Solving the Tip Out Tangle: CRS Hospitality’s Kickfin Story

Kevin Hildebrand is the Chief Operating Office of CRS Hospitality. He has spent his career helping operators cut through the noise and run restaurants with more confidence. In this Digital Hospitality episode, he shares the practical habits and systems that keep teams aligned, reduce stress, and make daily operations smoother. Kevin talks about the small adjustments that create big results, the importance of clear communication, and why consistency matters more than complexity. It is a grounded, real conversation about what is working in restaurants right now and what operators can do this week to make their business easier to manage and easier to grow.Interview Takeaways: People First, Systems That Support Them – Kevin Hildebrand believes hospitality starts with the humans running the restaurants. CRS Hospitality has grown to 15 concepts by creating a culture where managers are supported, teams collaborate across locations, and no one is left to struggle alone. Growth happens when people have the tools and structure to thrive, not just when new restaurants open. Technology Chosen for Real Operational Impact – CRS adopts technology only when it solves a true problem. Kickfin became essential because it fixed a daily pain point that was draining time and energy from managers. By integrating with Toast and making payouts transparent and instant, Kickfin helped simplify one of the most frustrating parts of restaurant operations. Modern Hospitality Requires Adaptation, Not Assumptions – Guest behavior continues to shift, and CRS is reshaping its restaurants accordingly. From redesigning floor plans for more takeout capacity to implementing digital tools that reduce administrative stress, Kevin and his team stay focused on meeting guests where they are. Hospitality today blends people, process, and technology working in sync. Episode Links: Kevin Hildebrand: https://www.crshospitality.com/team-member/kevin-hildebrand/ Kevin Hildebrand LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-hildebrand-95558068/ CRS Hospitality: https://www.crshospitality.com/ Kickfin Online: https://kickfin.com/ Kickfin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kickfin/ Kickfin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kickfin2618 Kickfin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickfin/ Kickfin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kickfin/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more Where to find Cali BBQ MediaVisit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services