The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions

Hosted by Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, sponsored by Custom Business Solutions

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367

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Restaurant Technology Podcasters... Drawing from years of combined experience in restaurant technology, implementation, and marketing, The Restaurant Technology Guys are here to help you run your business better. Check them out www.restauranttechnologyguys.com Jeremy literally grew up in the Restaurant Technology Industry. His family is the founders of Custom Business Solutions, Inc. and Jeremy’s early school vacations were spent soldering components for restaurant customers. Twenty-plus years later and Jeremy is COO for CBS, in charge of the implementation of technology systems for CBS customers. It’s fair to say that Jeremy is very much in touch with the challenges and issues facing restaurant operators in the area of technology systems. Outside of CBS, Jeremy and his wife Michelle are the busy parents of two boys and two girls. The family’s youngest son was adopted from Uganda. Four kids, youth sports, church and many other activities mean non-stop action at the Julian household. Jeremy is a big fan of baseball and soccer. When not cheering on the kids in sports Jeremy enjoys cooking and watching Food Network.

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60 recent

October 26, 202630 min

Brooklyn Water Bagel's 14-Step Water System — Dan Smith

Dan Smith, CEO of Brooklyn Water Bagel, shares the unique story of the brand, emphasizing the focus on quality and commitment to details. He discusses the menu offerings, off-premise business, franchise expansion, and community engagement, highlighting the brand's local presence and growth plans. Takeaways Focus on quality and commitment to details set Brooklyn Water Bagel apart. The brand's menu offerings and off-premise business contribute to its unique experience. Community engagement and local presence are key aspects of the brand's growth strategy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:03 The Unique Story of Brooklyn Water Bagel 02:18 The Focus on Quality 03:08 The Commitment to Details 04:38 Menu Offerings and Quality Experience 06:36 Off-Premise Business and Community Engagement 18:39 Franchise Expansion and Local Presence

October 19, 202638 min

Why Your Loyalty Emails Don't Convert — Yosef Peterseil, Blings

The conversation covers the introduction of Yosef and his background, the development of Bling's video technology, its application in the restaurant industry, and its impact on customer engagement and behavior. The discussion also addresses the fear of AI slop and the integration of Bling's technology with existing marketing systems. Takeaways Video-first approach Personalized and interactive videos Integration with existing marketing systems Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:05 Development of Bling's Video Technology 03:43 Application in the Restaurant Industry 08:13 Impact on Customer Engagement and Behavior 21:26 Addressing the Fear of AI Slop

October 12, 202635 min

Why This Franchisee Gave Back $141K — Kyle Huck, Wings Etc.

The episode features a conversation with Kyle Huck, a multi-unit franchise owner for Wings, etc., and Colton LeTourneau, the senior director of marketing for Wings, etc. They discuss the brand's success, community involvement, and unique menu items. Takeaways Community involvement Menu recommendations Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Brand Overview 01:19 Kyle Huck's Journey with Wings, etc. 02:15 Colton LeTourneau's Role and Marketing Strategy 02:58 Concept and Differentiation of Wings, etc. 07:29 Community Involvement and Impact 14:35 Local Store Marketing and Franchise Support 28:22 Signature Menu Items and Recommendations 31:13 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

October 5, 202642 min

How a Chick-fil-A Operator Uses AI to Lead — Jon Harmeling

The conversation covers John's journey from the military to Chick-fil-A, the distinction between leadership and management, and the shift to significance with the use of AI in business operations. It also explores the impact of AI on employee recognition and the power of AI in enhancing business operations and significance. The conversation covers the importance of running a profitable business, automating business processes, using AI for leadership development, overcoming resistance to AI, and implementing AI for business tasks. It also explores the intentional use of AI for leadership, building a leadership development program, and connecting with AI for significance. The discussion concludes with a lighthearted segment on favorite Chick-fil-A orders. Takeaways Leadership and management are distinct, with leadership focusing on people and significance, while management focuses on tasks and success. AI can be used to shift from success to significance in business operations, particularly in employee recognition and meaningful engagement. The power of AI lies in its ability to surface opportunities for significance that may be overlooked in the busyness of day-to-day operations. Automate repeatable tasks Use AI for intentional leadership development Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Chick-fil-A 03:00 Leadership vs. Management 08:11 The Shift to Significance with AI 10:05 Using AI for Significance 15:07 AI's Impact on Employee Recognition 19:55 The Power of AI in Business 21:20 Running a Profitable Business 22:19 Automating Business Processes 23:14 Using AI for Leadership Development 25:43 Overcoming Resistance to AI 26:33 Tinkering with AI 27:29 Trust but Verify with AI 28:53 Implementing AI for Business Tasks 30:16 Comparing AI and Manual Processes 31:30 Intentional Use of AI for Leadership 33:23 Building a Leadership Development Program 36:13 Connecting with AI for Significance 38:40 Favorite Chick-fil-A Order

September 28, 202638 min

The Recommendation Economy Comes to Restaurants — Pat Venn, PRIMA

The conversation covers Pat Venn's journey in the hospitality industry, his role at Prima, and the innovative solutions Prima offers to restaurants and diners. It delves into the concept of the recommendation economy and the vision for Prima's future expansion. Takeaways Hospitality industry experience Innovative solutions for restaurants The concept of the recommendation economy Future expansion and vision for Prima Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:05 The Journey in Hospitality 01:33 Talk and its Evolution 04:17 Differentiation in the Reservation Platform Space 06:48 Prima: Vision and Mission 11:10 The Concept of the Recommendation Economy 18:24 Attribution and Visibility in the Physical World 27:37 Engagement and Expansion 34:19 Future Vision and Expansion

September 21, 202647 min

Why Storytelling Saved San Pedro Fish Market — Michael Ungaro

The conversation delves into the journey of the San Pedro Fish Market, highlighting its growth from a small storefront to a renowned dining attraction. It explores the challenges faced, the innovative marketing strategies employed, and the importance of understanding and engaging with the customer base. The discussion emphasizes the power of authentic marketing and the impact of storytelling in building a successful brand. The conversation delves into the power of authentic storytelling in marketing, highlighting the impact of storytelling on brand building and customer engagement. It also explores the adaptation to change and innovation, the utilization of AI in marketing, the art of storytelling, and the significance of the culinary experience in branding. Takeaways Family-owned business success Innovative marketing strategies Authentic storytelling Utilizing AI in marketing Chapters 00:00 The Journey of San Pedro Fish Market 02:26 Pivoting and Learning from Failures 06:08 Creating an Engaging Dining Experience 07:08 Understanding Customer Base and Value Proposition 10:07 The Evolution of the Brand and Marketing Strategy 18:01 The Power of Authentic Marketing 21:37 Engaging Customers through Storytelling 24:13 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing 25:03 Adapting to Change and Innovation 31:29 Utilizing AI in Marketing 37:50 The Art of Storytelling 43:00 Culinary Experience and Branding

September 14, 202647 min

Restaurant Marketing You Can Track — Brett Linkletter, Dishio

The conversation delves into the challenges of restaurant marketing and the evolution of marketing strategies in the industry. It explores the power of digital marketing, the importance of targeting and tracking in restaurant marketing, driving repeat business, and the development of a marketing platform to address the needs of the industry. The conversation covers the evolution of e-commerce advertising, the challenges of proving ROI, the complexity of marketing funnels, the journey of building a tech product, raising funds, aspirations for the industry, the power of personalization and AI, and the engagement and consultation process. The key takeaways include the importance of personalization and data-driven marketing in the restaurant industry. Takeaways Restaurant marketing challenges Targeting and tracking in restaurant marketing Personalization Data-driven marketing Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Restaurant Marketing 02:56 The Power of Digital Marketing 08:09 Targeting and Tracking in Restaurant Marketing 17:54 Driving Repeat Business 22:58 Building a Marketing Platform 24:00 The Evolution of E-commerce Advertising 25:19 The Challenges of Proving ROI 26:12 The Complexity of Marketing Funnels 27:38 The Journey of Building a Tech Product 28:21 Raising Funds and Aspirations for the Industry 35:46 The Power of Personalization and AI 41:57 Engagement and Consultation Process

September 7, 202639 min

US Foods’ Menu IQ: Snap a Recipe, See Your Food Cost — James Jones

The conversation covers James D. Jones' background in technology, US Foods' technology-forward approach, the challenges of technology adoption in the food service industry, the impact of COVID-19 on technology adoption, and the development of US Foods' e-commerce platform and sales CRM transformation. It also delves into the benefits of US Foods' Moxie and Menu IQ tools, the use of AI in menu profitability, and the future of technology in the food service industry. Takeaways Technology adoption in the food service industry has been slow but is accelerating due to factors like COVID-19 and the move into AI. US Foods is investing in technology to automate processes, improve customer service, and provide transparency in inventory and pricing. The Moxie and Menu IQ tools from US Foods are designed to simplify ordering, inventory management, and menu profitability for restaurant operators. The future of technology in the food service industry involves predictive analytics, flexible delivery options, and tools to help operators make informed decisions about menu innovation and ingredient choices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:53 Challenges of Technology Adoption in Food Service 06:56 US Foods' Technology-Forward Approach 08:08 Benefits of Moxie and Menu IQ Tools 29:31 Future of Technology in the Food Service Industry

August 31, 202643 min

California Pizza Kitchen Scaled on Culture — Rick Rosenfield

Rick Rosenfield, co-founder of California Pizza Kitchen, shares the story of how he and his partner, Larry Flax, changed the way America eats pizza. From their humble beginnings as federal prosecutors to creating a unique brand that set trends and transformed the industry, Rick's journey is a testament to innovation and vision. The conversation delves into the creation of California style pizza, the introduction of upscale casual dining, and the translation of unique flavors to salads, all of which contributed to the success of California Pizza Kitchen. The conversation with Rick Rosenfield covers the growth and development of the California Pizza Kitchen brand, focusing on the unique open kitchen design, the selection of locations, and the establishment of a strong company culture. Rick also discusses the motivation behind writing the book and the importance of fostering a strong culture in business. Takeaways Innovation in the restaurant industry Creating cravable menu items Open kitchen design Opportunistic real estate strategy Building a strong company culture Motivation behind writing the book Chapters 00:00 The Birth of California Pizza Kitchen 01:40 From Law to Pizza 03:02 The Emergence of California Style Pizza 04:29 Expanding the Brand and Concept 07:05 Anchoring Upscale Shopping Centers 08:04 The Evolution of Menu and Concept 09:02 The Strategy of Upscale Casual Dining 13:32 Innovative Menu Creation 18:37 Transition to Salads 21:54 The Unique Open Kitchen Design 22:50 Selecting Locations and Staffing 29:11 The Evolution of CPK's Culture 37:42 The Motivation Behind Writing the Book

August 24, 202641 min

Surcheros: The Tex-Mex Franchise Winning in Towns Everyone Else Skips

The Restaurant Technology Guys podcast features Luke Christian and Jake Philpotts ,, the founder and vice president of development at Surcheros, a fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant chain. They discuss the unique founding story, the passion for people, site selection, off-prem sales, and the franchisee experience. Takeaways Passion for people drives the success of Surcheros. Site selection and off-prem sales are critical for the growth of the brand. Franchisees are attracted to the authenticity and transparency of the Surcheros team. Chapters 00:00 Founding Story and Unique Concept 03:16 Passion for People and Purpose 06:32 Site Selection and Off-Prem Sales 09:27 Franchisee Experience and Engagement 25:19 Product Differentiation and Innovation 29:57 Franchisee Selection and Cultural Fit 33:07 Brand Expansion and Product Recommendations