In this episode of the Instant Payments Podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, continues the conversation with Kep Sweeney, CEO of PDQ Restaurants. They delve into the business environment of the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space, discussing the handling and implications of tips, employee compensation, the free market, and industry trends. Kep and Tal also explore the challenges distressed restaurant brands face, common pitfalls, and the evolving role of AI in enhancing operations and financial forecasting. The discussion wraps up with advice for emerging restaurant leaders on gaining diverse experiences and taking advantage of educational opportunities. To learn more, visit instant.co/podcast.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:19 Discussing Employee Tips in QSR

07:22 Employee Well-being and Management

11:38 Challenges in Distressed Restaurant Brands

14:48 AI in the Restaurant Industry

20:07 Final Advice for Future Leaders

23:05 Conclusion and Farewell

To learn more about PDQ: eatpdq.com

Connect with Kep: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kep-sweeney-a19a3b5/

Connect with Tal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tal-clark-a60776b/

Ep 05 Part 1 Restaurant Industry Insights with Kep Sweeney, CEO of PDQ and Former Wall Street Analyst

In this episode of the Instant Payments podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, interviews Kep Sweeney, the CEO of PDQ Restaurants. Kep shares his extensive background in the restaurant industry, from working in kitchens as an executive chef to transitioning to an analyst role on Wall Street and ultimately leading PDQ restaurants. The discussion covers PDQ's business model, its focus on quality, workforce management, and current challenges in the restaurant industry. Kep also provides insights into the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space and how businesses can navigate market pressures. Tune in for part two, where Tal and Kep will discuss tipping etiquette, restaurant trends, and AI applications in the industry. To learn more, visit instant.co/podcast.

00:00 Welcome to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:39 Introducing Today's Guest: Kep Sweeney

01:40 Kep Sweeney's Journey in the Restaurant Industry

04:00 Transition to Wall Street and Analytics

07:56 Joining PDQ Restaurants

10:15 PDQ's Business Model and Employee Focus

15:07 Current Challenges in the Restaurant Industry

20:51 Conclusion and What's Next

Learn more at www.instant.co/podcast.

Check out www.eatpdq.com.

In this episode of the Instant Payments podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, interviews Dr. Martin Armstrong, Vice President of Payroll Shared Services at a Fortune 100 telecommunications company. They discuss Martin's extensive career in payroll, his journey from the Navy to becoming a recognized leader in the industry, and the technological advancements that have transformed payroll practices. They also touch on the benefits of modern payroll solutions like earned wage access and robotic process automation. Martin shares his insights on the future of payroll and offers advice for payroll practitioners looking to advance their careers.

00:00 Welcome to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:43 Introducing Dr. Martin Armstrong

02:13 Martin's Journey into Payroll

03:29 Martin's Military and Business Career

10:15 The Evolution of Payroll

13:47 The Importance of Earned Wage Access

21:51 Future of Payroll Technology

25:49 Advice for Payroll Practitioners

27:41 Closing Remarks and Farewell

In this episode of the Instant Payments Podcast, host Tal Clark (CEO of Instant Financial) continues his conversation with Kevin O'Bold, VP of Finance at Ultra Steak. They dive deep into the impact of digital tipping, pay-at-the-table technology, and electronic payments on restaurant operations, employee satisfaction, and business efficiency. Kevin shares real-world insights on transitioning from cash to digital, optimizing labor, customizing tip pools, and the future of technology in the hospitality industry. The discussion also covers leadership advice for those aspiring to grow in the restaurant business.

Chapters & Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Welcome Back

00:29 – The Shift to Pay-at-the-Table and Digital Payments

01:55 – Impact of Electronic Tipping: Efficiency & Transparency

04:15 – Employee Experience: Daily Tip Access & Financial Wellbeing

07:15 – Reducing Cash Handling & Courier Service Costs

09:00 – Employee Feedback and Retention Benefits

12:08 – Customizing Tip Pools and Automation

15:01 – Technology Needs: Forecasting, AI, and Labor Optimization

19:10 – Balancing Technology with Human Touch in Hospitality

21:15 – Dynamic Pricing: Opportunities and Challenges

23:45 – Leadership Advice for Restaurant & Hospitality Professionals

26:20 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Learn More

In this episode of the Instant Payments Podcast, hosted by Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, industry leader Kevin O'Bold discusses his journey and role as Vice President of Finance for Ultra Steak, Inc. Kevin shares insights into his 10-year tenure, the transition from accountant to VP, and the challenges and strategies involved in modernizing payroll, IT, and automation initiatives. The conversation delves into Ultra Steak's diverse portfolio, including Aspen Creek Grill, Aspen Tap House, and Slim Chickens, focusing on operational efficiencies and technology investments. Tune in to learn how Ultra Steak navigates the complexities of the restaurant industry while maintaining growth and innovation.

00:00 Welcome to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:39 Introducing Kevin O'Bold and Ultra Steak, Inc.

02:02 Kevin's Journey and Ultra Steak's Evolution

06:00 Challenges in the Restaurant Industry

09:24 Aspen Creek Grill and Market Strategies

15:35 Slim Chickens: A New Venture

18:49 Technology Investments in Restaurant Operations

21:58 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

Welcome to the Instant Payments podcast hosted by Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial. In this episode, Tal is joined by Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse (now retired) and Bolay Fresh Bowl Kitchen. Tim shares his remarkable journey through the culinary world, from studying art history in Florence, to co-founding one of America's most iconic restaurant brands. Discover how Tim's experiences in New Orleans and beyond laid the foundation for his success, the creation of the famous Bloomin' Onion, and the revolutionary people-first culture at Outback. Tim also touches on the innovative technologies transforming the restaurant industry, the importance of great employee relations, and his latest venture with his son, Bolay. Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with valuable insights and timeless wisdom!

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

00:43 Guest Introduction: Tim Gannon

01:32 Tim Gannon's Early Career and Culinary Journey

08:56 Founding Outback Steakhouse

17:16 Building a People-First Culture

22:41 The Bloomin' Onion Story

25:07 Innovations in the Restaurant Industry

32:04 Bolay: A New Venture

35:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the inaugural episode of the Instant Payments podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, speaks with David Alvarado, Instant Financial’s VP of Sales. With over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, David shares insights from his unique career journey—from his family’s Mexican restaurant in Michigan to a senior leadership role at Bloomin' Brands, and now at Instant Financial. The episode explores how digital payments, instant pay, and earned wage access are transforming payroll processes and improving employee satisfaction in the hospitality industry. David also discusses the challenges of adopting new technologies and the ongoing shifts within the restaurant sector. instant.co/podcast

00:00 Introduction to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:50 Meet Our First Guest: David Alvarado

02:24 David's Early Journey in the Restaurant Industry

06:12 Climbing the Ranks at Outback Steakhouse

08:57 Global Leadership and Veterans Support

12:55 Transition to Instant Financial

17:21 Challenges and Innovations in the Restaurant Industry

21:47 The Importance of Employee Satisfaction

28:55 Future of Financial Wellness in Hospitality

34:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell