sports Bar Experience

27:09 The Future of Casual Dining

29:10 Enhancing Restaurant Experiences with Technology

31:32 Creating Value and Unique Dining Experiences

35:41 The Story Behind Rhythm and Rooster

36:59 R&R's Unique Approach to Restaurant Partnerships

39:40 Cultural Alignment and Future Growth

43:37 Staying Connected and Future Plans

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian hosts Jay Fiske, President of Powerhouse Dynamics. They discuss the impact of smart energy management on restaurant operations, with insights on how IoT and AI technology are revolutionizing areas from HVAC systems to fryers. Jay explains how these technologies reduce costs, waste, and maintenance issues. He dives into the specifics of HVAC and refrigeration management, emphasizing the importance of proactive maintenance and data-driven decision-making. The discussion also covers cooking equipment, particularly fryers, and how data can optimize oil use and quality. Jay shares the importance of automating repetitive tasks to allow restaurant staff to focus on more value-added activities. Additionally, the potential for AI in predictive maintenance and energy demand management is highlighted. The episode concludes with a call to restaurant operators to consider IoT solutions for efficiency and cost savings.

00:00 Power House Dynamics

00:14 Introduction and Welcome

01:24 Meet Jay Fiske: Background and Career Journey

03:10 Powerhouse Dynamics: From Energy Sensors to Food Service Solutions

05:49 Revolutionizing Restaurant Operations with IoT

07:12 Deep Dive: HVAC and Refrigeration Management

11:01 Automation and Efficiency in Food Service

13:33 Real-Time Data and Predictive Maintenance

17:07 Retrofitting Existing Equipment with IoT

19:26 Balancing Oil Usage with Data

19:56 Importance of Filtration in Fryers

20:36 Sophisticated Metrics in Frying Operations

22:28 Monitoring Water Usage

24:48 Energy Management in Food Service

37:00 The Role of AI in Energy Management

38:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian sits down with Brock Weeks, CEO of Savvy, to discuss groundbreaking AI video analytics transforming multi-site restaurant operations. Brock explains how Savvy helps brands unlock valuable insights from video data, covering speed of service, guest experiences, staff performance, and delivery efficiency. They delve into the evolution of video systems from liability tools to essential business intelligence assets, emphasizing the importance of integrating video data with other business systems for full operational visibility. By addressing common challenges such as fragmented data and leveraging AI for actionable insights, the episode provides a comprehensive guide for restaurant operators looking to enhance their operations with technology.

00:00 Savi

00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:18 Brock's Background and Savvy's Mission

03:18 The Evolution of Video Technology

03:40 Challenges in Offline Retail

05:50 The Power of AI and Video Data

09:55 Current State of Video Systems in Restaurants

17:30 Business Use Cases for Video Data

21:24 Understanding Data Centralization

21:50 Identifying and Solving Operational Issues

22:55 Enhancing Guest Experience with AI

24:30 Revolutionizing Store Operations with AI

26:26 The Future of AI in Retail

30:08 Implementing AI Solutions in Your Business

36:11 Connecting with Savvy for AI Solutions

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian dives into the intricacies of restaurant profitability with special guest Chip Klose, a bestselling author and host of the Restaurant Strategy Podcast. Chip shares his journey from theater to fine dining and emphasizes that profitability is the key measure of success in the restaurant business. He discusses the biggest challenges in achieving profitability, including managing revenue, cost of goods sold, and labor—all moving targets. Chip provides practical insights into operational strategies, marketing techniques, and customer retention methods to help restaurant owners enhance their profit margins. Listeners will learn how to implement effective systems, evaluate menu items, and ensure repeat business to drive overall growth and stability in their restaurants.

00:00 Restaurant Strategy

01:05 Introduction and Guest Background

01:53 The P3 Mastermind Program

04:13 Ideal Audience for P3 Mastermind

07:15 Challenges in Restaurant Profitability

13:53 Understanding Revenue Growth

18:22 Marketing Strategies for Restaurants

22:22 Engaging Customers from the Start

23:23 Creating Repeat Customers

24:16 Data Acquisition Importance

26:21 Personal Touch in Hospitality

30:43 Managing Prime Costs

34:29 Optimizing Menu and Labor

37:56 Final Thoughts and Free Gift

In this episode of Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian sits down with Dylan and Erica, co-founders of Foodini, a groundbreaking tech solution aimed at addressing food allergies, dietary needs, and ingredient transparency in the restaurant industry. They delve into how Foodini's platform helps restaurants seamlessly document ingredients and recipes, ensuring safety for consumers with dietary restrictions while streamlining operations. Discussion includes real-world applications, the importance of meticulous documentation, and the increasing legislative push towards allergen transparency. Also covered are benefits such as increased consumer loyalty and operational advantages gained through integrated software solutions. This episode emphasizes the value of technology in making dining experiences safer and more inclusive.

00:00 Foodini

01:09 Introduction and Guest Backgrounds

01:46 Erica's Journey in Restaurant Tech

03:56 Dylan's Unique Perspective

05:31 Introducing Foodini: Solving Menu Transparency

06:35 Challenges in Menu Transparency

07:24 Consumer and Restaurant Perspectives

13:26 Leveraging AI for Ingredient Transparency

17:49 Future of Menu Transparency and Legislation

19:41 Leveraging Consumer Data for Marketing

19:59 European Allergen Labeling Practices

20:51 California's SB 68 Bill and Its Implications

22:18 The Value of Allergen Transparency for Restaurants

25:29 Consumer Experience with Allergen Information

26:56 Technological Solutions for Allergen Management

34:35 Benefits of Documenting Recipes for Restaurants

36:06 How to Get Started with Our Service

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian, Chief Revenue Officer at CBS Northstar, interviews Frank Paci, CEO of Newk's Eatery. Frank shares insights from his extensive career in the restaurant industry, detailing Newk's history, menu innovations, operational strategies, and the brand's response to COVID-19. They discuss the importance of simplifying operations for consistency, leveraging technology like digital ordering and kiosks for customer convenience, and the significance of catering and delivery services. Frank also provides an overview of Newk's franchise opportunities and future growth plans.

00:00 Newks

01:17 Meet Frank Paci, CEO of Newk's Eatery

01:35 The Origin and Growth of Newk's Eatery

02:39 Dining Experience at Newk's

04:25 Menu Highlights and Innovations

06:39 Operational Simplifications and Quality Control

17:01 Adapting to COVID-19 and Evolving Business Strategies

20:21 Catering Business and Its Challenges

24:44 Technology and Future Growth

29:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Jarrod Bravo from Salad House. They discuss how Jarrod navigated the growth of Salad House from a single pizza restaurant to a prominent salad-focused brand across the northeast. Key topics include the importance of effective training, refining the menu based on data, and leveraging technology stacks like Toast POS and Ovation for operational efficiency and customer feedback. Jarrod shares insights on their journey to franchising, overcoming early challenges, and future growth plans. This episode is a valuable listen for anyone interested in scaling a restaurant brand through technology and effective operations.

00:00 Salad House

01:10 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:48 The Early Days of Salad House

02:33 What Makes Salad House Unique

04:02 The Founder’s Story

06:08 Challenges and Growth

07:36 Franchising Journey

09:35 Tech Stack Evolution

19:06 Discussing the Tech Stack

19:47 Customer Review Platform: Ovation

22:18 Streamlining the Menu

25:05 Franchising and Growth

26:37 Personal Stories and Success

30:49 Signature Dishes and Unique Selling Points

32:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian hosts Ross, the founder of Rocket Box, a company that revolutionizes third-party delivery and kitchen synchronization. Ross shares his inspiring journey from running a family pizzeria to founding a technology company aimed at solving inefficiencies in restaurant operations. They delve into the innovative ways Rocket Box integrates with POS systems, manages delivery orders, and addresses critical issues in order timing and synchronization. Ross also discusses the company's global approach, including multi-language support and future plans for enhanced reporting and guest communication.

00:00 Rocket Box

00:14 Introduction and Welcome

01:19 Ross's Background and Journey into Tech

03:35 The Birth of Rocket Box

07:11 Challenges in Restaurant Operations

14:48 Rocket Box Solutions and Features

22:09 Global Reach and Multi-Language Support

29:49 Future Plans and How to Connect

31:02 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Craig Miller and Cliff Hudson, two key figures behind Sonic's transformation into a digital-first, nationwide brand. They discuss their new book, 'Bricks and Clicks,' which details their journey of automating business practices right before COVID-19 and their successful implementation of a digital strategy. The conversation explores how they integrated technology to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency, including the introduction of mobile ordering and digital payment systems. Their strategies not only bolstered sales but also turned technological innovations into significant business advantages. The episode also delves into change management, the importance of the partnership between business and tech, and the challenges and successes faced along the way.

00:00 Sonic

00:14 Introduction and Welcome

01:59 Meet Cliff Hudson: Sonic's Transformational Leader

03:34 Craig Miller's Journey to Sonic

04:22 The Evolution of Technology in Business

07:21 Sonic's Unique Drive-In Experience

11:00 The Impact of Credit Card Technology

13:50 The Tech Oval Vision

17:52 Building a Business Partnership

25:37 Implementing the Tech Oval

30:10 Craig's Arrival and Marketing Evolution

31:50 Building the Tech Backbone

34:59 Omnichannel Strategy and Franchisee Buy-In

36:38 Implementing Digital Touchpoints

42:53 Centralizing Marketing Efforts

49:29 Final Guest Experience and Company Sale

54:43 Reflections and Book Promotion