In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Podcast, host welcomes Santi Cuellar, Senior Manager of Product Marketing for Fusion Connect and co-host of the Tech Unmuted podcast. Santi shares insights into the evolving role of technology in the restaurant and retail sectors, particularly focusing on network infrastructure and its criticality. The discussion covers the shift in network needs driven by the pandemic, the importance of robust and secure Wi-Fi networks, and the significance of omni-channel customer experiences. Santi emphasizes the necessity for restaurants to innovate not just for customer satisfaction but also for staff efficiency. He also provides a deep dive into network elements like routers, switches, and Quality of Service (QoS), explaining their impacts on operations. The episode underscores the importance of partnering with experienced technology firms to ensure seamless, secure, and efficient operations in today's digital age.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:47 Fusion Connect and Restaurant Tech Synergies
01:26 Importance of Network in Restaurant Operations
03:50 Understanding Network Components
09:25 Omni-Channel Customer Experience
15:57 Staff Expectations and Technology
23:05 The Importance of Separate WiFi Networks
24:43 Guest WiFi Splash Page Benefits
27:29 Security Concerns with WiFi Networks
31:40 Best Practices for Network Security
37:03 Engaging with Network Security Providers
42:07 Connecting with Fusion Connect

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Restaurant Technology with Joanna Fantozzi

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, we are joined by Joanna Fantozzi, a senior editor at Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. Joanna shares her journey in the restaurant tech space, discussing her role in covering tech, legislation, and specific companies within the industry. The conversation delves into the current state of restaurant technology, emphasizing the importance of mastering basic tech functionalities, such as digital ordering and payment solutions, before embracing advanced technologies like AI and robotics. Joanna also highlights the critical role of loyalty programs, data analytics, and personalized guest experiences in today's market. The episode concludes with insights into upcoming industry events and ways to stay informed about the latest trends in restaurant technology.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:33 Joanna's Background and Career Journey
01:22 Passion for Restaurants and Hospitality
02:57 State of Restaurant Technology
04:13 Challenges and Basics of Restaurant Tech
05:53 Importance of Seamless Customer Experience
17:59 Loyalty Programs and Customer Data
27:24 Future of Restaurant Technology
32:40 Events and Staying Connected
35:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Revolutionizing Restaurant Finances with Starfish AI: Insights from Jordan Silverman

In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy sits down with Jordan Silverman, co-founder and CEO of Starfish, a company dedicated to helping small businesses understand and manage their finances using AI. Jordan shares his journey, from early entrepreneurial endeavors to his passion for assisting small businesses in democratizing access to data and tools. The conversation delves into how Starfish leverages AI to analyze P&L data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and provide actionable insights to improve profitability. They discuss the challenges of the restaurant industry, the importance of understanding financial metrics, and the future potential of AI in streamlining back-of-house operations. Tune in to get inspired by Jordan's mission to enhance the financial health of small businesses in the hospitality sector.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:23 Jordan Silverman: Background and Passion
01:32 Challenges of Entrepreneurship
01:54 Helping Small Businesses with AI
03:15 The Importance of Financial Understanding
04:22 Sponsor Message
04:59 Starfish: The Solution for Cost Management
07:05 The Value of Actionable Data
11:56 Real-World Impact of Starfish
17:03 The True Cost of Small Business Ownership
18:10 Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency
19:07 AI in Action: Practical Applications
21:47 Challenges and Solutions in the Restaurant Industry
24:03 Normalizing Data Across Different Restaurant Models
33:05 The Future of AI in Restaurant Management
35:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts