Navigating Tariffs and Technology: Insights from Canada's Restaurant Guy, Jay Ashton

Navigating Tariffs and Technology: Insights from Canada's Restaurant Guy, Jay Ashton

Author: Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, sponsored by Custom Business Solutions February 24, 2025 Duration: 32:29

Navigating Tariffs and Technology: Insights from Canada's Restaurant Guy, Jay Ashton

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by Jay Ashton, known as Canada's Restaurant Guy. They delve into the non-political impact of regulations, especially tariffs, on the restaurant industry in both Canada and the U.S. Jay shares his extensive experience in the restaurant supply chain, discusses the potential severe impact of upcoming tariffs similar to or worse than COVID-19, and stresses the need for strategic planning. They also explore innovative revenue streams, the role of AI in restaurant management, and the importance of community and cooperation among restauranteurs. If you're looking for ways to future-proof your restaurant against economic uncertainties, this episode is filled with practical advice and unique insights.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:12 Meet Jay Ashton: Canada's Restaurant Guy
03:34 Impact of Tariffs on the Restaurant Industry
07:54 Strategies for Restaurants to Navigate Tariff Challenges
17:09 Exploring New Business Models and Revenue Streams
25:16 The Role of AI and Technology in Modern Restaurants
31:00 Conclusion and How to Stay Connected


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
Scaling Success in the Restaurant Franchise World with Paul Tran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:52
In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian converses with Paul Tran, a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise expert. With a 20-year journey in the restaurant industry, Paul shares his sto…
Revolutionizing Digital Signage with Eli Chmouni of Neon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:13
In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian discusses the transformative journey of digital signage with Eli Chmouni, CEO of Neon. Eli shares his unique path to founding Neon, a company tha…
Revolutionizing Restaurant Operations with AI-Powered Video Analytics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:10
In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian sits down with Brock Weeks, CEO of Savvy, to discuss groundbreaking AI video analytics transforming multi-site restaurant operations. Brock explain…
Unlocking Restaurant Profitability with Chip Klose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:13
In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, host Jeremy Julian dives into the intricacies of restaurant profitability with special guest Chip Klose, a bestselling author and host of the Restaurant Strate…
Unlocking Restaurant Growth with Newk's Eatery CEO Frank Paci [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:21
In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guides podcast, Jeremy Julian, Chief Revenue Officer at CBS Northstar, interviews Frank Paci, CEO of Newk's Eatery. Frank shares insights from his extensive career in the rest…