In this episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian speaks with Cijoy, an experienced restaurant technology and operations veteran. Cijoy shares his journey from engineering to the Y2K era and his transition into the restaurant industry. He introduces his new product, GM Pilot, which aims to streamline restaurant operations by optimizing labor management, enhancing efficiency, and saving costs. The discussion highlights the significant challenges faced by GMs and how GM Pilot is designed to alleviate these burdens by automating and improving labor and inventory management without requiring extensive training or IT resources. Cijoy also outlines future plans for expanding the capabilities of GM Pilot and provides insights into effective implementation strategies.

00:00 Audio GM Pilot
00:57 Introduction and Welcome
01:06 Guest Introduction: Meet Cijoy
01:49 Cijoy's Career Journey
04:39 The Birth of a New Idea
06:39 Implementing the Concept
11:35 Challenges and Solutions in Restaurant Tech
15:10 The Role of General Managers
17:30 Adapting to New Labor Models
19:38 Custom Tailored Solutions for Labor Management
20:16 Uncovering Hidden Opportunities in Labor Efficiency
21:44 The Importance of Consistent Guest Experience
22:59 Empowering GMs with Advanced Tools
26:09 Future Plans: Expanding Beyond Labor Management
29:24 Engagement and Implementation Process
31:58 Target Audience and Market Strategy
34:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, the discussion centers around InKind's innovative, tech-driven approach to scaling and supporting restaurants. InKind's CEO shares insights on leveraging Silicon Valley strategies, deploying large-scale data analytics and AI, and the significance of personalized support for independent restaurants. The episode covers the dual role of InKind as a financial service provider and a consumer marketplace, detailing creative financing solutions and marketing experiments that enhance profitability and customer experience. Listeners also learn about the platform's benefits for business travelers, including earning credits for personal dining through data-driven recommendations. The episode emphasizes practical advice for restaurant owners, market insights from owning restaurants, InKind’s funding model, and future enhancements, aiming to create a sustainable and profitable ecosystem for restaurant growth.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:55 Meet Johann Munisinghe: From Tech to Restaurants
01:55 The Birth of InKind: Solving Restaurant Finance
03:12 The Restaurant Incubator Experiment
06:41 Scaling InKind: Financing and Marketplace
11:31 Challenges and Solutions for Restaurant Operators
17:01 InKind's Unique Value Proposition
19:56 Challenges in Restaurant Tech
20:39 Uses of Capital in Restaurants
21:07 Sponsor Messages
22:07 Growth and Financing Strategies
23:21 Consumer Experience with InKind
25:15 Leveraging Data for Recommendations
28:25 Engaging with InKind for Expansion
35:40 Future Vision and Expansion Plans
36:41 Conclusion and Farewell

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