The Tech Chef, Restaurant, Hospitality and Hotel Technology Business Podcast

Ken Gavranovic joins the podcast to discuss the transformative power of AI and digital tools in the hospitality industry. He highlights how many companies struggle with digital transformation due to a lack of clarity on outcomes and insufficient leadership commitment. Drawing from his extensive experience with iconic brands, Ken emphasizes that technology should enhance human connections rather than replace them. He introduces Product Genius, a tool designed to capture real-time guest feedback and streamline operations, which has proven to deliver impressive ROI for hospitality businesses. Throughout the conversation, he offers actionable insights for leaders looking to successfully navigate the complexities of AI-driven transformation while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.The conversation reveals a deep understanding of digital transformation, particularly concerning the hospitality industry. Gavranovic, whose extensive experience includes leadership roles at prestigious companies, discusses the pivotal role of AI in reshaping customer engagement and operational efficiency. He posits that the most successful transformations occur when organizations embrace innovation holistically, integrating technology with a focus on enhancing human interactions. This perspective is crucial in industries like hospitality, where guest experience is paramount. Gavranovic's insights underscore the need for leaders to recognize that technology is not merely a tool but a means to amplify human capabilities and create memorable experiences for guests.Takeaways:Transformation in companies requires not just technology adoption but also evolution of people and processes.AI can significantly enhance customer engagement in the hospitality industry by streamlining operations.Leaders must focus on clear outcomes rather than just activities when implementing digital transformation.Embracing change is challenging; leadership commitment is crucial for successful transformation initiatives.Start small with AI implementation by addressing specific, clear problems for immediate ROI.Fostering a culture that embraces technology will empower employees to enhance human connections.Links Referenced in This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.comproductgeniusguru.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gavranovicskipkimpel.com

Mike Blake joins Skip Kimpel on the Tech Chef Podcast to share his insights on the evolving landscape of hospitality technology. As Vice President of Information Technology at KemperSports, Mike draws from his extensive experience in the industry, highlighting the critical importance of strategic leadership in implementing technology solutions that enhance operational excellence. The conversation begins with Mike recounting his transition from finance to IT, where he became a specialist in understanding the cost implications of technology investments during a time of rapid change. He reflects on his tenure at Hyatt Hotels, discussing the challenges faced in migrating systems to the cloud and the revolutionary impact it had on the hospitality sector. This foundational experience informs his current role, where he oversees technology for a diverse portfolio of golf courses and resorts.The episode delves into the pressing challenges of cybersecurity in hospitality, with Mike emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard sensitive data against increasing threats. The discussion also explores the significance of adopting emerging technologies like AI and IoT, which Mike believes are essential for creating personalized guest experiences. He advocates for a data-driven approach, urging hospitality leaders to develop comprehensive data strategies that prioritize security while fostering innovation.Throughout the episode, Mike's leadership philosophy shines through as he discusses the importance of partnership and collaboration in achieving technological success. He encourages professionals in the hospitality industry to embrace a broker, integrate, and orchestrate mindset, focusing on integrating off-the-shelf solutions rather than reinventing the wheel. The conversation concludes with Mike sharing his passion for innovation and encouraging listeners to engage with the technology community through events like CES, where they can discover new tools and ideas that can be applied within their organizations. This episode is rich with insights and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and hospitality.Takeaways:Mike Blake discusses his extensive experience in hospitality technology, emphasizing the importance of adapting to cloud-based solutions.He highlights the need for a strategic approach to attending major technology events like CES for maximum benefit.Blake believes in the concept of 'broker, integrate and orchestrate' rather than building systems from scratch in hospitality.He stresses the significance of networking and helping others in the industry, as connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.Cybersecurity initiatives are prioritized in the hospitality sector due to increasing threats, calling for better tools and awareness.Embracing digital innovation while balancing security is crucial for businesses in the hospitality industry.Links Referenced In This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.comskipkimpel.commagicgate.comHow To Contact MeWebsite:https://SkipKimpel.com&nbsp;(all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) https://magicgate.comInstagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://instagram.com/skipkimpel" rel="noopener

Today, we delve deep into the world of hospitality technology, this episode features an engaging dialogue between Skip Kimpel and Michael Cohen, the Managing Partner of Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN). The discussion begins with a reflection on the challenges faced by the hospitality sector in the wake of the pandemic, particularly regarding staffing shortages and a lack of technological adaptation. Cohen stresses the urgency for businesses to embrace innovation, arguing that those who fail to do so may risk becoming obsolete in a fast-paced market. He articulates GAIN's commitment to providing specialized advisory services that not only address immediate technological needs but also foster a culture of ongoing improvement within organizations.Cohen's extensive background in technology and marketing shines through as he navigates the conversation towards the importance of strategic planning and execution. He shares insights on how GAIN differentiates itself by blending advisory roles with practical execution strategies, ensuring that clients receive not only theoretical guidance but also actionable steps to realize their visions. The episode touches on the critical role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation, which are reshaping customer interactions and operational efficiencies in hotels and restaurants. Cohen's perspective challenges the common narrative that the hospitality industry is lagging, suggesting instead that risk-averse leadership across various sectors contributes to a broader hesitance to innovate.The culmination of the episode features an exciting announcement regarding GAIN's new partnership with MEWS, a prominent player in the hospitality technology space. This partnership aims to enhance GAIN's service offerings by providing comprehensive technology stack reviews, designed to help clients streamline their operations and improve their competitive edge. Cohen expresses enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing how it reflects GAIN's strategic growth plan and commitment to delivering value to clients. This episode serves as a rich resource for hospitality professionals seeking to understand the importance of innovation and strategic partnerships in driving business success.Takeaways:Michael Cohen emphasizes the importance of innovation in driving growth within the hospitality industry.GAIN Advisors differentiates itself from traditional consulting firms by providing actionable advisory services.The hospitality sector faces unique challenges in adopting emerging technologies, necessitating knowledgeable guidance.Collaboration and strategic partnerships are essential for businesses to navigate the post-pandemic landscape effectively.Successful hotel technology stacks must be flexible, scalable, and integrated into a cohesive ecosystem.Understanding the MICE industry is crucial, as it encompasses various sectors within hospitality.Links Referenced in This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.commagicgate.comskipkimpel.comHow To Contact MeWebsite(s):&nbsp;https://SkipKimpel.com&nbsp;(all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)https://magicgate.comInstagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://instagram.com/skipkimpel" rel="noopener...

Skip Kimpel welcomes John Cunningham to the Tech Chef Podcast to delve into the transformative world of Extended Reality (XR) and its implications for various industries, particularly hospitality. Cunningham, a seasoned expert in the XR field, shares his extensive background, including his military experience and roles in significant tech companies. He emphasizes the rapid evolution of XR technologies and their growing accessibility, paving the way for widespread adoption across sectors. The discussion highlights XR's potential in enhancing training and development processes, arguing that immersive training environments can significantly improve knowledge retention and skills acquisition compared to traditional methods. For industries like hospitality, the integration of XR could lead to safer, more cost-effective training solutions while minimizing food waste and enhancing employee preparedness.The conversation shifts towards the practical applications of XR in collaborative environments, especially in remote work scenarios. Cunningham illustrates how XR can revolutionize product design and prototyping, allowing teams to visualize and manipulate designs in real-time, fostering creativity and efficiency. This capability is crucial for industries that rely on visual collaboration, such as hospitality, where layout and design decisions can have a profound impact on operational efficiency and customer experience. As Cunningham discusses the need for organizations to embrace XR, he underscores the importance of strategic planning and the consideration of IT infrastructure to support these emerging technologies. The episode concludes with an exciting announcement about an upcoming XR Boot Camp aimed at empowering industry professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement XR solutions effectively.Takeaways: Extended Reality (XR) is reshaping industries by enhancing training, collaboration, and customer experiences. The hospitality sector stands to benefit significantly from XR technology for training and operational efficiency. XR technology is no longer just for large enterprises; smaller organizations can adopt it effectively. Organizations should consider a consulting partner with XR experience to guide implementation. The integration of AI and XR is transforming product design and development processes. As XR technology becomes more affordable, its adoption across diverse industries is rapidly increasing. Links referenced in this episode:gainadvisors.comskipkimpel.combootcamp.magicgate.com

Joining the show today, I am excited to have&nbsp;Troy Hooper, Chief Executive Officer at&nbsp;Hot Palette America.&nbsp;Troy Hooper joined Pepper Lunch as one of the three global business unit CEO’s for the brand, and oversees&nbsp;Pepper Lunch’s&nbsp;parent company in North America, Hot Palette America. Troy brings 30 years of unparalleled experience in hospitality, operations management and executive leadership to this role, which has fueled Pepper Lunch’s infrastructure development, growth efforts, and brand deliverables, creating a fruitful franchise model for the North American market.Throughout his career, Troy has successfully built new concepts, rebranded existing restaurants, and improved well-established venues for iconic brands. Troy’s decades of experience and business acumen brings a breadth of knowledge to the rapidly growing global brand,&nbsp;Pepper Lunch.By the way, I have some breaking news for you at the end of this episode so make sure you listen all the way through to make sure you don’t miss it!How To Contact MeWebsite:&nbsp;https://SkipKimpel.com&nbsp;(all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website:&nbsp;https://ConStrata.ioInstagram:&nbsp;https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter:&nbsp;https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook:&nbsp;&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/LinkedIn:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelLinkedIn:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consultingYou can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at&nbsp;ConStrata.ioEmail me at&nbsp;skip.kimpel@constrata.ioWhat’s up next?Next week is the one and only&nbsp;Geoff Alexander&nbsp;from&nbsp;Wow Bao.&nbsp;We all know both of these names very well. A man who had a vision, assembled an amazing team and has taken his vision to a whole new level!&nbsp;You think he is passionate about virtual brands?&nbsp;Well, you will have to tune in to hear him tell us what he REALLY thinks about the future of that side of the industry.&nbsp;So, check out Hot Bytes on all of my social media channels and let me know what you think.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am very curious to see the reaction and see how sadistic you all really are!

Joining the show today is our special guest,&nbsp;Nabeel, CEO and Co-Founder of&nbsp;Lunchbox.&nbsp;Nabeel was born in Bangladesh, moved to Kuwait 7 years later, and to Queens, New York 7 years after that. Nabeel began his career as the first busboy at the&nbsp;Bareburger&nbsp;flagship store in Astoria, and spent his free time devising marketing objectives for the CEO. In 2019 he founded Lunchbox, a next-gen online ordering company, that was built out of the frustration of trying to build his own digital ordering system at Bareburger. In just a short period, Lunchbox has established itself as the premiere product in the digital ordering space, partnering with industry leaders such as&nbsp;Firehouse Subs,&nbsp;Papa Gino’s,&nbsp;Clean Juice,&nbsp;Wings Over,&nbsp;Bareburger&nbsp;and more.Today’s show is NOT about Lunchbox.&nbsp;It is about AI and the new, free AI application that can be found online to allow restaurants generate food pictures for their online ordering guests.&nbsp;&nbsp;We take this much further into the legalities around intellectual properties, regulation and the future of this technology.We have some fundamental differences of opinion around the IP side of things but, at the end of the day, we are all trying to figure out where this all lands and are in it together.How To Contact MeWebsite:&nbsp;https://SkipKimpel.com&nbsp;(all archived shows and show notes will be posted here)Website:&nbsp;https://ConStrata.ioInstagram:&nbsp;https://instagram.com/skipkimpelTwitter:&nbsp;https://twitter.com/skipkimpelFacebook:&nbsp;&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/skipkimpel1/LinkedIn:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipkimpelLinkedIn:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consultingYou can also hear all these new episodes on the ConStrata website at&nbsp;ConStrata.ioEmail me at&nbsp;skip.kimpel@constrata.ioWhat’s up next?Busy and crazy times in our industry right now.&nbsp;This also happens to be a very timely subject today, especially around the online ordering and virtual kitchen side of things as we are starting to see a slowdown in online ordering and a significant shakeup in that side of the industry.&nbsp;I would also love to hear your thoughts on where YOU think the digital restaurant is headed.&nbsp;I will be out at the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehospitalityshow.com/"...

Carl Orsbourn and Meredith Sandland join the show to talk about their new book, "Delivering the Digital Restaurant: The Path to Digital Maturity." Don’t worry, this episode is not just a sales pitch for the book. We dig much deeper in conversation about things like figuring out what “digital” means to the restaurant industry, order throttling, dynamic pricing, converting 3rd party to a 1st party customer, the gig workforce and even talk about the good and evil of AI.

On this episode of The Tech Chef, I have another special guest that I recorded while I was at MURTEC. Kevin Seo and I had the opportunity to present a fire chat at the show on the Metaverse 101. I thought it only fair to sit down with him and record, 1-on-1, for all of you, our thoughts on this matter and share it here on this show. Kevin is the Chief Megaphone and Co-Founder of Bored and Hungry, Food Fighters Universe and Secret Sauce Society. We keep the web3 jargon pretty light in this show as we break down what the practical side of the metaverse really means.