In this episode, Yaro Tsyhanenko, founder and CEO of PickPad, shares his journey from Ukraine to Chicago and the inspiration behind creating PickPad, a modular system designed to enhance restaurant operations through smart sensors and machine learning.

He discusses the challenges faced by restaurants in managing pickup and delivery orders and how PickPad aims to streamline these processes, improve customer experience, and provide valuable data insights.

Finally, the conversation also touches on the technology behind PickPad, its potential impact on the restaurant industry, and the importance of customer and employee satisfaction.

• Yaro's journey from Ukraine to founding PickPad in Chicago.
• PickPad aims to enhance restaurant operations with smart technology.
• The importance of customer experience in the restaurant industry.
• Challenges faced by restaurants in managing orders efficiently.
• PickPad's use of sensors to improve order accuracy and efficiency.
• The significance of data in optimizing restaurant operations.
• Yaro's motivation to create solutions for real-world problems.
• The potential for PickPad to transform the quick-service restaurant experience.
• Feedback from pilot programs will guide future improvements.
• The CES Innovation Award recognition highlights PickPad's potential.

00:00 Ukrainian Entrepreneur Revolutionizes Restaurant Tech 03:32 Ukrainian Food Delivery Success 06:45 Tech Frustrations in Restaurant Pickups 11:30 Labor Efficiency Challenges in Busy Stores 13:30 "Smart Pads Boost QSR Profits" 17:33 Launching Full-Scale Pilot in Chicago 20:12 Optimizing Order Predictions with Sensors 24:34 "Streamlining User Experience" 27:18 Unified Digital-Physical Customer Experience 32:12 Open Pilots for Real-World Testing 33:27 "Yaro's PickPad AI Journey"

In this conversation, David Scott Peters, a restaurant expert and coach, shares his extensive experience in the restaurant industry, discussing the importance of leadership, systems, and accountability in achieving restaurant prosperity.

David shares insightful success stories, like that of Daisha Wakefield, who leveraged effective systems and budgeting to transform her career from schoolteacher to successful restaurant owner. We'll also discuss the transition from cumbersome spreadsheets to streamlined software solutions, the real-life challenges of implementing new systems, and the fundamental role of leadership and accountability in driving a restaurant's success.

Discover how a growth mindset, leadership, and cultural change within your business can lead to remarkable improvements in efficiency and profitability. Tune in to hear practical advice on overcoming resistance to change, making pivotal decisions, and the significance of continuous learning and training in the ever-evolving restaurant industry.

Plus, David offers a wealth of resources, including his book "Restaurant Prosperity Formula," YouTube channel, and more. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your restaurant operations to new heights.

• David's journey in the restaurant industry began in his family's business.
• Leadership is the number one reason why restaurants fail.
• Change is uncomfortable, but necessary for growth.
• Accountability is crucial in restaurant management.
• The Restaurant Prosperity Formula focuses on freedom and financial success.
• Chefs often resist change due to their artistic nature.
• Involving staff in decision-making can ease resistance to new systems.
• Training and systems can help overcome individual weaknesses.
• Common misconceptions include the belief that businesses can turn around overnight.
• Effective systems and processes are essential for restaurant success. Implementing systems requires a cultural shift in the organization.
• Consistency in using systems is crucial for accountability and change.
• Leadership plays a vital role in fostering a positive company culture.
• Identifying and addressing saboteurs is essential for progress.
• Budgeting based on historical data helps set realistic targets.
• A growth mindset is necessary to overcome challenges in the restaurant industry.
• Success stories can inspire and motivate restaurant operators.
• Employees appreciate clear rules and consistent management.
• Training and development opportunities are important for employee retention.
• Understanding the importance of consistency can lead to better customer experiences.

00:00 Grew up in, excelled at family restaurant business. 04:18 Helping independents with chain-like systems, profit-focused. 08:55 Train, understand, decide, perform, consequences, and action. 12:17 Clear "Definition of Done" crucial for systems. 14:50 Chefs need management skills, not just culinary artistry. 17:11 Change is uncomfortable but improves consistency, profitability. 20:55 Involve key people; guide decision-making process. 24:54 Set systems ensure business isn't person-dependent. 27:36 Successful projects require both AI and people. 29:57 Challenges vary, leadership often hardest in restaurants. 34:29 Excuses impede action despite expressed enthusiasm. 37:47 Attention boosts efficiency, consistency, and customer return. 41:21 Start with budget for accurate KPI targets. 43:32 Master systems for easier restaurant management success. 45:48 Mindset matters; perseverance defines entrepreneurial success.

In this conversation, Peter Newlin, Chief Vision Officer and Co-Founder of Gastamo Group, shares insights into the future of the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of technology, mentorship, and community engagement.

He discusses his personal journey into hospitality, the evolution of restaurant concepts, and the significance of experiential dining.

Newlin highlights the need for patience and focus in building successful restaurant brands and explores the impact of technology on enhancing guest experiences.

• There's a tremendous backlog of ideas for great tech in restaurants.
• Experiential dining is becoming a key focus in the industry.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth.
• Patience and focus are essential for long-term success.
• Community engagement is vital for restaurant success.
• Quality over quantity is a growing trend in dining.
• Technology will play a significant role in the future of restaurants.
• Understanding your home market is critical for growth.
• Listening to customer feedback is essential for improvement.
• The restaurant industry is evolving with new trends and technologies.

00:00 Discovered hospitality's joy, magic, and impact. 03:49 Fell in love with transforming guest experiences. 06:37 Philippe exemplified mentorship and inspired knowledge-sharing. 12:19 Patience, focus, and slow growth ensure success. 15:30 Perdida: personal journeys, community, destination, Baja ambiance. 18:04 Community-driven design enhances unique restaurant concepts. 21:29 Listen to customer feedback; crucial for growth. 23:31 Focus on regional growth and operational success. 28:17 Shift from quantity to quality in dining. 30:07 AI tools will enhance restaurant tech integrations. 32:52 Make people feel special; tech consolidates profitably.