EPISODE · Jul 22, 2026 · 25 MIN
As Bubbakoo's Burritos Grows — Chris Ives Turns to Atmosphere to Scale the Guest Experience
from Digital Hospitality · host Shawn P. Walchef
Chris Ives, CEO of Bubbakoo's Burritos, shares how the fast-casual brand is using Atmosphere to create a consistent guest experience as it grows toward 300 locations. From building a custom in-store TV channel that reflects the company's Jersey Shore roots to using technology that strengthens hospitality instead of replacing it, Ives explains how Bubbakoo's is scaling its brand while staying true to what made it successful. Brand Experience Must Scale With Growth – Chris Ives believes expanding from 140 to 300 restaurants is about more than opening new locations. Every restaurant has to deliver the same energy, hospitality, and personality that made Bubbakoo's Burritos successful in the first place, even as the franchise grows. Atmosphere Reinforces the Brand Story – Rather than treating televisions as background entertainment, Bubbakoo's uses Atmosphere to create a custom in-store channel that reflects its Jersey Shore roots and "Create Something Different" philosophy. The result is a consistent guest experience that extends beyond the food. Technology Should Strengthen Hospitality – Ives sees AI and technology as tools to simplify operations, improve decision-making, and free managers to spend more time with guests. His philosophy is that the best technology works behind the scenes while people remain at the center of the hospitality experience. Episode Links Chris Ives LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-ives-cfe-66b76940/ Bubbakoos Burritos: https://www.bubbakoos.com/ Bubbakoos Burritos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubbakoosburritos/ Atmosphere TV: https://www.atmosphere.tv/ Atmosphere TV LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atmospheretv/ Atmosphere TV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atmospheretv/ Atmosphere TV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atmospheretv/ Where to find Cali BBQ MediaVisit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services
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Chris Ives, CEO of Bubbakoo's Burritos, shares how the fast-casual brand is using Atmosphere to create a consistent guest experience as it grows toward 300 locations. From building a custom in-store TV channel that reflects the company's Jersey Shore roots to using technology that strengthens hospitality instead of replacing it, Ives explains how Bubbakoo's is scaling its brand while staying true to what made it successful.
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As Bubbakoo's Burritos Grows — Chris Ives Turns to Atmosphere to Scale the Guest Experience
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