TechBytes Podcast

In this episode of  TechBytes , Rob Grimes welcomes  Tyler Marpes , Vice President of Technology Operations at  Scooter’s Coffee , to discuss how one of the fastest-growing coffee brands is using technology to support rapid expansion without sacrificing hospitality. From AI and data governance to connected equipment, franchise operations, and barista training, Tyler explains why successful technol...

In this episode of  TechBytes , Rob Grimes sits down with  Avi Goren , CEO and co-founder of  Marqii , to explore how AI search is transforming restaurant discovery. As consumers increasingly rely on ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other AI tools to choose where to dine, operators must rethink SEO, structured data, online reviews, and digital content strategies. Avi shares practical advice for improv...

In this episode of  TechBytes , Rob Grimes speaks with  Jim Grandahl , Director of National Accounts at DIRECTV, about the powerful role entertainment plays in hospitality. From sports programming and commercial licensing to music, ambiance, and employee engagement, Jim explains how restaurants can create more memorable guest experiences through thoughtful entertainment strategies. The conversatio...

In this TechBytes episode, host  Rob Grimes  talks with  Tom Cindric , President of the National Restaurant Association Show, about what’s ahead for the 105th edition of the industry’s largest foodservice event. From AI and automation to beverage trends, smart kitchens, and interactive exhibitor tours, the conversation explores how technology is transforming every part of hospitality. Tom shares i...

Join Rob Grimes at HRC / HT360 in London for a special TechBytes episode with Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA. They explore how hospitality is evolving at the intersection of technology, revenue management, and genuine service. From the rise of revenue managers and digital transformation to QR codes, robotics, chatbots, and AI, Rob and Jane dig into what really works in hotels and restaurants today....

In this episode of TechBytes, host Rob Grimes sits down with William Connors, International Technology & Systems Manager at Starbucks, to talk about  everything but  Starbucks. William traces his journey from food & beverage roles at Club Med and Radisson through hotel IT, Oracle implementations, and global restaurant tech. They explore how data, connected kitchens, CCTV, and AI can transf...

On this episode of TechBytes, host Rob Grimes sits down with Kris Douglas, Vice President of Technology at Smalls Sliders and co-chair of the IFBTA Atlanta chapter. Kris shares how Smalls went from under 10 locations to 47 units across 12 states, with ambitions of hitting 1,000+ locations—powered by a best-in-breed tech stack, data-driven decision-making, and a deep focus on the guest experience....

In this TechBytes episode, host  Rob Grimes  speaks with  Abby Lorden  about the upcoming  MURTEC Conference , coming to Las Vegas March 9-11, and how restaurant technology is evolving. From the debut of the  AI Summit  to a renewed focus on connection, collaboration, and real-world case studies, Lorden explains how the event helps operators and business leaders navigate today’s fast-changing tech...

In this TechBytes episode, Rob sits down with Matt Hodgins, Project Director at Montgomery Group, to spotlight HRC – Hotel, Restaurant & Catering 2026 and the launch of Hospitality Tech360 (HT360) in London, March 30–April 1. They explore how HRC is evolving to serve the full hospitality ecosystem—from hotels and restaurants to catering, bars, pastry, pizza, and more—while HT360 focuses on rea...

Starbucks, McDonald’s, AI, and global tech strategy—all in one conversation. In this episode of TechBytes, host Rob Grimes sits down at the National Retail Federation’s NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show with Vikram Badhwar, Director of International Technology at Starbucks, to explore how major brands scale digital experiences across thousands of stores and dozens of countries. They dive into Starbucks...

Dive into the inspiring world of Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL)! In this special TechBytes episode, host Rob Grimes chats with Satyne Doner and Danny Klein of QSR/FSR about the third annual WiRL conference, coming to Charleston this February. Discover how this unique event elevates, empowers, and educates women across hospitality, featuring powerhouse keynotes (including leaders from McDona...

In this special TechBytes episode, Rob Grimes is joined by Susan Newman, Senior Vice President of Events Strategy at the National Retail Federation, for a behind-the-scenes look at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show and the growing convergence of retail and foodservice. Susan shares why the Big Show has become the “Super Bowl of retail,” drawing 40,000 attendees from over 100 countries, and explains how...

In this TechBytes episode, Rob Grimes sits down with Dwight Rowe, Vice President of Information Technology at Duffy’s Sports Grill and IFBTA Central Florida Chapter Co-Chair, for a candid conversation about the evolving role of technology in hospitality. Dwight reflects on joining Duffy’s just before the pandemic, navigating cloud migration, supporting 28 corporate locations, and driving innovatio...

In this TechBytes spotlight, host Rob Grimes reconnects with Jon Kelly, Chief Revenue Officer of Mako Networks, for a deep dive into the technologies shaping retail and restaurant operations heading into 2026. Drawing on real-world data from thousands of locations, Jon explains the industry’s shift back to edge computing, the explosion of AI-driven applications, and the hidden costs operators over...

Discover how the restaurant and hospitality industries are evolving in the age of technology, outsourcing, and AI! In this special TechBytes Spotlight episode, we dive into Auxis' journey—now part of Grant Thornton—and unpack how their unique approach to shared services and business process outsourcing empowers brands for success. Learn how virtual operational audits, dedicated franchise suppo...

In this TechBytes episode, host  Rob Grimes  speaks with  Billy’s Downtown Diner  founder  Billy Kounoupis , whose path through hospitality began at age 14 and was shaped by time spent in his father’s diner and later at Bob’s Big Boy. Billy shares how he built a fresh-focused, high-energy breakfast concept with strong culture powered by his philosophy—  FACE: Focus, Attitude, Commitment & Ethi...

Step inside the future of hospitality tech with our exclusive podcast from the Hospitality Tech Expo in London! Join Rob Grimes as he interviews Ayesha Ansari, Product Director of AI and Analytics at Harri. Discover how AI and data analytics are transforming restaurants and hotels, from smarter scheduling and labor management to seamless guest experiences. Ayesha shares her journey from the front...

Get insider access to the world of restaurant finance, franchising, and innovation in this episode featuring John Hamburger, Founder of the Restaurant Finance Monitor and the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference (RFDC) - coming to LAs Vegas November 10-12. Discover the secrets behind the industry’s most influential event: who attends, what hot topics and surprise deals emerge, and how t...

Join us for a special episode of the TechBytes podcast as Rob Grimes sits down with Manuel Valdes, CTO of GoTo Foods, at FS/TEC 2025 in Orlando. Discover how GoTo Foods is redefining the restaurant industry through digital transformation, unified platforms, and innovative technology. Manuel shares insights on operational efficiency, AI adoption, and the challenges of managing diverse brands. Wheth...

Join us as Chris Demery, Chief Technology Officer at Blaze Pizza, shares his journey through the world of restaurant innovation at FS/TEC 2025. Discover how AI, automation, and guest-centric technology are transforming the pizza industry, and hear Chris’s unique perspective on blending operations with cutting-edge tech. From speed of service to the future of hospitality, this conversation is packe...

In this  TechBytes Spotlight , host  Rob Grimes  speaks with  Oliver Ostertag , General Manager of Operator Cloud at  PAR Technology , about how AI, voice technology, and data-driven solutions are transforming the restaurant and retail industries. From PAR’s “better together” ecosystem of hardware, software, and services to their AI-powered platform  CoachAI , Ostertag explains how operators can a...

Dive into the cutting-edge world of Brazilian restaurant technology with Ricardo Bomeny, CEO of BFFC. In this TechBytes episode, explore how a pioneering burger chain is revolutionizing dining through robotics, AI, and innovative customer experiences. Discover how Bob's is transforming traditional restaurants with robotic milkshake makers, digital ordering kiosks, and smart food lockers. Learn...

Dive into the world of culinary innovation with Jason Wade, VP of Strategic Operations at Parlour Pizza! This TechBytes episode explores the intersection of technology, food, and entrepreneurship across multiple industries. From revolutionary pizza dough machines to cannabis beverage ventures, Jason shares insider insights on how modern businesses leverage cutting-edge tech. Discover the secrets b...

Dive into the future of workforce management with Infor's Kasey Gieschen! This TechByte Spotlight reveals how cutting-edge technology is transforming hospitality staffing. Discover how AI, flexible scheduling, and innovative tools are solving the industry's biggest challenges in recruiting and retaining top talent. From gig-style labor to intelligent shift management, learn how businesses...

Dive into the delicious world of Biscuit Belly with Lauren Coulter, Chief Biscuit Eater and Integrator. In this TechBytes episode, Lauren reveals how a small restaurant brand navigates technology, from consolidating complex systems to implementing innovative customer feedback tools. Learn how they balance tech integration with maintaining their unique dining experience across multiple states. Disc...