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The Restaurant AI & Tech Report with Paul Barron explores how artificial intelligence is changing the restaurant industry. From AI ordering, robotics, and restaurant automation to guest experience, loyalty, payments,...
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The Restaurant AI & Tech Report with Paul Barron explores how artificial intelligence is changing the restaurant industry. From AI ordering, robotics, and restaurant automation to guest experience, loyalty, payments, and fast-casual growth, each episode connects emerging technology to the decisions restaurant leaders face today.
Drawing on decades of foodservice technology coverage and award-winning journalism in blockchain and crypto, Paul Barron interviews founders, operators, and innovators to uncover what works, what’s next, and where the industry is headed. For restaurant executives, investors, and technology leaders who want a sharper view of the future of foodservice.
Visit Savor.fm For More Insights
Get the Restaurant AI Top 25 Report
Sponsored By Proton Mail
show less
Drawing on decades of foodservice technology coverage and award-winning journalism in blockchain and crypto, Paul Barron interviews founders, operators, and innovators to uncover what works, what’s next, and where the industry is headed. For restaurant executives, investors, and technology leaders who want a sharper view of the future of foodservice.
Visit Savor.fm For More Insights
Get the Restaurant AI Top 25 Report
Sponsored By Proton Mail
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
Transcribed
28 JUL 2025 · In a recent episode of The Restaurant Report, host Paul Barron sat down with two industry veterans to dissect the rapidly evolving fast casual landscape. Cherryh Cansler, Publisher of Fastcasual.com, and Brian Shunia, Co-Founder of Wing Snob, shared insights on what's driving growth in this competitive sector and how brands are adapting to changing consumer demands.
~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN ~
#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more
With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto.
FastCasual #RestaurantTech #FranchiseGrowth
Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/
Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.
Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory
Transcribed
23 JUN 2025 · Join Paul Barron and Paul Molinari on The Restaurant Report as they dive deep into the fast casual revolution with Brianna Keefe, founder and CEO of Toastique. Discover how this gourmet toast and juice bar concept has exploded from a single Washington D.C. location in 2018 to 42 units nationwide, with plans for 25+ more by year's end. Learn about the "better-for-you" category that's driving the fast casual sector toward a projected $300 billion market by 2030, and explore Toastique's unique approach to quality, franchising, technology, and customer experience. From house-made everything to wellness shots and local artist collaborations, find out why this brand is setting new standards in healthy fast casual dining and what it means for the future of the restaurant industry.
FastCasual #RestaurantFranchise #HealthyEating
~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN ~
#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more
With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto.
Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/
Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.
Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory
Transcribed
12 MAY 2025 · Dive into the future of dining as industry experts explore the transformative potential of AI in restaurants. This eye-opening discussion reveals how artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize customer service, operational efficiency, and personalization—while preserving the essential human touch that makes dining special. Learn how restaurant leaders are navigating the delicate balance between cutting-edge technology and authentic hospitality.
~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN ~
#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more
With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto.
RestaurantTech #AIInDining #HospitalityInnovation
Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/
Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.
Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory
Transcribed
11 APR 2025 · The three essential Go-To-Market strategies for restaurant tech companies by Paul Molinari of Popcorn GTM. The strategies include: defining your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) to focus your efforts on specific restaurant segments; mastering the sales process through clear lead qualification and team alignment; and leveraging strategic partnerships with POS systems and complementary services to expand reach and enhance product value. These strategies are critical for restaurant tech vendors to succeed in the increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving hospitality technology landscape.
~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN ~
#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more
With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto.
RestaurantTech #GTMStrategy #HospitalityInnovation
Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/
Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.
Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory
Transcribed
11 APR 2025 · With nearly 20% of America's food imported, tariffs up to 145% on Chinese goods are driving up costs for essential ingredients. Consumer pushback is rising as restaurant prices increase, with over half of Americans spending less on dining out. Large chains can absorb some costs, while independent restaurants struggle with narrower margins. Despite some relief from lower oil prices and slowing inflation, economists warn that tariffs could reverse progress, and the Fed is unlikely to cut interest rates this year due to stagflation concerns. Restaurants must balance price adjustments with customer retention strategies to navigate these challenging economic conditions.
~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN ~
#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more
With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto.
RestaurantEconomics #TariffImpact #DiningIndustry2025
Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/
Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.
Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory
Transcribed
14 MAR 2025 · In this insightful episode of The Restaurant Report, host Paul Barron and Sam Oches from Informa's Restaurant & Food Group analyze the critical challenges and opportunities facing the restaurant industry in 2025. They dive into corporate layoffs affecting major brands, the impact of Trump's tariffs on supply chains, tech integration challenges, and the evolving role of third-party delivery. The conversation balances concerns about declining margins and consumer price sensitivity with optimism about hospitality's importance and potential growth opportunities later in the year, providing restaurant professionals with valuable perspective on navigating the current market landscape.
RestaurantIndustry #FoodServiceTrends #RestaurantTechnology
Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/
Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.
Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory
Transcribed
6 MAR 2025 · In this eye-opening episode of The Restaurant Report, Abhinav Kapur, founder and CEO of Bikky, reveals how AI and data analytics are reshaping the restaurant industry. From voice ordering systems to customer retention strategies, Kapur shares insights gained from analyzing 350 million guest profiles across major brands like Bojangles and Dave's Hot Chicken. Learn why 80% of guests never return after their first visit, how the remaining 20% drive up to 75% of revenue, and why automation concepts like Sweetgreen's Infinite Kitchen are delivering dramatically improved profit margins. Whether you're running a QSR, fast casual, or traditional restaurant, this conversation offers practical guidance on using data to thrive in today's challenging market.
~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN
#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more
With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto.
#RestaurantTech #AIinHospitality #CustomerRetention
Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/
Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.
Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory
Transcribed
28 FEB 2025 · In a recent Restaurant Report podcast episode, Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Michael Halen shared insights on restaurant industry trends, highlighting AI integration at companies like Chipotle, management changes at major chains, and Chili's remarkable 31.4% same-store sales growth under Kevin Hochman's leadership. Halen discussed Shake Shack's new kitchen innovation lab aimed at improving drive-thru efficiency, the healthy eating category's continued growth driven by Gen Z preferences, and predicted increased deal-making activity for 2025 as restaurant operations focus on fundamentals first, followed by effective marketing strategies.
~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN
#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more
With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward.
RestaurantInnovation #FoodServiceTrends #RestaurantTech
Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/
Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.
Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory
Transcribed
2 DEC 2024 · McDonald's recent partnership with Doodles marks a significant leap into Web3 and culture marketing for the fast-food giant. This collaboration, launching on November 18, 2024, introduces a holiday-themed campaign called "GM Spread Joy" that blends physical and digital experiences12.
The campaign features:
- Limited-edition McCafé cups with custom Doodles artwork
- A digital "pack-ripping" experience through the McDonald's app
- Unlockable digital wearables and animated content
This partnership demonstrates how restaurant brands can leverage Web3 technologies for loyalty programs and cultural engagement. By collaborating with Doodles, a Web3 entertainment brand that evolved from an NFT project, McDonald's is tapping into a younger, tech-savvy audience
#RestaurantInnovation #DigitalMarketing #BrandEngagement
🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/
📈 Learn More ~ Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index
Follow on X: Savor_fm
Transcribed
8 OCT 2024 · The restaurant industry faces a complex future in 2025, grappling with inflation, changing consumer behaviors, and technological advancements. Successful chains are focusing on providing everyday value rather than relying on discounts. Fast casual restaurants are experiencing challenges due to oversaturation and lack of drive-thrus. Technology investments, including kitchen automation and drone deliveries, are becoming crucial for efficiency. Changing consumer spending habits, particularly among low-income individuals, are impacting sales. While easier year-over-year comparisons may provide some relief, ongoing economic pressures continue to shape the industry landscape. Restaurants that can adapt to changing preferences, leverage technology, and offer consistent value are likely to outperform in this evolving market.
#RestaurantIndustry2025 #TechDrivenDining #AdaptToThrive
🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/
📈 Learn More ~ Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index
Follow on X: Savor_fm
The Restaurant AI & Tech Report with Paul Barron explores how artificial intelligence is changing the restaurant industry. From AI ordering, robotics, and restaurant automation to guest experience, loyalty, payments,...
show more
The Restaurant AI & Tech Report with Paul Barron explores how artificial intelligence is changing the restaurant industry. From AI ordering, robotics, and restaurant automation to guest experience, loyalty, payments, and fast-casual growth, each episode connects emerging technology to the decisions restaurant leaders face today.
Drawing on decades of foodservice technology coverage and award-winning journalism in blockchain and crypto, Paul Barron interviews founders, operators, and innovators to uncover what works, what’s next, and where the industry is headed. For restaurant executives, investors, and technology leaders who want a sharper view of the future of foodservice.
Visit Savor.fm For More Insights
Get the Restaurant AI Top 25 Report
Sponsored By Proton Mail
show less
Drawing on decades of foodservice technology coverage and award-winning journalism in blockchain and crypto, Paul Barron interviews founders, operators, and innovators to uncover what works, what’s next, and where the industry is headed. For restaurant executives, investors, and technology leaders who want a sharper view of the future of foodservice.
Visit Savor.fm For More Insights
Get the Restaurant AI Top 25 Report
Sponsored By Proton Mail
Information
| Author | Rever Networks |
| Organization | Rever Networks |
| Categories | Business , Technology , Entrepreneurship |
| Website | www.savor.fm |
| rbai@revernetworks.com |
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