The Connected Kitchen: Restaurants Are Now Technology Companies with Jim Basar

Jim Basar, VP of Enterprise Business Group at Intwine Connect, LLC, explains how restaurants now rely on internet connectivity for point-of-sale systems, digital menu boards, guest Wi-Fi, delivery platforms, and connected kitchen systems. He shows how reliable connectivity supports revenue, customer experience, labor efficiency, food safety, and data-driven operations across locations. He also outlines how stronger connectivity strategies, blended carrier options, and dependable support partners help restaurant brands scale confidently in both urban and rural markets.“What we’re seeing is almost a gold rush of technology going into the restaurant space right now, driven by the move toward cloud-based point-of-sale systems. As restaurants add more technology into their stores with digital menu boards, guest WiFi, TVs, and connected kitchen equipment, that internet connection is really the backbone of a business.” — Jim BasarRestaurants are rapidly evolving into technology-driven environments where connectivity directly impacts revenue, efficiency, and guest experience. Jim shares how digital transformation across front-of-house and back-of-house operations is reshaping restaurant strategy. He highlights why resilient connectivity, hybrid carrier strategies, and proactive monitoring are essential for scaling modern restaurant operations and maintaining consistent performance across distributed locations.Takeaways:The podcast delves into the transformative impact of technology on the restaurant industry, particularly highlighting the significance of a reliable Internet connection for operational efficiency.Jim Bessard's journey from an intern to the head of enterprise sales at Entwine illustrates the profound evolution within the tech-driven restaurant sector.The discussion emphasizes how the integration of IoT devices and cloud-based systems enhances the connected kitchen, thereby improving customer service and operational effectiveness.A critical takeaway is the necessity for restaurant owners to remain open and adaptive to new technologies that can significantly enhance their business operations and customer experiences.The podcast outlines how the increasing complexity of data management in restaurant chains necessitates innovative solutions and partnerships to ensure seamless connectivity.The conversation underscores the importance of proactive technology management, particularly with Internet connectivity, to mitigate potential operational disruptions in a competitive industry.Full NameJim BasarTitleVP of Enterprise Business GroupCompanyIntwine Connect, LLCLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-basar-91240a50/Company Sitehttps://www.intwineconnect.com/