Navigating Restaurant Tech and Trends with Alicia Kelso

Navigating Restaurant Tech and Trends with Alicia Kelso

Author: Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, sponsored by Custom Business Solutions February 3, 2025 Duration: 36:02

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor for Nations Restaurant News. They discuss a wide array of topics, including Alicia's extensive background in restaurant journalism, the current and future trends in the restaurant industry, and the impacts of automation and technology on restaurant operations. They also touch on the importance of providing value and a holistic experience to consumers, the challenges and strategies of labor management, and the benefits of loyalty programs. The conversation delves into macroeconomic challenges, such as inflation and labor shortages, and practical advice on how restaurant operators can adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape.

00:00 Audio of Alicia NRN
01:06 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:41 Alicia Kelso's Background and Career
02:46 The Draw of the Restaurant Industry
05:33 Current Trends and Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
11:54 The Importance of Value and Experience
20:15 Role of Technology in the Restaurant Industry
30:31 Future Outlook and Conclusion


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
How Data-Driven Menu Design Transforms Franchise Growth & Consistency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:04
00:00 Introduction to Dinetec and Menu Engineering03:34 Understanding Menu Nerds and Their Importance09:08 The Role of Data in Menu Engineering13:37 Art and Science of Menu Design17:33 Franchise Dynamics and Menu Consist…
From Chevy to Franchise: The Timber Pizza Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
00:00 Introduction to Timber Pizza Company02:33 The Founding Story of Timber Pizza08:12 The Unique Pizza Style of Timber13:42 Seasonal and Creative Menu Offerings17:19 Ensuring Consistency in a Growing Franchise20:09 The…
Navigating the Challenges of Restaurant Staffing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:24
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Technology Solutions02:39 Understanding Employee Benefits in the Restaurant Industry05:19 Challenges in Providing Employee Benefits08:27 The Importance of Employee Support11:16 Streamlini…
Revolutionizing Restaurant Orders with AI: Reducing Abandoned Carts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:01
In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian interviews Steven Klein, co-founder of a tech company focused on solving challenges in the restaurant industry. They discuss the importance of enha…
The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:18
00:00 Introduction to Atmosphere TV and Its Mission03:29 Content Strategy and Audience Engagement06:25 The Evolution of Atmosphere's Offerings09:22 The Role of Digital Signage in Business12:15 Live Sports and Real-Time C…
Unlocking Customer Insights in Restaurants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:15
00:00 Introduction to Identity Resolution in Restaurants01:22 The Journey to Data-Driven Marketing03:26 Challenges in Capturing Customer Data05:16 Understanding the Identity Graph07:51 The Importance of Customer Insights…
Revolutionizing Restaurant Costs with AI Solutions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:10
00:00 Introduction to Cost Reduction in Restaurants03:02 Understanding Spend Management and AI Solutions05:39 The Importance of Anomaly Detection in Cost Savings08:32 Overcoming Common Objections in Cost Management11:20…
Navigating the $150 Billion Delivery Market with Loop AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:40
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background06:36 What is Loop AI?09:07 The Necessity of Delivery in Restaurants15:32 How Loop AI Helps Restaurants Optimize Delivery21:37 Data-Driven Decision Making with Loop AI31:31 The Futu…