Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants

The Great Fast Food CEO War of 2026: Viral Moments, Loyalty Data, and Digital Infrastructure

In early March, McDonald’s CEO posted a LinkedIn video taking a careful bite of the new Big Arch burger, sparking widespread mockery and triggering response videos from Burger King and Wendy’s in what became the “great fast food CEO war of 2026.” Paul Molinari, founder of Popcorn GTM breaks down how the moment became a data and tech story: McDonald’s saw 47,000+ mentions and 5.8B reach, yet Burger King appeared in 68% of the conversation and later saw a 7.4% year-over-year visit lift versus McDonald’s 2.2% and Wendy’s down 10.7%. The episode argues that viral attention converts only when brands have integrated digital ecosystems—loyalty, apps, POS, and marketing stacks—highlighting McDonald’s AI, edge computing, and geofenced order systems, Burger King’s Royal Perks growth, and lessons from the 2019 chicken sandwich wars.

Olo Launches a Customer Ordering App: Win for Guests, Brands, or Olo?

Breaking down Olo’s new customer-facing ordering app and asking who really benefits—guests, restaurant brands, or Olo. It frames the app as a “remote control” for ordering across many Olo-powered restaurants, potentially reducing app clutter, avoiding marketplace-style price inflation, and enabling “second-party ordering” where brands retain guest relationships while benefiting from network reach and data for better reordering and personalization. We highlight tradeoffs around privacy, unified guest profiles, notifications, and the risk of the app becoming a tracking tool or ad mall. Is the app is a guest win only if it’s meaningfully simpler, offers fairer economics, and earns trust with clean controls? And how does loyalty, discovery, and promotion work, notes a late-2026 network expansion, and points to Curbit’s order-orchestration as a potential advantage.

How AI Ordering Innovation is Driving Results for Shipley Donuts

Paul and Matt are joined by Kerry Leo, Vice President of Technology at Shipley Donuts, to discuss Shipley’s modernization journey since he joined in 2021. Leo explains how Shipley moved from fragmented franchise technology to a cloud-based, franchise-ready ecosystem by standardizing POS and networking across 340 locations, standing up Oracle NetSuite for ERP and back office, and launching online ordering with Olo and a mobile app. They detail how AI-assisted ordering now supports roughly 22% of online orders and is generating about 24% higher average checks through features like auto-boxing, suggesting dozen discounts, and quickly building large meeting or event orders. They also cover how Shipley measures success beyond check size and preview Leo’s upcoming MURTEC talk on AI in ordering and operations.Visit: https://popcorngtm.com/podcasts

Vendor & Operator Etiquette in Restaurant Tech: Trade Show Do’s and Don’ts with Salsarita’s VP of Technology

It's another Thirsty Thursday episode! This time Paul and Matt welcome Laurens Pitts, VP of Technology at Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill, a Charlotte, North Carolina–based fast-casual Tex-Mex chain founded in 2000 with 80+ locations. Drawing on Laurens' experience on both the vendor and operator sides, they discuss how vendor–operator relationships have become less healthy over the past 5–15 years, with less coaching around relationship-building and more lead-generation pressure. The conversation focuses on trade show season etiquette: using “bar etiquette” and body language, avoiding aggressive aisle-blocking and overbearing follow-ups, and understanding how first impressions shape months of post-show outreach. Laurens' highlights common mistakes like “bumping to the top of your inbox,” replying repeatedly to the same email thread, overusing the “five minutes on your calendar” ask, auto-subscribing prospects to marketing newsletters, and insulting a buyer’s existing tech stack. They also touch on using LinkedIn to stay current on industry activity, the importance of referral networks and credible operator advocates, and the FORKED LinkedIn community (Forum of Restaurant Knowledge Exchange and Development) as a non-pitch space for sharing insights between operators and restaurant tech companies. Visit: Salsarita's at https://salsaritas.com/ Visit: Popcorn GTM at https://popcorngtm.com Visit: OGC at https://onegoalconsulting.com 

Are Loyalty Programs Dead? Thirsty Thursday with Joanna Fantozzi of Nation s Restaurant News

Guest Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, joins Paul and Matt to discuss where restaurant loyalty is headed. Fantozzi argues “is loyalty dead?” is the wrong question and explains that loyalty programs mainly attract already-loyal guests, that consumers have limited appetite for downloading multiple apps, and that loyalty is evolving beyond points. The group discusses Starbucks reintroducing tiered rewards (including a new Reserve tier requiring about $104/month spend) and how changes like fewer stars per dollar and added complexity can frustrate customers and reduce perceived value. Fantozzi highlights consumer concerns about transparency and moving goalposts, shares a non-restaurant example of points expiring quickly, and points to digital wallet-based rewards as a growing alternative to apps. She previews an upcoming NRN story on unique loyalty approaches, including a Brazilian steakhouse using group rewards, and says subscription loyalty is unlikely to grow due to subscription fatigue despite examples like Panera’s Sip Club. They also cover how creators and influencers affect brand affinity, citing Chili’s momentum from influencer-driven content, and note that influencer-friendly loyalty is authentic and easy to explain.

Thirsty Thursday - Talkin' MURTEC with Abby Lorden, Publisher of Hospitality Technology

Hosts Paul and Matt chat with Abby Lorden, the publisher of Hospitality Technology, about her industry insights and the upcoming MURTEC 2026 conference. Abby shares her expertise on technology trends in the hospitality sector, particularly the increasing influence of AI and data maturity among brands. The discussion covers diverse topics such as the unique features of MURTEC, including Startup Alley, new engagement strategies, and the importance of AI education for all business leaders. They also delve into the relationship between the hotel and restaurant industries, highlighting the benefits of cross-industry learning. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of technology in hospitality and don't miss out on Abby's expert advice and the exciting new elements planned for MURTEC 2026! 00:00 Introduction to the Queen of MURTEC 01:39 Drinks and Casual Banter 03:48 MURTEC 2026 Theme and Technology Trends 06:24 AI in the Restaurant Industry 11:17 Startup Alley and Vendor Engagement 18:12 Networking and Engagement Strategies 21:20 Keynote Speaker and Case Studies 24:54 Hospitality Technology Insights 29:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Visit MURTEC here: https://www.murtec.com/2026Visit Hospitality Technology here: https://hospitalitytech.com/Visit: OGC here: https://onegoalconsulting.comVisit Popcorn GTM here: https://popcorngtm.com

Embracing the New Food Pyramid: Opportunities for Modern Restaurants

In this episode of 'Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants,' host Paul Molinari from Popcorn GTM explores the implications of the flipped food pyramid. Highlighting the USDA's updated nutritional guidelines, Paul discusses how protein has become foundational in modern diets and how guests are more nutrition-aware than ever. He examines how restaurant brands like Fogo de Chão, Chipotle, Sweet Green, Cava, and True Food Kitchen are benefiting by aligning their menus and marketing strategies with this new mindset. Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding guest expectations and providing thoughtful, intentional dining experiences. Tune in to discover how embracing the new food pyramid can open up tremendous opportunities for restaurant operators. Visit The USDA Food Pyramid: https://realfood.gov/

Using Tech to Navigate Immigration and Labor Challenges in Restaurants

In this episode of 'Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants', host Paul Molinari of Popcorn, GTM, addresses the pressing challenges restaurant owners face due to immigration enforcement and labor issues. Through real-world examples from Minnesota, Maine, and Texas, Paul explores how these factors disrupt operations, impact staffing, and alter customer behavior. To help restaurant operators succeed amid these uncertainties, the episode offers strategies and technological solutions such as labor optimization platforms, digital training systems, guest engagement tools, and communication safety technologies. Tune in for actionable insights on effectively managing your restaurant workforce and operations in a complex and shifting environment.Visit: https://popcorngtm.com 

Appetite for Disruption - Restaurants Welcome the GLP-1 Opportunity

In this episode of 'Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants', hosted by Paul Molinari from Popcorn GTM, we dive into the significant impact GLP-1 medications are having on consumer dining habits. Originally developed for diabetes, these drugs are now revolutionizing weight loss and, consequently, how people engage with restaurants. We discuss how these medications are driving a shift toward smaller portions, higher protein content, and nutrient-dense options. Paul highlights real-world examples from chains like Chipotle, Shake Shack, and Smoothie King, and offers insights into menu design, portion economics, and strategic marketing adjustments. Tune in to learn how to adapt your restaurant's strategy to meet these evolving consumer needs.

What is Working in 2026? Popup Bagels and Here's Why

Join me, Paul Molinari from Popcorn GTM, as I dive into the tech-fueled rise of Popup Bagels and why they're revolutionizing breakfast culture. From scaling with data to mastering customer engagement, learn how a simple bagel is leading a business revolution! Listen now to find out how Popup Bagels is making waves across the country.