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

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Erin Hooper, head of Sales and Customer Success for Franchise Systems AI. They discuss the innovative end-to-end franchising system that Erin and her team have developed to streamline processes for franchisors and franchisees. Aaron shares insights about the platform's customizable marketing campaigns, sales applicant portals, project management for site selection, vendor integration, and ongoing location management. Jeremy highlights the uniqueness of Franchise Systems AI in consolidating multiple systems into one platform, addressing common pain points in franchising. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone involved in franchising, offering a comprehensive look at how technology can enhance operational efficiency and overall success.

00:00 Franchise System

00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:55 Erin's Background in Hospitality and Franchising

02:58 Overview of Franchise Systems AI

04:40 Marketing and Sales Process for Franchises

05:53 Customizable Applicant Portal

13:00 Onboarding and Training for Franchisees

14:44 Site Selection and Vendor Integration

20:10 Challenges in Project Management

20:27 Integrating Vendors into the Platform

21:12 Ensuring Franchisee Compliance

22:29 Post-Opening Support for Franchisees

23:59 Operational Management Tools

24:37 Marketing and AI Integration

26:36 Audit and Training Systems

28:29 Sales and Labor Analysis

29:58 The Unique Value of Franchise Systems

32:07 Pepper Lunch as the Alpha Brand

35:40 Engaging with Franchise Systems

36:50 Final Thoughts and Surprises

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian converses with Eric Cacciatore, founder and host of the Restaurant Unstoppable podcast. They discuss the journey and valuable lessons learned over 12 years and 1,200+ episodes of Eric's podcast. Key highlights include the importance of having integrity, always learning, teaching others, effective communication, and collaboration in the restaurant industry. Eric emphasizes the evolution of podcasting, the significance of building relationships, and the impact of systems like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) on restaurant operations. Together, they underline that the heart of a successful restaurant lies in the people behind it and their dedication to continuous growth and service to others.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:01 Meet Eric Cacciatore: The Podcast Pioneer

02:19 Eric's Journey: From Restaurants to Podcasting

04:24 The Evolution of Podcasting

06:23 On-Site Interviews: The Heart of the Podcast

08:48 Core Values and Lessons Learned

17:41 The Importance of Integrity and Action

20:12 Being a Student and a Teacher

23:58 Teaching and Delegating for Success

25:29 Implementing EOS in Business

26:03 Understanding EOS and Its Benefits

27:15 Real-World Applications of EOS

32:01 The Importance of Continuous Learning

35:50 Building a Collaborative Network

43:42 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Brian Reece and Steve Crowley, co-founders of Service Physics, a consultancy focused on optimizing restaurant operations. The discussion delves into the concept of service physics, which helps improve productivity for staff and guest experiences in restaurants. Brian and Steve share their background, the principles of lean manufacturing and Kaizen, and how they align business goals with operational efficiency. They emphasize the importance of using data to drive changes, the value of customer and staff feedback, and methods to ensure long-term implementation success. The episode concludes with information on an upcoming workshop in Dallas aimed at making their methods accessible to a wider audience.

00:00 Service Physics

00:14 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:29 Meet Brian and Steve: Background and Journey

04:08 Service Physics: Concept and Mission

06:58 Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen in Restaurants

12:41 Evaluating and Improving Restaurant Operations

16:01 Aligning Business Aspirations with Operations

19:41 Addressing Sacred Cows and Customer Feedback

23:50 Myth-Busting Customer Value

25:02 Empathy Through Technology

25:52 Empowering Staff Voices

26:56 Problem-Solving Acumen

29:33 Guest Experience Challenges

35:18 Engaging with Service Physics

42:10 Transforming the Industry

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian and guest Ron Cardwell from Restaurant Technologies Incorporated discuss the importance of cooking oil in the restaurant industry. Ron, the Director of Commodity Strategy, explains how their oil management system can help restaurants deliver the best guest experience through effective oil handling practices. They also delve into the types of oils used by restaurants, the factors affecting oil performance, and the importance of proper oil management for safety and sustainability. Tune in to learn how to maximize oil usage, manage costs, and ensure the quality and consistency of your restaurant's food.

00:00 RTI Inc

00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:45 Role and Responsibilities at Restaurant Technologies

03:01 Sustainability Efforts and Environmental Impact

06:01 Understanding Cooking Oils in Restaurants

10:00 Oil Management and Performance

14:30 Economic Considerations of Different Oils

19:24 The Finite Supply of Beef Tallow

20:18 Challenges with Peanut Oil Supply

20:56 Consistency and Performance in Cooking Oils

22:08 Educating Restaurants on Oil Management

25:30 The Importance of Proper Oil Handling

26:57 Safety Concerns in Oil Management

28:23 Choosing the Right Oil Supplier

32:39 How to Connect with Restaurant Technologies

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by bestselling author and speaker Matt Rolfe to discuss the critical role of culture in the restaurant industry. They dive deep into the challenges restaurants face when scaling and how effective leadership and clear communication can transform team dynamics. Matt shares his personal journey of overcoming learning disabilities and his passion for the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of co-creating goals with staff and maintaining a focus on employee experience. The conversation also includes practical steps on how to build trust within teams, the significance of consistent messaging from leadership, and how to measure and recognize success. Additionally, Matt offers insights into working through failures and the value of seeking help. For more details, listeners can connect with Matt on various platforms and explore his content-rich resources.

00:00 Matt Rolfe

00:14 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:08 Matt's Journey into Hospitality

04:14 Unique Approach to Consulting

06:18 Common Challenges in Organizations

09:28 Creating Clarity and Accountability

12:51 Employee Experience and Leadership

15:08 Real-Life Examples and Lessons

22:14 The Importance of Core Values

22:32 Living Your Values

23:13 Humility and Growth

26:35 The Power of Asking for Help

29:25 Empowering Your Team

32:34 Engaging with Matt Rolfe

39:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Adam, the founder of CaptiveWiFi. The discussion delves into the ways CaptiveWiFi is revolutionizing the use of WiFi in the hospitality industry by providing cloud-based, low-cost, high-value solutions that enhance guest engagement, loyalty, and revenue. Adam explains how their platform creates a seamless customer experience through beautifully designed splash pages, efficient data capture, and intelligent loyalty integration. The episode also covers security measures, feedback collection, and the importance of leveraging guest data to create personalized and valuable interactions. Adam emphasizes the importance of a cohesive customer journey and shares insights on how businesses can make the most of their WiFi to drive customer engagement and retention.

00:00 CaptiveWifi

01:10 Introduction to Today's Episode

01:32 Meet Adam: Founder of CaptiveWiFi

02:44 The Problem with Traditional WiFi Systems

03:59 CaptiveWiFi's Innovative Solutions

07:27 Importance of Capturing Guest Data

10:55 Enhancing Guest Experience with WiFi

14:28 Managing WiFi Infrastructure and Security

15:59 Touchless Loyalty and Future Innovations

23:26 Innovative Customer Tracking Solutions

24:15 Maximizing Footfall Data

25:04 Optimizing Store Layout and Staffing

26:43 Advanced Kiosk Analytics

29:51 Integrating WiFi and Reservation Data

35:42 Enhancing Customer Feedback Systems

39:19 Agile Solutions for Businesses

40:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy interviews industry veteran Bill Lindsey, founder of COGS-Well, a company specializing in cost of goods sold software for restaurants. Bill shares insights from his long career in the restaurant industry, which began in 1974 as a restaurant manager and evolved into developing restaurant management software. The discussion covers the basics of back office systems, the importance of managing cost of goods and labor, and strategies for improving profitability, such as menu engineering, waste reduction, and leveraging AI for inventory management. Bill also highlights the unique features and methodologies of COGS-Well, designed to set up inventory systems quickly and efficiently while maintaining high data quality through auditing teams. Additionally, the episode emphasizes the importance of partnering with vendors, leveraging rebates, and making data-driven decisions. For more information and a demo of COGS-Well's solutions, listeners are encouraged to visit their website and dedicated landing page.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:25 Meet Bill Lindsey: Industry Veteran

01:44 Understanding Back Office Systems

03:16 Labor and Food Costs: A Balancing Act

07:09 Impact of Tariffs and Volatility on Food Costs

13:18 Strategies for Managing Costs

26:55 Boosting Sales with Desserts and Appetizers

28:06 Leveraging Rebate Programs for Extra Income

30:58 Reducing Waste with AI and Donations

35:38 Introduction to Cogswell's Unique Approach

37:00 Setting Up and Managing Inventory Efficiently

44:01 Optimizing Menu and Labor Costs

52:03 The Importance of Partnering and Data-Driven Decisions