#95.

In this episode of The meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey sits down with Ben Pryor, a former restaurant operator turned tech leader at Fourtop, to explore the real-world impact of AI in the hospitality industry—and why it should empower teams, not replace them.

With more than 30 years of experience running restaurants like Noodles & Co., Brinker, and Dewey’s, Ben brings a sharp operator-first perspective to restaurant innovation. He unpacks his concept of “augmented intuition”—a rebrand of AI that’s rooted in support and empowerment rather than substitution—and shares how technology can be used to enhance human decision-making across teams. From simple tools like Expensify to AI-powered note-taking apps, he breaks down the systems that have helped streamline his own day-to-day work.

Josh and Ben also dig into the intersection of technology and hospitality, talking through why investing in people and processes is still critical, the role of friction in the guest experience, and the operational challenges restaurants face when integrating new tech. They explore the importance of service in shaping memorable dining experiences, what scalable leadership really looks like, and how restaurant teams can take ownership of their internal systems and data.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone thinking critically about the future of hospitality—whether you're navigating AI tools, building smoother workflows, or trying to create a seamless experience for both staff and guests.

Links and resources 📌

Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.com

Follow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeez

Follow Josh on instagram: @joshlsharkey

Visit Ben: https://www.fourtop.ai/

Audio chapters:

00:00 - Investing in People and Processes
07:47 - Augmented Intuition in the Restaurant Industry
14:54 - AI Tools and Daily Operations
22:57 - The Role of Friction in Hospitality
30:46 - Rethinking Restaurant Operations and Technology
40:08 - Understanding Restaurant Economics
43:52 - The Importance of Service in Dining Experiences
46:05 - The Role of Technology in Restaurant Operations
51:54 - The Intersection of Technology and Hospitality
56:34 - Data Integration Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
01:01:46 - The Future of Restaurant Technology