One Organ at a Time: Chris Demery's Approach to Restaurant Technology Implementation | Restaurants & Franchises Series

🎙️ How a former military officer on the fast track to becoming a general pivoted to transform restaurant technology across major brands like Domino's, Bloomin' Brands, and now Blaze Pizza. In this fascinating episode, Chris Demery shares his unique journey from managing complex military communications systems to becoming a Chief Technology Officer focused on creating seamless guest experiences in the restaurant industry. Chris reveals his customer-centric approach to technology implementation and how he's helping Blaze Pizza adapt to rapidly changing consumer preferences.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:How Chris's military program management experience prepared him for successful technology implementations in the restaurant industryThe strategic approach to rolling out new point-of-sale systems across franchise locations by focusing on ROI and business valueWhy Chris believes technology leaders must be business-focused rather than solely technology-focusedThe surprising data that challenges conventional wisdom about what food travels well for deliveryHow digital ordering technology consistently outperforms humans at upselling, driving higher check averagesThe importance of measuring speed of service with precision to meet guest expectations of 8-12 minutesWhy implementing technology should be approached like replacing organs one at a time rather than all at onceHow Blaze is evolving beyond their signature "walk the line" experience to meet guests where they want to be met🌟 Key Milestones in Chris's Journey:Military Career: Rose to the top 5% of his year group with special forces support experienceEducation: Earned a master's degree in computer science during military serviceTransition to Civilian Life: Started at NCR Retail Systems, where he first encountered Domino's PizzaDomino's Pizza: Helped standardize technology across franchiseesBloomin' Brands: Successfully implemented SAP financials, coming in under budgetP.F. Chang's: Developed expertise in off-premises dining solutionsBlaze Pizza: Currently serving as CTO, modernizing technology infrastructure across the brand👉 Don't miss Chris's insights on how restaurant brands must remain agile in meeting customer expectations that are constantly evolving, and his vision for using AI to provide "whisper in the ear" guidance to restaurant managers in real-time.🔗 Connect with Chris Demery:LinkedIn: Chris DemeryConferences: Meet Chris in person at restaurant technology conferences like Mertech, Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology, and FS Tech📄 Transcript Available: One Organ at a Time: Chris Demery's Approach to Restaurant Technology Implementation📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency - Subscribe and Watch🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency:AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutionsWebsite: addbackbenefitsagency.com#RestaurantTechnology #GuestExperience #DigitalOrdering #BlazePizza #TechnologyLeadership #FoodDelivery #CustomerExperience #FranchiseTechnology #ProgramManagement #InspiredStoriesPodcast