Paul and Chad interview Jill Chapman from COREgives.org. CORE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial relief to restaurant workers with families facing crises like health issues, injuries, or natural disasters. Jill discusses CORE's origins, mission, and unique challenges within the industry. She highlights the importance of providing financial support to restaurant employees, who often lack paid time off and healthcare. Chapman also shares inspiring stories of families CORE has helped, emphasizing the profound impact of their support. Visit COREgives.org to support.

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph, the podcast for restaurant technology professionals, hosts Chad and Paul talk with Stephen Brown, Head of Operations Excellence at Antares Restaurant Group (aka Burger King New Zealand), about AI integration in their drive-thru service. Known as Patty, this AI system, conceived by AI software company, Hi-Auto, takes orders with a personalized Kiwi accent and has positively impacted staff stress levels, customer service, and order accuracy. Stephen shares their journey from conception to deployment, the benefits seen in both customer and employee engagement, and future expansion plans, including using AI for coaching within the restaurant. This initiative has not resulted in job losses but has enhanced operational efficiency and customer experience.

In this episode of 'Morning Sam, Morning Ralph,' Paul and Chad dive into a conversation with Shawn Walcheff, the influential owner of Cali BBQ Media and the Cali BBQ multi-unit restaurant brand based in San Diego. Shawn shares his journey and insights on digital storytelling, emphasizing the importance of 'being the show, not the commercial' to attract the right customers and build better customer relationships. The discussion also touches on Shawn's practical approach to overcoming fears of content creation and leveraging AI in restaurant operations for improved accountability and efficiency. Additionally, Shawn shares his skepticism towards the saying 'if you build it, they will come,' stressing that storytelling and marketing are key to success in the competitive restaurant industry. Tune in to learn about the power of consistent content creation, AI's role in restaurant technology, and the significance of sharing authentic stories to inspire and educate within the industry.