Shows
The Digital RestaurantWhy Agile Marketing is the Essential Restaurant Skill in the Digital AgeSend us a textThis week on The Digital Restaurant, Carl is joined by Jennifer Kern, CMO of Qu, for a fast-moving conversation about the headlines shaping restaurants, technology, and consumer behavior.We kick off with a surprising stat: half of adults are ordering kids meals. (01:00) What does this say about QSR value wars, portion sizes, and how brands like CAVA and Starbucks are reframing value through experience, not just price?Next, we examine Chipotle’s partnership with Zipline (05:00), which involves testing drone delivery in Dallas. Is th...
2025-09-0227 min
The Digital RestaurantBeware, Be Kind of Viral InfluencersSend us a textIn this episode of The Digital Restaurant, Carl is joined by Emmy Award–winning storyteller Mike Duffy of Yum Crunch. Together they break down five timely stories shaping restaurants and tech:McDonald’s bets on web ordering through DoorDash—does convenience outweigh control?Yum Brands’ Byte platform fuels $9B in digital sales and rewrites the restaurant tech stack.Social listening lessons: Cracker Barrel’s backlash vs. KFC’s potato wedge comeback.Drone delivery’s tipping point—new FAA rules, Texas rollouts, pizza robots in LA, and the Ghost Kitchen 3.0 vision.The power and peril of inf...
2025-08-1845 min
The Digital RestaurantAEO is the new SEO: How AI is rewriting the digital playbookSend us a textCarl returns from a July break with Bernadette Heier of Food on Demand to unpack five stories that signal where restaurant tech is heading next.01:00 – Olo acquired by Thoma Bravo • $2B all-cash deal • A chance to reset outside the public markets • Could this unlock faster innovation?04:30 – OpenTable’s AI Concierge • Built with OpenAI and Perplexity • Answers 80% of diner questions • Visibility now depends on how up-to-date your listing is09:00 – Golden Corral’s Flybuy-powered pickup • Off-premises rebrand: Golden Corral F...
2025-07-2122 min
The Digital RestaurantRethinking the Restaurant Tech StackSend us a textWhat’s Inside This Episode?00:00 – Live from the National Restaurant Show Carl visits Chicago and joins Rich Faltot at Point B’s new Restaurant Technology Innovation Center.“We're stood in a room with 70 screens — and not one is for show.”01:00 – Why restaurant tech stacks are broken Legacy systems, data silos, fragmented integrations, and the cost of doing nothing.POS replacements are “open heart surgery” for restaurantsTransformation takes 18–36 months on averageSuccess requires aligned leadership and future-facing thinking“The best stack isn’t best...
2025-06-0929 min
The Digital RestaurantWill Autolane be the future for pickup?Send us a textThis week on The Digital Restaurant, Carl is joined by restaurant real estate expert and 10Rep founder Kyle Inserra. Together they explore the rise of kitchen automation, curbside robotics, and why DoorDash is pausing its Voice AI. Packed with insights from the National Restaurant Show, this episode covers the latest in tech, data, and operations shaping the restaurant world.Timestamps:00:00:40 – AI Dominates the National Restaurant ShowAI matures beyond hype as operators start real implementationBack-of-house robotics everywhere—from fryers to vid machinesTariff unce...
2025-05-2627 min
The Digital RestaurantWho wins the Super App Race? - with Guest Host Alayna SullivanSend us a textIn this week’s episode of The Digital Restaurant, Carl is joined by Alayna Sullivan, Senior Director of Corporate Comms at Olo, fresh from Food on Demand. Together, they cover five big stories shaping the restaurant and off-premise landscape, including DoorDash’s mega acquisitions, Chipotle's new catering pilot with Olo, and the rising footprint of Wonder.Timestamps:00:01:30 – Chipotle x Olo Catering PartnershipChipotle pilots Olo’s Catering Plus with promising early featuresAverage catering check size = $350+ 🗨️ “We are going to see more and more improvements whe...
2025-05-1227 min
The Digital RestaurantFrom Smart Kitchens to Smart Menus with Guest Host Jason BerkowtizSend us a textThis week on The Digital Restaurant, Carl and guest co-host Jason Berkowitz dive into:Qu's move toward smart kitchens with integrated IoT systems (0m 50s)A sharp reflection on the restaurant "disruptors" that weren't — from Zume Pizza to Ghost Kitchens (4m 35)Why Chipotle's negative sales aren't just about the economy — and how training and tech are key to recovery (11m 05)A fascinating new look at menu personalization trends with EveryBite data (17m10)How technology can — and should — help restaurants become more sustainable (23m 20)Support the show🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Res...
2025-04-2830 min
The Digital RestaurantHow will Tariffs affect Restaurants? - with Guest Host Deborah Matteliano from AWSSend us a textThis week, Carl is joined by Deborah Matteliano, the Global Head of Restaurants at AWS, for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from tariffs and avocados to AI strategy, Seamless’s surprising comeback, and the limits of restaurant robotics. Drawing from her experience at Uber Eats and now at Amazon, Deborah offers sharp insights on how data, delivery, and design are reshaping the restaurant landscape.Topics include:1m 15: How Chipotle’s avocado strategy is shielding it from tariff turbulence9m: Why Grubhub's Revival of Seamless Could Be Wonder's Secret Weapon16m 55...
2025-04-1426 min
The Digital RestaurantIs Bolt Coming for Uber in America? - with Guest Host Yaro TsyhanenkoSend us a textThis week on The Digital Restaurant, Carl is joined by Yaro Tsyhanenko, founder of PickPad, to break down the headlines shaping restaurants and tech:⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Meet guest host Yaro, CEO of PickPad 01:00 – Why did Yum Brands partner with Nvidia? 05:37 – What does Qu’s State of Digital 2025 Report reveal? 13:06 – Why did Starbucks acquire Empower Delivery? 18:47 – Are loyalty programs evolving or stuck in the past? 26:02 – Could Bolt disrupt Uber and DoorDash in North America? 30:00 – What is PickPad, and how is it improving restaurant...
2025-03-3124 min
The Digital RestaurantAre Restaurants Getting Tired of Tech? - with Guest Host Bernadette HeierSend us a textWelcome to The Digital Restaurant! Carl is joined by Bernadette Heier, Managing Editor from Food on Demand, marking the first time a professional broadcaster joins the show.[00:01:07] Planes, (Trains?) & Automobiles – A New Kind of Off-Premise? Shake Shack is expanding its partnership with Delta Airlines, bringing its brand to first-class passengers. As restaurants seek new ways to expand off-premise, is the future in the skies—or even on freeways?[00:03:04] Dashboard Dining: The Rise of In-Car Ordering – SoundHound AI partne...
2025-03-1724 min
The Digital RestaurantJust Eat, Just Sold - The Global Marketplace Consolidation ContinuesSend us a textWelcome to this week’s episode of The Digital Restaurant Podcast! Carl is joined by special guest Olga Lopategui, a leading expert in restaurant loyalty and digital engagement, to break down the latest innovations shaping the restaurant industry.⏱ [01:07] – Just Salad Gets $200M InvestmentWhat makes Just Salad’s tech stack unique?How will this funding impact digital transformation in restaurants?Will they use the investment for expansion, technology, or both?⏱ [04:42] – Just Eat Takeaway’s Acquisition by ProcessWhat does this mean...
2025-03-0325 min
The Digital RestaurantWhy does Yum want to own the tech stack - with guest host Cijoy OlickalSend us a textCarl welcomes guest host Cijoy Olickal, a restaurant tech expert, to break down key industry trends.🔹 2025 Restaurant Industry Outlook – $1.5T in sales, shifting consumer habits, tech’s impact on profitability, and labor challenges. Articles One, Two, and Three🔹 Yum! Brands' Tech Strategy – Is building a proprietary tech stack the right move for a global franchise? Articles One and Two🔹 Wonder’s Expansion – Mark Lore’s meal kit & marketplace strategy—how does it compare to DoorDash and Uber Eats? Articles...
2025-02-1733 min
The Digital RestaurantOur 100th episode, one host down but Chain of Thought Reasoning top of mindSend us a text🚀 The Digital Restaurant Podcast - 100th Episode Special! 🎉Welcome to a milestone episode of The Digital Restaurant! This is our 100th episode, and while it's a moment of celebration, it also comes with a bittersweet note—Meredith is off to Seattle to take on an exciting EVP role at Starbucks. We’ll miss her insights, but the show must go on!In this episode, Carl Orsbourn takes the mic solo to explore the next evolution of restaurant and retail tech: moving beyond SaaS into...
2025-02-0621 min
The Digital RestaurantData, Data Everywhere...Are Restaurants Finally Ready to Use It?Send us a textIn this festive episode, Carl and Meredith explore five transformative trends in the restaurant industry as we wrap up 2024. They kick things off by discussing how personalization is finally becoming a reality for big brands like McDonald’s and Yum! Brands, leveraging data to craft tailored offers for customers. The conversation then moves to the latest Toast Trend Report, revealing intriguing shifts in dining habits, such as the growing popularity of early-week and same-day reservations, reshaping how restaurants plan and operate.The discussion continues with DoorDash's proactive efforts to tackle fake Da...
2024-12-1617 min
The Digital RestaurantAre Restaurants Ready to Lead with AI?Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Restaurant, Carl and Meredith dive into the hottest topics shaping the future of the restaurant industry. From Touch Bistro’s bold 2025 State of Restaurants Report to the resurgence of ghost kitchens, the conversation explores how technology and innovation are redefining dining trends. The duo breaks down why AI adoption is critical for restaurants of all sizes and examines the latest advancements in electric kitchen technology, including the intriguing concept of battery-powered stoves. Wrapping up the episode, they explore how Google Maps’ AI-driven enhancements are revolutionizing restaurant discovery and...
2024-12-0226 min
The Digital RestaurantHow To Do Delivery Better - According To Your CustomersSend us a textWhat if your food delivery arrived late 98% of the time? Join us as we explore staggering statistics from InTouch Insights on the current state of the digital restaurant landscape. Meredith and Carl reveal why younger consumers under 45 are setting the trend in delivery orders and discuss the intricate challenges of ensuring on-time deliveries—only 2% hit the mark! We dissect the complications of batching orders, delve into the importance of accurate delivery estimates, and uncover Pepsi's creative strategies to drive pizza sales on DoorDash. Plus, find out how AI could be the game-changer for "la...
2024-09-2330 min
The Digital RestaurantWill restaurant traffic ever grow again?Send us a textCan technology enhance your dining experience, or is it slowly eroding the personal touch that makes dining special? Join us as we dissect Pete Wells' provocative retirement essay and engage in a lively debate between Meredith and Carl on whether technological innovations like kiosks and mobile ordering are a blessing or a curse for the hospitality and restaurant industry. While Wells laments the loss of personal interaction, Meredith counters with compelling arguments on the efficiency and satisfaction that technology brings to fast food and casual dining. Drawing insights from our book "Delivering the...
2024-08-1225 min
The Digital RestaurantWill dashboard dining take off?Send us a textWhat if a new law could make your favorite takeout significantly more expensive? Join us on this week's The Digital Restaurant as we unravel the profound impacts of Seattle's new delivery driver wage laws on local eateries. You'll uncover how a $26.40 minimum wage and additional mileage fees have led platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats to impose a $5 surcharge, slashing delivery demand by half. We explore how restaurants like Bok Bok Fried Chicken and Biscuits are tackling these challenges head-on by creating their own delivery services to manage costs and enhance customer experiences...
2024-07-1525 min
The Digital RestaurantWill Local Kitchens succeed where others have failed?Send us a textSupport the show🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!📖 Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant🎤 Have Carl come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter.
2024-07-0123 min
The Digital RestaurantCan music makeup the shortfall in restaurant sales in 2024?Send us a textWhat if the restaurant industry isn't just facing a temporary downturn, but a fundamental shift in how it operates? Join us on this thought-provoking episode of The Digital Restaurant as we scrutinize Technomic's bearish forecast for 2024, digging into the reasons behind sluggish traffic and rising price sensitivity among consumers. Discover how cutting-edge technology helps us track these trends in real-time yet surprisingly hasn't managed to slash operational costs. We also bring you fresh insights from Inciso's latest report, capturing the thoughts of IT and digital e-commerce professionals across various restaurant segments on the...
2024-06-1724 min
The Digital RestaurantIs restaurant delivery dying? It's for sure matured into the late stage partnerships world.Send us a textWhat happens when two industry giants like Amazon and Grubhub join forces? This episode unpacks the latest integration that allows Amazon customers to order directly from Grubhub via Amazon's platform. We'll explore the ripple effects this move could have on competitors like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and speculate on further collaborations that might completely reshape the food delivery landscape. Amazon's increased stake in Grubhub is a game-changer, and we dissect the benefits for restaurants and Prime members, as well as consider the ever-growing importance of subscription services in today's market. Consumer i...
2024-06-0323 minThe Digital RestaurantHow will junk fee legislation affect food delivery?Send us a textDiscover the future of eating out without stepping foot outside your door as Meredith and I slice into the digital dining revolution. We kick off with the surprisingly sophisticated world of pizza trackers, examining whether these real-time updates truly enhance customer satisfaction or if they're just a tech gimmick. But it's not all about the tracking – we also sink our teeth into the heated debate surrounding junk fees in the restaurant industry. How will new legislation impact those extra charges tacked onto your meal by delivery platforms? And what's cooking at McDonald's with th...
2024-05-2025 min
The Digital RestaurantUnlocking the Deficiencies of Delivery with Travis Kalanick at the Food on Demand conferenceSend us a textJoin us in this insightful episode of The Digital Restaurant Podcast from the Food on Demand Conference at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Dive into the discussions with industry experts like Andrew Custage from Medallia and Deena DePhillips from Red Robin, as they explore pivotal topics ranging from the impacts of delivery versus pickup pricing to the crucial decisions between building versus buying technology. Don’t miss Travis Kalanick's rare appearance at a conference stage, sharing visionary thoughts on the future of meal delivery and automation. Tap into the complexities and strategies behind re...
2024-05-1324 min
The Digital RestaurantWhat can we learn from the struggles at Starbucks?Send us a textDiscover the future of dining with us as we unravel the latest technological marvels transforming the restaurant industry. You'll get an insider's look at how digital advancements like kiosk ordering and mobile pickups are reshaping the customer journey, yet sometimes leave us tapping our feet with longer wait times. Hold onto your forks for our special sit-down with Irvi Patel from GoToFoods and Maria Rivera from Small Sliders at the Food on Demand conference, where we'll slice into the rise of delivery-only models and ghost kitchens.Grab your headphones and prepare...
2024-05-0628 min
The Digital RestaurantWhy do guests prefer ordering direct for pickup?Send us a textDiscover the future of restaurant delivery and technology in our latest episode, where Meredith and I dissect Deliveroo's earnings, the shift towards first-party pickup channels, and how senators are scrutinizing junk fees. If you're in the restaurant business or just a food delivery aficionado, this discussion is packed with insights on consumer behavior, the UK versus US financial transparency, and whether pandemic-driven changes are here to stay. Join us as we navigate the dynamic interplay between customer data trends and restaurant technology. We'll explore why operators are craving end-to-end tech solutions a...
2024-04-2226 min
The Digital RestaurantAlternative Strategies to Growing your Digital Sales w/ James Buell from World of Beer Bar & KitchenSend us a textThis special edition of The Digital Restaurant podcast features James Buell COO of World of Beer Bar & Kitchen, discussing the innovative approaches to digital customer acquisition. The conversation revolves around how the integration of technology, particularly through partnerships with companies like Nift, plays a crucial role in driving customer engagement and loyalty.James shares his journey from a marketer to COO, emphasizing the value of mentorship and seizing opportunities within smaller, nimble teams. World of Beer's focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, both in-house and digitally, through their open floor plans...
2024-04-1538 min
The Digital RestaurantWill driverless deliveries reduce prices?Send us a textImagine your dinner zooming to your doorstep, no driver in sight - that's the future we're unpacking as Waymo and Uber blaze trails with driverless deliveries right here in Arizona. The roads to cost reduction and safety enhancements are mapped out in a captivating discussion, where we navigate through the impact on tipping culture and the potential for marketplace delivery services to thrive. Then, in a personal twist, I share a laugh-out-loud debate: when celebrating milestones, should one opt for car-shaped dumplings or the real deal?When the screens go dark...
2024-04-0824 min
The Digital RestaurantInclusive Innovation: Lauren Fernandez Ushers a New Era for Women and Minority Entrepreneurs in DiningSend us a textIn this insightful episode, we're thrilled to welcome Lauren Fernandez, the visionary behind Full Course, a groundbreaking initiative reshaping the landscape of the food industry. Lauren joins host Meredith to share the exciting journey and purpose of Full Course, an organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs in the culinary world.Lauren reveals the inspiring addition of three dynamic women to the Full Course board, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to support the mission. From the revival of legacy brands to the infusion of tech in restaurants, Lauren and...
2024-04-0219 minThe Digital RestaurantWill AI take 10%-40% of restaurant jobs?Send us a textCould your next meal be crafted by artificial intelligence? Tune in as we unwrap the layers of a tech-charged restaurant revolution, where NVIDIA's silicon brains may soon whisk up your dinner while unified commerce cooks up a seamlessly interconnected dining experience. We've sliced into the heart of the pizza-making world at the Vegas Pizza Expo, savored the digital-only innovation of Chick-fil-A's New York experiment, and peppered in Joe Kaskowski's seasoned insights. Our journey through the industry isn’t just about tasting the future; it's about savoring the rich blend of tradition and tech.
2024-03-2624 min
The Digital RestaurantThe Restaurant of the Future - A Panel at Cornell UniversitySend us a textIn a recent captivating episode, industry visionaries Carl Orsbourn, Meredith Sandland, Dan Londono, and moderator Kristen Hawley dove deep into the transformative wave sweeping across the restaurant and hospitality sector. Amidst a backdrop of relentless change propelled by digital innovation, consumer preferences, and the global pandemic, the panel explored how the landscape of dining and food delivery is evolving.The episode, rich in insights, began with an emphasis on the pressing need for adaptation within the restaurant industry. Facing new cost pressures, shifting business models, and an ever-growing demand for technological...
2024-03-151h 13
The Digital RestaurantIs 100% digital good for guests?Send us a textIs the clink of cutlery against plates soon to be replaced by the silent tap of digital orders? Join Meredith and me as we venture into the world of 100% digital restaurants, weighing the pros and cons of this tech-driven frontier. In the bustling realm of quick-service eateries, touch screens and kiosks are quickly becoming more than just a way to skip the line; they're pivotal in harvesting customer data and inflating check averages, all while striving to maintain that irreplaceable human touch in hospitality. We'll tackle the burning questions around the real price...
2024-03-1032 min
The Digital RestaurantHow to make Food Safety Easier through Tech - with Christine Schindler of PathspotSend us a textEmbark on an enlightening journey through the intricacies of food safety with Christine Schindler, the innovative mind behind Pathspot. As the founder and CEO, Christine brings her background in biomedical engineering and global public health into the bustling world of food service, ensuring diners enjoy meals that are just as safe as they are delicious. At Create last year, Meredith took the conversation to the next level, exploring how restaurants are upping their game in hygiene practices with the help of cutting-edge technology.Get ready for a masterclass in prevention and...
2024-03-0513 minThe Digital RestaurantRestaurants platforms - are chains going to follow the hotel model?Send us a textExplore the pulsating heart of the restaurant industry with us as we dissect DoorDash's latest earnings and the seismic shifts in food prices that have reached a 30-year summit. As we navigate through the financial intricacies, we shine a spotlight on the subtle strategies at play in this fiercely competitive market. From Focus Brands' pivot to a platform-centric approach to the ways in which soaring costs shape the dining landscape, we're serving up a full course of analysis that promises to satisfy your appetite for industry knowledge.Venture into the future...
2024-02-2624 min
The Digital RestaurantSizzling Success: Culinary Content Giants Mike Duffy and Matt Holloway Serve Up a Digital Marketing FeastSend us a textUnlock the secrets of culinary content kings Mike Duffy of Yum Crunch and Matt Holloway from Bad Manners. Our kitchen conversation sizzles with their innovative strategies for captivating the palates of digital audiences. From selfie marketing triumphs to the subtle art of social media algorithms, they dish out anecdotes of their journey reshaping the promotional playbook. Their insights serve as a masterclass for foodpreneurs eager to stir organic growth and turn customers into loyal brand promoters through the magnetic power of online engagement.Feast on our rich discussion about the future...
2024-02-2024 min
The Digital RestaurantHow is spatial computing going to affect restaurants?Send us a textGet ready to explore the seismic shifts affecting your favorite dining spots as Meredith and I, Carl, guide you through the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry. As Google repositions itself, stepping away from being a middleman in online food ordering, we unlock the repercussions for restaurants and their relationship with tech giants. We don't just stop at a surface analysis; instead, we delve deep into the lawsuit that might have nudged Google aside and the newfound importance of Google My Business in directing patrons to restaurants' chosen ordering methods. Plus, we'll dish...
2024-02-1225 min
The Digital RestaurantRevolutionizing Pizza Delivery: Stellar Pizza's Robotic Trucks Speed into the FutureSend us a textStep aside, traditional pizza delivery—there's a new slice in town, and it’s rolling your way. Join us as we sit down with the visionary Benson Tsai of Stellar Pizza, whose fully automated mobile food trucks are dishing out pizzas faster than you can say "extra cheese, please." Benson, who's traversed from the electric vehicle industry to a SpaceX collaboration, now marries his chemical engineering savvy with his culinary curiosity to dish out delectable pizzas on the go. Discover the unexpected journey that led this innovator to reimagine the pizza-making process, and how...
2024-02-0612 min
The Digital RestaurantWill the Rabbit R1 impact restaurants?Send us a textUnlock the future of dining as Meredith and Carl dissect the evolving tastes of the restaurant industry, analyzing shifts in customer ordering habits and the ingenious ways full-service venues are adapting. As off-premise sales maintain their stronghold, with delivery dwindling and takeout holding firm, we bring to light the rise of direct online ordering and its stronghold on the sector. We tackle the daunting hurdles of inflated labor and commodity costs, and consider the findings from a recent Bank of America report, which uncovers an unexpected spike in technological investments. The conversation takes...
2024-01-2926 min