TechBytes Podcast

Dive into the evolution of the hospitality industry with Abigail Lorden, VP and Publisher of Hospitality Technology. Explore the 30-year history of MURTEC and how it has adapted to changing technologies and trends. Discover the innovative "Experience Matters" theme for MURTEC 2025 and the new education zones catering to diverse industry segments. Learn how cross-industry collaboration and standard...

Join us for a captivating conversation about the Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL) conference, where industry trailblazers are redefining the foodservice landscape. Hear from Danny Klein, VP of Editorial and Director of Food, Retail, and Hospitality at QSR and FSR magazine, as he shares insights into the event's growth, innovative programming, and the powerful community it has fostered. Discov...

In this episode of TechBytes, host Rob Grimes interviews David Roberts, the CIO of Cicis Pizza. They discuss the unique technology challenges of running a pizza buffet business, including managing inventory, labor, and the customer experience. David shares how Cicis is focused on building a strong data and loyalty platform to better serve their guests. He also touches on using AI for things like s...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Ron DiNella, Chief Financial Officer of Ascent Hospitality Management. Discover how this industry veteran has navigated the evolving landscape of the restaurant business, from his early days at Morton's Steakhouse to his current role overseeing iconic brands like Perkins and Huddle House. Gain insights into the role of technology in driving innovation, d...

Join us for a deep dive from industry expert David Henkes of Technomic as he shares insights on the latest trends, from the rise of global restaurant chains to the surge in beverage innovation. Discover how automation and robotics are reshaping the back-of-house, and explore the challenges of adapting technology across diverse markets. This episode offers a unique perspective on the evolving lands...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Dave Harris, Chief Technology Officer of Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants. Discover how this industry veteran is leveraging his diverse background in hospitality, retail, and travel to drive innovation and enhance the customer experience. Explore the evolving role of technology in the restaurant industry and learn how Cooper's Hawk is staying ahead o...

Join us for a tech-filled conversation with Potbelly Sandwich Works’ SVP and CIO, Jeff Douglas, as he shares insights on the evolving fast casual landscape. Discover how Potbelly is leveraging cutting-edge technology, data, and personalization to elevate the sandwich experience. Hear Jeff's perspectives on the convergence of FinTech and foodservice, the power of customer data, and innovative trend...

Get a sneak peek at the cutting-edge innovations set to take center stage at the upcoming NRF2025: Retail’s Big Show from January 12-14. Join us on TechBytes as we dive into the latest technology transforming the customer experience. From robotic pizza makers to smart condiment stations, this episode explores the convergence of retail and hospitality, uncovering the trends and technologies shaping...

Join Rob Grimes as he sits down with Chris Fletcher, CEO and founder of Tech on Toast, for an engaging conversation about the future of technology in hospitality. From the challenges of integrating multiple systems to the buzz around AI, this episode dives into the real-world tech solutions that are reshaping restaurants and hospitality businesses today.   Chris shares his unique insights on untan...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Maruoko Sam-Agwor, Manager of New Restaurant Installations at Chipotle, as he shares his expertise in the evolving world of restaurant technology. A seasoned industry leader, Maruoko discusses Columbus, Ohio’s emergence as a hub for culinary and tech innovation, fueled by a diverse talent pool and its role as a testing ground for new ideas. He provides an...

The food and hospitality industries are embracing a digital revolution, and Informa Markets offers an insider’s perspective. From the FHA-HoReCa and FSTEC Asia trade events in Singapore, Fraser Hawkes and Janice Lee explore cutting-edge innovations like robotic kitchens, AI-powered restaurant tools, and VR dining. Discover how emerging technologies like AI and IoT are reshaping business models and...

Join host Rob Grimes as he dives into the evolving role of technology in the restaurant industry with Richard del Valle, CIO of Bojangles’ Restaurants, Inc. In this insightful conversation, Richard shares his unique journey from operations to IT leadership and how his diverse experience informs his approach to innovation. Discover how Bojangles is blending cutting-edge technology like AI-powered d...

In this episode of TechBytes, host Rob Grimes sits down with industry veteran Peter Backman of theDelivery. World to explore the rapidly evolving world of food delivery. They dive into the challenges and opportunities facing restaurants, from managing costs and maintaining brand standards to leveraging new technologies and business models. Discover insights on the rise of ghost kitchens, the impac...

Step into the future of hospitality! Join Rob Grimes at the Hospitality Tech Expo in London as he explores transformative tech with industry leaders like Kevin Dixon of Tevalis and Ross Taylor from Lloyds Banking Group. Discover how innovations in POS, data analytics, and payments are reshaping guest experiences and driving growth. Tune in and stay ahead in the digital age of hospitality!

Curious about what powers the explosive growth of a brand like Dave’s Hot Chicken? Tune into this podcast episode featuring Leon Davoyan, CTO of Dave’s, as he shares his journey from a POS tech at Universal Studios to leading tech strategies at one of the fastest-growing chicken chains. Leon dives deep into the cutting-edge tech driving Dave’s expansion—from autonomous delivery to robot-assisted o...

Join industry veterans John Pepper, co-founder of Boloco, and Rob Grimes as they dive into the dynamic world of restaurant technology. In this insightful conversation, John reflects on his over-decade-long involvement in the FSTEC conference, sharing his perspective on the evolution of foodservice technology—from the early adoption of cloud-based POS systems to the rise of innovative online orderi...

Join FSTEC Asia, the premier event for restaurant operators, tech providers, and industry professionals, happening alongside FHA HoReCa in Singapore from October 22-24. Discover the latest innovations in restaurant technology, hear from global experts, and network with industry leaders. With sessions on AI, automation, and more, this event offers actionable insights to future-proof your business....

In 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 a...

In 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 infrastructu...

Join 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 navigati...

Join 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 Internatio...

Get 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...

In 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 expans...

In 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 dur...

Dive 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 fo...