The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Peter Wiley, co-founder and marketing IT mastermind behind Hothead Burritos. They discuss the company's innovative use of technology and marketing strategies which have fueled their rapid growth. Peter shares insights on the importance of integrating marketing with IT, streamlining operations through digital ordering, and leveraging loyalty programs. The conversation also covers Hothead Burritos' unique offerings, including their variety of sauces, and their approach to catering and delivery. Listeners get a deep dive into how tech-savvy practices can lead to a more efficient and customer-focused restaurant experience.00:00 Hot Head Burritos01:13 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:41 Hothead Burritos: Brand Overview04:18 Expansion and Locations05:18 Customer Experience and Menu Customization09:32 Digital Integration and Online Ordering13:23 Third-Party Delivery and Integration17:36 Catering and Large Orders18:46 Creating an Online Ordering Menu for Catering20:03 Evaluating Menu Offerings for Online and Catering21:26 The Importance of Loyalty Programs22:24 Incentivizing Catering Orders27:19 Converting Customers Across Channels30:35 Leveraging AI and Data Analytics32:33 Popular Menu Items and Personal Favorites34:39 Staying Engaged with Hothead Burritos

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian interviews Jason Ingermanson, the founder of Mokas Coffee and Eatery. Jason shares his entrepreneurial journey from starting a $30,000 coffee shop in a Kansas mall to growing multiple successful brands, including Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. Celebrating Mokas 20-year anniversary, Jason discusses the development and franchising of Mokas, his focus on quality and community involvement, and the core values driving the brand's success. He also shares insights on local store marketing, guest loyalty, and support systems provided to prospective franchisees. Tune in for an inspiring story of passion, discipline, and dedication in the restaurant industry.00:00 Mokas Coffee & Eatery00:14 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:05 Jason's Journey: From Coffee Lover to Entrepreneur03:02 The Birth and Growth of Mokas Coffee and Eatery04:01 Navigating Challenges and Expanding During the Pandemic05:21 Mokas' Unique Brand and Customer Experience06:59 Commitment to Quality and Community10:39 Franchising and Future Plans18:13 The Story Behind the Name 'Mokas'22:29 Franchisee Success Stories23:14 The Importance of Transparency23:41 Challenges in the Restaurant Industry24:26 Expanding to New Markets29:13 Local Store Marketing Strategies32:06 Franchise Application Process34:06 Discovery Day Experience37:17 Master Franchise Opportunities40:57 Connecting with Jason Ingram Manson

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian converses with Paul Tran, a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise expert. With a 20-year journey in the restaurant industry, Paul shares his story of turning a student loan into a successful Cajun crawfish restaurant and subsequent experiences scaling major brands like Halal Guys and Pepper Lunch. Paul discusses the importance of selecting the right franchisee, maintaining operational consistency, and building strong relationships between franchisees and franchisors. He also offers insights on effective marketing strategies and operations that contribute to franchise success. The episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to scale in the restaurant industry or seeking entrepreneurial inspiration.00:00 Paul Tran of Pepper Lunch01:39 Introduction and Welcome01:50 Meet Paul Tran: A Journey in the Restaurant Industry02:35 Paul's Early Ventures and Lessons Learned05:44 The Halal Guys and Franchise Experience07:05 Pepper Lunch: A New Venture09:27 Insights on Franchising and Finding the Right Franchisees14:59 Challenges and Success in Scaling a Franchise24:16 California Brands in Texas24:54 Franchisee and Franchisor Relationships26:02 Choosing the Right Franchisee26:47 Healthy and Unhealthy Tensions31:21 Marketing and Community Outreach37:10 Pepper Lunch Concept Explained42:36 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian welcomes Geoffrey Toffetti, CEO of Frontline Performance Group (FPG), to discuss how restaurateurs can unlock hidden revenue, improve staff performance, and elevate guest experience without additional advertising costs. Geoffrey shares insights from his extensive career in hospitality and corporate consulting, detailing FPG's innovative solutions that utilize real-time analytics and AI-powered training. The conversation highlights the importance of systemized training for frontline employees, focusing on maximizing revenue through service-based sales techniques. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on making meaningful investments in staff to drive up to 10% revenue growth, improve tips, and enhance overall restaurant performance. The episode also covers the practical steps for implementing and measuring success in these initiatives.00:00 Frontline Performance Group01:26 Introduction and Welcome01:59 Guest Introduction: Geoffrey Toffetti02:08 Geoffrey Toffetti's Career Journey03:18 Current Role at Frontline Performance Group03:47 Focus on Hospitality and Restaurant Industry05:21 Identifying and Solving Industry Problems10:44 Service-Based Sales Philosophy14:29 Training and Technology Integration20:27 Measuring Success and Analytics24:56 Engaging Different Demographics27:46 Results and Success Stories29:34 How to Engage with Frontline Performance Group32:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian welcomes Jason Morgan, the CEO of Original ChopShop, to discuss the brand's unique fast casual offerings and growth strategy. Jason shares his journey from accounting to hospitality, his experience with Zoe's Kitchen, and how he's leveraging those lessons at Original ChopShop. They delve into the restaurant's diverse and healthful menu, the importance of technology in maintaining quality and consistency, and the challenges of scaling a company-owned business. Jason also discusses the brand's focus on customer feedback and its efforts to expand in strategic markets while highlighting their catering program. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in restaurant innovation and growth.00:00 Original ChopShop01:21 Introduction and Guest Background01:59 Jason's Journey in the Restaurant Industry03:37 Original ChopShop Story05:54 Unique Menu and Concept08:16 Menu Development and Technology Integration15:26 Breakfast and Expansion Strategy17:55 Revealing Industry Insights18:21 Company-Owned vs Franchise Models20:23 Strategic Market Expansion23:40 Challenges and Achievements28:09 Signature Dishes and Personal Favorites31:27 Catering and Off-Premise Strategies33:11 Final Thoughts and Future Plans