The Tech Chef, Restaurant, Hospitality and Hotel Technology Business Podcast

In this episode of The Tech Chef Podcast, Skip Kimpel welcomes Chris Herd, co-founder and CEO of Olive, the AI-powered platform that's redefining how businesses approach vendor selection, RFPs, and strategic sourcing. Chris shares his journey from tech sales to entrepreneurship, the pain points that inspired Olive's creation, and why the traditional RFP process is fundamentally broken.Together, they explore how Olive eliminates bias, accelerates decisions, and empowers consultants, operators, and vendors to collaborate more effectively. Whether you're tired of bloated spreadsheets or questioning the future of your consulting model, this conversation offers a refreshing, forward-thinking take on how to evaluate and adopt technology in a smarter way.Key Takeaways:The RFP Is Broken: Traditional RFPs are slow, manual, and often biased. Olive offers a collaborative, agile alternative powered by AI.AI as an Assistant, Not a Replacement: Rather than replacing consultants, Olive empowers them to work more efficiently, scale faster, and deliver more value by automating tedious tasks.Vendor Fairness & Objectivity: Olive doesn't accept vendor payments, reducing bias and ensuring a level playing field in the selection process.Smarter, Faster Decisions: From consolidating stakeholder input to auto-analyzing vendor responses, Olive dramatically shortens timelines and improves project outcomes.Beyond Hospitality: While widely used in restaurants and hotels, Olive's platform is industry-agnostic and scalable across enterprise sectors.The Future of RFPs? According to Chris, the term “RFP” might be obsolete in five years. Instead, decision-making platforms will lead the wayHow To Contact Me:Websitehttps://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)https://magicgate.comInstagram:https://instagram.com/skipkimpelhttps://www.instagram.com/magicgatetech/X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/skipkimpelhttps://x.com/magicgatetechFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/https://www.facebook.com/magicgatetechLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/magicgateYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@magicgatetechYou can always email me at: skip@magicgate.com

This week on Tech Chef, host Skip Kimpel dives into a post-MURTEC 2025 recap with first-time guest and hospitality tech veteran Tom Seeker. Fresh off the show floor, they discuss everything from shifting conference venues to the biggest tech themes making waves in the restaurant and hospitality space.Tom brings the dual perspective of a vendor and operator, offering sharp insights on what made this year's event stand out. The conversation centers on how data has become the true king, replacing cash as the core currency of innovation, and how restaurants must own and control their data to stay competitive.From the evolving role of AI and VR in training and operations to conversations around legacy tech, security, and personalization, this episode is packed with strategic takeaways for operators, tech providers, and hospitality pros alike.Takeaways:Data is the New Currency: The dominant theme of MURTEC 2025 was clear—data is king. Operators need to prioritize data ownership, clean pipelines, and interoperability between systems to future-proof their businesses.AI is Just a Tool: The buzz around AI has matured. It's no longer seen as a silver bullet, but rather as a data enhancement tool, helping restaurants normalize, visualize, and act on information more effectively.Training is Going Virtual: With limited resources and expanding footprints, operators are increasingly turning to virtual and extended reality (XR) solutions to meet employees where they are. VR-based onboarding and training are on the rise, driven by both need and innovation.Legacy Tech Still a Major Pain Point: Many brands remain handcuffed by outdated systems. There's a growing push to modernize the tech stack while ensuring data continuity and seamless integration with modern tools.Security Still Matters (Even If It's Not Trendy): While AI dominated past headlines, cybersecurity remains mission-critical. Large restaurant brands continue to be high-profile targets, making awareness and proactive defense essential.The Guest Experience is Assumed, but the Employee Experience is Rising: Guest experience is now table stakes. The bigger surprise? A growing emphasis on employee-facing tech—tools that empower teams, improve shift management, and optimize training.MURTEC Venue Shift & Community Vibes: While there was skepticism about the move from Paris Las Vegas to Caesars Forum, Tom praises the new setup, calling it a “family reunion” with great energy and flow. Still, the familiar charm of Paris has its fans.RTN Standards & Collaboration: The Restaurant Technology Network (RTN) is playing a vital role in shaping the future. From RFP standards to possible mentorship programs and showroom tours, there's a strong push for industry-wide collaboration.How To Contact MeWebsitehttps://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)https://magicgate.comInstagram:https://instagram.com/skipkimpelhttps://www.instagram.com/magicgatetech/X (Twitter):

The Tech Chef Podcast takes listeners deep into the world of hospitality technology with episode 92 featuring Jason Marsh of Flow Immersive. The episode kicks off with an introduction to the latest trends in restaurant and hospitality tech. Skip Kimpel, the host, sets the stage for a discussion about immersive data visualization, a groundbreaking approach to understanding complex data in a more engaging way. Jason shares the fascinating journey of Flow Immersive, starting from its inception at a hackathon to its current capabilities that allow users to interact with data in 3D space using AI. This technology, he explains, transforms dull business meetings into lively discussions, where stakeholders can visualize and manipulate data dynamically, fostering better decision-making and collaboration.As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain insights into the practical applications of this innovative technology across various industries. Jason emphasizes how immersive data experiences can enhance understanding in sectors like hospitality. He illustrates this with an example of a life expectancy dataset visualized in 3D, showcasing how historical data can reveal trends and insights that are not visible in traditional 2D formats. This immersive approach encourages shared understanding, which is crucial for data-driven decisions in business environments. The episode also highlights the importance of collaboration and how immersive experiences can lead to more effective teamwork.Listeners are invited to think about the future of data presentation and how immersive technology can become a staple in boardrooms. The discussion wraps up with Jason expressing his vision for Flow Immersive to integrate seamlessly into everyday business practices, making data visualization a natural and intuitive experience. This episode serves as a compelling invitation for listeners to explore the evolving landscape of hospitality tech and embrace the future of data interaction.Takeaways:Flow Immersive started nine years ago when the speaker wanted to build Ironman and invited others to join in.The speaker believes immersive data visualization is the future of data interaction and collaboration.Businesses can use Flow Immersive for better data interpretation, especially in supply chains and financial services.Augmented reality provides a shared data experience in meetings, allowing for interactive discussions and real-time collaboration.The future of data visualization will be about integrating technology seamlessly into the human experience, making it feel natural and engaging.

The podcast features a deep conversation Unai Extremo and John Cunningham, of Virtualware to discuss the innovative platforms developed especially focusing on their flagship product, VIROO. This platform is designed to assist industries in adopting immersive technologies, particularly in training and operational efficiency. Unai explains how VIROO aims to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in companies by leveraging real-time 3D technology.He emphasizes the platform's ability to support various training scenarios, enabling organizations to create immersive training experiences while protecting their proprietary information. John shares his journey with Virtualware, highlighting the company's commitment to providing a user-friendly experience and the importance of having trusted partners in the industry.The episode dives into the specific applications of VIROO in sectors like hospitality, where it can revolutionize training processes and operational efficiencies.Overall, the episode conveys the exciting potential of XR technologies in transforming traditional business practices, urging listeners to consider how these advancements can be integrated into their operations.Takeaways:The Tech Chef Podcast dives into the latest innovations transforming the hospitality industry, focusing on XR technology. Virtualware is helping companies become more competitive by using real-time 3D technology in their operations. The partnership between Magicgate and Virtualware aims to enhance XR adoption in the hospitality sector. Training and collaboration using XR can improve efficiency and effectiveness in various hospitality functions. John and Unai from Virtualware discuss the importance of security and scalability in implementing XR solutions. The discussion highlights how XR technology can streamline training processes in hospitality and improve guest experiences.

This episode features Dan O'Brien from HTC, who brings years of experience in tech innovation to the table. They discuss the importance of strategic business partnerships in the travel and hospitality industry, focusing on how these collaborations can lead to growth and enhanced guest experiences. Skip and Dan explore the role of technology in shaping the future of hospitality, emphasizing the need for companies to keep up with the fast-paced changes in the tech landscape.Throughout the episode, Dan shares insights into HTC's commitment to immersive technologies, particularly virtual reality and augmented reality. He explains how these technologies can revolutionize training programs, making them more effective and engaging for staff. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of XR in various industries, including healthcare and military training, showcasing the versatility and potential of these technologies in improving operational efficiency and training outcomes.As they delve deeper into the practical applications of XR in hospitality, Skip and Dan discuss innovative solutions for guest engagement and staff training. They highlight specific scenarios where immersive technology can enhance the guest experience, such as interactive service training and event planning simulations. The episode wraps up with a strong message about the necessity of embracing technology in hospitality to meet evolving consumer expectations and ensure long-term success.Takeaways:In this episode, they discuss how immersive technology is transforming hospitality and training.They highlight the importance of strategic partnerships for driving innovation in the tech industry.The conversation reveals how XR can dramatically improve training efficiency and retention rates.They emphasize that understanding the specific problems to solve is key when integrating XR solutions.They explore the future of XR, including advancements in AR and VR technologies.They stress the significance of comfort and security in XR hardware for enterprise applications.

The Tech Chef Podcast dives deep into the world of augmented reality with Brian Hamilton, the VP of Sales and Marketing at Digilens. He introduces Argo, their innovative smart glasses designed specifically for the hospitality industry. The conversation highlights how Argo stands out with its unique waveguide technology that minimizes light leakage, allowing for better human interaction while using the glasses. The episode details the real-world applications of AR in hospitality, from enhancing customer service to improving logistics and training. Brian emphasizes the importance of human connection in hospitality, showcasing how Argo facilitates this by allowing users to maintain eye contact while accessing information. This episode serves as a crucial resource for hospitality leaders looking to embrace technology to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency, making it clear that the future of hospitality is intertwined with advancements in AR technology.Takeaways:In the podcast, they discuss how augmented reality is changing the hospitality industry in many exciting ways.Brian shares insights on how Digilens' Argo smart glasses are leading in AR technology for business applications.The conversation emphasizes the importance of human interaction while using augmented reality in customer service roles.They touch on the future of AR and its potential to enhance training and operational efficiency in various sectors.Skip and Brian explore the unique features of the Argo glasses that set them apart from competitors in the market.The podcast highlights the strategic partnership between Digilens and Magicgate, focusing on innovations for the hospitality industry.

Guido Gioioso, the CEO of WEART, shares insights on their innovative haptic technology in this engaging discussion. The conversation centers on how Weart's devices are redefining training in virtual and augmented reality. Guido explains how their technology allows users to experience realistic sensations such as temperature, texture, and pressure, which enhances the training process.Guido emphasizes the importance of immersion, noting that the ability to feel these sensations can lead to better learning outcomes in various fields, particularly hospitality and industrial training. The episode also touches on the upcoming MURTEC conference where Magicgate will present more about these advancements, showcasing the potential for haptic technology to revolutionize the way we interact with virtual environments. Listeners are encouraged to explore this cutting-edge technology and consider its applications in their own fields.Takeaways:Guido Gioioso discusses the unique features of WEART's Haptics technology, emphasizing the three tactile sensations it provides: contact force, temperature, and texture rendering. This combination enhances immersion in VR and AR experiences.Listeners are encouraged to attend the upcoming MURTEC conference in Las Vegas to learn more about restaurant technology trends and participate in discussions about streamlining procurement processes using RTN standards.Guido shares insights on the challenges faced in scaling WEART, including the need for user-friendly designs and overcoming skepticism from businesses about the necessity of haptic technology in VR experiences.The podcast highlights the importance of emotional engagement in training simulations, where haptic feedback can significantly enhance the realism of virtual experiences for hospitality and other sectors.Listeners are invited to explore WEART's website and social media for more information on their haptic devices and to participate in demos at the MURTEC conference, showcasing cutting-edge technology in action.Links Referenced in This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.comMagicgate.comWeart.itWEART on MagicgateHow To Contact MeWebsitehttps://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)https://magicgate.comInstagram:https://instagram.com/skipkimpelhttps://www.instagram.com/magicgatetech/X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/skipkimpelhttps://x.com/magicgatetechFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/https://www.facebook.com/magicgatetechLinkedIn:

The Tech Chef Podcast features a compelling conversation between Skip Kimpel and Geoff Alexander, President and CEO of Wow Bao. They explore Geoff's extensive background in the food industry, which spans over three decades, and his significant contributions to Wow Bao since its inception in 2003. The discussion focuses on the innovative strategies that have propelled Wow Bao's growth, including the use of technology, ghost kitchens, and grocery store partnerships. Geoff emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the restaurant sector for fresh ideas and adapting to changing market conditions, which he argues is essential for any food brand aiming for success.Throughout the episode, Geoff shares fascinating insights into the operational strategies that have enabled Wow Bao to expand into various venues such as airports and sports stadiums. He discusses how technology, including AI and self-service kiosks, has transformed the customer experience and operational efficiency. The conversation also highlights the challenges of scaling a food brand without compromising quality and consistency, with Geoff offering practical advice on leadership and team dynamics necessary for achieving these goals. This episode serves as an informative guide for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and the hospitality industry.As the podcast draws to a close, Geoff reveals his ambition for Wow Bao to become the leading brand in the bao market, aspiring to achieve recognition similar to that of Heinz ketchup. He shares his excitement for future growth opportunities and the need for continuous innovation within the industry. The episode also lightens up as Geoff shares his passion for spin cycling, adding a personal note to the professional insights offered. Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of restaurant technology and the future of dining.Takeaways:Geoff Alexander discusses how Wow Bao expanded through technology and creative strategies like ghost kitchens.He emphasizes the importance of looking outside the restaurant industry for innovative ideas and practices.Success in the food industry requires passion, focus, and adaptability to market changes and trends.The podcast reveals valuable insights on leading a successful food brand in a rapidly changing market.Wow Bao has made significant strides in technology, including self-ordering kiosks and delivery-only kitchens.The episode highlights the need for restaurant brands to embrace technology for operational efficiency and customer experience improvements.Links Referenced in This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.comMagicgate.comHow To Contact MeWebsitehttps://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)https://magicgate.comInstagram:https://instagram.com/skipkimpelhttps://www.instagram.com/magicgatetech/X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/skipkimpel

This podcast features an enlightening discussion between Skip Kimpel and Fabio Zaniboni, focusing on the integration of IoT technology within the hospitality sector and its profound implications for sustainability and energy efficiency. Fabio, with his extensive experience in engineering and innovation, articulates how IoT devices serve as a game-changer for hotels and restaurants aiming to reduce their energy consumption while simultaneously enhancing the guest experience. The narrative highlights the shift toward edge computing, which facilitates smarter data processing at the device level, reducing the need for extensive cloud data transmission and thereby conserving energy and resources.Throughout the conversation, Fabio presents various practical applications of IoT in hospitality, emphasizing the role of smart technologies in optimizing energy usage. For example, he illustrates how occupancy sensors can dynamically adjust lighting and climate control systems based on guest presence, leading to substantial energy savings—potentially as much as 70%. He underscores the accessibility of these solutions, noting that they can be integrated into existing infrastructure with minimal disruption, making them feasible for properties of all sizes, including smaller boutique hotels that may previously have found such technologies cost-prohibitive.Takeaways:The transformative role of IoT in hospitality focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency.By integrating IoT solutions, hotels can significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs.Smart environmental controls enhance guest experience through improved air quality and personalized lighting.IoT technologies allow for real-time monitoring, leading to predictive maintenance and reduced operational stress.Implementing IoT devices can result in substantial cost savings, improving the hotel's bottom line.Wireless IoT solutions minimize the disruption to existing infrastructure, making adoption easier for hotels.Links Referenced in This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.comskipkimpel.commagicgate.combubblynet.comHow To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://magicgate.comInstagram:https://instagram.com/skipkimpelhttps://www.instagram.com/magicgatetech/X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/skipkimpelhttps://x.com/magicgatetechFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/https://www.facebook.com/magicgatetechLinkedIn:

Ken Gavranovic joins the podcast to discuss the transformative power of AI and digital tools in the hospitality industry. He highlights how many companies struggle with digital transformation due to a lack of clarity on outcomes and insufficient leadership commitment. Drawing from his extensive experience with iconic brands, Ken emphasizes that technology should enhance human connections rather than replace them. He introduces Product Genius, a tool designed to capture real-time guest feedback and streamline operations, which has proven to deliver impressive ROI for hospitality businesses. Throughout the conversation, he offers actionable insights for leaders looking to successfully navigate the complexities of AI-driven transformation while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.The conversation reveals a deep understanding of digital transformation, particularly concerning the hospitality industry. Gavranovic, whose extensive experience includes leadership roles at prestigious companies, discusses the pivotal role of AI in reshaping customer engagement and operational efficiency. He posits that the most successful transformations occur when organizations embrace innovation holistically, integrating technology with a focus on enhancing human interactions. This perspective is crucial in industries like hospitality, where guest experience is paramount. Gavranovic's insights underscore the need for leaders to recognize that technology is not merely a tool but a means to amplify human capabilities and create memorable experiences for guests.Takeaways:Transformation in companies requires not just technology adoption but also evolution of people and processes.AI can significantly enhance customer engagement in the hospitality industry by streamlining operations.Leaders must focus on clear outcomes rather than just activities when implementing digital transformation.Embracing change is challenging; leadership commitment is crucial for successful transformation initiatives.Start small with AI implementation by addressing specific, clear problems for immediate ROI.Fostering a culture that embraces technology will empower employees to enhance human connections.Links Referenced in This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.comproductgeniusguru.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gavranovicskipkimpel.com

Skip Kimpel welcomes Brandon McRrill, co-founder and CEO of 5Out, to delve into the transformative role of machine learning (ML) in the hospitality industry. As the conversation unfolds, McRrill shares his extensive background in the restaurant sector, which began at the tender age of 15. His journey through various prestigious establishments laid the groundwork for his current endeavor, where he aims to harness data to enhance operational efficiency in restaurants. A key theme of the discussion is the common misconception that artificial intelligence (AI) is synonymous with machine learning. McRrill argues that true AI, as depicted in films, does not yet exist in practical applications. Instead, what we see today is sophisticated programming that utilizes vast datasets to automate and simplify processes, ultimately benefiting restaurant operations. The dialogue shifts to practical applications of ML within the restaurant space. McRrill emphasizes the importance of predictive analytics in optimizing staffing, menu design, and inventory management. By leveraging data, restaurants can make informed decisions that not only improve profitability but also enhance the customer experience. Kimpel and McRrill dissect the challenges of integrating ML into existing systems, highlighting the need for user-friendly interfaces that allow operators to easily access and implement insights without getting bogged down in technical complexities. As they explore the future of hospitality technology, they stress the importance of delivering actionable outcomes rather than just insights, setting the stage for a new era of efficiency in the industry.Takeaways:The podcast explores the misconceptions surrounding AI and emphasizes that true AI does not yet exist as commonly portrayed.Brandon McRrill highlights the importance of machine learning as advanced programming, not independent thinking.Restaurants can leverage machine learning to optimize operations and enhance customer experiences through automation.The discussion includes the challenges of integrating machine learning into existing software platforms in the hospitality industry.Listeners are encouraged to evaluate AI solutions by focusing on the deliverables rather than the technical jargon.Brandon emphasizes the need for simplicity in technology to ensure that restaurant operators can easily implement and benefit from it.Links Referenced in This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.commagicgate.comskipkimpel.comHow To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://magicgate.comInstagram:https://instagram.com/skipkimpelhttps://www.instagram.com/magicgatetech/X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/skipkimpelhttps://x.com/magicgatetechFacebook:

Mike Blake joins Skip Kimpel on the Tech Chef Podcast to share his insights on the evolving landscape of hospitality technology. As Vice President of Information Technology at KemperSports, Mike draws from his extensive experience in the industry, highlighting the critical importance of strategic leadership in implementing technology solutions that enhance operational excellence. The conversation begins with Mike recounting his transition from finance to IT, where he became a specialist in understanding the cost implications of technology investments during a time of rapid change. He reflects on his tenure at Hyatt Hotels, discussing the challenges faced in migrating systems to the cloud and the revolutionary impact it had on the hospitality sector. This foundational experience informs his current role, where he oversees technology for a diverse portfolio of golf courses and resorts.The episode delves into the pressing challenges of cybersecurity in hospitality, with Mike emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard sensitive data against increasing threats. The discussion also explores the significance of adopting emerging technologies like AI and IoT, which Mike believes are essential for creating personalized guest experiences. He advocates for a data-driven approach, urging hospitality leaders to develop comprehensive data strategies that prioritize security while fostering innovation.Throughout the episode, Mike's leadership philosophy shines through as he discusses the importance of partnership and collaboration in achieving technological success. He encourages professionals in the hospitality industry to embrace a broker, integrate, and orchestrate mindset, focusing on integrating off-the-shelf solutions rather than reinventing the wheel. The conversation concludes with Mike sharing his passion for innovation and encouraging listeners to engage with the technology community through events like CES, where they can discover new tools and ideas that can be applied within their organizations. This episode is rich with insights and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and hospitality.Takeaways:Mike Blake discusses his extensive experience in hospitality technology, emphasizing the importance of adapting to cloud-based solutions.He highlights the need for a strategic approach to attending major technology events like CES for maximum benefit.Blake believes in the concept of 'broker, integrate and orchestrate' rather than building systems from scratch in hospitality.He stresses the significance of networking and helping others in the industry, as connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.Cybersecurity initiatives are prioritized in the hospitality sector due to increasing threats, calling for better tools and awareness.Embracing digital innovation while balancing security is crucial for businesses in the hospitality industry.Links Referenced In This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.comskipkimpel.commagicgate.comHow To Contact MeWebsite:https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) https://magicgate.comInstagram:

The Tech Chef Podcast welcomes Tony Bevilacqua, founder and CEO of Cognitive3D, who dives deep into the transformative potential of spatial analytics and immersive technologies in the hospitality industry. With a focus on maximizing ROI through data collection, Tony explains how Cognitive3D's platform uniquely measures human behavior in virtual and augmented reality environments. By utilizing spatial intelligence, businesses can gather actionable insights that not only enhance training but also improve consumer research and operational efficiency.The conversation highlights the critical need for data in decision-making processes, particularly in an industry where margins are often tight. Through engaging discussions, listeners learn about the practical applications of XR technologies, including training simulations that ensure compliance and quality standards within hospitality operations. The episode underscores the importance of integrating these technologies into existing systems, allowing for a seamless flow of valuable insights that can drive business growth and innovation.Takeaways:Cognitive3D's spatial analytics platform transforms user interactions in virtual reality into actionable insights.The integration of VR training can significantly enhance employee performance and compliance in hospitality settings.Tony Bevilacqua emphasizes the importance of data collection and ROI in XR technology adoption.The future of immersive technologies will likely merge virtual, augmented, and mixed realities into everyday applications.Cognitive3D's technology enables detailed assessments of user behaviors beyond traditional LMS systems.The podcast highlights how immersive technology can address societal challenges and enhance accessibility for diverse audiences.Links Referenced In This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.comskipkimpel.commagicgate.comcognitive3d.com

Today, we delve deep into the world of hospitality technology, this episode features an engaging dialogue between Skip Kimpel and Michael Cohen, the Managing Partner of Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN). The discussion begins with a reflection on the challenges faced by the hospitality sector in the wake of the pandemic, particularly regarding staffing shortages and a lack of technological adaptation. Cohen stresses the urgency for businesses to embrace innovation, arguing that those who fail to do so may risk becoming obsolete in a fast-paced market. He articulates GAIN's commitment to providing specialized advisory services that not only address immediate technological needs but also foster a culture of ongoing improvement within organizations.Cohen's extensive background in technology and marketing shines through as he navigates the conversation towards the importance of strategic planning and execution. He shares insights on how GAIN differentiates itself by blending advisory roles with practical execution strategies, ensuring that clients receive not only theoretical guidance but also actionable steps to realize their visions. The episode touches on the critical role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation, which are reshaping customer interactions and operational efficiencies in hotels and restaurants. Cohen's perspective challenges the common narrative that the hospitality industry is lagging, suggesting instead that risk-averse leadership across various sectors contributes to a broader hesitance to innovate.The culmination of the episode features an exciting announcement regarding GAIN's new partnership with MEWS, a prominent player in the hospitality technology space. This partnership aims to enhance GAIN's service offerings by providing comprehensive technology stack reviews, designed to help clients streamline their operations and improve their competitive edge. Cohen expresses enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing how it reflects GAIN's strategic growth plan and commitment to delivering value to clients. This episode serves as a rich resource for hospitality professionals seeking to understand the importance of innovation and strategic partnerships in driving business success.Takeaways:Michael Cohen emphasizes the importance of innovation in driving growth within the hospitality industry.GAIN Advisors differentiates itself from traditional consulting firms by providing actionable advisory services.The hospitality sector faces unique challenges in adopting emerging technologies, necessitating knowledgeable guidance.Collaboration and strategic partnerships are essential for businesses to navigate the post-pandemic landscape effectively.Successful hotel technology stacks must be flexible, scalable, and integrated into a cohesive ecosystem.Understanding the MICE industry is crucial, as it encompasses various sectors within hospitality.Links Referenced in This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.commagicgate.comskipkimpel.comHow To Contact MeWebsite(s): https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)https://magicgate.comInstagram:

This podcast episode dives into the transformative potential of Extended Reality (XR) within the hospitality industry, highlighting how technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality can enhance guest experiences, streamline operations, and drive sustainable growth. Host Skip Kimpel shares insights on the importance of integrating innovative technologies to keep pace with evolving consumer expectations and market trends. He discusses the launch of Magicgate, a consulting firm focused on XR strategies, and the significant advantages of adopting VR training solutions for hospitality staff. Additionally, Kimpel introduces the Growth Advisors International Network(GAIN) and Crewire, emphasizing their roles in fostering growth and innovation in the travel and hospitality sectors. With expert advice and a call to action for listeners to embrace these digital transformations, the episode serves as a vital resource for hospitality leaders looking to thrive in a competitive landscape.Listeners are introduced to Magicgate's core services, which include developing XR strategies, offering VR training solutions, and creating digital twins of restaurant environments for operational efficiency. Kimpel provides real-world examples, highlighting how these strategies can reduce training costs, improve employee readiness, and enhance customer engagement. The episode serves as a call to action for hospitality professionals to consider how these technologies can transform their businesses, offering an engaging and informative narrative that not only educates but also inspires change within the industry. Kimpel's enthusiasm for digital innovation is palpable, making it clear that the future of hospitality lies in the hands of those willing to embrace technology wholeheartedly.Takeaways: Magicgate is reviving its brand to offer XR and digital transformation consulting. The relationship between Magicgate, Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN) and Crewire Companies that embrace technology early can gain a competitive edge in hospitality. Extended Reality (XR) encompasses VR, AR, and MR, enhancing guest experiences across industries. Effective training using VR can significantly reduce costs and improve employee readiness. Collaboration within the hospitality tech ecosystem can drive faster innovation and success. Links referenced in this episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.commagicgate.comskipkimpel.com

Skip Kimpel welcomes John Cunningham to the Tech Chef Podcast to delve into the transformative world of Extended Reality (XR) and its implications for various industries, particularly hospitality. Cunningham, a seasoned expert in the XR field, shares his extensive background, including his military experience and roles in significant tech companies. He emphasizes the rapid evolution of XR technologies and their growing accessibility, paving the way for widespread adoption across sectors. The discussion highlights XR's potential in enhancing training and development processes, arguing that immersive training environments can significantly improve knowledge retention and skills acquisition compared to traditional methods. For industries like hospitality, the integration of XR could lead to safer, more cost-effective training solutions while minimizing food waste and enhancing employee preparedness.The conversation shifts towards the practical applications of XR in collaborative environments, especially in remote work scenarios. Cunningham illustrates how XR can revolutionize product design and prototyping, allowing teams to visualize and manipulate designs in real-time, fostering creativity and efficiency. This capability is crucial for industries that rely on visual collaboration, such as hospitality, where layout and design decisions can have a profound impact on operational efficiency and customer experience. As Cunningham discusses the need for organizations to embrace XR, he underscores the importance of strategic planning and the consideration of IT infrastructure to support these emerging technologies. The episode concludes with an exciting announcement about an upcoming XR Boot Camp aimed at empowering industry professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement XR solutions effectively.Takeaways: Extended Reality (XR) is reshaping industries by enhancing training, collaboration, and customer experiences. The hospitality sector stands to benefit significantly from XR technology for training and operational efficiency. XR technology is no longer just for large enterprises; smaller organizations can adopt it effectively. Organizations should consider a consulting partner with XR experience to guide implementation. The integration of AI and XR is transforming product design and development processes. As XR technology becomes more affordable, its adoption across diverse industries is rapidly increasing. Links referenced in this episode:gainadvisors.comskipkimpel.combootcamp.magicgate.com

This podcast episode features an exciting announcement about the integration of Nomad Go's innovative inventory management technology with PAR Technology's Data Central platform. David Greshler, CEO of Nomad Go, and Paul Rubin, Chief Strategy Officer at PAR, discuss how their collaboration aims to revolutionize the restaurant industry's approach to inventory counting. With Nomad Go's solution, operators can count their inventory more efficiently and accurately using just an iPhone or iPad, significantly reducing the time and effort traditionally spent on manual counting. The conversation highlights the challenges faced during the integration process and emphasizes the importance of data integrity and reliability. Listeners will gain insights into the future of restaurant technology, the benefits of frequent inventory checks, and the impact of emerging technologies such as AI and augmented reality on the hospitality sector.Takeaways: The integration of Nomad Go with PAR Technology significantly simplifies the inventory counting process for restaurants. Using augmented reality and AI, Nomad Go enables users to count inventory with a simple scan. Both companies emphasize the importance of accuracy and time savings in inventory management for restaurants. Frequent inventory checks can lead to better management of food waste and theft detection. The partnership between Nomad Go and PAR Technology reflects a growing trend of technological collaboration in the restaurant industry. Customers can expect enhanced data insights and operational efficiency from the new integration. Links referenced in this episode:gainadvisors.comnomadgo.comskipkimpel.commagicgate.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Growth Advisors International Network NomadCo PAR Technology Corporation Nomad Go PAR Data Central Brink

Joining the show today, I am excited to have Troy Hooper, Chief Executive Officer at Hot Palette America. Troy Hooper joined Pepper Lunch as one of the three global business unit CEO's for the brand, and oversees Pepper Lunch's parent company in North America, Hot Palette America. Troy brings 30 years of unparalleled experience in hospitality, operations management and executive leadership to this role, which has fueled Pepper Lunch's infrastructure development, growth efforts, and brand deliverables, creating a fruitful franchise model for the North American market.Throughout his career, Troy has successfully built new concepts, rebranded existing restaurants, and improved well-established venues for iconic brands. Troy's decades of experience and business acumen brings a breadth of knowledge to the rapidly growing global brand, Pepper Lunch.By the way, I have some breaking news for you at the end of this episode so make sure you listen all the way through to make sure you don't miss it!How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consultingYou can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at ConStrata.ioEmail me at skip.kimpel@constrata.ioWhat's up next?Next week is the one and only Geoff Alexander from Wow Bao. We all know both of these names very well. A man who had a vision, assembled an amazing team and has taken his vision to a whole new level! You think he is passionate about virtual brands? Well, you will have to tune in to hear him tell us what he REALLY thinks about the future of that side of the industry. So, check out Hot Bytes on all of my social media channels and let me know what you think. I am very curious to see the reaction and see how sadistic you all really are!

Back with us today is Managing Director of ConStrata Consulting, Mr. Toby Malbec. This episode is dedicated to the two hospitality shows that recently happened, the industry standard, HITEC, brought to you by HFTP, which was held in Toronto and the brand new Hospitality Show put on by AHLA in Las Vegas at the Venetian Hotel. Both of these shows happened at the same exact time, so Toby and I decided to divide and conquer as so many others did as well. Today's recap will highlight overall arching themes, similarities as well as differences between the two shows. Enjoy!How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consultingYou can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at ConStrata.ioEmail me at skip.kimpel@constrata.ioWhat's up next?Next week I am excited to share the time I had to chat with Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America, best known for their outrageously popular and delicious restaurant, Pepper Lunch. Troy has quite a bit to share with us regarding the growth of the organization including building out a tech stack for an international operation. How is he going to pull it off? Tune in and find out!

Joining the show today is our special guest, Nabeel, CEO and Co-Founder of Lunchbox. Nabeel was born in Bangladesh, moved to Kuwait 7 years later, and to Queens, New York 7 years after that. Nabeel began his career as the first busboy at the Bareburger flagship store in Astoria, and spent his free time devising marketing objectives for the CEO. In 2019 he founded Lunchbox, a next-gen online ordering company, that was built out of the frustration of trying to build his own digital ordering system at Bareburger. In just a short period, Lunchbox has established itself as the premiere product in the digital ordering space, partnering with industry leaders such as Firehouse Subs, Papa Gino's, Clean Juice, Wings Over, Bareburger and more.Today's show is NOT about Lunchbox. It is about AI and the new, free AI application that can be found online to allow restaurants generate food pictures for their online ordering guests. We take this much further into the legalities around intellectual properties, regulation and the future of this technology.We have some fundamental differences of opinion around the IP side of things but, at the end of the day, we are all trying to figure out where this all lands and are in it together.How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consultingYou can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at ConStrata.ioEmail me at skip.kimpel@constrata.ioWhat's up next?Busy and crazy times in our industry right now. This also happens to be a very timely subject today, especially around the online ordering and virtual kitchen side of things as we are starting to see a slowdown in online ordering and a significant shakeup in that side of the industry. I would also love to hear your thoughts on where YOU think the digital restaurant is headed. I will be out at the new

Joining the show today is Aaron Hoffman, Co-Founder & Head of Strategy at DeliverThat - a white label, last-mile delivery platform focused on catering delivery and setup. Aaron and I break down what a successful delivery operation looks like for your business: best practices, process changes, considerations for success and so much more. We will also dig deeper into the catering side of the restaurant business and how this can be a game changer if you not spending much time and effort to perfect that side of the business.You will get lots of great juicy nuggets from this show. Bon Appetit! Oh, and by the way, Alan Hickey…. I hear Aaron is a better golfer than you. Just sayin',..How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consultingYou can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at ConStrata.ioEmail me at skip.kimpel@constrata.ioNext Week's ShowNext week, I have Nabeel from Lunchbox joining us to talk about the new AI Food Generator application they developed, and we go pretty deep into the AI in general. Nabeel is a well known industry expert that people look up to and it was a privilege to have him join me. Certainly, an episode you won't want to miss.

Joining the show today are two individuals who I am sure you have seen all over social media and at conferences if your business is restaurants and technology. Carl Orsbourn and Meredith Sandland join the show to talk about their new book, “Delivering the Digital Restaurant; The Path to Digital Maturity.” This falls on the heels of the must have book from last year, “Delivering the Digital Restaurant: Your Roadmap to the Future of Food.”Meredith Sandland is the CEO of Empower Delivery, a software company that enables restaurants to profitably and sustainably serve off-premise demand. Meredith met with every major restaurant company, food-tech company, real estate company, and VC investor who is exploring the online food revolution. In Empower Delivery, she found what she had been looking for: a restaurant tech company built from the ground up to service the on-demand consumer. Prior to Empower Delivery, Sandland created and drove disruptive growth as Chief Development Officer at Taco Bell, America's largest Mexican-inspired restaurant, and as COO at Kitchen United, a ghost-kitchen start-up that is rolling out nationally.Carl Orsbourn is a global retail executive and board member whose experience spans blue-chip companies, disruptive start-up ventures, and restaurants. As COO of Juicer, Carl leads business development, partnerships, and operations for this innovative start-up supporting the development of dynamic pricing capability for restaurants. At Kitchen United, Carl established the operating model and led operations & customer success for one of the country's foremost ghost kitchen providers.Carl and Meredith serve as advisors and board members at several food-service and tech start-ups. They have been recognized as Power Players by Nations Restaurant News and Business Insider for their thought leadership in supporting restaurants to adapt to the challenges and opportunities offered through digitization, technology, and automation.Don't worry, this episode is not just a sales pitch for the book. We dig much deeper in conversation about things like figuring out what “digital” means to the restaurant industry, order throttling, dynamic pricing, converting 3rd party to a 1st party customers, the gig workforce and even talk about the good and evil of AI.How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and...

I have an unbelievable treat for you today with another industry rockstar; the man, that I have heard many times before, to have the Midas touch because he has the reputation that everything he touches turns to gold.At this point, you are saying to yourself, “who is this person.” Today, the one and only, Chris Artinian joins us to talk about technology through the years and his personal formula for a successful organization. Chris serves as President & CEO at Condado Tacos and Tequila, an emerging NextGen growth brand that specializes in tacos, margheritas and tequilas, with expansion plans to expand up to 100 company owned and operated restaurants by 2026, as it expands to many new markets. Chris has over 30 years of restaurant and retail experience, with both private and public companies, and has extensive experience in restaurant and consumer services. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Another Broken Egg, Ted's Cafe Escondido, and Condado Tacos.Chris joined Condado Tacos to partner with the team in charting the next phase of meteoric growth. He continues to serve as an Operating Director at The Beekman Group, and prior to that lead TooJay's Gourmet Deli, Bakery & Restaurant, serving as the company's President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that, he served as President and CEO of Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, and previously, was President and CEO of Morton's Steakhouse, the largest fine dining brand in the world. Chris was a success story at Morton's, starting in a back of the house kitchen position and rising through the ranks to eventually become the CEO of this leading publicly-traded steakhouse.Throughout his career Mr. Artinian has been recognized for leveraging his deep operational experience in developing winning strategies and exceptional teams. Passionate about the restaurant business, Chris has provided key insight and commentary on the industry to numerous media outlets including CNBC, Fox Business and Bloomberg News, and is a sought-after guest speaker and panelist for industry conferences and events.If anybody has industry chops, I can think of nobody better to bring on this show. We have some amazing conversation around some of the key elements he looks for and corrects when being involved with a new organization. Obviously, he is usually brought onboard to identify inefficiencies and other operational issues, make course corrections and create a plan to take that company to the next level. A key factor of this, obviously, is based around technology in today's world. Trust, me, Chris can talk technology and I was fascinated with our engaging conversation. Please sit back, relax and enjoy and make sure you have a pen and paper handy to take some notes. You are about to hear from one of the industry greats.How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website:

Today, I have another special guest that I recorded while I was at MURTEC recently. Kevin Seo and I had the opportunity to present a fire chat at the show on the Metaverse 101. I thought it only fair to sit down with him and record, 1-on-1, for all of you, our thoughts on this matter and share it here on this show.Kevin is truly a superstar in this space. He started in Fortune 500, leading to side hustling through e-commerce and into start-ups, always being the loudest brand voice in the room. Kevin left his corporate, white picket fence dream to chase something bigger than himself. Focusing on community building and innovation, teamed up with a couple of partners to create Bored and Hungry, Food Fighters Universe and Secret Sauce Society. Kevin is determined to create amazing memories for communities through branded concepts, food experiences and building unforgettable life changing technology.You will quickly realize why Kevin is the Chief Megaphone and Co-Founder for these companies and why he is always the loudest voice in the room. I love his infectious laugh and I hope you enjoy this time I spend with him.How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consultingYou can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at ConStrata.ioEmail me at skip.kimpel@constrata.ioNext Week's ShowNext week is another jam-packed episode with yet another, well respected, industry expert. I will keep it under wraps for now, which means you are going to have to tune in next Tuesday to find out who it is!

Today, as promised, is our 2023 MURTEC recap show. It was a short two weeks ago we were gathered together at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas right in the middle of one of the best conferences I have been to in a very long time. Anybody who has listened to this show for any length of time knows that a recap show is a must for anybody who did not have a chance to attend OR did not have a chance to see all the sessions. Having said that, time is too short on this show to talk about every single fire chat, keynote and breakout session that was available, however, my colleague (Toby Malbec) and I dig into some interesting aspects of the show. Hopefully you will enjoy this quick 30 minute, jam packed episode of all the informative and fun stuff surrounding MURTEC. I have one more surprise for you related to the show so scroll down to find out what's coming next week!How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consultingYou can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at ConStrata.ioEmail me at skip.kimpel@constrata.ioNext Week's ShowWhile at MURTEC , I had the honor to host a kickoff fire chat with Kevin Seo for a session on the metaverse and breaking it down to it's basics and the power behind the potential of where this technology is headed and, most importantly, how it could potentially impact you in the restaurant and hospitality world. Shortly after the public session, I sat down with Kevin 1-on-1 and we had a discussion around this so that I could bring it to you here on The Tech Chef. Next Tuesday is a MUST HEAR episode!

I have to say, once again, that MURTEC was amazing in many ways. As a matter of fact, I had promised you a Toby and Skip MURTEC recap show, however, we had so many great networking opportunities and vendor discussions that we are still catching up from the show! Having said that, we WILL bring you that re-cap episode but it will have to wait another week. However, I am brining you another special episode today which I also recorded at MURTEC with my good friend, Robert Peterson to talk about some big announcements from the Restaurant Technology Network, especially the results of the KPI workgroup and other groups that Robert is heavily involved with.Robert Peterson…. Some know him as the Area Vice President for New Business of North America at Oracle Food and Beverage. Others, however, know him as a leader and a superstar of both the RTN and the IFBTA.Robert Peterson's fervor for data governance has flourished during his 20 years in the restaurant industry. His career includes technical, sales, and strategic roles at various hospitality technology companies where he developed a deep understanding of the guest experience and its accompanying data flow.Today his passion to see operators succeed. He is also a contributing member of RTN's Vendor Advisory Council. Another fact about Mr. Peterson is that he is an 80's BMX World Champion, he can still be spotted in San Diego with one of his four children showing off on his bicycle. Or experimenting with plant-based recipes at home with his wife, Julie.Robert is such a dedicated individual and really cares about seeing technology not only progress in our industry but leading and pioneering a whole new era of how we think about the technology and data in the foodservice sector. I had such a good time catching up with Robert at the show… enjoy this chat I had with him while I was there.How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpelLinkedIn:

For all of you that saw me speak over the past couple of days, I hope you enjoyed yourselves. You were fun and engaged audiences! Web3 and the metaverse can really stoke different thoughts and emotions in people and I had fun exploring the technology as a whole with you and hearing YOUR thoughts on where this technology is headed. It is still the wild west out there when it comes to these topics, and we have yet to see where it all lands. Hopefully you had some good takeaways and are challenging yourself a little more now that you understand the technologies a little bit better.So here we all are at MURTEC. Hopefully you are all having a fantastic show and are winning lots of money here at the Paris Hotel in Vegas. The content of this show has been absolutely fantastic thus far and it has been a while since I have seen this many people at one of these shows. This might be the record for attendance to MURTEC!SToday on The Tech Chef, we will be talking about “Crafting A Digital Palette.” To talk about how he pulled this off, Scott Lawton the CEO and Co-Founder of bartaco joins the show. Bartaco is a coastal-inspired restaurant serving fresh, upscale street food in a relaxed environment. Scott has over twenty five years of leadership experience in the hospitality arena, and rejoined bartaco in 2020 under the new private ownership of L Catterton, where he oversees the concept's overall vision and growth.That year, Lawton led the rollout of bartaco's on- demand hospitality dining model, and continues to pave the way for other restaurant leaders looking to create a seamless guest experience. Under his leadership, bartaco was recognized by Hospitality Technology's MURTEC Breakthrough Awards in 2022 for the restaurant's signature “on-demand hospitality.”Prior to becoming CEO of bartaco, Lawton was Chief Operating Officer of Barteca, managing development, day-to-day operations and personnel recruitment. Lawton previously held key leadership roles with Tribeca Grill, Buckhead Life and Big Time Restaurants.If you have never eaten at bartaco before, do yourself a favor and check them out. Not only is the food amazing but the experience is a real treat as well. Something about being able to control your own experience through the ordering process to the payment at the end of your visit makes it special. Of course, as Scott talked about, hospitality and service is NOT compromised through these digital methods. Technology should never be used to replace hospitality and touch points. Hospitality is such an important part of the value

The conference season has officially kicked in and I will be seeing many of you this next week. Starting off on Sunday, I will be speaking at the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York that will be held at the Javits Center. I will be talking about how technology is changing the landscape of restaurants and digging into the world of web3 and how it could change the way you approach the concept of loyalty with your guest. If you are attending this show, I will be speaking at 3pm so make sure you don't miss it!Without a moment to spare, I will be uttering my last words as I head out the door to catch a flight to Vegas. There I will see you at MURTEC at the Paris Hotel and be speaking at 1pm on Sunday. It is going to be an awesome Firechat where Kevin Seo, Co-Founder of Bored and Hungry, and I will be doing a session on the metaverse 101. It has evolved so much, just in the past few months, I can't wait to share our thoughts on where it was and where it is going. A fascinating chat that is a must see and one that people will be talking about the rest of the conference.Big show today…. Big, big show. Did I mention this is a big show? He's been here before and I am honored to have him back. Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine joins me for a riveting conversation about all the things that are going on in his life. Everything he does touches or contributes in one way or another to the Robert Irvine Foundation whose sole mission is to strengthen the physical and mental well-being of our service members, veterans, first responders and their families.Of course, we will be talking about his new book, Overcoming Impossible and having some very interesting conversations around his thoughts of how technology is a key element to success. We even go so far to discuss if AI is going to take over the human race…. Is it? Well, you will have to listen to find out. I really enjoy talking to Robert and I hope you also enjoy our chat.How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpelLinkedIn:

Well, I think I am finally done traveling for business for the year AND I believe I have been to my last two conferences of the year since we last chatted. I was down the road from my home here in Ft Lauderdale and attended HT-Next as well as the Immerse Global Summit. I have to tell you, both of these conferences were amazing and I spent the two days down in Miami conference hopping as they were both in the same building. To be honest with you, it was not my intention to go to the Immerse conference as it was not until I had checked into the hotel did I realize what it was. I had to walk past it every morning and kept seeing some pretty amazing vendors that were there so I looked it up online. It was all about virtual and augmented reality hardware and software. Most of the companies there, including universities were working on training tools for other industries. I had a fascinating time!Today, joining the show, is Sean Thompson, the IT Director for the fast-casual restaurant franchise Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. He oversees the business intelligence and data science team and the execution of Freddy's global communications platforms. Thompson and his team work to deliver technology solutions to the restaurants as well as the franchise support teams, including construction, training, marketing, accounting, and operations. Recent projects have included a system-wide conversion to a universal Point of Sale, launching an all-new digital platform for ordering and loyalty, and starting up an internal support team for the more than 450 Freddy's locations nationwide. Before Freddy's, Thompson ran his consulting company and Managed Service Provider.All of us that follow the industry news know that seeing them in a headline, about once a week, is not uncommon. With their appetite for growth, what is it that makes the successful? What is their “secret sauce?”How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consultingYou can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at ConStrata.ioEmail me at

I hope you had a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving week last week. Hopefully you were able to get some extra time off to spend with your friends and family. I know that in our industries, that may have been your busiest time and that may not have been possible. For those of you lucky ones that DID have time off, now it is “go-time” to prepare for Christmas and the holidays next month. Since we last spoke I attended the Digital Signage Experience along with the Restaurant Finance and Development Conference. RFDC was probably one of the best showing of operators, at any one event, in a very long time. Lots of takeaways from that event and excellent networking in the beautiful Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. While I was there, I was able to sit down with a good friend of mind and talk about what it looks like to run a restaurant chain that is heavily franchised. The do's and don'ts of a successful tech stack and how to properly get the buy-in for procuring and deploying new technology.Today, I am honored to have Zerrick Pearson, the Chief Information Officer for Five Guys Enterprises, L.L.C., a global company that operates more than 1750 franchise and company-operated restaurants domestically and internationally. Zerrick is responsible for developing and implementing information technology initiatives across the Enterprise. Having been born into the restaurant industry, Zerrick has been involved in restaurant operations for almost 25 years. Prior to his time with Five Guys, Zerrick held the position of Vice President of Information Technology with a publicly traded Washington, DC based Company. While there Zerrick managed all IT initiatives, bridging the gap between IT, Finance and Operations.Zerrick is a board member of the IFBTA, RTN and various other industry specific IT organizations. How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consultingYou can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at ConStrata.ioEmail me at skip.kimpel@constrata.ioNext Week's ShowI am traveling the majority of this week and I have yet to bring you the interview that I promised you, Leigh Gower, CTO at

This week I am here at the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference and the Digital Signage Expo, here in Las Vegas. If you are at RFDC and are listening to this show, tomorrow, Wednesday, make sure you stick around and sign up and join the Technology Boot Camp where Zerrick Pearson, Galen Collins and myself will be teaching on various areas of technology in the restaurant industry. Get your certification while you are there… for free! Also, later in the day tomorrow, I will be speaking at the University of Las Vegas Hospitality College speaking with students there on “Restaurant and Hotel Technology.” That is going to be a blast and am really looking forward to that!I know this show was supposed to go live last week but we had to jump on the recap of MURTEC and, I promise you, this week's show was worth the wait. As previously mentioned, living on the operator side for most of my life, I had a very defined methodology for maintaining vendor relationships. I would say they were more partnerships than anything. When you engage with a vendor you need to have buy-in from both sides and you have to willing to work together to make it a fruitful and long-lasting relationship. But what does that really mean? What do vendor's think about us?My guest, for today's conversation, is none other than Bob Gibson who is a seasoned veteran supporting Global Enterprise customers with complex Franchisor/Franchisee models, building out GTM strategies to support these relationships with his Hospitality, Retail, and Technology experience.With over thirty plus years Bob is a SAAS veteran who understands how to build systems to reduce churn while helping overall revenue growth and increasing net revenue retention. His areas of expertise include but are not limited to Strategic Selling models, Go to Market Strategies and execution, Customer Service team builds and execution, Support Desk build and execution and Thought Leadership. He has over 20 years of experience in point of sale and served in leadership roles at Micros, Oracle and JOLT. Bob now serves as President and Chief Operating Office at the ConStrata group that continues to shape the technology industry in the hospitality, food and beverage space.How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter:

Last week's Florida Restaurant and Lodging Associations Show was a huge success. I you didn't get to hear me speak on web3, don't fret, you will have many more opportunities in the near future and into 2023! From what I hear, the reports are in and it sounds like the MURTEC Executive Summit was a big hit as well! I wish I could have replicated myself and been at both places at once. I am sure you all missed “The Mayor of MURTEC!” Next big show for me is the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference and the Digital Signage Expo, both in Las Vegas in less than a week. If you are going to attend RFDC, make sure you stick around Wednesday morning and join the Technology Boot Camp where Zerrick Pearson, Galen Collins and myself will be teaching on various areas of technology in the restaurant industry. You can even get your certification at the end of the session. I hope that is reason enough to see you there!Today, we are going to switch things up a little bit as I had promised you a show with Bob Gibson, previously from Jolt and Oracle where we have a VERY interesting conversation on vendor / client relationships. However, given the fact that my colleague, Toby Malbec just attended the MURTEC Executive Summit, I thought I needed to jump on the opportunity to get a recap from him so he could fill us in on all the amazing things that I missed. I am sure not all of you were able to attend either so this will be very informative for all of usAs you know, I work side by side with Toby at ConStrata and why I love having him on the show is that we don't always agree on things, which makes for a healthy conversation. Hey, if everybody thought the same, we would just be robots…. Hmmmm… that might actually be one of the subjects for the day. Regardless, those that know Toby, knows that this will be an engaging conversation with lots of good insight.How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook:

Happening this week is the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Associations Show as well as the MURTEC Executive Summit. If you will be at the Florida show, remember, I will be speaking on web3 and how it is impacting the restaurant industry. Lots of fun, cool, interactive elements to this presentation so it would be worth your effort to come see it. And of course, the MURTEC Executive summit will be amazing, as it always is. There is always great content at that show and, from what I have seen, this one will be no exception. Please reach out to me later this week to tell me how it was and what your biggest takeaways were.As promised, today's show is a continuation of last week's show where I recorded this episode live at the Menches Bros. NFT minting party. I won't go into detail about that as you can go back and listen to the previous episode. On site, however, a huge group from Metaversal, the company behind bringing this project to fruition, was onsite to help support the Menches Bros. team. While I was there, I was able to sit down some of the Metaversal team members including the CEO, Yosi Hasson, the creative director, Sam Brukhman and the project manager, Erin Thompson. Combined, this gave me the opportunity to learn more about the scope of what they do, what their vision is and how they are looking to help other small restaurant brands.They are new to our industries so this will be a great opportunity for you to get to know more about Metaversal, what they do and how they do it. Enjoy!How To Contact MeWebsite: https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website: https://ConStrata.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consultingYou can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at ConStrata.ioEmail me at

Next week should be exciting for a couple of reasons: First, I will be speaking at the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association's Show in Orlando, Florida. For those of you that will be there, make sure you come see my session on November 3rd where I will explore how web3 is changing the landscape of restaurants. Don't know what #web3 is? Want to learn more about NFTs, cryptocurrency and actually see the metaverse in action? Most importantly, do you want to know how this is impacting the hospitality industry from the large chains down to the “mom and pops?” This is the session you DON'T want to miss! Now, for those of you not attending, that probably means, if you are an operator, you will be at the https://www.murtecsummit.com/ (MURTEC Executive Summit) in Napa Valley. Why, oh why, did these two events have to happen on the same exact days? I have been waiting to go to Napa for that show for a couple of years now, ever since it was first announced during COVID. Oh well, you will all have a great time without me, I am sure. Just make sure you don't have too much fun… you will make me even more jealous! The show today was recorded live at the https://www.menchesbros.com/ (Menches Bros.) NFT minting party in Green, Ohio. Yep, you heard me right. This is the mom and pop that I have been talking about quite a bit lately and you have seen in the industry news channels. If you want to hear my original podcast about this initiative, go back and listen to https://skipkimpel.com/tech-chef/mom-and-pop-launches-nft/ (Episode 58) where I have https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekimble/ (Dani Kimble), CMO for https://www.menchesbros.com/ (Menches Bros.) on the show. During that discussion, she talked about her Uncle John. Well, I was fortunate enough to sit down with John Menches, CEO of https://www.menchesbros.com/ (Menches Bros). to go into more depth about this project and why they felt that this little hamburger joint was the perfect concept for a NFT project.  During this conversation, I learned a whole lot more about John, the family and other interesting facts other than being the originator and creator of the hamburger back in 1885. How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: https://constrata.io/ (https://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel (https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at https://my.captivate.fm/ConStrata.io (ConStrata.io) Email me at skip.kimpel@constrata.io Next Week's ShowNext week will kind of be a continuation of today's episode except I will be talking with the company out of New York behind this NFT project, https://www.metaversal.gg/ (Metaversal). We will talk with the CEO, https://www.linkedin.com/in/yossi-hasson/ (Yosi Hasson), the creative director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-brukhman-17132a78/ (Sam Brukhman) and the lead project manager for this creative endeavor, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-s-thompson/ (Erin Thompson).  They are the secret sauce (pun intended) behind the execution of this project, and it was exciting to see the large team they brought to help support https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekimble/ (Dani...

It's been a little while since we last spoke as I have been traveling around like a madman with client work and lots and lots of shows. I saw quite a few of you at FSTEC in Dallas. It was a great show this year and certainly loved the venue. There was tons of energy out there on the trade show floor…. I think everybody was glad that things finally seem back to normal. The networking was some of the best I have experienced at a conference. Between vendor dinners and cocktail happy hours, this proved to be extremely beneficial to most, from what I have been told by some of my collegues. I think, from the sessions I was able to attend, one of the key takeaways is that the customer is still looking for change and their habits continue to evolve. Long gone are the days of what we considered conventional dining experiences. My advice to all of you is to stay on top of the current trends, evaluate them if they are a trend or a fad, and move forward, full force before you are the one that is left behind. Okay, I'll step off my platform now. Today's guest on this show has been a dear friend for quite some time. For some reason, we always “clicked” and I love nothing more to run into him at a conference so we can hash out the newest trends and also discussing how we can make our industry better. I really wanted to do an episode on real life data warehousing, data pipes and of course, visualization of that data. When I replayed back my history of conversations about these subjects, well, none other than https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlingddouglass/ (Sterling Douglass) came to mind. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlingddouglass/ (Sterling) is the Co-Founder & CEO of https://chowly.com/ (Chowly), a leading point-of-sale integration company that enables restaurants to expand and maintain a diverse set of off-premise capabilities. Today https://chowly.com/ (Chowly) processes over $1 billion in orders annually for its 12,000+ restaurant partners. With a focus on lean start-ups and building a business from scratch, Douglass thrives in environments defined by ambiguity and takes challenges head on while designing creative solutions to the hardest problems. He has a natural ability to grow a team and develop processes that are distinctive and unparalleled. Plus, his entire sales team could win offensive linemen of the year, just saying'. How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: https://constrata.io/ (https://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel (https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at https://my.captivate.fm/ConStrata.io (ConStrata.io) Email me at skip.kimpel@constrata.io Next Week's ShowNext week will be a show I recorded on the road recently at an NFT minting party for a mom-and-pop restaurant. Intrigued? I was, that is why I made the trip to the middle of the Midwest to see how they were going to pull this off. It is such a fascinating story that you would be doing yourself a disservice to miss next week's show. I witnessed 90 year old's minting their very first NFTs! Now I know you are hooked to see how they did it.

So, what are we cooking up on today's show? We'll be taking a look at some groundbreaking restaurant technology news that happened last week. Our special guests will discuss how they are rapidly changing the industry one bit and byte at a time. So, whether you're a tech novice or an expert… heck, you don't need to understand technology at all as there's something for everyone on today's show as it is a super interesting topic and might open your mind to new possibilities that, just last week, you didn't think was a reality or did not think would happen for many years to come. The company, https://www.devour.restaurant/ (Devour), is one brand focused on positively impacting restaurants and their fans. Their mission is to deliver web3 technology to delight guests, retain workers, and grow your brand. They are group of experienced restaurant technology professionals ready to change the web3 dining experience and guest engagement. We are lucky to have two of the co-founders from Devour on today's show: The CEO and Co-Founder of Devour, https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-rupel/ (Shelly Rupel) brings 30-years of experience as a technology entrepreneur, strategic partnership leader and restaurant owner. Before Devour, she most recently was Sr Director of Strategic Partnerships at PAR technology. Overseeing teams that managed 150 Channel Partners and 200 Solution Integration Partners for the Brink POS division of PAR. https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadhornboston/ (Chad Horn) is also a co-founder of Devour, creating the fusion between restaurants and the blockchain. He's on the team making crypto and NFTs easy, accessible, and fun for restaurants and their fans. If you have been waiting for web3 to become a reality in the restaurant industry OR you thought it was a crazy idea and would never happen, it does not matter… this show is for both sides of that thought process. So are you excited yet? I know I am! I wasn't kidding when I said I would be their first customer in The Verse when it launches in a few months.  Just the thought of being able to virtually being able to order your food and have it show up the door is so Ready Player One. You know what, I finally feel like this industry is no longer the ones playing catch up! How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: https://constrata.io/ (https://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel (https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at https://my.captivate.fm/ConStrata.io (ConStrata.io) Email me at skip.kimpel@constrata.io Next Week's ShowI will be taking next week off for a little “vacay” but will return with some new and exciting content on Tuesday, July 26th.  I hope you are all having a fantastic summer and I can't wait to chat with you again later this month. I have so many fun things planned for this show over the remainder of the year including a beloved celebrity chef which I am still keeping under wraps for right now!

That's right, you have found the Tech Chef Podcast. The one show out there you can count on for weekly insight, news and guests relating to the restaurant, hotel and hospitality industries.  This is your host, Skip Kimpel, and it is great that you joined the show today. Welcome back to all the faithful TCP listeners and for those of your listening for the first time, it is a great privilege to have you here today. This is one of those shows you don't want to miss as it is weekly and if you don't subscribe or follow it in your podcast software or service, it is easy to forget and then you will miss some great content so go ahead and subscribe or follow this show now. For those of our listeners from the United States, I hope all of you have a fantastic long weekend celebrating our great Country with 4th of July celebrations. I am hoping you all stayed safe and enjoyed your time with friends and family. This is one of my favorite times of the year. As a kid, this was the day that we celebrated my grandmother's birthday and I always had great memories of this day over the years. From Main Street to the Metaverse… that is the theme of today's show. When I saw this company pop up in the national news last week, I knew I had to get them on this show. I reached out to them and https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekimble/ (Dani Kimble), CMO for https://www.menchesbros.com/ (Menches Bros.) was just as exited to be on the show as I was to have her on. To understand the significance of this show you have know that this mom and pop hamburger restaurant, which has three units in Northeast Ohio, is the originator of the hamburger dating back to 1885…. That's right, you heard me correctly and they have proof of that. Secondly, this little operation has taken on a NFT project that will take their company to a global level.  These web3 initiatives are no longer for the big boys out there…. Dani and https://www.menchesbros.com/ (Menches Bros). are proving that anybody can play in this game. A friendly public service announcement: if you are listening to this show and the terminology web3, NFT or the metaverse are all foreign to you, push pause on this episode and go back and listen to https://skipkimpel.com/tech-chef/blockchain-for-restaurants/ (episode 51) where I talk with https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadhornboston/ (Chad Horn) from https://www.devour.restaurant/ (Devour) about these technologies an break them down one by one into digestible chunks of information. Okay, back to our regularly scheduled program….. Our guest today, https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekimble/ (Dani Kimble), is the descendant of the inventor of the hamburger. Raised in the restaurant industry, Dani found a real passion for the marketing side of the business. Later in life, she pursued a career in marketing, eventually rising to be Chief Marketing Officer for an insurance firm – and always remained closely connected and ingrained in the family's brand, story, and business. Dani now has her own marketing consulting company and works directly with Menches Bros. Restaurants on digital marketing and web3 strategy. She is the founder of the https://www.lilmench.com/ (Lil Mench NFT project), partnering with https://www.metaversal.gg/ (Metaversal venture studio) to expand her family's restaurants into the metaverse. Make sure you listen to this one all the way through to the end as you don't want to miss any of what Dani has to say and closes with some advice to all of you who are thinking about including web3 initiatives in your marketing plan. I wanted to be one of the first people to help her spread the word about what she is doing and how she is doing it. I promise all of you that I will keep in touch with Dani and fill all of you in along the way to share what they will learn as a company. How To Contact...

Welcome to The Tech Chef podcast! I'm your host, Skip Kimpel, and I'm here to take you on a ride of technology news related to the restaurant, hotel, and hospitality industries.  For those of you returning, it is great to have you back and for those of you joining us for the first time, welcome to the show! I'm excited to have you here and please go ahead and hit that subscribe or follow button on your favorite podcast app or website. What a great episode we had last week with https://skipkimpel.com/tech-chef/drone-delivery-the-facts/ (Ben Thein from Flytrex)…. The drone delivery company you have been hearing quite a bit about over this past year. If you didn't hear it, make sure you go back and listen to this show. Today, I have a guest that doesn't really need any introduction. https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahglass/ (Noah Glass) is the Founder & CEO of https://www.olo.com/ (Olo), a leading open SaaS platform for restaurants that enables digital hospitality at every touchpoint. He is an industry visionary whose mobile ordering work pre-dates the iPhone, beginning with text message ordering on feature phones in 2005. Olo's customer list includes over 600 of the most-loved enterprise restaurant brands.  How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: https://constrata.io/ (https://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel (https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at https://my.captivate.fm/ConStrata.io (ConStrata.io) Email me at skip.kimpel@constrata.io Next Week's ShowI am currently in Orlando for HITEC this week and am hoping to grab some interviews from here.  I am also working on a very interesting episode for next week…. let's just say it revolves around NFT's and how it can impact the casual operator. You don't need to be a big fish to play in this market space! Those of you who are interested in Web3 technologies, this will be a great episode for you.

Hello everybody and welcome back to The Tech Chef! This is your host, Skip Kimpel and I am here to take you on a ride of technology news related to the restaurant, hotel and hospitality industry.  Those of you returning, thank you for being a faithful fan and for those of you joining for the very first time, welcome! I am so glad you found this show.  It is exciting to see how this show has grown so rapidly as your weekly industry resource.  Again, those of you joining for the first time, please go ahead and hit that subscribe or follow button on your favorite podcast app or website. Exciting times we live in from a technology perspective and I certainly don't want you to miss a single episode. I hope you enjoyed my special https://skipkimpel.com/tech-chef/al-kimpel/ (Father's Day Episode) last week. I know it was a little out of the ordinary but, you know what, it was one of the most listened to episodes in the past couple of years! Today, as promised, I have a show for you that I have been waiting to share with you for quite a while. I was fortunate enough to get https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-thein-4707994/ (Ben Thein), COO from https://www.flytrex.com/ (Flytrex) on the show. You all know how much of a fan I am of drone deliveries and where the industry is headed with it as well as the complications of bringing it to fruition. Well, I thought it only appropriate to get the leading company in the restaurant drone delivery market on this show to share where the industry stands and where it is headed with this cutting-edge delivery method. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-thein-4707994/ (Ben) is the COO of on-demand drone delivery company https://www.flytrex.com/ (Flytrex), helping spearhead the drone delivery revolution. https://www.flytrex.com/ (Flytrex) provides a direct-to-consumer autonomous drone delivery service that lets retailers and quick-service restaurants cater to a wider customer base with faster, safer and more economical on-demand deliveries than ever before.  In a nutshell, https://www.flytrex.com/ (Flytrex) is building the world's first drone-based delivery service – cutting delivery costs and times by an order of magnitude in an (almost) infinite market. This is the company behind the recent publicity you have seen including El Pollo Loco, Papa Johns, Brinker, Jersey Mikes, Walmart and many more. By the way, this company didn't just pop up out of nowhere, https://www.flytrex.com/ (Flytrex) Aviation Ltd was established in Israel in late 2013. I can't wait for the day where drone delivery is a widespread technology that will help elevate the customer experience and shorten the wait times for food, to go from restaurant to dinner table.  It is only a matter of time and it is companies like https://www.flytrex.com/ (Flytrex) that need to work with the FAA and complicated logistics to make this happen. It is coming folks, the question is when. How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: https://constrata.io/ (https://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel (https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at https://my.captivate.fm/ConStrata.io (ConStrata.io) Email me...

Well, hello strangers and welcome back for another episode of The Tech Chef. This is your host, Skip Kimpel and every week, it is my goal to bring you the latest and greatest restaurant, hotel and hospitality technology insights from thought leaders across these industry segments. I do have to apologize as this is normally a weekly show but there have been so many shows lately that I have had to travel quite extensively which caused me to miss a few weeks in-between. Having said that, we are back on track again with a bunch of new episodes in the can and ready to go. If this is your first time listening, make sure you hit the subscribe button, so you don't miss a single episode and anybody who does that also gets to hear the show before anybody else knows about it.  I saw many of you at the NRA show and it was so good to see this show come back in such a strong way. The amount of technology that was present was also quite impressive. Unfortunately, out of all the buildings that the show was located, I didn't really get outside of the Tech Pavillion area.  I know I missed a lot but, then again, I was there for the technology. Today is a special episode as this Sunday is Father's day. I am fortunate enough to still be able to pick up the phone and talk my Dad whenever I want and ask him business advice as he had a successful 45 years in the work force and always has great advice for me. Recently, I was visiting him in Wisconsin and I came up with the idea to bring him on the show to talk about what it was like before technology and the transition into it over those many decades.  While you are not going to hear ANY hospitality technology talk on this show, my father is a great story teller and he walks us through his career, the patents he received and being an eye witness to the infancy stages of technology as we know it today.  How this show WILL relate to you is we will talk about forward thinking thought leadership, the importance of continuing to learn and educate yourself along the way and, most importantly, how to dress to impress. If I could only be as accomplished as my Dad when I finish my career. You know how many patents I have? Ah, that would be zero. It still fascinates me about everything he has done in his lifetime being 81 years young! I can't wait to share this episode with you as it is near and dear to me but also gives you a good insight into the DNA that makes me who I am today. How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: https://constrata.io/ (https://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel (https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at https://my.captivate.fm/ConStrata.io (ConStrata.io) Email me at skip.kimpel@constrata.io Next Week's ShowNext Tuesday I have the COO from FlyTrex, Ben Thein, to talk about the revolutionary steps this company is taking to make drone delivery a real thing. Yep, this is the company behind the recent publicity you have seen including El Pollo Loco, Papa Johns, Brinker, Jersey Mikes, Walmart and many more. You all know me, this has been one of my passions for quite some time. I see this as a real possibility in the not so distant future. Companies like FlyTrex are working with the FAA to...

For those of you that are regular listeners to The Tech Chef, thank you for tuning in again and welcome to all new subscribers. This is your number one resource for everything related to hospitality technology & strategy that will help the organization be more profitable while also being efficient! To ensure no episode goes unnoticed make sure you subscribe via your favorite podcast app/software service listed here on our website – It's a pleasure having everyone with us as we continue providing high quality content each week. What a fun week out in Vegas at https://foodondemandnews.com/food-on-demand-conference/may2022/ (Food on Demand). I do have to say that the show was heavy on the supplier side but, regardless, it was a good time had by all and very productive from everybody told me. The next big conference is the https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/ (NRA show in Chicago) in less than 2 weeks. I am sure I will see most of you there.  As always, it will be an excellent opportunity to network and get back to the largest restaurant show in the country.  It has been a while since we have been there so it will be good to be back. Our guest today, https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackoates/ (Zack Oates) is an author, husband, father, entrepreneur, and hot tub aficionado (but not in that order, necessarily). He grew up in restaurants before getting into startups. He was voted Top 100 Entrepreneurs, rang the NASDAQ bell, and has been to 50 countries. He went on over 1,000 dates before he got married and wrote a book, “Dating Never Works…Until it Does.” He currently is Founder and CEO of https://ovationup.com/ (Ovation), the #1 restaurant feedback platform in America and host of “https://ovationup.com/podcast/ (Give an Ovation: A Podcast for Restaurants.)” I can't tell you what fun I had having Zack on the show.  This guy is a stand up guy that will do whatever it takes to help your brand be more successful. His passion and dedication is second to none and he always has your back when it comes to providing you positive ROI results. How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: https://constrata.io/ (https://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel (https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at https://my.captivate.fm/ConStrata.io (ConStrata.io) Email me at skip.kimpel@constrata.io Next Week's ShowThis week, luckily, I am not traveling but next week is a whole different story. I will be headed to the Bahamas for a conference followed by a day at home and then jet setting to Chicago for the NRA show. Exciting times and, as always, I hope you are enjoying the ride. I am able to align with many industry experts and getting them to come on this show to share with you their success stories and knowledge so that you can apply this to YOUR organization. Next week's show will have a surprise guest that I guarantee you will enjoy so you will have to tune in next Tuesday to find out who it is!

Here we are, another week past and time for another edition of The Tech Chef. For those of you that are regular listeners, thank you for tuning in again and for those of you that are joining us for the very first time, a very big welcome to all of you.  This is your number one resource for all things related to hospitality technology and strategy to make your organization a more profitable and efficient organization. To ensure you don't miss a single episode, make sure you subscribe to our show via your favorite podcast app, software or service. It is a pleasure to have you with us here today. Trust me, you are amongst great company! I will be flying to out Vegas tomorrow for https://foodondemandnews.com/food-on-demand-conference/may2022/ (Food on Demand)… look forward to seeing many of you there. The number of vendors and attendees that this show brings every year continues to impress me. I was at the very first show they had outside of Dallas and even year one, it was a substantial conference. Please come up and say “hi” when I see you there.  I have quite a few people scheduled for interviews for this show so if you would like to be one of them, please ping me on LinkedIn or text me so we can set something up. Today we are privileged to talk to https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcuswasdin/ (Marcus Wasdin).  Marcus Wasdin serves as the General Manager of the https://www.partech.com/products/par-back-office/ (PAR Data Central Business Unit). PAR Data Central, formally Restaurant Magic Software, is the Restaurant Back Office management suite that some of the world's best-known restaurants use to manage operations. In this role, Marcus has responsibility for all aspects of the business unit.  Most recently, Marcus served as the Chief Information Officer of the https://www.nba.com/hawks/ (Atlanta Hawks) and State Farm Arena. At the Hawks, Marcus has responsibility for the technology, analytics and business strategy functions. Marcus led the technology/guest experience components of the $200 million renovation of State Farm Arena implementing $25 million in new technology in an 18-month period. In his tenure, the Hawks improved from 16th to 1st in overall guest experience and from 18th to 1st in in arena technology as compared to other NBA teams based on guest surveys. Prior to joining the Hawks, Marcus served in multiple executive roles for hospitality, software and technology companies where he proved to be a successful and driven business leader. Most recently, Marcus served as Chief Information Officer at https://www.churchs.com/ (Church's Chicken). Marcus' experiences also include time as Vice President of Marketing and Product Management as well as the Vice President of Sales Support for SumTotal Systems, a strategic Human Capital and Business Planning software provider. Marcus also serves as an advisory board member for Hospitality Technology Magazine which is the only media brand dedicated exclusively to covering technology trends and solutions in the lodging and food service industries. Marcus Wasdin graduated with honors from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems. How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: https://constrata.io/ (https://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel (https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/...

Welcome to The Tech Chef! This is your host, Skip Kimpel. If you looking for ways to improve your restaurant or hospitality business, this podcast is the perfect show for you. Every week, we talk to industry leaders and suppliers about the latest technology solutions that can help you run your business more efficiently. You'll learn about everything from cloud-based POS systems to inventory management tools. There's something for everyone on this show. You'll be able to take your business to the next level as we provide valuable information that will help you make informed decisions about technology solutions for your company. Tune in every week for a new episode – it's sure to be packed with information that will benefit you and your team. To make sure you don't miss a single episode, make sure you subscribe to this show! I am currently in Atlanta at meetings but am really looking forward to seeing all of you at https://foodondemandnews.com/food-on-demand-conference/may2022/ (Food On Demand) next week, for those of you that are going. You do realize we will be in Vegas during Cinco de Mayo, right? It is a good thing restaurant people don't like to party and have a good time otherwise we would be in trouble! Moving on…. While I was at https://restaurantleadership.com/ (RLC) recently, I had a chance to sit down with Rev. https://www.linkedin.com/in/revciancio/ (David "Rev" Ciancio) is a New York City restaurant owner and knows exactly how hard it is to operate and brand a hospitality business. He is a hospitality marketing consultant, customer and technology evangelist at https://brandedstrategic.com/ (Branded Strategic Hospitality), with more than 20 years experience in B2B digital marketing and business development, specializing in hospitality marketing, content, local SEO, reputation management and influencer marketing. He helps technology companies, brands and restaurants to acquire and retain customers. Rev is known as an “expert burger taster,” and believes that Pizza is a religion.   What a fun guy to hang around. As you could tell, he has a pretty strong passion for what he does and how he does it. He really takes guest data to the next level. And you know what, he is a curious soul and you never know where you will see him next and what restaurant he might be recording his next Instagram or TikTok video at. Keep your eye out for him, he is everywhere! How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: https://constrata.io/ (https://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel (https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at https://my.captivate.fm/ConStrata.io (ConStrata.io) Email me at skip.kimpel@constrata.io Next Weeks ShowAnother week come and gone and another conference in the horizon. Food on Demand, here we come! Next week I have another great show for you with https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcuswasdin/ (Marcus Wasdin), the new General Manager of https://www.restaurantmagic.com/ (Par Data Central) over at https://www.partech.com/ (Par Technology). We will be talking about the power of data and how to best leverage it to be more successful and talk in a little more detail about having overseas...

Welcome to another episode of The Tech Chef! This is your host, Skip Kimpel coming to you from beautiful and very warm South Florida.  Thank you for continuing to listen to this show and for those of you that are hearing this show for the first time, welcome! Regardless of your listening frequency, if you have not done so already, please make sure you go to your podcasting platform and give us a 5 star review. It is because of your loyalty to this show that has allowed us to be the number one restaurant, hotel, and hospitality podcast on the market. On today's show, I have https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadhornboston/ (Chad Horn). Chad is a Cofounder of https://devour.restaurant/ (Devour), creating the fusion between restaurants and the blockchain. He's on the team making crypto and NFTs easy, accessible and fun for restaurants and their fans. This is a VERY interesting show and do a little bit of a deep dive on web 3.0 technologies, blockchain, crypto currencies, NFTs and the metaverse. The discussion is particularly relevant as Devour is solely concentrated on the restaurant industry. How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: https://constrata.io/ (https://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel (https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at https://my.captivate.fm/ConStrata.io (ConStrata.io) Email me at skip.kimpel@constrata.io Next Weeks ShowNext week I have a session for you that I was able to record with https://www.linkedin.com/in/revciancio/ (David “Rev” Ciancio)… yep, the infamous Rev that you all follow on social media. Anytime I am around this guy, I am guaranteed to have an engaging conversation and an awesome meal. 

Welcome to The Tech Chef! This is your host, Skip Kimpel coming to you from the https://restaurantleadership.com/ (Restaurant Leadership Conference) here in the desert of Arizona.  If this is your first time joining, you have found the industry's most popular podcast related to the restaurant, hotel and hospitality industry. Make sure you don't miss a show by subscribing to this show using your favorite podcast software or app. And for all of you that are returning to hear what I have to say this week, well, welcome back! Today I have a well-known South Florida operator on the show, https://www.linkedin.com/in/abe-ng-9a2936/ (Abe Ng), who is the founder and CEO of https://www.sushimaki.com/ (Sushi Maki) – South Florida's award-winning leader in innovative Japanese cuisine serving fresh, premium quality food throughout Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County. In this role, he oversees the strategic development and management of the 25 locations owned and operated under the Sushi Maki and Canton Chinese brand names, and is a partner with Whole Foods Markets for sushi stations in the South Florida Region stores. A Miami native, Ng serves on various boards, including the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor Bureau, National Christian Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami, the Cornell University Hospitality Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, City to City Miami and the Florida Restaurant Association. Abe was recognized as one of the Miami Herald's 20 Under 40 and the South Florida Business Journal's 40 Under 40. Abe was recently honored as Ultimate CEO by the South Florida Business Journal and was a regional finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. In 2018, Sushi Maki was awarded Whole Foods Market Supplier of the year for the Florida Region. If you are ever in South Florida or simply flying through the Miami airport, make sure you try Sushi Maki for some really quality food. My wife and I went just the other night before this trip and was, once again, impressed by the flavor profiles and freshness of what we ordered. How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: https://constrata.io/ (https://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel (https://www.tiktok.com/@skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at https://my.captivate.fm/ConStrata.io (ConStrata.io) Email me at skip.kimpel@constrata.io Next Weeks ShowNext week I have https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadhornboston/ (Chad Horn) from https://devour.restaurant/ (Devour) on the show. This, for sure, is an episode you don't want to miss as we will be talking about blockchain for the restaurant industry. Very unique interview with somebody that has a wealth of knowledge on the subject matter. We will talk Web 3.0, blockchain, NFTs, cyrpto currency, the metaverse and so much more. I can't wait to share this one with you!

Welcome to The Tech Chef!  This is your host, Skip Kimpel and we are all here again today to explore the world of restaurant, hotel and hospitality technology.   I hope you have had a great week.  I am actually on the road at the New England Food Show today and will hopefully have some fun things to share with you from my time up here in Boston We had a last minute change in our guest for this weeks show but I promise you, you are going to LOVE this one!  Our regularly scheduled guest will be on the show for a few weeks, don't worry.  Sherri Landry from CEC Entertainment will be worth the wait. Today, however is a special treat as https://www.linkedin.com/in/tangtim/ (Tim Tang) joins The Tech Chef for a fireside chat.  With a background in both engineering and human/organizational studies, Tim Tang has degrees on both sides of his brain. With over 20 years of professional experience in developing enterprise solutions, Tang is keenly interested in the intersection of technology and humanity. As a director at Hughes, Tang studies various enterprise markets (e.g. Restaurant, Retail, and Banking/Finance) to anticipate trends that will enable enterprise customers to fully unlock the business value of technology. He has such insight on our industry.  I always enjoy the time I get to spend with Tim and his intriguing questions.  I don't think his mind ever stops! How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: http://ConStrata.io (http://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at ConStrata.io Email me at skip.kimpel@constrata.io That's it for this week.  I will be seeing many of you at the https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=restaurant+leadership+conference&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 (Restaurant Leadership Conference) in Arizona next week.  I have several interviews lined up but if you are an operator and would like to come on this show, reach out to me ASAP so I can reserve a spot for you while we are out in the desert. Next Weeks ShowNext week will be a recap of RLC and we should be able to squeeze in a few surprise guests to say “hello.” I am off to have some clam chowder and lobster and enjoy my last day here in Boston so until next Tuesday, stay safe, stay healthy and stay hungry my friends.

Welcome to The Tech Chef!  This is your host, Skip Kimpel.   Remember me?  Well, I am back!   And I am so thankful for all of you listening to this show and being loyal to The Tech Chef!  Since the last time we spoke I have been a busy guy.  I changed positions recently and I am privileged to be the Principal of Independent and SMB consulting for ConStrata.  For most of you ConStrata Consulting is a household name.   I am responsible for heading up a new division of the company and the business development for the SMB marketplace. Today, Consultant Toby Malbec and I will be doing a recap of MURTEC 2022 which was held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas just a couple of weeks ago.   Normally, I would have released this show much sooner but I recently moved back down to South Florida so it took a while to get the studio setup again and in functional order to bring you a quality show. So many great things came out of this show, as we will talk about and I just want to say it was great to see all of you and all the great new friends and connections I made. How To Contact MeWebsite: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) Website: http://ConStrata.io (http://ConStrata.io) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting) You can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at ConStrata.io Email me at skip.kimpel@constrata.io That is a wrap for today.  Given my new job, I will be on the road quite a bit this year and will have the opportunity to be face to face with some amazing thought leaders.  April 3rd, 4th and 5th I will be at the New England Food Expo in Boston followed by the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Arizona.   Lots of content for this show coming your way.  If you will be attending any of the major shows this year, let me know as I will be traveling with my portable studio and I would love to have you on the show.  Please reach out to me to set something up. Next Weeks ShowNext Tuesday it is my honor and privilege to have Sherri Landry the Chief Marketing Officer for CEC Entertainment on the show.   You best know CEC from one of their brands, Chuck E Cheese but have also launched several successful virtual brands in recent times. We will talk about all of that plus useful tools and services that can turn your marketing department into a powerhouse of information and success.

It has been a little while since we last had the opportunity to talk so I would like to start off by saying Thank you…. Thank you for continuing to support this show and tuning in today. For those of you joining us for the first time, go ahead and click subscribe or follow in your podcasting software so you don't miss a single episode of the Tech Chef. Today's theme is about “out with the old, in with the new.” Today's show will be a very abbreviated show and we won't have a guest on like we normally do. The show is all about what I have been up to and what is coming up! First and foremost, I am announcing here, for the first time, that I have spent my last days at 4R Restaurant Group and have moved on to a new company. I will always cherish my time at 4Rivers and all of the amazing team members that I had the opportunity to work with and the accomplishments we have fulfilled. I would also like to thank John Rivers for his leadership during the time I was working at his company. He is truly a lighthouse in our community. In regards to where I have landed, well, that is the big news I promised you today. I am officially announcing that I have joined Virtual Dining Concepts as the SVP of Technology.  This is great step for me in my career as I help build, what I believe, is one of the most cutting edge concepts currently in the restaurant market space. So what is VDC and what are they all about, you ask? VDC offers restaurant owners an easy solution to generate more revenue out of your existing kitchens with minimal impact to current operations. Attract new customers with delivery-only menus using food delivery services. The magic of Robert Earl, who also owns Earl Enterprises, is that he has joined up with well-known celebrities and brands that will bring instant virtual kitchen success to your business. Brands such as NASCAR, Mr. Beast Burger, Bar Stool Bites, Guy Fieri's Flavortown are just a small portion of the brands that are offered and there are so many more in the pipeline. If you are interested and would like more information on becoming a partner, please visit https://www.virtualdiningconcepts.com/ (https://www.virtualdiningconcepts.com). So on the heals of that news, hopefully you are all getting ready for the MURTEC Executive Summit which will be from Wednesday through Friday, October 13-15th.  Once again, out with the old, in with the new…… FINALLY we are meeting in person after…..how long? I will be speaking on Friday in a session called: Research Super Session Panel: HT's 2021 Customer Engagement Technology Study featuring: – Daniel Connolly, Professor, Drake University – Marybeth Pearce, Executive Director, Comcast Business – Mike Maxwell, Chief Technology Officer, Hathway – Your's truly Hotel & restaurant guests have ranked the tech-driven experiences that influence their willingness to spend — including mobility, off-prem solutions, and preferences around ordering and payments. Our panel will reveal the results of its annual Customer Engagement Technology Study, and ask us, as a panel of industry voices to weigh in on how these solutions can drive revenue in 2022 and beyond. If you have not signed up yet but would still like to attend, please make sure you visit https://www.murtecsummit.com/ (https://www.murtecsummit.com/) I truly hope you can join us this week in Orlando.  With guest speakers such as Donald Burns, otherwise known as the Restaurant Coach as well as keynote speakers Ben Hall, CIO for Krispy Kreme and Paul Macaluso, President and CEO of Another Broken Egg, this particular year of the MURTEC Executive Summit will be special. How To Contact MeComment hotline: 954-302-0851 Website: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (show notes will be posted here) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel)...

MURTEC is next week, April 13th and 14th. Can you believe it is here already? You can register online right now at https://murtech.com/ (murtech.com).   Pulling out the big guns today and digging in deep into some futuristic technology with my good friend, Joe Tenczar.  Joe is a founding partner of Restaurant CIOs, a strategic advisory company where he and his CIO partners collaborate to help hospitality companies see their restaurant business through the eyes of seasoned CIOs.   Joe is one of those Rockstar guests that you can only hope you get a chance to spend that much time with.   Luckily, I have known Joe long enough to convince him to spend some quality time with us.   I LOVE his futuristic view…. I can’t think of anyone more appropriate to have that type of conversation with. Joe Tenczar, Co-founder, Restaurant CIOs and CSO, Sonny’s BBQ  Joe Tenczar is a founding partner of https://restaurantcios.com/ (Restaurant CIOs), a strategic advisory company where he and his CIO partners collaborate to help hospitality companies see their restaurant business through the eyes of seasoned CIOs.   Joe Tenczar also acts as the Chief Strategy Officer for https://www.sonnysbbq.com/ (Sonny’s BBQ), one of the largest and most popular barbecue restaurant companies in the country.  Tenczar has also led the Technology, Marketing, Finance, and Purchasing areas for Sonny’s. Before Sonny’s BBQ, Tenczar was the global CIO for Hard Rock International, where he led the R&D and rollout of many innovative technologies that still affect Hard Rock guests and staff members.  After beginning his career as a programmer and manager for financial software companies, Tenczar was a senior technology leader for the second largest arm of the Marriott Corporation.   His specialties include a strategic focus on emerging technology’s place in hospitality.  Tenczar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications and Computer Science from the University of Florida and a Masters of Business Administration from the Crummer Business School at Rollins College.  He sits on the executive advisory boards for many industry groups, conferences, and cutting-edge hospitality technology companies. How To Contact MeComment hotline: 954-302-0851 Website: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (show notes will be posted here) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/) Next Week’s Show…Next week I will be coving the MURTEC online conference and will have back to back episodes to cover both days….. Super stoked for next week’s events!

MURTEC is less than a month away and it will be virtual this year, scheduled on April 13th and 14th. You can register online right now at https://murtech.com/ (murtech.com).  This will certainly be an event that you don’t want to miss. Normally we would be at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas for this but obviously, this year needs to be different. I am fully confident we will be back in action in the very near future! Once again, to register online right now, go to https://murtech.com/ (murtech.com) This is a big episode today as we talk to TWO Rockstars from Brinker International that have made such a splash in our industry recently I can’t imagine NOT having them on this podcast! What Brinker has been able to accomplish in the virtual brand side of the industry is truly amazing.  Both of the guests today have some great insight to share regarding a successful launch if you are considering doing this with your own organization. Wade Allen, SVP of Innovation for Brinker InternationalWade Allen is senior vice president of innovation at Brinker International, Inc. where he oversees culinary innovation, engineering, strategic growth and the development and execution of virtual brands. His team develops creative ways for Brinker and to leverage the consumer, social, economic and technological changes that are disrupting the restaurant industry for the good of Brinker’s Guests, Team Members and shareholders.  During his tenure, Wade has held several leadership roles in technology, analytics and digital marketing, most recently as chief digital officer. He began his Brinker career in 2014 as vice president of digital Guest experience and analytics for Chili’s where he led the implementation and continued advancement of tabletop devices, My Chili’s Rewards and Chili’s mobile app and website. Prior to joining Brinker, Wade served as president of CouponFactory, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rockfish Interactive. He held positions as vice president of retail for Rockfish Interactive and as an account director/solution lead at the integrated marketing agency, RAPP, where he worked on a number of Brinker brands.  Wade enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, reading about emerging technology, politics and history and stays active through participating in water sports, snow sports and other athletic activities.  Wade serves on the digital innovation advisory council for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and is an active member of his church. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University.  Pankaj Patra, SVP and CIO for Brinker InternationalPankaj Patra serves as senior vice president and chief information officer at Brinker International, Inc., where he oversees information technology and data security for Brinker and its restaurants brands.  Pankaj is a longtime BrinkerHead and has served in multiple information technology leadership roles to help transform Brinker into a leader in restaurant technology. While his proudest moment is taking on his current role leading technology, he will always remember starting his IT days in a small closet developing software.  Pankaj officially joined the Brinker family in 2012, but has a much longer history of about two decades working with the company through his previous roles at On the Border and Cognizant Technology Solutions.  Pankaj and his wife have one son and the rest of his family resides in India, so he leverages technology to call them on the way to work every day. In his spare time, you can find him watching any sport – he loves them all!  Pankaj earned his undergraduate degree from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela and went on to attain his MBA from Southern Methodist University. He is a member of the Dallas chapter of the International...

As a reminder, https://www.murtec.com/ (MURTEC) is only about a month away and it will be virtual this year, scheduled for April 13th and 14th.  I had somebody that was new to the industry ask me what https://www.murtec.com/ (MURTEC) meant…. It is short for the Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference.  You can https://www.murtec.com/2021/begin (register online) right now at murtech.com.   If you go online you can check out the https://www.murtec.com/2021/agenda (schedule of events) and start planning on attending sessions that peak your interest and don’t’ forget about the interactive happy hour at the end of the day on the 13th! Today is another addition to my Rockstar Series.  Toby Malbec manages the day-to-day operations for ConStrata and works personally with many of ConStrata’s top clients to help them leverage their technology investments and bring measurable results to the company’s business operations. We have some interesting topics we will be talking about today from virtual kitchens, where restaurants are headed from a technology front, loyalty, 3rd party delivery and we will even touch on the current hiring landscape and what it looks like from a restaurant technology professional.    As always, Toby has great insight and perspective and I am so happy he took the time to share his ideas with all of us today. Toby Malbec, Managing Director for Constrata Technology ConsultingToby manages the day-to-day operations for https://www.constrata.io/ (ConStrata) and works personally with many of ConStrata’s top clients to help them leverage their technology investments and bring measurable results to the company’s business operations.  Toby Malbec is an “operational technologist” who brings over thirty years of technical and operational expertise to his clients. He began his career in the hotel industry coming up through the operations ranks before getting into the technology domain as hotels were first beginning to embrace the value of technology as a mainstream affordable operational tool. He was responsible for the design and development of some of the first PC-based Property Management Systems for small to mid-sized hotels as well as working on the design of early touchscreen-based POS systems. After ten years in hospitality, Toby was recruited into retail by Saks Fifth Avenue to head up their CRM initiatives and was responsible for designing and managing the development of several key applications including Saks Trak and their E-Client Book. In 2004, Toby assumed the role of Vice President of Business Development for Springer-Miller Systems, one of the premier hotel software companies in the world with applications designed for the resort and high-end luxury properties. In 2008, he joined the IPC (Independent Purchasing Co-Operative), the franchisee-owned arm for Subway restaurants, and was responsible for building and managing the team to build the in-house proprietary restaurant technology platform that would create a standard POS and technology platform for all restaurants worldwide. Subway is the world’s largest restaurant chain with over 35,000 units in over 100 countries.  Malbec is a 1985 graduate of the University of Vermont and is completing his MBA at the Isenberg School of Business at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. How To Contact MeComment hotline: 954-302-0851 Website: https://skipkimpel.com/ (https://SkipKimpel.com) (show notes will be posted here) Instagram: https://instagram.com/skipkimpel (https://instagram.com/skipkimpel) Twitter: https://twitter.com/skipkimpel (https://twitter.com/skipkimpel) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/ (https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpel/) Next Week’s Show…Another big, big episode next week as I have my friends...