The Morning Sam, Morning Ralph Podcast

MSMR 031 - Capturing Loyalty: How Smarter WiFi Builds Stronger Restaurant Brands

In this episode of the Morning Sam, Morning Ralph podcast, we dive into the world of smarter WiFi solutions with special guest Adam Foreman, CEO of CaptiveWiFi. Discover how enhanced WiFi can significantly boost restaurant brands by creating a seamless customer experience and enhancing loyalty. Adam shares the story of CaptiveWiFi’s inception, innovative methods of customer data capture, and effective marketing automation strategies. Whether you run a high-end restaurant or a quick-service café, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness technology for greater customer engagement and retention.  Visit captivewifi.com for more information! 

MSMR 030 - The Restaurant Industry 2025 with Peter Romeo: A Veteran Journalist's Perspective

Paul Molinari is joined by Peter Romeo, an award-winning journalist and a renowned figure in restaurant journalism. They discuss Peter's illustrious career and his new role as Managing Editor at IFMA. Dive into the current trends, challenges, and technological advancements shaping the restaurant industry. The conversation spans from the impact of the pandemic on labor, consumer demands, the role of AI, to the importance of staying informed in a rapidly evolving field. An insightful talk for restaurant technology professionals and industry enthusiasts!

MSMR 027 - Keeping Food Order On-Time Promises with Kitchen Capacity Management featuring Scott Siegel of Curbit

In this episode of Morning Sam, Morning Ralph, host Paul Molinari of Popcorn GTM speaks with Scott Siegel, co-founder and CRO of Curbit. They discuss Curbit's innovative approach to kitchen capacity management that ensures food is delivered on time, every time, by orchestrating and organizing orders from multiple channels. Scott explains Curbit’s origins and evolution, their strategic decisions during the pandemic, and how their technology improves restaurant operations and customer experiences. Learn about the omnichannel integration with existing tech stacks, the importance of real-time data, and the significant benefits Curbit brings to restaurant brands like Smashburger. Don’t miss the insightful discussion on solving the chronic issues in the restaurant industry and enhancing food service delivery. Visit: https://curbit.com to learn more.

MSMR 026 - Scaling the Restaurant Technology Integrations Summit with Khumbu Systems

In episode 026 of the Morning Sam, Morning Ralph Podcast, host Paul Molinari interviews Rahul Musunuri, CEO of Khumbu Systems. They dive into the critical importance of integrations in restaurant ecosystems, likening them to the lifeblood of a thriving restaurant. Rahul discusses the inception of Khumbu, a company named after the customer-focused valley near Mount Everest, and its mission to solve complex restaurant tech integration issues. With over 50,000 restaurants and millions of orders processed monthly, Rahul elaborates on the challenges and solutions Khumbu provides, focusing on seamless integration to enhance guest experiences for top restaurant brands. The conversation also touches on emerging technologies like AI and the future of restaurant tech, along with Rahul’s insights on the company's operations, culture, and exciting developments. Don't miss this engaging and educational conversation! Visit: https://www.khumbu.com/ to learn more.

MSMR 025 - Don't Be Boring! Tips from Business Mentor and Leadership Coach, Richard Liverman

Welcome to another episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph', the podcast produced by Popcorn GTM for restaurant technology professionals. In episode 025, Paul interviews Richard Liverman, an exceptional business mentor and coach from the UK.  They discuss the importance of business mentoring in organizational success and personal development. Richard shares insightful anecdotes and practical advice on how coaching can help individuals and startups alike to flourish—and never be boring, of course! Learn about his TIA approach (Thinking, Inspiration, Action), "Music, Dance, and Words," and the differences between coaching and mentoring. We also discuss the special considerations for neurodiverse individuals in professional settings. Don't miss his tips on finding the right coach and maintaining emotional boundaries as a mentor. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply interested in personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable insights! And check him out at https://richersolutions.com/

MSMR 024 - Real World Restaurant Loyalty Program Management with Olga Lopategui

We welcome Olga Lopategui, a renowned restaurant loyalty expert from Restaurant Loyalty Specialists. Olga shares invaluable insights on the importance of loyalty programs in the restaurant industry, how to implement them effectively, and common pitfalls to avoid. She also discusses the essential tech stacks for loyalty programs, the role of AI in enhancing customer experiences, and real-life examples of successful loyalty program turnarounds. Whether you're a small restaurant owner or part of a large chain, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you optimize your loyalty strategy and connect better with your customers.  Visit: https://popcorngtm.com/podcasts 

MSMR 023 - Initial Thoughts on DeepSeek R1 and its Impact on the Restaurant Technology Space

In this episode of Morning Sam, Morning Ralph, we explore China's groundbreaking open-source AI model, DeepSeek R1. Built for under six million dollars with low-end hardware, this AI performs on par with top models like ChatGPT-4. The affordability and efficiency of DeepSeek R1 have profound implications for the restaurant industry, making advanced AI accessible to smaller establishments. From personalized menu recommendations to smarter inventory management and privacy-first solutions, discover how this technology is democratizing AI in the restaurant space. Tune in to learn more about the challenges and the transformative potential of DeepSeek R1 for restaurants and tech vendors alike.  Visit: https://popcorngtm.com 

MSMR 022 - From Concept to Execution: Designing Memorable Brand Experiences with Scott Bartley

Welcome back to Morning Sam, Morning Ralph, the podcast for restaurant technology professionals! In this episode, host Paul is joined by Scott Bartley, a professional graphic designer, artist, and longtime Madison Ave. ad agency partner from New York City. Scott shares his design philosophy, emphasizing the importance of a strong concept, unexpected execution, and relentless attention to detail. They discuss how brands can integrate these elements, create memorable advertising, and stay true to their core messaging. Scott also provides insights into common pitfalls in branding and the significance of viewing design as a comprehensive system. Tune in to discover the secrets behind effective design and how even small startups can make a big impact without massive budgets.  More at https://popcorngtm.com and https://scottbartley-creative.com 
 

MSMR 021 - Real-world Hospitality Leadership Development with Restaurant Leadership Coach Matt Rolfe

Join us on 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph,' the podcast for restaurant technology professionals, as we welcome Matt Rolfe, a seasoned restaurant coach, entrepreneur, and former executive at leading brands like Bacardi, Anheuser Busch, and Barmetrix. Matt dives deep into the essentials of leadership, personal development, and the vital role they play in the success of hospitality teams. Learn about his journey from the corporate world to founding a global company focused on restaurant profitability and coaching leaders. Discover the transformative power of vulnerability, trust, and effective delegation, and get insights into how technology can enhance leadership practices. Whether you're a restaurant manager, owner, or part of the tech sales industry, this episode provides invaluable wisdom and practical advice for becoming a better leader while maintaining personal well-being. Don't miss out on Matt's book, 'You Can't Do It Alone,' and follow him on LinkedIn for more leadership tips and content. Visit: https://popcorngtm.com/podcasts

MSMR 020 - Mastering Restaurant Tech Partnerships for the Win-Win-Win with Cristal Craven of SynergySuite

Join Popcorn GTM's Paul Molinari as he welcomes Cristal 'The Hunter' Craven to 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph,' the go-to podcast for restaurant technology professionals. In this episode, Cristal shares her extensive expertise in building successful partnerships for SynergySuite within the hospitality space. Learn the key to making restaurant tech partnerships thrive, from integrating multiple technologies and managing back office operations to the importance of mutual respect, collaboration, and understanding customer needs. Discover valuable insights into the evolving landscape of restaurant tech, the role of AI, and tips for fostering successful industry relationships.