Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants

AI-Powered Dashboards: The Crystal Ball for Your Restaurant Operation

In this episode of Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants, host Paul Molinari from Popcorn GTM discusses revolutionary advancements in restaurant data management with Manan Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO of Livelytics. They dive into how Livelytics' AI-powered dashboards transforms restaurant data into real-time intelligence, enabling operators to take actionable insights rather than just analyzing static reports. Key topics include surfacing labor inefficiencies, revenue leakage, and operational anomalies. They also discuss the integration of over 650 systems into a unified data layer, providing a single source of truth for restaurant operations. Real-life use cases demonstrate significant cost savings and improved operational efficiencies. Tune in to learn how AI-powered data intelligence can give a competitive edge to restaurant operators.

Streamlining Restaurant Tech: Practical Tips with Pro Systems Strategist, Audre Bogoni

In this episode of Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants, Paul Molinari engages in an enlightening conversation with Audre Bogoni, a restaurant systems strategist and former operator, about optimizing restaurant tech stacks. They discuss into the complexities of platform consolidation, the role of AI in unifying systems, and the importance of operational alignment. Audre shares insights from his extensive experience with high-profile brands like Five Guys and Dave's Hot Chicken, emphasizing the need for intentionality and operational fit when selecting tech tools. This discussion includes the future of AI in the industry, the impact of open APIs, and the importance of continuous feedback from operators to ensure systems enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
 
Connect with Audre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrebogoni/

XR and AI in Hospitality Through the Lens of Skip Kimpel, CEO of Magicgate

Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants, host Paul Molinari from Popcorn talks with Skip Kimpel, CEO of Magicgate. The discussion dives into the transformative potential of extended reality (XR) technologies in the hospitality industry, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Skip explains how XR can revolutionize training, guest experiences, and restaurant operations. They explore the applications of XR technology like kitchen design prototyping and employee training and share insights on the role of AI in enhancing these technologies. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of hospitality tech! Visit https://magicgate.com to learn more.

Using Predictive AI Tools for Everyday Restaurant Ops with Matt Wampler of ClearCOGS

Join MSMR as we dive into predictive operations in the restaurant industry with ClearCOGS CEO, Matt Wampler. In this episode, Matt discusses how AI and data forecasting is used to help restaurant operators improve prep, labor management, and reduce food waste. Learn about the practical applications of AI in everyday restaurant operations, the development of predictive tools, and the significant impact these technologies can have on profitability and efficiency. Perfect for restaurant tech enthusiasts, operators, and anyone interested in the future of AI in restaurants.  Learn more about ClearCOGS at https://www.clearcogs.com/ 

Leading with Purpose: Real Leadership Inside Growing Teams with Rudy Miick

Leadership often gets boxed into “executive tasks” or “HR stuff.” But good leadership is not a luxury. It’s the difference between teams that coast and teams that transform. Rudy Miick has spent decades coaching and developing leaders across industries, helping them bridge from “managers doing tasks” to “leaders creating culture, clarity, and momentum.”
So in this episode, we’re peeling back the layers: what leadership really means, how to build teams that follow willingly, and how your decisions today shape the organization you become tomorrow. Visit: https://miick.com/

Restaurant Payments 101: Demystifying Payment Technology with Phil Crawford of Adyen

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex world of restaurant payments with Phil Crawford, the Global Head of Food and Beverage at Adyen. From understanding the journey of a transaction from card tap to completion, to the intricacies of modern payment platforms and their integration with restaurant operations, Phil breaks down everything you need to know. We cover topics like security, fraud, compliance, as well as future trends in the payment space such as crypto and BNPL transactions. Whether you're a restaurant owner, tech vendor, or just curious about how payment systems work, this episode is your cheat sheet.  Visit https://adyen.com for more.

Tackling Restaurant Training with Dave Hornak of The Pickle & Pig and Gaslight Brewhouse

In this interview, David Hornak, a partner at two restaurant concepts in Oxford, Ohio, The Pickle & Pig and Gaslight Brewhouse, discusses his experience managing a total of 175 employees across both locations. Hornak explains the integration and benefits of using the Shifty training application, emphasizing its role in improving employee engagement, upselling, and operational efficiencies through features like flashcards, checklists, and anonymous feedback. Hornak shares insights on implementation challenges, the use of technology in training, and the positive outcomes observed, such as enhanced food knowledge and better restroom cleanliness. He also touches on modernizing training routines to accommodate current generational learning styles and stresses the importance of utilizing technology to streamline operations and improve performance.  This episode is sponsored by Shifty.

Harnessing AI for Decision Intelligence in Modern Restaurants with Mike Lukianoff of SignalFlare.ai

Join Paul Molinari on 'Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants' as he welcomes guest Mike Lukianoff of SignalFlare.ai to discuss how AI is transforming decision-making in the restaurant industry. They dive into the challenges posed by data overload, the innovative concept of decision intelligence, and SignalFlare's effective solutions using AI-driven insights. With decades of experience, Mike shares the journey of creating SignalFlare during the pandemic, the latest advancements in probabilistic modeling, and how it aids in pricing, marketing, and performance analytics for restaurants. Get a sneak peek into the revolutionary ways SignalFlare is helping restaurants make smarter, faster decisions. Don't miss this insightful conversation loaded with expert knowledge and real-world applications.  

Franchisee Growth - Exploring the Tech, Grit, and Gaps with Patrick Buckley of FranDawgs

We're pulling back the curtain on the fascinating world of restaurant franchising with Patrick Buckley of FranDawgs. Join Paul Molinari, founder of Popcorn GTM, as he jumps into franchisee growth with expert guest Patrick Buckley, partner at FranDawgs. In this episode, they discuss the tech, grit, and gaps in the franchise industry, uncovering why franchise restaurants outperform independents. Learn about FranDawgs' unique approach to aiding franchise buyers and sellers, and gain insights into the different mindsets and motivations behind franchise ownership. Patrick also shares real-world examples of franchise success and challenges, emphasizing the critical role of trust, transparency, and technology in fostering a thriving franchise ecosystem. Tune in for actionable advice and trends shaping the future of franchising.  

The Prince of Brand Marketing: Leveraging Ancient Wisdom for Modern Market Domination

In this episode of Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants, we're going deep into some unexpected territory.  This is a "deep dive" episode I created using multiple AI tools, and the topic or title is called The Prince of Brand Marketing: Leveraging Ancient Wisdom for Modern Market Domination.
This conversation draws from four powerful sources—including two books I authored: Heroes, Jedis, and Dudes and The Prince of Marketing. We also pull in insights from Principles of Marketing, the open-source textbook from Rice University, and, of course, Machiavelli’s The Prince.
The goal? To explore how timeless truths about power, perception, and human nature can shape a more insightful, pragmatic, and results-oriented approach to brand marketing today. If you’re serious about standing out and winning market share in the tech space, this one’s for you.  This one if for the history and marketing nerds. - PM