TechBytes Podcast

Dive into the future of hospitality technology with George Brophy, Portfolio Director of the Hospitality B2B Portfolio. Discover the upcoming Hospitality Tech Expo at London's ExCel Center from September 30 - October 1, where 500 exhibitors and 15,000 industry professionals converge. This two-day event showcases groundbreaking innovations like AI-powered guest experiences, robotics, sustainabi...

Dive into the world of restaurant innovation with Mike Axiotis, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group! This episode explores the perfect blend of hospitality and cutting-edge technology. Listeners will be riveted by Mike's perspective on emerging trends: smaller, eco-friendly restaurant footprints, the potential revival of automat-style dining, and the critical role of inclusivit...

Join Rob Grimes and Marcus Viscidi in this TechBytes episode as they dive deep into the future of restaurant technology! Discover the must-attend fall events that are reshaping the foodservice industry, including FS/TEC, CREATE, and Global Restaurant Leadership Conference. From AI innovations to emerging restaurant technologies, this conversation reveals how cutting-edge solutions are transforming...

Dive into the future of hospitality technology with industry veterans Rob Grimes, Ted Horner, and John Burns! In this episode of TechBytes, these global experts unpack the latest trends transforming hotels and restaurants. From AI's potential to robotic process automation, they explore how technology is reshaping guest experiences. Discover insider perspectives on personalization, frictionless...

Dive into the future of dining at the QSR Evolution Conference. Join Danny Klein, VP of Editorial at QSR/FSR, as he unveils the hottest trends transforming the restaurant industry. This year's conference in Atlanta promises five keynote speakers, seven content tracks, and exclusive insights from industry leaders like Chick-fil-A, Yum! Brands, and Sweetgreen. Discover thought provoking discussions...

Dive into the world of restaurant technology with Mike Nettles, CTO of Zaxby's, as he reveals the hidden tech innovations transforming foodservice. From managing crane rentals to revolutionizing pizza ordering systems, Mike shares insider insights on how cutting-edge technology is reshaping how we eat. Discover how digital platforms, AI, and smart systems are turning restaurants into high-tech...

Dive into an electrifying conversation with serial entrepreneur Sailesh Purswani as he explores the intersection of technology, wellness, and hospitality in Bangkok. Join Rob Grimes in this TechBytes episode where East meets West, revealing insights from a multi-generational business leader who's transforming how we think about wellness, technology, and personal growth. From running internatio...

Dive into the cutting-edge world of global retail with Jill Dvorak, SVP of Content at the National Retail Federation. In this TechBytes episode, recorded live at NRF Asia in Singapore, explore how technology is transforming retail landscapes worldwide. From AI innovations to supply chain breakthroughs, Jill shares insider perspectives on emerging trends, regional differences, and the future of ret...

Dive into the world of restaurant innovation with Patrick Yearout of Ivar’s Inc. In this TechBytes episode, discover how a century-old seafood institution embraces cutting-edge technology without losing its soul. Patrick shares insider secrets about transforming restaurant operations - from digital hiring to smart kitchen sensors - while maintaining the human touch that makes dining special. Learn...

Dive into the future of hospitality with John Hart, National President of Australia's Restaurant and Catering Association. In this TechBytes episode, explore how technology, immigration, and innovation are reshaping the restaurant industry. Discover the challenges of workforce shortages, the impact of cutting-edge kitchen technologies, and the unique strategies Australian restaurants are using to...

Dive into the world of restaurant technology with Dawn Gillis, Golden Corral's CIO, as she reveals the game-changing innovations transforming foodservice. From convenience store evolution to pandemic survival strategies, this episode unpacks how AI, cybersecurity, and smart technologies are reshaping dining experiences. Discover insider insights on adapting to changing consumer demands, the cr...

Dive into the cutting-edge world of cybersecurity with Ken Ogami from Palo Alto Networks. In this TechBytes episode, we explore how digital transformation is revolutionizing retail and hospitality. Discover why these industries are leading technological innovation, the critical importance of securing complex digital ecosystems, and how AI is reshaping customer experiences. Ken shares insider insig...

Dive into the world of family entertainment with Jay Spears, VP of IT at CEC Entertainment! Discover how Chuck E. Cheese survived the pandemic, revolutionized birthday parties, and leveraged cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. From AI-driven pricing strategies to innovative membership programs, Jay reveals how the company transformed challenges into opportunities. Learn ab...

Dive into the future of dining with Sherif Mityas, CEO of Brix Holdings in this episode of TechBytes and discover how technology is transforming restaurants from the inside out. From pizza-making robots to AI-powered customer experiences, Mityas reveals how an IT background can revolutionize an entire industry. Learn how an 80-year-old brand like Friendly's is becoming a tech innovator, and ex...

Dive into the future of food with Kevin Seo, a tech-savvy entrepreneur who's transforming the culinary landscape! In this electrifying TechBytes episode, Kevin reveals how blockchain, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge technology are revolutionizing dining. From viral restaurant concepts to bridging gaming and food delivery, he explores how technology can create meaningful human connectio...

Dive into the culinary future with Rob Grimes and Tom Cindric as they unpack the upcoming National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago from May 17-20! This episode reveals the massive event's secrets - from 2,200 exhibitors representing 45 countries, to cutting-edge technology transforming the food service industry. Discover insider insights about innovative tech pavilions, celebrity chef a...

Dive into the world of food technology with Jared Pfeifer, Publisher of Food on Demand. In this electrifying podcast, explore how the restaurant industry has transformed from traditional dining to a tech-driven, off-premises powerhouse. Discover the upcoming Food on Demand Conference in Las Vegas, featuring keynote speakers from Starbucks and Microsoft who will unveil the latest AI innovations. Le...

Join Sodexo’s AJ Francavilla and host Rob Grimes in an electrifying TechBytes episode exploring innovations from CES and NRF! Dive into the world of cutting-edge technology, from autonomous vehicles and smart glasses to AI-powered retail experiences. Discover how emerging technologies are reshaping consumer and food service industries, with insider insights from a digital innovation expert. Uncove...

Dive into the sizzling world of pizza technology with Sarika Atal, Papa John's VP of Enterprise Technology! This TechBytes episode reveals how digital innovation transforms pizza ordering, from millions of topping combinations to AI-powered call centers. Discover how a former airplane parts engineer became a tech leader in the pizza industry, pioneering online ordering and personalized customer ex...

Join Rob Grimes and Chris Keating as they dive deep into the upcoming Restaurant Leadership Conference (RLC), the premier gathering of restaurant industry executives. Discover insider details about this year's must-attend event, featuring Mark Wahlberg, innovative networking opportunities, and exclusive insights into restaurant leadership. From Dave's Hot Chicken's remarkable growth story to cutti...

Dive into the world of cruise ship cuisine with TechBytes' exclusive interview! Join food and beverage ambassador Rick Welch as he unveils the incredible culinary innovations happening on the high seas. Discover how cruise lines are revolutionizing dining experiences, from sustainable food practices to cutting-edge technology that serves thousands of guests around the clock. Learn about the up...

Dive into the future of hospitality with Rob Grimes and Infor's Alan Young as they unpack the game-changing technologies transforming restaurants, hotels, and service industries. From AI-driven personalization to innovative revenue strategies, this podcast reveals how cutting-edge tech can create seamless customer experiences. Alan shares his remarkable journey from mini-bar attendant to indus...

Join host Rob Grimes for an electrifying TechBytes episode featuring Zerrick Pearson, CIO of Five Guys and new IFBTA Chairman! Dive into the cutting-edge world of food technology where AI, data insights, and innovation are reshaping how restaurants operate. Discover how technology is no longer just a backend tool, but a critical driver of customer experience and business strategy. Zerrick shares p...

Dive into the future of hospitality at HRC 2025! Join TechBytes as we explore the 90-year legacy of the UK's most comprehensive food service event. Philippa Christer reveals an incredible showcase featuring 1,000 products, 200 speakers, and 30,000 industry professionals converging at ExCel Center. Discover cutting-edge technologies transforming restaurants, kitchens, and food service - from startu...

Dive into the future of retail with Rob Grimes and Shop Talk's VP of Content, Rocquan Lucas, exploring the cutting-edge trends transforming the industry! Discover how 10,000 retail professionals are reimagining customer experiences through AI, personalization, and innovative networking. This year's Shop Talk promises over 200 speakers, including Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary, revealin...