Innovating Blaze Pizza: Tech Transformations and Guest Experience

Innovating Blaze Pizza: Tech Transformations and Guest Experience

Author: Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, sponsored by Custom Business Solutions November 4, 2024 Duration: 37:07

In this insightful episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian chats with Chris Demery, CTO of Blaze Pizza, about the technological advancements at Blaze Pizza, particularly post-COVID-19. Chris highlights the pivotal role of user-friendly technology in enhancing both on-premise and off-premise dining experiences. The discussion covers the seamless implementation of the Qu POS system across more than 270 locations, the importance of open APIs, and the challenges and solutions related to managing digital and in-store orders. Further, the episode explores how predictive analytics, data optimization, and customer data platforms are key to improving operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Listeners will gain practical insights into adapting technology to meet evolving guest needs, maintaining balance between digital and on-site service, and the significance of industry-specific networking for staying ahead in technological innovations.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode
00:51 Meet Chris Demery: A Legend in Restaurant Technology
01:27 Chris Demery's Career Journey
02:43 Philosophy on Technology and Operations
04:23 The Importance of Predictable Technology
05:46 Challenges and Innovations at Blaze Pizza
12:45 Adapting to Post-COVID Changes
16:27 Sponsor Messages
17:28 Understanding Blaze Pizza's Unique Model
18:43 Innovative Changes in Restaurant Operations
19:33 Speed of Service and Wait Time Metrics
20:56 Challenges with Custom Orders
24:16 Managing Digital and In-Person Orders
27:32 Leveraging Data for Better Staffing
29:11 Future Innovations and Guest Experience
35:17 Staying Connected and Final Thoughts


Ever feel like the tech in your restaurant is more of a headache than a help? You’re not alone. The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions cuts through the noise, offering real talk from people who’ve been in the trenches. Host Jeremy brings a lifetime of perspective-his family founded Custom Business Solutions, and he spent school vacations soldering components, giving him a unique, ground-up understanding of the systems that keep dining rooms and kitchens humming. This isn’t abstract theory; it’s practical knowledge forged from years of combined hands-on experience in implementation, marketing, and daily operations. Each episode feels like a conversation with a trusted advisor, breaking down complex topics into actionable advice you can use immediately. Whether it’s navigating a new point-of-sale rollout, understanding how to leverage data, or simply making your current tech stack work harder for you, this podcast provides clarity. Tune in for straightforward discussions that focus on one core goal: using technology to run your business more smoothly and profitably. It’s a resource built on genuine expertise, designed specifically for owners and operators who need reliable solutions, not just flashy trends.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions
Podcast Episodes
Community and Custard: The Rita's Expansion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:41
00:00 Introduction to Rita's and Lawrence's Background02:54 The Unique Offerings of Rita's05:35 Signature Flavors and Product Quality08:50 Innovative Location Strategies for Growth11:23 Franchisee Success and Sales Growt…
Innovating Mexican Cuisine: Costa Vida's Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
00:00 Introduction to Costa Vida and Alan Beck02:44 Costa Vida's Unique Approach to Mexican Cuisine05:33 The Importance of Operational Buy-In for Off-Premise Success08:16 Strategies for Successful Catering Operations11:0…
Navigating Tech Debt in the Restaurant Industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:35
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Technology and Ken's Background03:39 Understanding Winbrands and Its Evolution07:55 Commonalities Across Industries: Insights from IT12:37 Navigating Change Management in IT16:30 Addressi…
The Future of Authentic Marketing in Restaurants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:29
00:00 Introduction to Scale Social AI03:20 The Birth of Scale Social AI05:50 Authenticity in Marketing09:33 AI in Content Creation12:28 Data-Driven Marketing Strategies17:46 User Experience and Content Quality19:50 Lever…
Revolutionizing Retail: Linga's Unified Platform [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:05
00:00:15 Introduction to the Episode00:00:24 Guest Introduction: Hardy Singh00:00:42 Linga's Unified Platform00:02:32 Hardy's Role at Linga00:05:28 Linga's Mission and Expansion00:07:20 Linga's POS Platform00:14:00 Retai…
The Future of Restaurant Technology: Insights from Livelytics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:29
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Technology and Data Intelligence02:57 The Challenges of Fragmented Restaurant Data05:36 The Role of AI in Restaurant Management08:31 Real-World Applications of Livelytics11:17 Leading vs.…
"From Legacy to Innovation: The Pizza Inn Story" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:46
In this episode, Jeremy Julian and Yvonne Lara discuss Pizza Inn's innovative marketing strategies and community engagement efforts. They explore how the brand has revitalized its image through local ownership and creati…