In ChatGTM Episode 7, your hosts Michael and Chad welcome Sam Stanovich, head of operations for Big Chicken, as he takes a break from the International Franchise Association's Annual Conference in Las Vegas. They discuss the journey and unique aspects of the Big Chicken brand, driven by Shaquille O'Neal's culinary vision. Sam shares insights into franchise growth, technological advancements in the food industry, and the importance of networking and community in franchising. Join us for an in-depth conversation on scaling businesses, innovating in highly competitive markets, and the vibrant culture that makes Big Chicken stand out.

00:27 Big Chicken and Shaquille O'Neal

02:06 Welcome Sam Stanovich

02:21 International Franchise Association (IFA) Conference

05:25 Franchisee Insights and Networking

11:40 Technology in Franchising

19:39 The Importance of Internet Redundancy

20:26 Franchisee Appreciation and Support

22:17 Big Chicken's Global Expansion

23:15 Building a Strong Leadership Team

25:59 Innovative Menu and Customer Experience

28:30 Community Engagement and Local Partnerships

29:00 Future Growth and Expansion Plans

32:07 The Importance of Being Present

34:47 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Chad and Beck return from the New Year break to discuss the nuances of adjusting back to work. They are joined by Chris Harrison, CEO of SecureUptime, who shares his insights about networking solutions for restaurants and retailers. Chris talks about his career progression from CTO to CEO, the importance of network infrastructure, and emerging technologies like AI and kitchen robotics. The conversation includes fun anecdotes, business solutions, and future trends in the tech industry. Tune in to learn about the lessons learned from infrastructure overhauls and the exciting innovations on the horizon. 00:00 New Year, New Beginnings 01:20 Reflecting on 2024 01:54 Partnerships and Successes 02:48 Introducing Chris from Secure Uptime 03:51 Chris's Background and Leadership 06:34 Challenges and Solutions in Networking 21:33 Future of Network Solutions 27:27 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Danny Klein of QSR Magazine Talks Industry Trends, Tech, and Leadership:

Join hosts Michael Beck and Chad Horn as they sit down with Danny Klein from QSR Magazine. In this episode, Danny shares his journey from sports writing to becoming a key figure in the restaurant industry. The conversation covers various topics, including shifts in fast-casual dining, challenges faced by independent restaurants, and the importance of tech in the food service industry. Danny also highlights the significance of building a supportive network through events like the QSR Evolution Conference and the Women in Restaurant Leadership Conference. Tune in for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of restaurant operations, tech integration, and leadership development.

On Episode Two of ChatGTM, Alonzo Cudd and Cijoy Olickal of GM PILOT join forces with hosts Michael and Chad to dive into how their shared obsession with solving the restaurant industry's toughest problems brought GM PILOT to life. These two innovators are building superhuman GM assistants that give every restaurant owner the power and finesse of the top 1%—all without breaking a sweat.

The resulting labor savings and optimization don't just challenge the status quo; they grab it by the collar and demand answers. With Michael's boundless energy fueling the brainstorming and Chad's steady wisdom guiding the conversation, this episode unpacks how GM PILOT is reshaping the future of restaurant management with a bold mix of tech and ingenuity. It's big ideas, bold solutions, and a healthy dose of fun—don't miss it!

Tech Support Solutions for Restaurants: Expert Insights

In this episode, Andy Freivogel from the company Science On Call discusses the various ways restaurants handle tech support issues, highlighting the different approaches based on the size of the operation. He explains how smaller businesses often rely on patchwork solutions involving family members or general managers, while larger operations may have more comprehensive IT support systems in place making sure downtime is a rare occurrence.