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

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Maria, co-founder of Palona AI. They discuss how Palona is transforming the restaurant industry through generative AI, voice automation, and multimodal technologies to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. With a background in leading tech companies like Google and Meta, Maria explains the capabilities of AI in hyper-personalization, conversational marketing, and overcoming challenges such as AI hallucinations. The episode also covers the onboarding process for AI solutions in restaurants and how these technologies can provide consistent and individualized guest experiences.

00:00 Palona.Ai

01:03 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:40 Guest Background and Experience

03:04 Defining AI and Its Impact

07:04 AI in the Restaurant Industry

08:47 Multimodal AI Solutions

11:14 Human-Like AI Interactions

17:04 Standardizing Guest Experience with AI

20:05 AI-Powered Customer Interactions

21:04 Personalized Dining Experiences

22:34 Implementing AI in Restaurants

25:11 Guest Identification and Data Management

26:04 Ensuring AI Reliability and Security

28:48 Handling Special Requests and Continuous Learning

32:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Krish, the founder and CEO of Know, discusses the transformative mission of his company to make every frontline worker a 'superhero.' Krish explains how the Know app helps streamline day-to-day operations, reduce chaos, and improve worker satisfaction and retention in industries with high turnover, like restaurants. The app functions as a comprehensive digital assistant, offering training, task management, and direct communication from management. Krish also explores the importance of micro-learning and the app's multilingual capabilities, emphasizing the need to meet workers where they are, both geographically and technologically.

00:00 Introduction to Krish and His Mission

00:27 Streamlining Day-to-Day Operations

01:28 Addressing Employee Turnover

03:47 The Role of Technology in Training

04:44 Customizing and Documenting Processes

07:36 Micro Learning and On-Demand Information

09:52 International Reach and Multi-Language Support

11:07 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, hosts Jeremy Julian and David Alvarado delve into the world of financial technology and its impact on the restaurant industry. They discuss the critical importance of earned wage access, allowing employees to get paid daily, and the advantages it offers for both employers and employees. David Alvarado, who has extensive experience in the restaurant industry, shares insights from his journey, including his tenure at Blooming Brands and his current role at Instant Financial. Instant Financial provides a solution that enables daily pay for non-tipped employees and digital tip distribution, streamlining operations and reducing costs for restaurants. The episode also covers the broader implications of financial wellness tools, including financial literacy education, credit building, and health and wellness benefits, emphasizing how these tools can significantly improve employees' lives. This podcast is a must-listen for restaurant operators looking to gain a competitive edge by adopting technology that addresses modern employees' needs.

00:00 Instant Financial

01:17 Introduction and Welcome

01:45 Meet David Alvarado

02:14 David's Career Journey

03:36 Introduction to Instant Financial

04:57 Understanding Earned Wages

07:24 Benefits of Instant Pay

13:35 Addressing Concerns About Instant Pay

23:33 Digital Tips Management

31:09 Employee Financial Wellness

37:33 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, Paul Potvin, Chief Financial Officer of California Fish Grill, introduces himself and discusses the seafood chain’s mission, expansion plans, and innovative strategies. He elaborates on the company's focus on providing high-quality, sustainable seafood at affordable prices in a fast casual setting. Paul highlights how technology, such as digital menu boards and self-service kiosks, has transformed operations and enhanced customer experience, especially during the pandemic. He also shares insights on managing supply chain challenges and maintaining value for customers. The discussion ends with Paul's personal menu recommendations for new guests.

00:00 Introduction to Paul Potvin and California Fish Grill

00:20 Expansion Plans and Market Strategy

00:47 Brand Mission and Vision

01:19 Value and Innovation in Seafood

03:09 Digital Transformation and Kiosk Implementation

07:38 Impact of Digital Menu Boards

11:30 Paul's Recommendations and Conclusion

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, hosts Jeremy Julian and Angelo Esposito, Founder and CEO of WISK, delve into the innovative solutions WISK offers for inventory management in the restaurant industry. They discuss the challenges of traditional inventory methods, the development of WISK's technology combining AI and user-friendly features, and the significant impact these solutions can have on managing prime costs in bars and restaurants. The conversation also touches on AI's role in the restaurant technology arena, offering insights into how modern tools can streamline operations and improve accuracy. Listeners are encouraged to explore WISK's platform and the potential benefits it can bring to their inventory processes.

00:00 Wisk

01:21 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:30 Understanding Prime Costs in Restaurants

01:58 Introducing WISK.ai: Streamlining Restaurant Operations

02:50 Challenges in Restaurant Inventory Management

04:05 The Origin Story of WISK.ai

06:47 Digitizing Old School Processes

08:31 The Evolution of WISK.ai

12:08 Current Inventory Management Practices

14:45 Common Mistakes in Inventory Management

17:38 Receiving Product Correctly

18:59 Understanding the Inventory Formula

19:30 Simplifying Inventory and Purchasing

20:36 Handling Item Variations

22:24 The Importance of Demos

27:27 AI in Inventory Management

32:36 Whisk's Full Capabilities

33:32 How to Get in Touch and Learn More

In this episode, Cristal Craven, Director of Strategic Partnerships at SynergySuite, introduces herself and explains the concept of 'back office' in the restaurant industry. She discusses how SynergySuite's all-in-one platform simplifies operations by integrating various essential functions like inventory management, scheduling, cash management, and kitchen safety. Cristal emphasizes the importance of partnerships and data consolidation for making informed business decisions. She also highlights SynergySuite's strategy of using tools like Tableau for customizable reports, which allow brands to make specific, data-driven decisions without overburdening the engineering team. The conversation covers the evolving landscape of restaurant technology and how adopting a comprehensive back office solution can save costs, reduce waste, and streamline operations, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.

00:00 Introduction to Cristal Craven

00:21 Defining Back Office Software

01:03 SynergySuite's Comprehensive Approach

02:03 Importance of Data and Partnerships

04:27 Simplifying Technology for Operators

06:52 Adapting to Industry Challenges

09:25 How to Connect with SynergySuite

10:34 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian, the Chief Revenue Officer for CBS North Star, interviews Ha Ly, the head of marketing for Pokeworks. They discuss the rapid expansion of Pokeworks across the U.S. and delve into the unique aspects of the poke cuisine. Ha describes poke as a build-your-own bowl concept featuring raw fish cured in various sauces, emphasizing freshness and flavor. They talk about the national penetration of Pokeworks, its key marketing strategies for entering new markets, and enhancing guest experiences. Additionally, Ha shares insights on Pokeworks' new Hawaiian Hot Plates menu and the importance of their loyalty program in driving repeat customer visits. The conversation provides a comprehensive overview of the brand's growth, guest acquisition strategies, and the exciting new offerings designed to attract a wider audience.

00:00 Pokeworks

00:56 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:10 Discovering Poke Cuisine

06:08 Poke Works Expansion and Market Penetration

07:25 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement

10:34 Loyalty Programs and Customer Retention

21:28 New Product Offerings and Future Plans

24:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with the founders of Kids Menu, Herman and Chrissy, to discuss their innovative platform aimed at transforming the children’s dining experience. Kids Menu provides restaurants with customizable, entertaining, and on-demand kids menus that capture children's interest, allowing families to have a more pleasant dining experience. They delve into the ease of use of their platform, which is inspired by tools like Canva, and discuss the business impact of engaging kids menus on restaurant revenue. The founders also share their long-term vision, including gamification, loyalty programs, and enhanced community connectivity. This episode offers valuable insights for restaurant operators seeking to enhance family dining experiences.

00:00 Kids Menu

00:52 Introduction and Welcome

01:17 Meet the Founders: Background and Experience

02:12 Introducing KidsMenus.com

04:02 The Problem with Traditional Kids Menus

04:26 How KidsMenus.com Solves the Problem

11:47 Ease of Use and Quick Setup

18:15 Affordability and Market Research

20:44 Impact on Business and Customer Stories

28:44 Legal Risks and Brand Integrity

33:19 Future Vision and Roadmap

35:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Kat Claypool from Wisetail, a leader in learning management systems for the restaurant industry. Kat discusses her career journey and the pivotal role Wisetail plays in improving restaurant operations through its employee enablement platform. The conversation covers Wisetail’s comprehensive tools, including learning management systems, operational checklist tools, and newly integrated content management systems resulting from their acquisition of Player Link. Emphasizing the importance of micro-training and tailored solutions for frontline workers, they explore how Wisetail aids in consistency, retention, and data-driven decision-making. Jeremy and Kat also delve into the advantages of tech consolidation, accessibility on multiple device platforms, and the impact of AI in enhancing training content. This episode offers valuable insights into how Wisetail is transforming the restaurant industry's approach to employee training and operational efficiency.

00:00 Wisetail

01:15 Introduction and Welcome

01:27 Meet Kat from Wisetail

03:05 What is Wisetail?

05:06 The Importance of Micro Training

09:16 Hybrid Training and Real-Time Support

26:09 Tech Consolidation and Operational Efficiency

30:35 Conclusion and Contact Information