#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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR1hMlmuFNA&t=1s

Today, we’re highlighting Josh's appearance on a standout episode of Digital Hospitality with host Shawn Walchef. They explore the power of storytelling in business, the surprising ROI of podcasting, and the evolving world of restaurant tech. From menu engineering to system integration, the conversation dives deep into the real-world challenges restaurant owners face—including the lessons that only come through failure. Josh also speaks candidly about the value of mentorship and offers actionable advice for aspiring restaurateurs—focusing on what truly drives success: profitability, innovation, and the ability to adapt in a fast-changing industry.

Links and resources 📌

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

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

Follow Josh on instagram: @joshlsharkey

Listen to Digital Hospitality: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-hospitality/id1235316273

Visit Shawn Walchef: @shawnpwalchef

Audio chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Digital Hospitality and meez

02:23 - The ROI of Podcasting and Storytelling

09:50 - The Purpose and Vision of meez

10:51 - Challenges in Restaurant Tech

18:16 - Menu Engineering Basics for Restaurant Owners

22:12 - Understanding Integration in Restaurant Tech

25:22 - Lessons from Failures in the Restaurant Business

28:32 - Advice for New Restaurant Owners

29:43 - The Role of Mentorship in Business

32:04 - Final Thoughts and Future Plans

#94.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Josh Kopel, restaurateur, consultant, speaker, and former President of the California Restaurant Association, whose story is one of transformation, from building a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire in Los Angeles to rethinking the way hospitality businesses are built and run.

Kopel is best known for founding a Hollywood bar that became a local legend, launching a Michelin-awarded fine dining restaurant, and building an award-winning fast-casual brand. But by early 2020, he was burned out. With the pandemic looming, Josh sold everything—not as an exit, but as an evolution.

What came next was FULL COMP, a podcast born out of a commitment to rebuild the industry from the inside out. Paring his own experience with candid conversations with industry legends, Josh codified the systems, strategies, and stories that drive long-term success in hospitality. Those insights became the Restaurant Scaling System: a step-by-step framework helping restaurant owners regain control, increase profits, and build businesses that don’t burn them out.

In 2025, Josh launched the 5-Day Restaurant Profitability Masterclass—a free, high-impact crash course that distills decades of lessons into five focused sessions. It’s not theory; it’s a practical blueprint for restaurateurs ready to stabilize their operations, grow sustainably, and finally enjoy the freedom they’ve earned.

During the episode, Josh shares valuable insights on understanding customer needs, the power of teaching over doing in consulting, and effective strategies to boost profitability through targeted marketing and customer engagement. He also discusses the concept of product-market fit and how restaurants can harness AI to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

Links and resources 📌

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

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

Follow Josh on instagram: @joshlsharkey

Visit Josh Kopel: https://joshkopel.com/

Visit Josh on Instagram: @joshkopel

To sign up for my free 5 Day Masterclass: https://pages.joshkopel.com/masterclass

To connect with Josh on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuakopel1/

Audio chapters:

00:00 - The Importance of Marketing Skills
07:28 - Navigating the Restaurant Industry During Crisis
10:53 - The Journey of a Restaurateur
14:40 - Understanding Customer Needs
19:47 - Teaching Over Doing in Consulting
24:10 - The Profit Stack Strategy
31:27 - Overcoming Overwhelm in Business
34:44 - The Power of Focus and Accountability
38:31 - Building a Culture Code for Success
46:43 - Understanding Product Market Fit in Restaurants
53:34 - Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency