Shows
TechBytes PodcastA Preview of Hospitality Tech ExpoIn the latest episode, Rob sits down with George Brophy, Portfolio Director of the Hospitality B2B Portfolio at the Hospitality Tech Expo in London. George provides an exclusive preview of this must-attend event, taking place October 15-16 at the ExCeL London. Discover how the expo brings together over 20,000 hospitality professionals and 500 exhibitors showcasing the newest technology solutions across seven specialized shows - from hotel tech and restaurant innovation to coffee, drinks, and sustainable packaging. Gain insider knowledge on the groundbreaking products and services launching at the expo, and learn how you can attend for free as a qualified hospitality o...2024-10-0817 min
TechBytes PodcastUnlocking the Future of Dining: How AI and Voice Tech are Reshaping the IndustryIn this episode, host Rob Grimes sits down with John Doyle, Chief Information Officer of Fiesta Restaurant Group, to explore the technological transformations that have shaped the restaurant industry over the past two decades. From the rudimentary systems of the 90s to today’s sophisticated cloud-based solutions, John provides a unique perspective on the shift from on-premise to cloud infrastructure and its impact on adoption rates and the critical role of technology. They dive into the potential of voice AI to streamline operations, particularly in drive-thrus, and discuss evolving consumer and employee expectations around technology. The conversation covers the debate be...2024-10-0136 min
TechBytes PodcastSeamless Connectivity, Frictionless Experience: How Hughes is Revolutionizing the Food and Beverage IndustryJoin Sindhu Rajan, Vice President of Enterprise Systems and Service Delivery at Hughes Network Systems, on the IFBTA TechBytes podcast with host Rob Grimes. Sindhu discusses her 17-year journey at Hughes, where she now leads the Enterprise Support Center, managing over 800 global broadband providers. She explores how Hughes supports industries like food service, hospitality, and retail in navigating digital transformation. With a focus on creating a frictionless customer experience, Sindhu shares how Hughes balances tech-savvy customers with those needing more guidance through their concierge program, ensuring seamless onboarding and support across diverse industries.Become a supporter of this...2024-09-2436 min
TechBytes PodcastFrom HTML to Hospitality: The Unconventional Rise of a Restaurant Tech LeaderJoin host Rob Grimes on the TechBytes podcast, powered by IFBTA, as he sits down with Wade Allen, President of Costa Vida. Wade’s journey from the digital world to the restaurant industry is unconventional and inspiring. Starting with self-taught web development during the internet boom, he transitioned through roles in retail and grocery before leading digital transformation at Brinker International. Wade’s tech-forward leadership propelled him to CIO, and now at Costa Vida, he navigates the challenges of a growing fast-casual brand. Tune in for Wade’s insights on tech, leadership, and the evolving restaurant landscape.Become a supp...2024-09-1037 min
TechBytes PodcastThe Tech-Powered Future of Restaurants: An Exclusive Preview of the QSR Evolution and Next Gen SummitsGet an exclusive insider's look at the must-attend events shaping the future of the restaurant industry. In this captivating podcast, Danny Klein, Editorial Director of QSR and FSR magazines, takes listeners behind the scenes of the QSR Evolution and Next Gen Restaurant Summits. Discover the innovative editorial approach that sets these conferences apart and uncover the latest trends transforming the foodservice landscape - from the rise of restaurant tech to the evolving role of women in leadership. Tune in for a treasure trove of insights that will inspire and empower restaurant operators, industry insiders, and innovators alike.Become...2024-08-2746 min
TechBytes PodcastHooters' Digital Transformation: How Technology is Reshaping the Iconic BrandIn this episode of the TechBytes podcast, Jeff Caplan, CIO of Hooters of America, discusses his transition from the payments technology industry to his current role, emphasizing how his background has been crucial in navigating the restaurant's digital transformation. Caplan highlights Hooters' modernization efforts, including technology upgrades and AI integration, as well as its strategic expansion into non-traditional dining outlets and a focus on enhancing customer loyalty through data-driven decisions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/techbytes-podcast--6154934/support.2024-08-1333 min
TechBytes PodcastHooters' Digital Transformation: How Technology is Reshaping the Iconic BrandIn this episode of the TechBytes podcast, Jeff Caplan, CIO of Hooters of America, discusses his transition from the payments technology industry to his current role, emphasizing how his background has been crucial in navigating the restaurant’s digital transformation. Caplan highlights Hooters’ modernization efforts, including technology upgrades and AI integration, as well as its strategic expansion into non-traditional dining outlets and a focus on enhancing customer loyalty through data-driven decisions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/techbytes-podcast--6154934/support.2024-08-1334 min
TechBytes Podcast44 Years of Tech Disruption: A CIO's Perspective on the Evolving Food & Hospitality LandscapeIn this episode of TechBytes, host Rob Grimes interviews Don Zimmerman, the recently retired Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Landry's, who shares his extensive experience in the foodservice, hospitality, and retail industries. Zimmerman discusses the key technologies that have shaped the industry, the challenges of modernizing franchise organizations, and his experiences during significant mergers like Arby's and Wendy's. He also reflects on his career achievements, including the digital transformation of Wendy's, and the difficulties faced in aligning franchisees with technology mandates.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/techbytes-podcast--6154934/support.2024-08-0637 min
TechBytes PodcastBytes, Bites, and Beyond: Decoding the Digital Feast of Restaurant TechDive into the future of foodservice and retail technology with the latest TechBytes episode! Host Rob Grimes welcomes Courtney Radke, VP of Innovation at SageNet, for a fascinating discussion on the evolving world of managed network services. In this Spotlight, Courtney shares insights from his extensive career in restaurant technology, cybersecurity, and infrastructure. Now at SageNet, he's focused on building solutions that address real customer needs with an outcome-based approach. Key topics discussed include:The growing bandwidth and security demands of AI-powered voice ordering and other emerging technologiesWhy rushing to implement new systems can...2024-07-1536 min
TechBytes PodcastFrom Macy's Magic to AI Alchemy: Martine Reardon's Retail Tech OdysseyThis podcast episode features Martine Reardon, CMO and EVP of Content and Retail Strategy for the National Retail Federation, discussing the evolving retail industry. Reardon shares insights from her experience, including her role as Macy's CMO, highlighting the importance of integrating traditional and digital marketing channels. She emphasizes the need for collaboration between CMOs, CTOs, and CDOs in driving e-commerce growth and adapting to a digital-first environment. Reardon predicts advancements in personalization through AI and robotics but stresses the irreplaceable value of human empathy in customer experiences. The episode also touches on NRF's efforts in tracking consumer trends and showcasing...2024-07-0829 min
TechBytes PodcastDomino’s is Changing the Game: Technology Sells PizzaThis TechBytes podcast episode features Christopher Thomas-Moore, Domino's Chief Digital Officer, discussing the intersection of retail and food service industries through data-driven innovation. Thomas-Moore explores global technology scaling, AI's potential in restaurants, and the importance of balancing automation with human relationships. He shares insights on industry trends, challenges like voice adoption, and the benefits of personalization across sectors. The conversation, which took place at NRF-Asia in Singapore, offers valuable perspectives on navigating digital transformation while considering regional preferences and maintaining human connections. This episode provides strategic insights for professionals in retail, food service, and other industries undergoing digital evolution.2024-07-0142 min
TechBytes PodcastHow Location-Based Marketing is the Future of the Customer ExperienceThis TechBytes podcast episode features Asif Khan, CEO of the Location Based Marketing Association, discussing the impact of location data and proximity marketing across various industries. The conversation covers topics such as geospatial insights, personalized customer experiences, and recent technological developments like facial detection. While exploring innovative strategies in retail, tourism, and transportation, the discussion also addresses important concerns about data privacy and consumer trust. The episode highlights how different sectors are leveraging location data to create seamless, personalized experiences, including examples from airlines, airports, and retailers like Walmart experimenting with virtual storefronts and metaverse experiences.2024-06-2435 min
TechBytes PodcastAI & Automation for Connected KitchensIn this week’s TechBytes Spotlight, host Rob Grimes sits down with Drew Holst, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, about Powerhouse Dynamics and their Open Kitchen platform. Connected kitchens and digital integrations are becoming more important to business operations - from reducing utility costs to optimizing equipment usage, these connections allow owners to remotely monitor and manage their operations more effectively. Drew also discussed how AI and automation will further advance connected kitchens in the future. Automation in the kitchen is the wave of the future and you don’t want to miss out. Tune into this week’s episode and le...2024-06-1727 min
TechBytes PodcastThe ResTech Ecosystem; An Industry Leader’s PerspectiveIn this final episode recorded on the floor at the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show TechBytes host Rob Grimes is joined by Kelly Esten, Head of Marketing & Partnerships at Toast. The pair discuss their experience walking the show, Kelly’s perspective on various partnerships and the technology ecosystem at large. Beginning with their show observations, the topics of robotics, AI and data are top of mind. When thinking of the future, data sharing is a key focus for Toast, who has over 200 application partners. “When you think of AI, data is the foundation… and POS can be that hub of data...2024-06-0431 min
TechBytes PodcastThe Association Weighs In: Data, Research, Trends and Perspectives on Restaurant TechUnveiling the true potential of restaurant technology requires a blend of data analysis, research, accounting, and, most importantly, an understanding of the subject matter. From the floor of the 2024 National Restaurant Show, Rob is joined by Chief Information Officer Kevin Steele & Senior Vice President, Research & Knowledge Group, Hudson Riehle of the National Restaurant Association - two experts and perspectives from the association representing our industry.The trio start their conversation about the state of technology in the restaurant industry. According to an Restaurant Association survey, labor recruitment continues to be the biggest challenge for operators. And on the...2024-06-0332 min
TechBytes PodcastTech From the Show Floor: The Industry Weighs InIn this special edition of TechBytes, 4 industry experts invited by the National Restaurant Association Show, sit down tor a conversation with Rob Grimes at the IFBTA’s TechDesk. Representing an association, an operator, and a technology supplier, each guest shares their thoughts on technology from varying points of view.The episode kicks off with Kelly Esten, Head of Marketing & Partnerships at Toast, and Kim DeCarolis, SVP of Strategic Growth with Craveworthy Brands who offer the supplier and operator perspective. The conversation concludes with a sneak peek of next week’s episode with the National Restaurant Association’s Hudson Riehle...2024-05-2840 min
TechBytes PodcastThe Tech Beat: The Editors Weigh InIn the very first edition of TechBytes, Rob Grimes has a tech conversation from the floor of the National Restaurant Show 2024, with Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor of Nation’s Restaurant News & Joe Guszkowski, Senior Editor of Restaurant Business.The trio started the conversation by discussing the world of restaurant technology prior, during and after COVID - coming into present day. Joe mentions that QR codes is one technology that was non-existent almost a joke prior to COVID, but now they are omnipresent. Ghost Kitchens have had the opposite trajectory. During the early stages of COVID, Ghost Kitchens were se...2024-05-2142 min
QuenchRob Grimes / Founder & CEO of the International Food & Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA)As the founder and CEO of the International Food & Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA), Rob Grimes spends his time forecasting tech trends and helping brands apply those trends to stay one step ahead of the competition.
In this episode of Forktales, Rob joins us from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas where he offers his thoughts on what’s hot (and what’s not) at CES, drones, robotics, the rise of electric vehicles, and why we should all keep an open mind about plant-based steaks.2024-01-1129 minForktalesRob Grimes / Founder & CEO of the International Food & Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA)The International Food & Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA) is a nonprofit trade association that promotes the use of technology within the global food and beverage industries with a specific focus on education, networking, certification, standards, research, and events, while aligning with other industry associations and groups in support of their technology related initiatives.Rob started his career as a restaurant manager for Bob’s Big Boy and Marriott Hotels. In those roles, he was able to marry his love of operations and restaurants with technology. Rob is seeing an increase in the use of robotics in back...2024-01-1129 min
Accelerate Restaurant Technology Podcast45. A Tale of Two Cities: TechTour CES 2024 and NRF 2024Every 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’...2024-01-0141 min
Accelerate Restaurant Technology Podcast44. Preview: TechMeet @ NRF24’s Foodservice Innovation ZoneAnyone 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 Nation...2023-12-1534 min
Accelerate Restaurant Technology Podcast29. Putting Diversity on the Tech Menu | EatOkraLimited 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...2023-05-0132 min
Accelerate Restaurant Technology Podcast26. Delivering DigitalThe 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 toda...2023-03-1534 min
The Tech Chef, Restaurant, Hospitality and Hotel Technology Business PodcastCritical KPI Tracking with Robert PetersonI have to say, once again, that MURTEC was amazing in many ways. As a matter of fact, I had promised you a Toby and Skip MURTEC recap show, however, we had so many great networking opportunities and vendor discussions that we are still catching up from the show! Having said that, we WILL bring you that re-cap episode but it will have to wait another week. However, I am brining you another special episode today which I also recorded at MURTEC with my good friend, Robert Peterson to talk about some big announcements from the Restaurant Technology Network, especially t...2023-03-1433 min
Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack OatesLet's Talk Tech With Rob GrimesSend us a textRob Grimes is the Founder and CEO of the International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA), a nonprofit trade association, that promotes the use of technology within the global food and beverage industries. Rob is paving the path for restaurant tech and is passionate about how emerging technologies can enhance company profitability and enrich the guest experience.In this episode, Rob and host, Zack discuss: Tech stacksPrioritizing techThe world of virtual realityMoving systems and processes onlineThanks, Rob!2023-01-0534 min
Accelerate Restaurant Technology Podcast21. “Hospitality Tech’s Channel; The RSPA”Partnerships are the backbone of any great organization and it’s with those partners that you can provide stellar service and offerings for operators of all sizes locally, regionally, and nationally. This is where the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) supports the Vendors of tech and their channels of Value-Added Resellers (“VAR’s”) throughout the foodservice, hospitality, and retail industries. In its 75th year, the RSPA provides leadership, training and support to it members in order to provide the best solutions to the operators who need them.On this week’s episode of Accelerate, host Rob Grimes has a conversa...2023-01-0138 min
Accelerate Restaurant Technology Podcast20. Predictive Programming = Predictive TechTechnology predictions from the 20th century are starting to take shape now in 2023. In the cartoon “The Jetson’s” (which aired in 1962) there were many artificial intelligence, automation, self-driving technologies, etc. which do exist in some form today while others are still under development. So how are people able to make such bold, yet accurate predictions with technology?This week, Accelerate Host and IFBTA CEO Rob Grimes, explores predictive programming impacts technology innovation, starting out as an idea in someone’s “mind’s eye” and is influenced by other technologies, industries, ending up in Cartoons, TV and in the Movies. 2022-12-1532 min
Accelerate Restaurant Technology Podcast19. Hospitable TechThe symbiotic relationship between the foodservice and hospitality industries is one that stretches back centuries. In fact, before the onset of Inn’s in the 1800’s (the first lodging facility for tourists), locals used to let travelers rest on kitchen floors and extra spaces during their journey. Food, beverage and rest (Eat, Drink and Sleep), have always gone hand in hand.In this episode of Accelerate, host and IFBTA CEO Rob Grimes, has a conversation with Mike Blake, Chief Technology Officer of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).Mike discusses AHLA’s role within hospitality, defining best p...2022-12-0133 min
The Tech Chef, Restaurant, Hospitality and Hotel Technology Business PodcastHow to Build a Successful Tech Stack for FranchiseesI hope you had a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving week last week. Hopefully you were able to get some extra time off to spend with your friends and family. I know that in our industries, that may have been your busiest time and that may not have been possible. For those of you lucky ones that DID have time off, now it is “go-time” to prepare for Christmas and the holidays next month. Since we last spoke I attended the Digital Signage Experience along with the Restaurant Finance and Development Conference. RFDC was probably one of the best showing of operat...2022-11-2931 min
Accelerate Restaurant Technology Podcast10. The Startup Nation; Hospitality and TechJoining IFBTA CEO Rob Grimes this week on Accelerate is Tomer Moore, founder of the Israeli Restaurant Association; Misadanim Chazakim Beyachad (Restauranteurs are Stronger Together). Tomer has background as a restauranteur, opening over 10 restaurants and working with Tech startups. Tomer noticed that despite Israel being a global technology powerhouse known as the “Startup Nation”, the restaurant industry used technology that was out of date, focusing mostly on POS.Since COVID, things have shifted. Tomer mentions “It was a big crisis, but it was also a great opportunity for customers and for operators to make a technology shift and invest...2022-07-1542 min
Accelerate Restaurant Technology Podcast6. The Tech of Food; Lights, Camera, ActionWhen people think about technology in a general sense, they don't necessarily think about the technology of food. This week, IFBTA CEO Rob Grimes has a conversation with Felipe Hasselmann, the President and CEO of Cuisine Solutions. Felipe says he is actually not in the business of food, but rather in the business of creating memories and experiences.“You describe the texture. You describe the taste. That's the goal we want to accomplish. We create memories through food which requires a large amount of technology. This comes from research on equipment and cooking.”Rob and Felipe disc...2022-05-1535 min
Accelerate Restaurant Technology Podcast3. Learning from NRF and Peripheral IndustriesWith so many places to look for technology, sometimes what you’re looking for is available in a different part of the world or peripheral industries. Retail, for example, is an industry with many overlapping services within the foodservice space..NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show took place in New York, showcasing retailers who specialize in convenience stores, grocery, and specialty stores. Trends highlighted included data, cameras, robotics, and holograms, and what do you know - these technologies were similarly displayed just a week prior at CES. “The speed of technology finding its way from the consumer industry to retail...2022-04-0135 min
Accelerate Restaurant Technology Podcast2. Future Vision; Customer Connections | A conversation with Stephen SmithWhat would you do if you could have a conversation with your great grandmother, or a deceased historical figure or celebrity? What started for Stephen Smith, founder of StoryFile, as an interest in the oral history of holocaust survivors has become a revolution in AI – technology that captures the beauty and wonder of the human spirit.In the hospitality industry, where your culture is your difference, and maintaining a connection with guests creates brand loyalty. A virtual host that welcomes guests into a space can help bridge the gap in those connections. An employee can learn the company’s cu...2022-03-1535 min
The Tech Chef, Restaurant, Hospitality and Hotel Technology Business PodcastIndustry Rockstar, Karen Bird, CIO for Hooters of AmericaI don’t know if you saw it this week but the National Restaurant Association decided to postpone their show, yet again. This means that the soonest they will be getting together as a conference will be 2022. Who would have guessed that one year ago! On the flip side, living here in Orlando, White Castle is in the process of building their largest “castle” and before they opened, they decided to launch a ghost kitchen to feed the need of everybody craving their food. In just a few hours they had to shut it down due to demand. A few...2021-03-0242 min
The Retail SquadCastEpisode 8 - Jason Graf of NetsurionAfter a bit of a hiatus (I know, you were all itching for another episode!) we have another on the books. In this episode, I had a great conversation with Jason Graf, VP of Product Management @ Netsurion. Contactless payments, Drive-thru expansion and delivery services are definitely the way forward for restaurants but there must be some standardization that comes with them. Likewise, for technology to truly take hold and drive the industry forward, the Franchisee community will need to be torch bearers. Also, a special shoutout to the RTN and IFBTA for leading the way in peer networking for the...2020-09-0243 min