In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Peter Wiley, co-founder and marketing IT mastermind behind Hothead Burritos. They discuss the company's innovative use of technology and marketing strategies which have fueled their rapid growth. Peter shares insights on the importance of integrating marketing with IT, streamlining operations through digital ordering, and leveraging loyalty programs. The conversation also covers Hothead Burritos' unique offerings, including their variety of sauces, and their approach to catering and delivery. Listeners get a deep dive into how tech-savvy practices can lead to a more efficient and customer-focused restaurant experience.

00:00 Hot Head Burritos

01:13 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:41 Hothead Burritos: Brand Overview

04:18 Expansion and Locations

05:18 Customer Experience and Menu Customization

09:32 Digital Integration and Online Ordering

13:23 Third-Party Delivery and Integration

17:36 Catering and Large Orders

18:46 Creating an Online Ordering Menu for Catering

20:03 Evaluating Menu Offerings for Online and Catering

21:26 The Importance of Loyalty Programs

22:24 Incentivizing Catering Orders

27:19 Converting Customers Across Channels

30:35 Leveraging AI and Data Analytics

32:33 Popular Menu Items and Personal Favorites

34:39 Staying Engaged with Hothead Burritos

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Jason Ingermanson, the founder of Mokas Coffee and Eatery. Jason shares his entrepreneurial journey from starting a $30,000 coffee shop in a Kansas mall to growing multiple successful brands, including Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. Celebrating Mokas 20-year anniversary, Jason discusses the development and franchising of Mokas, his focus on quality and community involvement, and the core values driving the brand's success. He also shares insights on local store marketing, guest loyalty, and support systems provided to prospective franchisees. Tune in for an inspiring story of passion, discipline, and dedication in the restaurant industry.

00:00 Mokas Coffee & Eatery

00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:05 Jason's Journey: From Coffee Lover to Entrepreneur

03:02 The Birth and Growth of Mokas Coffee and Eatery

04:01 Navigating Challenges and Expanding During the Pandemic

05:21 Mokas' Unique Brand and Customer Experience

06:59 Commitment to Quality and Community

10:39 Franchising and Future Plans

18:13 The Story Behind the Name 'Mokas'

22:29 Franchisee Success Stories

23:14 The Importance of Transparency

23:41 Challenges in the Restaurant Industry

24:26 Expanding to New Markets

29:13 Local Store Marketing Strategies

32:06 Franchise Application Process

34:06 Discovery Day Experience

37:17 Master Franchise Opportunities

40:57 Connecting with Jason Ingram Manson

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian converses with Paul Tran, a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise expert. With a 20-year journey in the restaurant industry, Paul shares his story of turning a student loan into a successful Cajun crawfish restaurant and subsequent experiences scaling major brands like Halal Guys and Pepper Lunch. Paul discusses the importance of selecting the right franchisee, maintaining operational consistency, and building strong relationships between franchisees and franchisors. He also offers insights on effective marketing strategies and operations that contribute to franchise success. The episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to scale in the restaurant industry or seeking entrepreneurial inspiration.

00:00 Paul Tran of Pepper Lunch

01:39 Introduction and Welcome

01:50 Meet Paul Tran: A Journey in the Restaurant Industry

02:35 Paul's Early Ventures and Lessons Learned

05:44 The Halal Guys and Franchise Experience

07:05 Pepper Lunch: A New Venture

09:27 Insights on Franchising and Finding the Right Franchisees

14:59 Challenges and Success in Scaling a Franchise

24:16 California Brands in Texas

24:54 Franchisee and Franchisor Relationships

26:02 Choosing the Right Franchisee

26:47 Healthy and Unhealthy Tensions

31:21 Marketing and Community Outreach

37:10 Pepper Lunch Concept Explained

42:36 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian welcomes Geoffrey Toffetti, CEO of Frontline Performance Group (FPG), to discuss how restaurateurs can unlock hidden revenue, improve staff performance, and elevate guest experience without additional advertising costs. Geoffrey shares insights from his extensive career in hospitality and corporate consulting, detailing FPG's innovative solutions that utilize real-time analytics and AI-powered training. The conversation highlights the importance of systemized training for frontline employees, focusing on maximizing revenue through service-based sales techniques. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on making meaningful investments in staff to drive up to 10% revenue growth, improve tips, and enhance overall restaurant performance. The episode also covers the practical steps for implementing and measuring success in these initiatives.

00:00 Frontline Performance Group

01:26 Introduction and Welcome

01:59 Guest Introduction: Geoffrey Toffetti

02:08 Geoffrey Toffetti's Career Journey

03:18 Current Role at Frontline Performance Group

03:47 Focus on Hospitality and Restaurant Industry

05:21 Identifying and Solving Industry Problems

10:44 Service-Based Sales Philosophy

14:29 Training and Technology Integration

20:27 Measuring Success and Analytics

24:56 Engaging Different Demographics

27:46 Results and Success Stories

29:34 How to Engage with Frontline Performance Group

32:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian welcomes Jason Morgan, the CEO of Original ChopShop, to discuss the brand's unique fast casual offerings and growth strategy. Jason shares his journey from accounting to hospitality, his experience with Zoe's Kitchen, and how he's leveraging those lessons at Original ChopShop. They delve into the restaurant's diverse and healthful menu, the importance of technology in maintaining quality and consistency, and the challenges of scaling a company-owned business. Jason also discusses the brand's focus on customer feedback and its efforts to expand in strategic markets while highlighting their catering program. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in restaurant innovation and growth.

00:00 Original ChopShop

01:21 Introduction and Guest Background

01:59 Jason's Journey in the Restaurant Industry

03:37 Original ChopShop Story

05:54 Unique Menu and Concept

08:16 Menu Development and Technology Integration

15:26 Breakfast and Expansion Strategy

17:55 Revealing Industry Insights

18:21 Company-Owned vs Franchise Models

20:23 Strategic Market Expansion

23:40 Challenges and Achievements

28:09 Signature Dishes and Personal Favorites

31:27 Catering and Off-Premise Strategies

33:11 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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