Accelerate Foodservice & Hospitality Tech Show

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About

The Foodservice and Hospitality industries are evolving in ways you’ve never heard of – until now! TechNovator Rob Grimes, the leading voice of foodservice and hospitality technology, hosts ACCELERATE where ideas are shared, and new innovation is on the table! Presented through a lens outside the norm, ACCELERATE features conversations with thought-leaders, highlights new concepts, and identifies global trends, that create opportunities to ACCELERATE your business.

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122 episodes

A Passion for Hospitality & Tech

One of the problems the industry has always had, what is ‘technology’ in the first place?” jokes this week’s guest, Barbara Timm-Brock, CEO of E-Track. With a mutual passion for tech and operations with the foodservice industries, but coming from different starts in the industry, Barbara joins Rob as they examine the past, present, and future from their individual viewpoints. They begin by reflecting on their work experience, Rob at Marriott and Barbara at Pillsbury. The pair note how the approach to restaurants used to only worry about the guest who was physically in the restaurant. Now, it has evolved into dealing with 3rd parties and anyone with access to the internet. In leadership, Barbara says many senior executives are trying to figure out where to prioritize when it comes to technology. She likens it to a pool with different swim lanes. It’s important to define the different lanes of technology, to adequately assess what resources to supply them with. Restaurant workers are an important stakeholder in the process too. Looking at the future, Rob asks Barbara a series of rapid-fire questions about different technologies and what the path forward looks like. One example, Electrification of businesses, Barbara says it’s a sure thing and to jump on board now. She also says to use data to understand the peaks and valleys of one’s business will be important moving forward. Tune in to this episode of Accelerate to listen to two passionate problem solvers in the restaurant and technology industry discuss best approaches, lessons learned, and why it’s important to help operators understand technology better.

38m
Mar 25
Hospitality Tech; State of the Union

In this episode of the Accelerate Podcast, host Rob Grimes, delves into the pulse of hospitality tech in a "Hospitality Tech: State of the Union" episode. Drawing inspiration from the recent State of the Union address, he embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the technological landscape within the hospitality industry. Join Rob, as he navigates through various industry predictions, presentations, and articles, shedding light on the latest tech trends shaping the hospitality industry. Recognizing the pivotal role of consumer and operator perspectives, we uncover how these insights shape the trajectory of industry innovations. Our journey extends beyond mere observation, as we engage extensively with suppliers, operators, and industry associations to glean invaluable insights into the industry's current state. Anticipation builds as we prepare to attend upcoming events such as MURTEC, The Bar & Restaurant Show, Pizza Expo, Multiunit Franchising Conference, and Shop Talk, where industry discourse thrives. We dive deep into industry Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including consumer spending trends, tech budgets, and leadership evolution, providing a holistic view of industry dynamics. Explore with us as we discuss new opportunities for operators and drivers of progress, analyzing tech spending trends and the emergence of new leadership roles within companies. Furthermore, we examine supplier marketplace dynamics, uncovering new product offerings and international expansion strategies. Delve into labor market trends, noting the increasing interest in hospitality technology careers and the industry's evolving workforce landscape. Through it all, we recognize the critical role of technology in meeting consumer expectations and propelling industry growth. Join us in this conversation, culminating in an overall positive outlook on the future of technology within the dynamic realm of hospitality. Tune in to the Accelerate Podcast for a compelling exploration of Hospitality Tech's, 2024 State of the Union.

35m
Mar 11
Expectations of Tech Within Hospitality | TechSpectations

In this week's episode, host Rob Grimes puts the spotlight on TechSpectations, or rather, the expectations of tech within hospitality. Not about airing grievances or frustrations about technology but rather a constructive dialogue aimed at dissecting observations and insights shared with Rob by industry insiders. From investing in cutting-edge technology to grappling with execution challenges, the conversation draws from recent industry developments and personal anecdotes, the podcast presents a comprehensive view of how technology intertwines with every aspect of the hospitality experience. The emphasis is on the importance of technology that serves a purpose beyond its novelty, the discussion delves into the significance of meeting the diverse expectations within hospitality operations of consumers, employees, management, and shareholders. Whether it's about optimizing operations, enhancing guest interactions, or staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences, TechSpectations offers actionable insights and strategies to navigate the ever-changing landscape of hospitality tech. With a keen focus on bridging the gap between tech innovation and real-world application, TechSpectations sets the stage for informed discussions and actionable takeaways in the fast-paced world of hospitality tech. To hear more of Rob’s thoughts, and start your own conversation on TechSpectations, tune in to this episode of Accelerate.

31m
Mar 05
Hospitable Immortality & Tech

On this episode Accelerate, host Rob Grimes asks, can technology provide a solution to iconic brands and hospitality to avoid their demise allowing them to live on, not only in our hearts & minds, but in our stomach as well? Having recently visited a graveyard, Rob was able to look up names on headstones and find out a bit about their history by searching online, which prompted the idea for this episode. New technology is taking this concept even further, by providing immortality to people, places, food and experiences that are no longer with us. New technologies are allowing access to more information than ever, which in turn extends the life of the data through the infinite longevity of information. All sorts of digital information is collected and stored including the chef or entrepreneur’s communications to live on into eternity via audio and video. Recipes and cooking techniques are stored preserving a chef’s signature dishes, giving us the ability to recreate and experience food in its original flavor, texture and presentation. If you want to be an extend the life of a hospitality brand - Rob recommends focusing on the experience. By recreating the various elements of a great hospitality experience - food, service & environment - you can digitize your brand in a way you want to be remembered. Listen to this episode of Accelerate for insights on creating a long-lasting and memorable hospitality brand, food and experience by delving into the advancements in technology that are bringing the idea of immortality closer to reality.

30m
Feb 27
Top Trending Tech - Part 2: Influencers

Continuing the conversation around what is expected to be the top industry technology trends for 2024, Accelerate host Rob Grimes shifts his focus this week to technology influencers. Influencers, according to Rob, is more than just individual people. Rather, it’s individual focus areas that influence what happens to technology and innovation in general. But it is the Futurists that predict the future and set the path to get there. Rob breaks down influencers into two types - vertical and horizontal. Horizontal influencers are global industries that fund technology innovation - namely military, healthcare and education. Vertical influencers are the areas of technology that cut across all tech such as big data, social media, e-commerce, communications. These silos provide data and research which ultimately drives innovation. Focusing back on the Futurists, Rob discusses their larger technology predictions. Nano technology, the concept of higher power coming in the form of smaller and smaller microchips, is something which is constantly evolving. Communication technologies are helping to bridge the gap of global communications, and many predict will soon allow us to smoothly communicate with anyone across the globe. Immersive technologies such as the meta-verse of e-learning (digital classroom) are making their impact emotionally and philosophically based upon an individual’s personal and professional life - another trend which is expected to grow. If you want to hear about the innovations taking place in these industries, or want to know what the Futurists are predicting to be the top trends that will impact food and beverage technology in 2024, take a listen to this episode of Accelerate.

33m
Feb 19
Top Trending Tech - Part 1: Industry Cousins

Since the start of 2024, there have been many discussions about technology trends or top 10 lists published. This episode of Accelerate, host Rob Grimes is diving into some of the top trending technology for the foodservice industry. Drawing from firsthand experiences, discussions with other industry leaders, and looking at industry ‘cousins’ retail or lodging, Rob dissects these emerging trends poised to evolve the foodservice industry. Starting from within the foodservice industry, Rob highlights the expectations and limitations of a technology such as robotics. Where back of house may see more application and integration of robots, drone technology is held back with governance and regulations. From contactless ordering to cloud kitchens, and AI powered customer interactions, we are starting to understand which areas foodservice operators are placing more emphasis. The second part of the episode shifts focus to specific ‘cousin’ industries, retail and hotels. Retail is focused a lot on EV charging and supplementing labor with autonomous channels, hotels placed more focus on guest personalization and contactless technology. Contactless payments were common among both of these sectors but hotels are taking the technology a step further, making the in-room experience increasingly more contactless. Green initiatives and sustainability technology within hospitality are also very popular. Green technology isn’t just a trendy choice anymore; it's the game Tune in to this episode of Accelerate and explore the top technology trends shaping the future of the foodservice, retail, and hospitality industries and where we can learn from each other.

32m
Feb 12
Tech Fears and Obsolescence

Right now, the collective hospitality industry has many concerns around the future of technology, especially artificial intelligence, and robotics. The major concern is that jobs will be replaced by technology, a conversation that has been going on for years. Host Rob Grimes begins the conversation by flashing back to a time when fast food restaurants were testing remote call centers taking orders at the drive through. Immediately, there were concerns about jobs being taken in the hospitality space. Eventually, this idea went away. He also jokes about a time when school officials debated letting students use calculators in tests; this technology was adopted and helped the acceleration of math skills. Rob talks about similar fears behind the future of robotics. At the end of the day, Rob argues, there’s going to be a service involved in hospitality. The science behind hospitality is the information that we can learn. However, the art behind hospitality is the human touch or the ability to have empathy - something a computer or robot can never have (“Never” is a long time). Rob then talks about what he predicts will go obsolete in the future. Language, for example, or rather the need to learn another language could be replaced by translation technologies. Face-to-face interactions as well may be replaced by virtual communication. In both these cases, communication is still occurring just with the assistance of technology. If you want to hear about Rob’s argument on jobs being replaced by technology in the hospitality industry and what he believes may actually go obsolete - listen to this episode of Accelerate.

28m
Feb 05
Buy vs. Build Tech Decisions

Making the decision of buy vs. build (or “make”) technology is always going to come down to the specific business. While majority of businesses will choose to buy from technology which already exists, there are many companies (small and large) who are developing their own systems, specifically point of sale (pos) or back-office. In this episode, Rob breaks down considerations when it comes to either approach. If you’re going to make your own technology, trust the people involved where the new technology would make an impact. Rob notes that many Chefs have developed back of house systems. You should also consider whether what you are considering already exists in some form or fashion in a peripheral industry. On the flip side, it’s just as important to do your homework when choosing between existing technology and building your own, including customizations. One of the biggest challenges our industries has always faced is integrations. Making sure the technology integrates seamlessly into existing touchpoints and operations is essential, and looking 3-5 years out. Whether you're an operator looking hear about success stories in technology innovation or you want to improve your tech stack and want to consider the right approach, check out this episode of Accelerate. VISIT SAVOR.FM http://www.savor.fmFOR MORE PODCASTS LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RESTAURANT POWER INDEX REPORT https://www.savor.fm/s/restaurant-power-index

33m
Jan 29
A Tale of Two Cities: TechTour CES 2024 and NRF 2024

Every year CES, organized by the Consumer Technology Association, takes place annually in Las Vegas each January, and is immediately followed by NRF: Retail’s Big Show in New York City the following week. While CES primarily focuses on consumers and personal technology, NRF is a business-to-business (B2B) retail-oriented event. Joining Rob to discuss and compare their experiences at CES 2024 and NRF 2024 is Armand Rabinowitz, Vice President Digital and Technology at Levy Restaurants. Both Rob and Armand have been attending both events for well over a decade. Describing why it’s important to attend, Armand notes “as there’s more and more technology required to operate any business, especially the foodservice business, it’s important to see what’s out there and cross compare what all these vendors are doing and how they can help your business.” At CES, transparent LED display technologies were a technology that Armand took note of. These transparent displays are not necessarily new to CES, but sometimes technology exists before its time. Wearables (eyewear, watches), smart ovens and nutritional measurement AI were also notable technologies at CES this year. Continuing on, the pair talk about their experience at NRF 2024. Despite its title, NRF is indeed a technology-focused show that includes far more than traditional retail. This year, autonomous stores were a big feature in many of the halls, and there was the debut of the Foodservice Innovation Zone where the IFBTA as the NRF’s Concept. To stay informed about the latest technologies made an impact at CES or NRF, or that may soon impact the foodservice and hospitality industries, tune in to this episode of Accelerate. VISIT SAVOR.FM http://www.savor.fmFOR MORE PODCASTS LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RESTAURANT POWER INDEX REPORT https://www.savor.fm/s/restaurant-power-index

41m
Jan 23
Preview: TechMeet @ NRF24’s Foodservice Innovation Zone

Anyone who’s been to the NRF’s Retail Big Show would know it’s the one of the largest technology events in the retail space. In this episode of Accelerate, host Rob Grimes is joined by Susan Newman, Senior Vice President of Events at the NRF. As collaboration partners representing the NRF and IFBTA, they preview what’s in store for the 2024 show and how technology has connected the retail & foodservice industries. The pair start by discussing the 118-year history of the show and how it’s changed over the years from hangers and shelving to tech. The National Retail Federation is the largest retail trade association - standing up for people, policy, and ideas that help the retail industry succeed. This year, the show expects 1,000 exhibitors and over 40,000 visitors from across the globe. Rob and Susan share a pre-show look at this year’s Foodservice Innovation Zone, an area which highlights the cool technology which is changing the customer experience in retail with foodservice. “It’s becoming easier with today’s technology to integrate retail and foodservice” mentions Susan, and adding “the option to sell food is important to a retail businesses overall footprint and ability to be successful.” If you want a sneak peek about what to look forward to at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show and the Foodservice Innovation Zone, where the exciting future of integrating retail and foodservice comes to life - check out this episode of Accelerate. VISIT SAVOR.FM http://www.savor.fmFOR MORE PODCASTS LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RESTAURANT POWER INDEX REPORT https://www.savor.fm/s/restaurant-power-index

34m
Jan 08
All in the Family; Tech

For some operators, the restaurant business can be a family business, passed down willingly or unwillingly to the next generation. Joining Rob today to discuss their experience in the family restaurant business is Amanda Signorelli and Nick McMillan who are co-owners of Golden Steer Steakhouse, the oldest restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip (established in 1958). In March 2019, Nick and Amanda took over the reins of the Golden Steer Steakhouse from Amanda’s father. Amanda and Nick had extensive backgrounds as technologists and not restauranteurs. So stepping in to run a high volume, iconic restaurant was not what they ever expected to be in their future. Taking their understanding of tech and applying them to their new environment, expectations, and learnings; staff acceptance is extremely important when rolling out any new operational or tech initiatives. “Old school in the front, new school in the back” is the vision that the pair keeps in mind as they make changes. Digitizing accounting for increased security and bringing in increased internal communication via slack are simple changes that don’t interrupt the way the staff works but make work more efficient. E-commerce is a big area that Nick and Amanda explored when COVID hit in 2020. The unique setting of their steakhouse, having “80% of the customer base being visitors” to Las Vegas, allowed them to create products for their out-of-state customers to be able to bring the experience of The Golden Steer Steakhouse right in their own homes. At the same time, given the large footprint of Las Vegas, delivery was never an option as they would never be able to maintain high food quality which would negatively impact the customer experience. To gain some insight into what it’s like to take over a restaurant from a family member or want to hear about the tech initiatives of a tech-savvy independent operator going into 2024 - check out this episode of Accelerate. GUESTS: Amanda Signorelli eCommerce | Startups | Restaurants | Media | McKinsey Nick McMillan Chief Technology Officer | Director Product Management | SaaS | Fintech | Cybersecurity | Mission Critical Solutions

44m
Dec 18, 2023
TechSystem: Best-of-Breed vs. All-in-One

The choice of deciding between an All-in-One vs. Best-in-Breed systems and applications is one many operators are faced with. When you look for an All-In-One system, you have to define what this means within the total system. Otherwise, The types of systems that fall under Best-of-Breed could be a subset of a larger application with several different individual applications such payroll, pos, loyalty, scheduling, digital signage, inventory, etc. making it an All-in-One! The approach to either of these, as Accelerate host Rob Grimes always says, define your requirements in writing upfront, and think holistically. When you compare the two side by side, Best-of-Breed functions and features may offer close to 100% functionality in a certain area, where All-in-One systems may only be 95% to 98%. The question will be, is the percentage in less functionality of feature, more important to you, and are you able to give that up because of a better cost or a single supplier. Small operators especially may not want to implement multiple different systems. Many times, Best-of-Breed technologies come from outside of the hospitality industry. Accounting applications, for example, were created to assist with virtually every industry. Best-of-Breed is really the ability to have freedom of choice - being able to replace one system at a time, not all at once, and increased integrations to other applications and systems. All-in-One is also important to define. A back-of-house All-in-One system rolls up multiple applications such as inventory, scheduling, food production, POS management, time & attendance and ordering. There may be better pricing when sold as a packaged product. Another potential benefit of an All-in-One system is support from a single place. If you want to gain some insight on what type of system would be beneficial for your operation, or the benefits/drawbacks of an All-in-One vs. Best-of-Breed system or application - take a listen to this episode of Accelerate https://www.savor.fm/t/accelerate-podcast.

35m
Dec 13, 2023
CyberMonday Tech

As we approach a Cyber Monday which is projected to hit a new spending high this year, the conversation around technology continues to get louder. Joining Rob this week is Aramark’s Vice President Digital Innovation and creator of Emerge, Peter Czimback. Peter introduces Emerge and talks about the importance of keeping the consumers at the center of everything as you approach your technology. “At the end of the technology there’s one thing that always happens. Someone’s touching it - humans” he says. Rob and Peter discuss the notion of technology replacing labor. They argue technology is meant to enhance labor and when used correctly, should actually encourage more job opportunities. Technology frees employees to focus on the service. The conversation moves into several interesting technologies and gadgets available for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Projection devices look to be a popular gift - something somebody would purchase for someone else, and maybe not themselves. Wearable devices like glasses are still of interest but are not as advanced (yet) as someone may expect. Tune in and get the scoop on popular consumer technology and maybe ideas for your own Black Friday and Cyber Monday purchases. Guest: Peter Czimback, Vice President Digital Innovation and creator of Emerge at Aramark

41m
Nov 27, 2023
Technology Brings Opportunity | Self-Service Technologies

As operators, the opportunities that new technology is bringing to the hospitality industry is abundant. Since technology enables every part of an operation, it allows operators to focus on their role without becoming technologists themselves. This week, Rob discusses many of the new opportunities that are available to operators. He calls out the growth and demand of fresh food. Customers increasingly desiring access to food that is cooked and delivered efficiently. Vending, an area that allows 24 hours of operations, is old, but new trend that operators can capitalize on as a way to expand their brand. Rob also shares some of the new technologies that will allow operators to access to some of these opportunities. A critical piece is self-service technologies. Engaging people on mobile technology which they constantly carry around with them and use for purchasing is key for the future. We can also look at robotics as another pivotal technology, as it gives the potential ability to cook food on demand within unattended or limited service operations, delivering ultimate freshness. Simply put, If you want to hear about many of the new and growing opportunities in the hospitality industry and which technologies will allow you to take advantage of them, check out this episode of Accelerate.

36m
Nov 21, 2023
Hospitable CultureTech

In this episode, Accelerate Host Rob Grimes has an insightful conversation with Jim Knight about the hospitality industry, focusing on the intersection of culture, technology, and customer service. They examine how new technologies like online ordering and handheld devices can improve operations but also potentially hinder the guest experience and company culture if not implemented thoughtfully. Jim draws on his extensive background in hospitality training, and his roots as a rock musician and middle school teacher, to provide perspectives on maintaining high service standards and connections with guests in an increasingly tech-driven world. They explore ideas like customized tech training for different generations of staff, making devices visually familiar, and using tech to enable employees to focus more on customer relationships. Overall, a thought-provoking dialogue about adapting hospitality's people-first mentality to the digital age makes this a must-listen episode of Accelerate.

41m
Nov 06, 2023
TechGenerations: Bridging Gaps in Hospitality

Accelerate Host Rob Grimes provides his perspective on how technology and generational differences converge, shaping the future of the hospitality industry. In today's diverse landscape, six distinct generations both serve and are served, each bringing its unique tech prowess and preferences. Harnessing the 5 C's of change - creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and compassion - we explore how these principles drive innovation, from reimagined dress codes to groundbreaking communication tools. But with innovation comes responsibility: as patrons eagerly trade personal data for tailored services or cost savings, we delve deep into the balancing act between convenience and privacy. Join this episode of Accelerate and be part of the conversation in decoding the intricate dance of generations and technology and discover how they're redefining hospitality in the 21st century.

34m
Nov 01, 2023
The Inevitability of Tech

This week’s episode is about the inevitable adoption of certain technology - where resistance is futile. Mandates, whether it be from the government or operators themselves, are pushing technology in a certain direction and making it so there is almost no way to resist. Join Host Rob Grimes this week as he talks about the specific technologies that are being pushed and adopted despite the oppositions, concerns and roadblocks that may exist. Electrification is a good example of a trend that many jurisdictions are passing regulations to push forward. Rob references that going forward, new commercial kitchens in having to be electric and can no longer use gas to cook with. AI is another example of a technology and innovation that use and acceptance is inevitable for other reasons. Businesses see the ability to use AI coupled with robotics to supplement labor and save money. Historical events also cause change - COVID saw the rise of online delivery, its acceptance, and now being an expected service within all areas of hospitality and retail, because there were limited other options available during this challenging period. For better or worse, the evolution of technology we’ve witnessed throughout history is as inevitable as change itself. If you want to hear about the areas of inevitable technology and the reason for these changes, tune in to this episode of Accelerate.

34m
Oct 23, 2023
CHART’ing the Course of Training Tech

The role of technology in training and development across the hospitality industry has evolved dramatically, especially over the last 5 years. In this episode of Accelerate, host Rob is joined by Felicia White, President-Elect for the Council Hotel Restaurant and Trainers (CHART), and Monique Donahue, Director of Commercial Learning for Hilton, and prior president of CHART. CHART is an association that provides training and resources for both hotel and restaurant operators. Serving industries providing hospitality and service, many with responsibility of training in their organizations come from operations without a formal background in training or human resources. Discussing the evolution of training, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Assisted Translation are areas that have seen the significant growth within the space. The trio discuss how their teams interact and learn using augmented reality and gamification tools in virtual environments to learn their jobs and understand their corporate culture and brand differentiation. As much as the approach to learning and development has changed, Felicia & Monique mention it’s not about replacing people but making their work more impactful and efficient. “Despite the machine assistance, there is always going to be a localization, a human set of eyes that’s reviewing” says Monique. Whether it’s the commonality of labor and training across all industries that interest you, or wanting to know how specific training technology is making the hospitality more efficient, check out this episode of Accelerate.

34m
Oct 16, 2023
Cross Industry Tech Touchpoints

Over the past week, Accelerate host Rob Grimes attended 3 different industry events across 3 industries and segments - food and beverage, hospitality, and retail. Starting at CrEATe in Palm Springs, to NACS trade show in Atlanta, and then a presentation on food and beverage technology at the ‘On the Road’ series for the AHLA and IHLA in Chicago. Attending events by these various verticals in such a short timespan reminds Rob that although our approach to technology may differ, there are universal truths that all these industries share. We share similar challenges, and thus should be able to share solutions (in the form of tech). “Technology exists to bridge the gap as different industries work together in partnership, with shared operations” mentions Rob. Despite this, it’s ingrained in us to only use technologies that traditionally serve our own specific industry verticals and niches. Rob then discusses the events he attended, by sharing the specific topics of conversation which were top of mind at each industry segment. If you want to learn where the focus is for the various industry segments, and where there is major crossover potential, both in partnerships and integrated technology, check out this episode of Accelerate.

38m
Oct 11, 2023
34. Defining Tech

One of the most challenging things in the ‘food and beverage technology’ umbrella is the different terminology we use to define tech and the different segments within our industry. How do you define SMB vs. Enterprise? Casual vs. Full Service? What are the functions, features and applications within back-office technologies? As you seek or sell technology, understanding these definitions is key to making choices. Accelerate host Rob Grimes says emerging technology creates further complexity. “Operations Technology, Infrastructure, Food Technology, Equipment Technology, and Experiential Technology are 5 major areas to focus on when considering the future.” If you want to hear Rob’s breakdown of some of these terms within the industry and find out what questions to ask when talking about technology, tune in to this episode of Accelerate.

35m
Oct 02, 2023
33. FSTEC 2023; Rob’s Review | PT 2

Host Rob Grimes continues his review of FSTEC 2023 and compares notes with Tim Tang, Director of Enterprise Solutions at Hughes. Tim has also been going to FSTEC for over 10 years as a tech analyst that covers foodservice and many other related industries across retail, c-store, and hospitality where he and Rob keep running into each other. Speaking to broad observations of the industry as seen at FSTEC, Tim says “The current environment post covid - high inflation, labor challenges, new regulatory pressures and the like have really created a context where the restaurant industry needs all the help it can get - and with technology that’s the opportunity.” It’s an exciting time for the industry. Rob and Tim talk about the biggest noticeable changes for the industry from their first attendance to now. They note that while sales may be up, profitability as an industry has come down & while there are new opportunities few are taking advantage of them. They also discuss why it’s important to have your finger on the pulse of both the restaurant and hospitality industries when you’re attending these events. If you didn't attend FSTEC and want to hear insights from this year’s show or want to hear their thoughts on how to take advantage of the new tech offerings, then this episode of Accelerate is for you.

33m
Sep 25, 2023
32. FSTEC 2023; Rob’s Review | PT 1

Founded in 1996 in Dallas, where the conference was held this year, FSTEC was founded by Accelerate host Rob Grimes with the support of 5 suppliers at the time - PAR, NCR, Micros (Oracle) ReMACS, and IBM. Fast forward to present day, and Rob reflects on his recent attendance of the conference from September 15-17th. So what were the major subjects and themes this year? Artificial Intelligence could not be avoided, but the underlying conversations really surrounded the ability to do more with data and AI. Generation gaps was also a buzz topic, about how different demographics are using technology and being able to speak to all of them. There’s also the idea that nuanced technologies in the marketplace will eventually be able to engage cross-industry. Rob notes “I’ve gone to many shows where the coffee, pizza, beverage and equipment areas, are separate from the restaurant section, and we find technology in each. I think moving forward we’ll see more technology that will cut across the board” If you want to hear about more the macro and micro conversations that took place at FSTEC, and what the role of the technologist is moving forward, you won’t want to miss this episode of Accelerate.

34m
Sep 20, 2023
31. Friends Talking Tech; Perspectives Through Experience

Having grown up in the restaurant tech industry together, longtime friends Alan Hayman, Paul Armstrong, and Kelly MacPherson and Accelerate host Rob Grimes reflect on what they’ve seen over the last 40 years (they started in Elementary School). From their individual experiences, they discuss their perspectives on what’s happening now, and where they think things are headed for tech within the restaurant industries. In this candid chat, they begin by agreeing that the omnichannel approach operators must keep up with has made it even more complicated for independents to run their business. On the flip side, operators also don’t have to settle with technology either now that there are more choices. The group touches on technologies like dynamic pricing and handheld devices that existed long before they were implemented and became popular for restaurants. Even AI, the hot topic of today, is like the rules-based systems that appeared 20+ years ago. And what about the “non-resettable grand total?” If you want to hear how tech has impacted and changed within operations over the years, and which innovations may take the lead looking forward - listen to this episode of Accelerate.

38m
Sep 06, 2023
31. Independent Tech Thinking

New innovation across the board within the food and beverage industry often occurs within the entrepreneurial Independent and small-to-medium business (SMB) growth space. These businesses are operating with less resources, and business owners often have to make agile decisions on things they may not 100% understand, sometimes even building their own solutions. Join host Rob Grimes as he dives into his experience working with the independent operators as they consider their investment in technology. First, he expresses a common misconception around the technology environment, that what works for one restaurant or business that is similar to yours, will work for you. “No two operations are 100% alike. If you’re a pizza restaurant, you aren’t going to operate like every other one. So while it is good to know what they use and recommend, simply comparing yourself to them may not get you the solutions that work for you. Without knowing their TechStack holistically, you won’t know what other systems they’re using outside of the POS. For instance, what applications are in the back office, what do they use for payroll, time & attendance, and food costing? And then, what are they (and you) doing manually through spreadsheets that could be automated?.” If you’re considering how to upgrade, grow, and enhance your service and offerings through new technology as an independent or SMB, Rob gives his tips to lessen your risk, find what you need, be able to grow and of course provide the best ROI to your operations. Involve the entrepreneur, always think holistically, and understand the full scope of your current operations. To start the process of developing and implementing a tech strategy & roadmap for your business, listen to this episode of Accelerate.

34m
Aug 28, 2023
29. Putting Diversity on the Tech Menu | EatOkra

Limited resources, support, and a lack of digital presence are a few things black-owned restaurants, in particular, struggle with. EatOkra - an community that directly connects consumers with Black-owned restaurants - is here to change that. Host Rob Grimes is joined by EatOkra Co-Founder Anthony Edwards Jr., and Head of Sales Andre Ferguson. They discuss the inception of EatOkra, including challenges Anthony witnessed his parents facing while operating an events and catering company. Combining an application development background, with a passion for foodservice, Anthony and his co-founder and wife Janique, brought together a team with a wealth of industry experience such as Andre’s who previously worked with UberEATS and Cloud Kitchens. EatOkra uses technology to empower black food communities through exposure, celebration, and access to developmental resources. They recently celebrated over half a million users and over 9,500 listings. When it comes to observations about why black restaurants are slower in adopting technology into their restaurants, Anthony notes there is skepticism when it comes to corporate technology. “It’s in the messenger. A lot of companies are sending people that don’t look like them into their communities to sell a product to them.” If you want to learn more about EatOkra’s mission, the rise of the black restaurant community, and partnership between EatOkra and IFBTA - listen to this episode of Accelerate.

32m
Aug 17, 2023
28.Deja Vu Tech

Technology, much like fashion, sometimes follows a lifecycle where trends go from hot to not, and then back to hot again. Host Rob Grimes attended RetailNow 2023 where there was a replica of the first ever cash register built by Dayton Saloon Owner James Ritty in 1879. James sold to the National Cash Register Company and the rest is history… The cash register exhibit and timeline at the show also inspired a train of thought about this cycle of technology, and why trends appear or even reappear later. QR codes and Kiosks, for example are great examples of technologies that existed in the hospitality industries prior to COVID, but only afterwards became more mainstream and accepted within operations. Why is that? Well, there are a lot of reason for this, Rob explains. “A lot of times while the technology exists, the infrastructure to introduce it does not.” He compares the U.S. market to Japan and why the latter was able to introduce handheld devices to their restaurant market right away, while the US market was 20 years later. Cost, regulations, and consumer adoption are also deterrents to adopting technology immediately. A lot of times, big events which trigger the need to adopt certain technology - 9/11 caused the desire for security and like COVID for many of the technological adoptions in the restaurant industry, with alcohol delivery and the need to be remote. Other industries also influence the consumer’s desire to have access to certain technology within the hospitality verticals. If you want to hear more about the cycle of technology, tips to stay ahead of the curve, and even where Rob predicts where AI and ChatGPT will fit within this cycle - listen to this episode of Accelerate.

33m
Aug 10, 2023
27. The End Zone: Tech Investing

When it comes to investing in foodservice and food related technologies, you may want to have a conversation with former NFL player Lamarr Houston who clearly has a taste for this! Lamarr joins Accelerate Host Rob Grimes to talk about how his athletic, business and entrepreneurial passions have come together to feed his inspiration and ideas that started early in his life. Lamarr started angel investing with a former teammate, Dez Bryant, and currently has a small portfolio of seven companies - all with a different focus - from alcoholic beverage vending machines to mushrooms to semiconductors. When discussing his Liquor Software business BoxxTech, Houston says what originally was a traditional snack vending machine quickly evolved into a tech business when he realized what he was looking for didn’t exist. “The consumer is there for the reason of the event and being that it's centered around that we want the customer to not be standing in a line for 45 minutes waiting for a drink” he says. They needed a quicker and more convenient way to get their beverages. But when it came to alcohol, age verification and limits on serving multiple drinks, also needed to be addressed. If you want to hear Lamarr’s thoughts and advice on food-tech investing or learn more about Houston’s entrepreneurial beginnings and even personal favorite technology - listen to this episode of Accelerate.

32m
Aug 01, 2023
26. Delivering Digital

The restaurant industry has traditionally been slow about adapting to the digital age. Starting with the impact of COVID in changing the way restaurants operate, the industry turned to Delivery and eCommerce, and a new focus on Delivering Digitally. This business shift, brought about the birth of the Digital Restaurant Association (“DRA”) who recently announced its partnership and alliance with the IFBTA. Host Rob Grimes, founder, and CEO of the IFBTA is joined by Joe Reinstein, Executive Director of the DRA in having a conversation that covers why Digital plays such an important and expanding role in today’s restaurant operations and why the IFBTA and DRA have come together to help restaurants thrive in the digital world. As the IFBTA connects the entire restaurant technology ecosystem and the operators within it, Joe highlights that in addition to providing digital education, products and services, one of the key objectives of the DRA is to give restaurants a voice in public policy - noting third parties are now controlling new customers in the digital space. “If you think about before the pandemic, the restaurants were doing 8% of their sales through online delivery - now they’re doing 20-50% of their revenue through online ordering.” Both organizations will kickoff the new partnership by hosting a joint Virtual Chapter Meeting and Restaurant Marketing Summit on July 25th to 27th. If you want to hear more about the opportunities and challenges to the restaurant industry brought about by the industry’s Digital Revolution, and the roles the IFBTA and DRA play in support of this - listen to this episode of Accelerate.

34m
Jul 24, 2023
25. TechPlanning Observations

It’s the end of Q2, and that means half the year is gone. A great time for reflection & planning for the future. Host Rob Grimes shares his own reflections and recent observations on this week’s Accelerate podcast - noting 6 months of conversations and participating in industry events has given him a perspective on what’s coming the rest of this year and beyond. Just based on physical presence at national events, “Robotics took the biggest space” mentions Rob. AI was also a central theme that took the spotlight at national and regional shows alike. While labor continues to be a main concern into the end of the year, data seems to indicate there’s some relief through leveraging the gig economy and a focus on better scheduling practices. Considering both internal and external views of how to proceed, Rob suggests competitive analysis; being constantly aware of changes to the market, and to look at your TechStack holistically by putting everything on a whiteboard and seeing how the fit (or not) together. In terms of implementing new changes, whether those be technology or operational, give yourself 6 months to identify, research, review, select and test anything major. A structured process that defines the requirements, sets a reasonable gameplan and timeline, allows you to test thoroughly, and finally plan your launch, will help to ensure success. If you want to hear Rob’s 2023 observations to-date, and his thoughts on investing to year-end and beyond, listen to this episode Accelerate.

33m
Jul 13, 2023
24. Giving Through Tech

Giving back to local communities has always been a key focus for hospitality and restaurant brands. This act of service can make a difference in local communities, it creates a connection between the guest and business. Joining Accelerate host Rob Grimes this week is Michelle McCarthy, Executive Director of Round It Up America an application conceived and developed by leaders in the restaurant industry, to make it easier than ever to donate through POS connected technology. Michelle previously worked with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, and COO for American Red Cross in Los Angeles, and has been able to leverage her experiences to support our industry. Michelle gives credit to micro transactions as an easy way to get into giving back. “Even [employees] can participate because it isn't asking for them to write a big check. You know it's a small donation that goes a long way” she says, adding that this charity can be added easily as a new item to a menu at any business. Charity is also a way to build morale within a company. Employees also want to feel like they’re making an impact with their work - and adoption of these giving back campaigns by employees and guests alike is the best way to make them successful. If you want to hear about the ways that technology is changing the business of charity, and simple ways to get involved with giving back - listen to this episode of Accelerate.

37m
Jul 06, 2023