In this special episode of the Restaurant Growth Show, we share our experiences from the recent Collision Conference 2024 in Toronto. Join us as we delve into the latest in artificial intelligence, new technologies, and important connections we made that can help restaurant owners grow their business. Hear firsthand insights from our team as we discuss AI-driven security, the future of AI in the restaurant industry, and innovative solutions from leading companies like Heartland POS, Seven Shifts, and MarginEdge. Tune in to learn more about how these advancements can shape the future of restaurants.

In this episode we dive deep into restaurant financial management with Tim Sernett, CPA, and founder of Financial Optics. Tim shares his 30+ years of experience, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and profitability for independently owned restaurants. The discussion covers essential financial strategies, the importance of detailed menu costing, mastering prime costs, the impact of technology, and the significant role of financial planning in navigating economic uncertainties. If you’re a restaurant operator looking to boost your profitability, this episode is a must-watch!

02:15 Focusing on Restaurant Financial Management

05:24 Granular Profitability Analysis

09:37 Mastering Prime Costs

11:30 Embracing Technology in Restaurants

15:12 Resilience and Adaptability During Economic Uncertainty

20:48 Future Financial Challenges and Opportunities

In this milestone 5th episode of the Restaurant Growth Show Podcast, our host welcomes back hospitality expert Jason E. Brooks to discuss essential strategies for driving sustainability in restaurants. With over 30 years of experience, Jason shares insights on reducing food waste, implementing energy-efficient practices, and leveraging data for better operations. Tune in for practical steps on improving sales forecasting, minimizing food waste, and adopting AI technologies—all aimed at creating more sustainable and profitable restaurant environments.

00:35 Celebrating Jason's Fifth Episode

01:16 Discussing Sustainability in Hospitality

02:52 Importance of Data in Sales Forecasting

13:23 Reducing Food Waste in Restaurants

18:55 Implementing Energy Efficient Practices

22:47 Training Staff on Sustainability

26:42 Leveraging AI for Sustainable Operations

In this episode, we dive into the innovative world of cooking shows with Lenzy Ruffin, a U.S. Army veteran turned cooking show advisor. Lenzy shares his journey from an Army officer and IT professional to an entrepreneur helping chefs turn their culinary skills into vibrant lifestyle brands on YouTube. He offers invaluable insights on how to start a YouTube cooking channel, the essentials for filming, the importance of email marketing, and the steps to turn your show into a business. This episode is packed with practical advice for chefs looking to leverage their cooking talents to build an engaged audience and generate new revenue streams.

00:57 Lenzy's Journey: From IT Professional to Entrepreneur

03:49 The Birth of a Cooking Show

04:58 The Impact of the Pandemic on the Culinary World

06:52 The Power of Email Marketing for Chefs

10:44 Launching Your Own Cooking Show on YouTube

14:02 Batch Recording for Consistent Content

14:25 Establishing a System for Consistency

15:04 Building a Lifestyle Brand

16:49 Incorporating Your Business into Your Show

17:34 Promoting Your Business Through Your Show

21:18 Engaging Your Audience and Building Relationships

25:05 Essential Equipment for Filming Cooking Content

In this episode, Jose discusses the crucial role of POS systems in the restaurant industry. He covers the advancement of POS technology, integration with CRM systems for personalized customer service, staff management tools, strategic tech stack integration, and the benefits of dynamic pricing. Jose emphasizes the importance of combining technology with leadership to enhance both employee and customer experiences. He also invites viewers to check out the podcast featuring Jamie Griffiths from Consult to Grow for additional insights.

00:10 The Evolution of POS Systems in Restaurants

01:05 Maximizing Customer Loyalty with CRM Systems

02:00 Empowering Your Team with Staff Management Tools

02:49 Strategizing with Tech: Integration for Competitive Edge

03:30 Leveraging Dynamic Pricing for Profit Maximization

04:30 Why Technology Matters for Your Restaurant's Growth

04:39 Join Our Journey: Insights and Expertise for Your Success

In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Griffin, a renowned restaurant growth strategist and advisor. Jamie shares his journey from deep South Louisiana to becoming a key player in scaling Raising Cane's. He discusses the profound impact of advanced POS systems on operational efficiencies, the critical role of data and analytics in strategic decision-making, and the importance of CRM systems in enhancing customer loyalty. Jamie also delves into the challenges and benefits of dynamic pricing and the necessity of soft skill development for managerial staff. Tune in to gain valuable insights on growing and optimizing your restaurant business.

00:31 Jamie Griffin's Background and Journey in the Restaurant Industry

01:48 The Evolution of POS Systems in Restaurants

03:46 Leveraging Data and Analytics for Restaurant Growth

05:48 The Impact of CRM Systems on Customer Loyalty

07:32 Exploring Loyalty Programs in the Restaurant Industry

13:14 The Role of Employment Management Software in Staff Satisfaction

17:30 Technological Solutions for Overcoming Growth Hurdles

22:17 Dynamic Pricing in the Restaurant Industry

Jose addresses the hesitation many restaurant owners feel towards price adjustments due to fear of customer backlash and the complexities involved. He suggests a proactive approach, including regular reviews of costs, analyzing profit margins, benchmarking against competitors, transparent communication with customers, employing dynamic pricing, and testing new prices gradually. These strategies not only ensure a restaurant's profitability but also its quality of service and adaptability to changing market conditions.

00:30 Challenges and Fears of Price Adjustment

01:21 Strategic Planning for Price Updates

01:37 Key Indicators for Price Adjustment

02:18 Proactive Strategies for Profitability

02:43 Practical Advice for Updating Prices

03:35 Embracing Dynamic Pricing

04:54 Conclusion: Maintaining Healthy Margins

On this episode of the Growth Show Podcast, Jim Taylor, founder and CEO of Benchmark60, shares his innovative insights into restaurant productivity and staff management. Recognized by the International Hospitality Institute as a top global social media influencer in hospitality for 2024, Jim discusses his mission to transform the hospitality industry into a desirable career path. He delves into strategies for improving restaurant operations, including increasing guest counts, boosting profits, enhancing productivity, and improving workload for better staff retention. The conversation also covers trends and challenges in the industry, including the use of technology and the importance of mental health, and provides actionable advice for restaurants looking to manage labor costs effectively and improve overall business sustainability.

00:47 Jim Taylor's Journey: From Bartender to Industry Innovator

01:59 Insights from the Restaurant Canada Show: Trends and Mental Health

06:50 The Power of Productivity and Workload Management in Hospitality

14:42 Rethinking Labor Costs and the Importance of Employee Well-being

15:35 Revolutionizing Restaurant Metrics: The Power of Covers Per Labor Hour

16:55 Navigating Labor Costs with Precision: A New Management Approach

18:17 Harnessing Data for Restaurant Success: Real-World Applications

22:25 Beyond Data: Human-Centric Solutions for Business Improvement

23:31 Embracing Technology and Empathy in Restaurant Management

In this episode of the restaurant growth show podcast, we sit down with David Dittenber, an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, to discuss his journey from starting as a dishwasher to creating BYOD, an operational management platform that uses AI to provide real-time predictive data for restaurateurs. Dittenber shares his insights on integrating technology with traditional business models, the importance of aligning people, process, and technology for successful innovation, and how BYOD and its virtual assistant Mabel are transforming daily operations in restaurants. The conversation also covers the challenges and benefits of adopting new technologies in the restaurant industry, the role of predictive analytics in restaurant management, and effective marketing strategies for attracting and retaining customers. Additionally, Dittenber highlights the significance of cloud-based point of sale systems and offers advice on fostering innovation within teams.

00:12 Unveiling BYOD: Revolutionizing Restaurant Management

03:12 The Genesis of BYOD and Mabel: A Tech Solution for Restaurants

08:01 AI and Machine Learning: Enhancing Decision-Making in Restaurants

11:32 The Essential Tech Every Restaurant Needs: Cloud-Based POS

13:17 Balancing Tried and True Technologies with New Innovations

18:20 Harnessing Predictive Analytics in Restaurant Management

18:33 The Realities of Implementing AI and Data Analytics

23:08 Navigating Post-Pandemic Changes and Staff Turnover

25:12 Leveraging Technology for Customer Loyalty and Marketing

26:08 Innovative Use of Technology to Enhance Customer Experience

In this episode Jose discusses the immense value of attending trade shows for restaurant owners. Jose shares personal anecdotes, including encounters with celebrities like Donald Trump and the vital insights gained from these events. Trade shows are highlighted as essential for staying competitive through innovation, adopting the latest technology, and networking. The upcoming episode will feature Jim Taylor, CEO of Benchmark 60, discussing innovative labor and retention strategies learned from the Restaurant Canada show. Jose emphasizes trade shows as a source for culinary ideas, technology updates, and strategic insights to help restaurateurs not only stay ahead but become leaders in their community.

00:10 Celebrity Encounters and the Value of Trade Shows

00:26 The Competitive Edge: Innovation and International Trade Shows

01:54 Why Attend Trade Shows? The Unbeatable Benefits

02:32 Introducing The Restaurant Growth Show

02:49 Next Week's Highlight: Labor and Retention Strategies with Jim Taylor

03:13 The Cost of Labor Turnover: Insights and Strategies

04:12 The Ultimate Guide to Leveraging Trade Shows