EPISODE · Jul 13, 2026 · 15 MIN
He Helped Build Starbucks' Labor Systems — Now He's Helping Independent Restaurants
from Digital Hospitality · host Shawn P. Walchef
Still running your restaurant on gut feel? Ovation helps you catch guest issues before they turn into bad reviews. Their AI-powered platform gives restaurants real-time guest feedback so operators can fix problems in the moment, improve experiences, and naturally drive more five-star reviews. Learn more at ovationup.com/shawn Will Stewart, founder of Rightwork, shares how his experience building labor optimization systems at Starbucks inspired him to create AI-powered workforce tools for growing restaurant brands. He explains how Rightwork helps operators improve labor forecasting, automate scheduling, and give managers more time to focus on their teams and guests. Stewart also discusses the launch of Rovis, Rightwork's new AI assistant, why customer feedback drives every product decision, and how restaurant technology should solve real operational problems instead of creating more work. Enterprise Tools Aren't Just for Enterprise Brands – After building labor optimization systems at Starbucks, Will Stewart founded Rightwork to bring the same level of workforce planning to growing restaurant groups. The platform helps operators forecast labor, automate scheduling, and build consistent systems as they scale. AI Should Do the Work, Not Just Provide Answers – Rightwork's AI assistant, Rovis, goes beyond surfacing data. It can help managers fill open shifts, identify available employees, communicate with staff, and prepare daily operational recaps, giving restaurant leaders more time to spend with their teams and guests. The Best Restaurant Technology Starts With Listening – Stewart believes great software is built alongside operators, not in isolation. By constantly gathering feedback from restaurant teams and quickly turning it into new features, Rightwork focuses on solving real operational challenges instead of adding more complexity. Episode Links Will Stewart LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-stewart-23339b66/ Rightwork: https://right.work/ Rightwork LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightwork-inc/ 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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Will Stewart, founder of Rightwork, shares how his experience building labor optimization systems at Starbucks inspired him to create AI-powered workforce tools for growing restaurant brands.
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He Helped Build Starbucks' Labor Systems — Now He's Helping Independent Restaurants
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