In this episode of The Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with the founders of Kids Menu, Herman and Chrissy, to discuss their innovative platform aimed at transforming the children’s dining experience. Kids Menu provides restaurants with customizable, entertaining, and on-demand kids menus that capture children's interest, allowing families to have a more pleasant dining experience. They delve into the ease of use of their platform, which is inspired by tools like Canva, and discuss the business impact of engaging kids menus on restaurant revenue. The founders also share their long-term vision, including gamification, loyalty programs, and enhanced community connectivity. This episode offers valuable insights for restaurant operators seeking to enhance family dining experiences.

00:00 Kids Menu

00:52 Introduction and Welcome

01:17 Meet the Founders: Background and Experience

02:12 Introducing KidsMenus.com

04:02 The Problem with Traditional Kids Menus

04:26 How KidsMenus.com Solves the Problem

11:47 Ease of Use and Quick Setup

18:15 Affordability and Market Research

20:44 Impact on Business and Customer Stories

28:44 Legal Risks and Brand Integrity

33:19 Future Vision and Roadmap

35:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Kat Claypool from Wisetail, a leader in learning management systems for the restaurant industry. Kat discusses her career journey and the pivotal role Wisetail plays in improving restaurant operations through its employee enablement platform. The conversation covers Wisetail’s comprehensive tools, including learning management systems, operational checklist tools, and newly integrated content management systems resulting from their acquisition of Player Link. Emphasizing the importance of micro-training and tailored solutions for frontline workers, they explore how Wisetail aids in consistency, retention, and data-driven decision-making. Jeremy and Kat also delve into the advantages of tech consolidation, accessibility on multiple device platforms, and the impact of AI in enhancing training content. This episode offers valuable insights into how Wisetail is transforming the restaurant industry's approach to employee training and operational efficiency.

00:00 Wisetail

01:15 Introduction and Welcome

01:27 Meet Kat from Wisetail

03:05 What is Wisetail?

05:06 The Importance of Micro Training

09:16 Hybrid Training and Real-Time Support

26:09 Tech Consolidation and Operational Efficiency

30:35 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian is joined by Mina, the CEO of Tony Roma's. The discussion covers Mina's unique journey from an attorney conducting due diligence during the 2020 pandemic to becoming the permanent CEO in 2023. Mina shares her vision for revitalizing the beloved brand, focusing on menu innovation, expanding both domestically and internationally, and appealing to Gen Z and Millennials. The conversation highlights the brand's resilience, the importance of social media and influencer marketing, and the flexible support system provided to franchisees. Tune in to learn about Mina's strategy to reintroduce Tony Roma's to a new generation while preserving its cherished legacy.

00:00 Tony Roma's

01:01 Introduction and Welcome

01:23 Meet the New CEO of Tony Roma's

01:56 Journey to Becoming CEO

03:10 Challenges and Achievements

04:28 Revitalizing the Tony Roma's Brand

07:55 Explaining the Tony Roma's Experience

09:53 Innovations and Menu Updates

13:45 Franchisee Relations and Flexibility

17:13 Creating Memorable Experiences

19:52 Social Media and Marketing Strategies

23:05 Future Growth and Expansion Plans

27:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian welcomes back a returning guest from Pollo Campero. They discuss sustainable growth, entering new markets, and engaging guests through modern platforms. The guest, Pollo Campero’s VP of Franchise Development, shares insights on brand expansion, customer experience, and leveraging technology. They delve into the brand's strategic efforts during the pandemic, including implementing a mobile app, optimizing kitchens, and expanding customer experience programs. The episode highlights Pollo Campero’s growing presence in the U.S., their marketing strategies to connect with younger generations, and the importance of supply chain logistics. The conversation also touches on the integration of automation and AI in their operations and the significance of maintaining strong supplier relationships.

00:00 Audio Pollo Campero

00:59 Introduction and Welcome

01:30 Guest Background and Experience

02:27 Brand Evolution and Growth

06:39 Unique Dining Experience

09:54 Market Expansion Strategy

14:17 Supply Chain and Distribution

17:20 Engaging Younger Demographics

22:22 Customer Experience and Feedback

24:46 Pandemic Impact and Recovery

29:47 Technology and Innovation

35:04 Long-term Vision and Partnerships

37:30 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian is joined by hospitality tech veteran Seth Temko of Full On Strategy. Seth shares insights from his 25 years in the industry, discussing his various roles in pioneering restaurant tech initiatives and innovations. They delve into Seth's newest venture, Full On Strategy, a consultancy aimed at helping restaurant and tech companies implement effective go-to-market strategies. The episode explores the importance of awareness, education, and touchpoints in marketing, how to identify and address early signs of unmet forecasts, and strategic advice for scaling a business successfully. Seth and Jeremy also emphasize the role of emotional selling and the necessity of data-informed marketing. A valuable listen for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of successful restaurant tech implementations and business growth. For more details visit fullonstrategy.com or connect with Seth on LinkedIn.

00:00 Audio Full On Strategy

00:58 Introduction and Guest Background

01:37 Early Career in Hospitality Tech

02:44 Innovations and Missed Opportunities

04:09 Career Transitions and New Ventures

05:50 Founding Full On Strategy

06:57 Consulting Services and Approach

11:09 Marketing Challenges in Restaurant Tech

19:24 Understanding Buyer Psychology

21:29 The Importance of Doing the Right Thing in Marketing

22:55 Understanding Marketing Attribution and Data Points

27:00 Challenges and Strategies in Marketing Alignment

33:28 The Role of Marketing in Hyper Growth

38:20 Engaging with Full On Strategy

Succeeding in the Restaurant Industry with NRN's Sam Oches

In this episode, Jeremy Julian hosts Sam Oches, Editor in Chief of The Nation's Restaurant News, to discuss significant trends and insights shaping the restaurant industry in 2025 and beyond. Sam highlights the success strategies of top restaurant brands like Texas Roadhouse, Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane's, and Jersey Mike's, emphasizing consistency, quality, and efficient operations. They also explore innovation while maintaining brand integrity, employee investment, and managing growth. Moreover, they delve into the impact of technology, especially in enhancing employee efficiency, and the importance of adaptive strategies for casual dining brands. The episode is rich with strategies for navigating the evolving restaurant landscape.

00:00 Sam Oches
00:41 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:08 Sam Oches: Background and Role
02:15 Current Trends in the Restaurant Industry
02:40 Successful Restaurant Brands and Their Strategies
04:36 Balancing Consistency and Innovation
10:48 Employee Investment and Retention
15:14 Growth Strategies and Challenges
19:30 Casual Dining: Challenges and Opportunities
20:17 Introduction to Fogo de Chão's Success
20:45 Gen Z's Favorite Full-Service Restaurant
21:47 The Evolution of Casual Dining
22:37 Twin Peaks: A Modern Sports Bar Experience
23:26 Gustavo Group's Community-Centric Approach
24:47 Balancing Tradition and Innovation
27:39 Future of Restaurant Technology
31:43 Employee Engagement and Retention Strategies
34:39 Connecting with Industry Leaders

Restaurant Tech Innovations: AI, Dynamic Pricing, and Future Trends with Joe Gaskowski

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Joe Gaskowski, Senior Editor at Restaurant Business, to discuss the state of the restaurant industry, especially casual dining, and future technological trends. They talk about the impact of AI in areas such as drive-thrus, back-of-house operations, and marketing. The conversation also delves into the controversial dynamic pricing, voice AI, and the strategic use of third-party delivery services. Additionally, the challenges of integrating new tech with legacy systems and the importance of tech consolidation for seamless operations are highlighted.

00:00 Audio Joe Guszkowski
00:50 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:14 Joe Gaskowski's Background and Role
02:29 Trends in Restaurant Technology for 2024
03:06 The Rise of AI in the Restaurant Industry
04:49 Dynamic Pricing in Restaurants
15:10 Voice AI and Its Applications
21:50 Third-Party Delivery Services
25:44 Technology in Casual Dining
31:40 Future of Restaurant Technology
33:47 Conclusion and Upcoming Events