Data Delicacies

Reclaiming Restaurant Tech: Freemium Models, APIs, and Seamless Guest Experiences

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Jonathan FetterJonathan Fetter

Description

In this episode of Data Delicacies, host Arun Kumar sits down with Techtris CEO/Co-Founder Jonathan Fetter to explore how technology is reshaping the hospitality industry. Jonathan shares insights on how Techtris leverages data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations. They discuss the importance of integrating technology to personalize guest experiences, improve staff efficiency, and drive revenue growth. Jonathan also highlights real-world success stories and the challenges businesses face when adopting new tools. This episode is a must-listen for hospitality professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of technological innovation.

Key Takeaways -

  1. From Freemium to Freedom - Freemium models from platforms like DoorDash and Toast have introduced many restaurant owners to apps for the first time, some of whom were previously hesitant. However, limitations such as restricted customization and lack of control over the brand experience are becoming evident. Jonathan Fetterman suggests this will lead to a shift toward custom solutions that offer greater flexibility and ownership, as restaurant operators look for ways to stand out amid app fatigue and market saturation.
  2. Taking Back Control of the Guest Ordering Experience - Consumer expectations, shaped by personalized platforms like Amazon and Netflix, are setting a high bar for restaurant ordering experiences. Jonathan Fetterman highlights the need for agile, API-first solutions that allow restaurants to meet these demands with quick iterations and custom interfaces. Traditional tech providers often struggle to keep up, but flexible systems give restaurant owners the tools to deliver seamless, future-ready experiences that match evolving guest preferences.
  3. Creating Seamless Checkout Experiences - Fragmented restaurant apps, which rely on external links or iframes for retail or catering, can frustrate users with clunky interfaces and multiple logins. Jonathan Fetterman emphasizes the importance of a unified, native checkout experience powered by APIs. By integrating external tools like Shopify while maintaining a consistent interface, restaurants can provide a smooth, guest-friendly experience that feels truly custom without sacrificing functionality.

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ABOUT JONATHAN FETTER

Jonathan is a seasoned hospitality leader and the CEO/Co-Founder of Techtris, a company delivering custom digital ordering solutions for restaurants. With over 15 years in restaurant operations and 5 years in hospitality technology, he brings a unique blend of operational expertise and technological innovation to the industry.

Previously, Jonathan served as VP of Operations at Planaday, a hotel tech startup. Prior to that, he held a key role at Bbot, where he drove significant sales performance and product innovation, contributing to the company's successful $15M Series A and subsequent acquisition by DoorDash. His deep understanding of restaurant operations, combined with expertise in sales, product development, and design, enables him to bridge the gap between technological solutions and real-world operational needs.

Jonathan holds a BS in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from the University of Florida.

ABOUT DATA DELICACIES—

Data Delicacies is a weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of technology and data as it pertains to restaurants. Host Arun Kumar interviews some of the best and brightest in the industry about all things hospitality tech, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Produced by Incentivio & Cali BBQ Media