Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants

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.

MSMR 005 - Restaurants Have a Handoff Problem w/ Scott Siegel and Fran Dougherty of Curbit

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph,' hosts Paul Molinari and Michael Beck discuss the complexities and challenges of restaurant operations, especially in the context of order management and fulfillment, with guests Fran Dougherty, CEO of Curbit, and Scott Siegel, CRO of Curbit. They jump into the innovative solutions Curbit offers to manage kitchen capacity, ensuring timely and fresh food delivery. By leveraging AI and real-time data, Curbit aims to optimize the guest experience, reduce stress for restaurant staff, and enhance operational efficiency. The episode also covers the impact of accurate timing on customer satisfaction, employee retention, and overall restaurant revenue.

MSMR 004 - Scrappy Marketing Tactics for Restaurant Tech Startups with Kevin Jaskolka of Checkmate

In episode four of the 'Morning Sam Morning Ralph' podcast, hosts Paul Molinari and Chad Horn discuss scrappy marketing tactics for restaurant technology startups, emphasizing practical, resourceful strategies over expensive campaigns. They are joined by Kevin Jaskolka, SVP of marketing at Checkmate, who shares insights from his 25 years of experience. Topics covered include the importance of pivoting based on customer needs, demand generation, leveraging trade shows and trade publications effectively, the utility of case studies, and the role of PR and social media. They stress the value of having a fractional agency over specialized hires in the early stages and discuss the concept of lifetime value to customer acquisition cost (LTV to CAC) for evaluating marketing ROI.

MSMR 003 - Reputation Management from AI-to-Zen w/ Akira's CEO, Shereen Qumsieh

Restaurant reputation management has a few moving parts. From your Google business listings to your Google, Yelp, Apple, and all the places your guests have a few things to say (positive and negative) about your restaurants. Shereen Qumsieh is the CEO of Akira, a next-generation, AI-powered reputation management solution that is helping restaurants of all sizes master their reputation. Every review and guest interaction holds the power to shape perceptions. Akira pledges to keep your reputation not just safe, but thriving. Sponsored by Akira, check out the Episode 3 of the Morning Sam, Morning Ralph Podcast from your friends at Popcorn GTM. Show links: https://helloakira.com

MSMR 002 - Custom Solutions for Changing Times w/ CBS Northstar's Jeremy Julian

In this episode of the MSMR podcast, host Michael Beck and his team, including Paul Molinari and Chad Horn, interview Jeremy Julian, Chief Revenue Officer at Custom Business Solutions and host of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast. Jeremy discusses his long tenure in the restaurant and tech industry, the evolution of point-of-sale (POS) systems, and the importance of custom business solutions that cater to the unique needs of each restaurant. Key topics include the pros and cons of custom versus off-the-shelf POS systems, integration and configuration challenges, the impact of regulatory requirements, and strategies for increasing efficiency and reducing costs within restaurant operations. Jeremy also emphasizes the importance of strong customer relationships and understanding individual business problems to provide tailored technological solutions. The discussion highlights the significance of data utilization and analytics in enhancing operational performance and customer experiences, as well as the need for adaptability and innovation in the rapidly changing restaurant industry. Additionally, Jeremy shares personal insights into his podcasting journey and emphasizes the importance of giving back to the industry. The episode concludes with the hosts and guest reflecting on the future of restaurant technology and the significance of partnerships and customer-centric solutions. Show links: https://popcorngtm.com https://restauranttechnologyguys.com https://cbsnorthstar.com

MSMR 001 - Eatertainment & The Future of VR in Hospitality w/ Edge VR's Adam Anfiteatro

Morning, Sam. Morning, Ralph: The Future of VR in Entertainment and Hospitality
Join Paul Molinari, Michael Beck, and Chad Horn for the inaugural episode of 'Morning, Sam. Morning, Ralph.' In this episode, the team discusses the potential impact of virtual reality on various industries with their first guest, Adam Anfiteatro, founder and CEO of Edge VR. Learn about emerging technologies, the future of VR in entertainment and hospitality, and how brands can leverage immersive experiences to engage customers. Discover insights into the economics of VR, the importance of content, and the next steps for VR technology in transforming traditional business models.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:00 Podcast Purpose and Focus02:02 Introducing the First Guest: Adam Tro02:36 Adam's VR Innovations04:16 VR in Entertainment and Hospitality12:23 Edge VR's Portable Solutions17:19 The Power of Scent in VR17:48 Guest Engagement and Immersion18:37 Freestyle Hip Hop: Future of VR19:05 VR in the Restaurant Industry20:18 Training with VR: A Game Changer22:05 Generational Shifts and VR23:34 Economics of VR in Entertainment26:45 Interactive VR Experiences29:09 Myth Busting VR Misconceptions32:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Show links:
https://popcorngtm.comhttps://theedgeunreal.com/