Episodes

About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our Website Follow Restaurant Technology Substack Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Learn About our Media Services

In the fast-paced and demanding world of hospitality, few stories are as inspiring as Christin Marvin's journey. From the depths of burnout and the challenges of alcohol dependency, Marvin reinvented herself, emerging as a powerful leader and advocate for change within the industry. Her new book, The Hospitality Leader’s Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary, and her podcast, The No Hesitations Restaurant Leadership Podcast, highlight her mission to empower others with lessons on leadersh...

The restaurant industry has long grappled with the complexities of repairs and maintenance, often causing inefficiencies and added stress. Joe Gallagher, Co-Founder and Head of Product at 86 Repairs, is on a mission to change that. With a background in mechanical engineering and extensive experience in the food equipment industry, Joe’s vision for 86 Repairs is transforming how restaurants connect with reliable service providers, ensuring swift and effective repairs. Interview Takeaways: Repai...

About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our Website Follow Restaurant Technology Substack Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Learn About our Media Services

Ryan Handel, CEO and Co-Founder of FIXE, has leveraged his experience as a restaurant owner to revolutionize bookkeeping for the restaurant industry. Frustrated by the inefficiencies of traditional methods, Handel developed a system that integrates QuickBooks Online with restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems. This innovation automates the tedious process of managing financials, offering restaurant owners real-time data and streamlined operations. FIXE's unique approach, deeply rooted in restaur...

In this interview Shawn Walchef talks with Vicious Biscuit COO Amanda Kahalehoe about growth through franchising, creating efficiencies as you scale, and building excitement for a food brand. Interview Takeaways: R365’s restaurant enterprise management software simplifies day-to-day management for operators, allowing them to control food costs and optimize labor. Episode Links: Restaurant365 Demo: https://www.restaurant365.com/request-demo R365 Events: https://www.restaurant365.com/resource-...

Rean Mckinley, The Executive General Manager of Gusto Italian Grill & Bar in Moncton, New Brunswick, is in the midst of a great career in hospitality. Starting at the age of 15 as a dishwasher, Mckinley worked his way up through various roles, gaining international experience with Princess Cruise Lines. His passion for hospitality eventually led him to Gusto, where he now oversees one of Canada’s busiest restaurants. Under Rean Mckinley’s leadership, Gusto Italian Grill & Bar has flourished, se...

About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our Website Follow Restaurant Technology Substack Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Learn About our Media Services

Interview Takeaways: Streamlining Review Management w/ Marqii – Next Level CEO, Matt de Gruyter had an obsession with reading every review. He and his team would take time out of their day to complete the laborious task of reading and responding to reviews coming from a multitude of platforms. Once Heather Dratler introduced the company to Marqii, that workflow was optimized and de Gruyter and company could still view and respond appropriately to reviews. Human Touch and Marqii AI Tools – Next ...

Interview Takeaways: Starting from Pain Points – Daniel Estrada was motivated to start 86 Repairs after facing the difficulties and frustrations tied to managing repairs and maintenance in the restaurant industry. His co-founder, Joe, who had experience in the food equipment sector, observed that many of his clients struggled with handling repairs and upkeep efficiently, which sparked discussions between them about the challenges restaurant operators regularly encountered, and ultimately led to...

ABOUT JEREMY JULIAN Jeremy Julian brings over two decades of experience in restaurant technology, offering valuable insights into how technology can transform the industry. Having grown up in a family immersed in the restaurant tech world, Julian deeply understands the sector’s challenges and opportunities. His podcast, produced by Custom Business Solutions, serves as a key resource for restaurateurs looking to optimize their operations with the latest innovations. Each episode covers topics lik...

Interview Takeaways: Luna Grill x unPLUG: Guiding Customer Behavior – Luna Grill’s implementation of cutting-edge technology, such as unPLUG, has allowed them to create a personalized and seamless guest experience, resulting in rapid market expansion and increased brand presence. Through this technology, they were also able to cultivate strong customer loyalty and drive sales. By revolutionizing their first-party experience and streamlining interactions, Luna Grill was able to further boost gues...

About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our Website Follow Restaurant Technology Substack Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Learn About our Media Services

Interview Takeaways: How ChouxBox Came About – ChouxBox, pronounced Shoebox, is one of three businesses that Xavier Vega has started. Choux Box, in particular, was ideated from Vega’s time working in restaurants and the pain of having to enter invoices at the end of grueling shifts. The name is a play on chefs’ affinity for fancy, oftentimes French inspired, foods. “Overseasoned”: A Feeling and a Podcast Title – Xavier Vega and co-host, Tony, talk openly about the restaurant business from the p...

About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our Website Follow Restaurant Technology Substack Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Learn About our Media Services

Interview Takeaways: Culinary Agents’ Story: Building Trust and Value – Alice Cheng’s story is one of belief and perseverance. Now twelve years later, the story of Culinary Agents has evolved to the relationships that have been built and the values that Culinary Agents have become known for exhibiting. Culinary Agents’ All New Freemium Model – Alice Cheng dropped a Digital Hospitality exclusive! Culinary Agents is set to roll out their all new Freemium model companies will have access to a suit...

About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our Website Follow Restaurant Technology Substack Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Learn About our Media Services

About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our Website Follow Restaurant Technology Substack Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Learn About our Media Services

Interview Takeaways: Sourdough and Software: A Scientific Approach – With a passion for baking, Shereen Qumsieh finds the common thread of her reputation management software and baking sourdough bread is the increased effectiveness due to intentional measurements. A Baseline for Measurables – It’s difficult to know where you want to go if you don’t know where you are. Shereen Qumsieh and Akira, understands how important it is to measure and aggregate all data as a roadmap to helping customers s...

In this interview Shawn Walchef talks with Vicious Biscuit COO Amanda Kahalehoe about growth through franchising, creating efficiencies as you scale, and building excitement for a food brand. Interview Takeaways: Vicious Biscuit Facts: The first brick-and-mortar Vicious Biscuit opened in Mount Pleasant, S.C. It was co-founded by George McLaughlin and Michael Greeley in 2018. Vicious Biscuit is on track to reach 75 franchise locations in the United States by 2029. Episode Links: Restaurant3...

About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our Website Follow Restaurant Technology Substack Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Learn About our Media Services

About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our Website Follow Restaurant Technology Substack Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Learn About our Media Services

Interview Takeaways: Branding Police Composite – Michael Beck and company take a deep look into brands and what they stand for to take a deep look into what is working and what is not. Pattern Interrupt in Sales – Authenticity. That is a strong point for Michael Beck. For him, he isn’t trying to be different, he just is. But that’s what makes him memorable. Nobody Gives a Crap Until… – Simply put: sales happen in the discovery. To Michael Beck, the unveiling of customer pain points and solving ...

Shawn Walchef talks with Spin! Pizza Director of IT and Operations Support Jeff Lee about his long-history with the fast causal pizza chain and how technology can transform restaurant operations. Interview Takeaways: SPIN! Pizza Facts: The first Spin! Pizza opened in 2005 in Kansas City. It was one of the earliest fast-casual pizza concepts of its kind. Co-founder Ed Brownell started his career at Pizza Hut. Episode Links: Restaurant365 Online: https://www.restaurant365.com/ R365 Events: h...