The Morning Sam, Morning Ralph Podcast

MSMR 015 - Innovating Franchising with Pepper Lunch's Troy Hooper: Technology, Quality, and Japanese Culinary Excellence

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph,' hosts Paul Molinari and Chad Horn welcome a special guest, Troy Hooper, an industry veteran with extensive franchising experience. Troy dives deep into his current role as CEO of Hot Palette America, where he oversees the Pepper Lunch brand in North America. He discusses leveraging technology for improved customer and franchisee experience, the importance of ingredient quality, and the innovative strategies that set Pepper Lunch apart. From implementing AI solutions to introducing groundbreaking, sustainable packaging, Troy shares his insights and the brand’s exciting future plans. Tune in to learn more about how Pepper Lunch is amping up the fast-casual dining experience and setting new standards in the franchising industry.

MSMR 014 - Supporting Restaurant Employee Families in Crisis with Jill Chapman of COREgives.org

Paul and Chad interview Jill Chapman from COREgives.org. CORE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial relief to restaurant workers with families facing crises like health issues, injuries, or natural disasters. Jill discusses CORE's origins, mission, and unique challenges within the industry. She highlights the importance of providing financial support to restaurant employees, who often lack paid time off and healthcare. Chapman also shares inspiring stories of families CORE has helped, emphasizing the profound impact of their support.  Visit COREgives.org to support.

MSMR 013 - Redefining the Drive Thru at Burger King with Stephen Brown

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph, the podcast for restaurant technology professionals, hosts Chad and Paul talk with Stephen Brown, Head of Operations Excellence at Antares Restaurant Group (aka Burger King New Zealand), about AI integration in their drive-thru service. Known as Patty, this AI system, conceived by AI software company, Hi-Auto, takes orders with a personalized Kiwi accent and has positively impacted staff stress levels, customer service, and order accuracy. Stephen shares their journey from conception to deployment, the benefits seen in both customer and employee engagement, and future expansion plans, including using AI for coaching within the restaurant. This initiative has not resulted in job losses but has enhanced operational efficiency and customer experience.

MSMR 012 - How to Master Digital Storytelling with Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph,' Paul and Chad dive into a conversation with Shawn Walcheff, the influential owner of Cali BBQ Media and the Cali BBQ multi-unit restaurant brand based in San Diego. Shawn shares his journey and insights on digital storytelling, emphasizing the importance of 'being the show, not the commercial' to attract the right customers and build better customer relationships. The discussion also touches on Shawn's practical approach to overcoming fears of content creation and leveraging AI in restaurant operations for improved accountability and efficiency. Additionally, Shawn shares his skepticism towards the saying 'if you build it, they will come,' stressing that storytelling and marketing are key to success in the competitive restaurant industry. Tune in to learn about the power of consistent content creation, AI's role in restaurant technology, and the significance of sharing authentic stories to inspire and educate within the industry.

MSMR 011 - Modern E-Learning for Restaurant Employees with Illumina Interactive Learning

This episode of the podcast 'Morning Sam Morning Ralph' features Michael Getz and Jason Kramer from Illumina Interactive, discussing how e-learning can address high turnover in the restaurant industry. They emphasize creating engaging, interactive training that incorporates storytelling and real-life scenarios, catering to multi-generational workforces and industry trends like AI and gamification. The guests highlight their company's 25-year experience in developing aesthetically appealing and thought-provoking content, aiming to support restaurants and suppliers in creating effective training materials that are both compelling and scalable.

MSMR 010 - Inside IFBTA and WORTH: Collaboration in Restaurant Tech with Lauren Selman

Join hosts Paul and Chad in an engaging episode of 'Morning Sam Morning Ralph,' discussing restaurant technology with Lauren Selman, VP of Operations at the International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA). Lauren shares insights on how IFBTA fosters collaboration and innovation in the food and beverage industry through networking and educational opportunities. The conversation covers the unique role of IFBTA chapters, the significance of experiential events, and the vital need for women in tech and hospitality leadership, culminating in an introduction to WORTH – Women of Restaurants, Technology, and Hospitality.

MSMR 009 - How to Close the Deal with the CFO featuring Ned Algeo of Multipli Group

In this episode of Morning Sam Morning Ralph, hosts Chad and Paul welcome Ned Algeo from Multipli Group to discuss the challenging task of closing deals with CFOs. Ned shares his expertise on providing capital solutions and back office support for small to midsize restaurant companies, emphasizing the importance of real-time data and financial oversight. The discussion also covers effective strategies for tech vendors to successfully pitch to CFOs, the significant role CFOs play beyond financial management, and the necessity of aligning internal champions and user-friendly interfaces in technology adoption. Don't miss Ned's insights on making impactful changes and ensuring business growth.

MSMR 008 - Unleashing the Power of Industry Collaboration w/ Angela Diffly, Co-Founder of RTN

Join the Popcorn GTM fellas, Paul Molinari, Chad Horn, and Michael Beck in Episode 8 of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph' as they welcome Angela Diffley, Co-Founder of the Restaurant Technology Network (RTN). The conversation dives deep into recent technology trends, the emergence and utility of AI in the restaurant industry, and the powerful role of collaboration and standardization that RTN helps the industry achieve. Angela shares the mission behind RTN, cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics, and the importance of industry technology standards for smoother integrations. They also discuss exciting initiatives like Startup Alley at MURTEC 2025 and future trends in restaurant tech. Tune in for insights on how the restaurant industry is evolving with technology and the critical role of community and partnerships.

MSMR 007 Revolutionizing Customer Order Pickup Efficiency w/ Kitchen Armor & Curbit

In this episode of the 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph' podcast, we dive into an exciting discussion on restaurant efficiency with Scott Siegel (Co-founder and CRO of Curbit), Paul Amestoy (Co-founder and Chief Strategist at Kitchen Armor), and Brent Sides (VP of Sales at Kitchen Armor). Discover how Curbit and KitchenArmor are revolutionizing the restaurant industry by ensuring timely, efficient, and fresh order deliveries through digital synchronization and real-time communication. The episode highlights their partnership, the technology behind their solutions, and the impact on customer satisfaction and restaurant operations, featuring a case study on Flanigan's.

MSMR 006 - Exploring Restaurant Tech Trends with NRN's Joanna Fantozzi

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph,' the spectacular hosts, Paul Molinari, Chad Horn, and Michael Beck return from a short break at Prosper Forum to discuss the latest in restaurant technology with a special guest, Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor at Nation's Restaurant News (NRN). Tune in to hear insights from the Prosper Forum, the importance of digital solutions in the restaurant industry, and a deep dive into the build vs. buy debate for tech solutions. Joanna shares her extensive knowledge on emerging technologies, dynamic pricing, and the impact of AI on restaurant operations. Plus, don't miss her thoughts on the future of robotics in kitchens and the ongoing evolution of delivery services. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a restaurant operator, this episode has something for everyone.