Food on Demand

Alexis Parra, Chief Visionary Officer at Nékter Juice Bar, shares how tech is shaping growth for the fast-expanding juice and smoothie brand. She shares how digital channels drive the business, with the app generating about a third of orders and more than half of sales coming from third-party delivery. Parra also covers menu innovation and how travel and life experiences have helped shape her approach to building the brand.

Jeremy Cantarow, director of supply marketing at ezCater joins the podcast to discuss the changing consumer preferences for catering, stand-out approaches to catering menu innovation, the strategies behind ezCater's tech integrations and more. 

Stephen Klein, CEO and co-founder of Saivory, joins the podcast to discuss how restaurant operators use artificial intelligence to help decipher guest data, tailor the ordering process to consumers and overcome gaps in their tech stacks. 

Aalok Kapoor, COO of CookUnity, discusses the evolution of meal kit delivery and how CookUnity leverages technology to offer personalized, restaurant-quality prepared meals to consumers. 

Andrew Glantz, CEO and Founder of GiftAMeal, joins the Food On Demand Podcast to discuss his story as a social entrepreneur, how the platform uses restaurant marketing to combat food insecurity and more. 

Emily Williams Knight, president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, joins this episode of the Food On Demand podcast to discuss restaurant adoption of AI, food delivery policy changes, third-party delivery friction points and more.  

Angela Diffly, Director of Restaurant Digital and Technology Capabilities at Coca-Cola, talks restaurant tech trends and how the company is helping restaurants boost digital ordering and guest retention through smart partnerships. She also explores the future of instant delivery and where the digital dining experience is headed.

In this episode, Zach Rash, CEO and Founder of Coco Robotics, walks us through the journey of building the company—from its inception to its latest advancements in AI and automation. He shares what it takes behind the scenes to prepare cities for robotic delivery and how Coco partners with restaurants for last-mile logistics. We also explore the benefits of robotic delivery and where he sees the future of the industry heading.

Ahead of speaking on a panel at the conference, Ashley Elzinga joins the podcast to discuss key packaging trends, such as the growing focus on recyclability, compostability, and reuse. And touches on how legislation is shaping packaging decisions and how brands are leveraging packaging as a marketing opportunity.

Fresh off their "Demystifying AI" panel at the Food On Demand Conference, Carl and Deborah join us to break down how AI can help operators across the industry. From voice AI in the drive-thru to predictive data modeling, they share real-world use cases, unexpected wins, and what operators should focus on next.

In this episode, we sit down with Shawn P. Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, right after a dynamic Next Gen Marketing panel at the Food On Demand Conference. Shawn shares his journey from running a San Diego barbecue restaurant to becoming a leading voice in restaurant storytelling through social media and podcasting. We dive into practical advice for operators hesitant about video content, the power of showing up online—even imperfectly—and how authentic storytelling can drive real business results. Whether you're a restaurateur, marketer, or just curious about building a brand with your phone, this conversation will leave you ready to hit record.

In this episode, we're bringing you insights straight from Vegas at the eighth annual Food On Demand Conference! Bernadette sits down with Allen Beck, Director of Off-Premise and Catering at Costa Vida, as he breaks down how the brand uses a holistic, fully burdened approach to grow its catering business profitably. Plus, hear how technology integration plays a critical role in operations—and why having a smart, future-ready tech stack matters more than ever.

In this episode, industry veteran and current catering consultant Jim Rand shares lessons from building and scaling catering programs at brands like Panera Bread and PF Chang's. Jim walks us through how to build a robust catering program—from understanding production and technology integration to menu adaptation—and how operators can use tools and online ordering systems to streamline operations. He also dives into marketplace strategy, self-delivery vs. third-party fulfillment, and the key investments needed to stand out in a competitive landscape.

Jenifer Kern, CMO of Qu, joins us to unpack key insights from Qu's 2025 State of Digital Report. We dive into the major trends shaping the restaurant industry—from the shift from third-party to first-party ordering, to tech stack consolidation, AI adoption, the rise of kiosks and smart kitchens, and more. Plus, how success hinges on how effectively restaurants can unify and activate their data.

In this episode, Cynthia Hollen, CEO of Mavi.io, shares how in-car ordering is changing the game for consumers. We explore the growing demand for seamless ordering as people look for ways to streamline the process without reaching for their phones. Cynthia also discusses how tech can enhance promotions, upselling, and overall user experience. From the rise of pre-ordering after the pandemic to discovering best practices for the future, we dive into the ongoing evolution of the industry.

Join Fred LeFranc, CEO of Results Thru Strategy, as we explore the adoption of agentic and generative AI, the impact of robotics, and how restaurants are navigating the value wars. Plus, Fred gives us a look at what's driving success at brands like Chili's in today's competitive market. 

With no one-size-fits-all solution, managing a tech stack can be tricky—especially when handling multiple vendors while operators are already juggling so many hats.. In this episode, Maia dives deep into the everyday tech challenges restaurants face, from legacy POS system switches to simple Wi-Fi issues. She explains how Science On Call helps tackle these problems and shares strategies for restaurants.    

Jenn Saunders-Haynes, Director of Global Catering at Subway explores how catering has shifted in recent years, with changing consumer demands for speed, quality, and accuracy. She shares how Subway adapts through tech and compelling food visuals, along with valuable advice for operators of any size. 

In this episode, Anna explores the differences in restaurant marketing strategies for small, local businesses versus larger brands, focusing on community engagement and standing out in a competitive market. She also discusses how leveraging technology and customer data for personalization can foster stronger connections with customers.

Deborah Matteliano, Global Head of Amazon Web Services discusses how AI, predictive ordering, and chatbots are transforming the restaurant industry, plus dives into the future role of tech in hospitality. She also shares valuable, actionable leadership tips for women in tech, focusing on confidence, resilience, and empowering others.

Andrew dives into Papa John's hybrid delivery strategy, how the brand leverages technology to adapt to new generations in a competitive pizza market, and explores the future of pizza delivery innovations.  

Christine Schindler, CEO and Cofounder of PathSpot, discusses the complexity of food safety in today's omnichannel restaurant environment and how she created a tech solution for real-time monitoring to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

In this episode, Gracie Prasanson, VP of Sales at Jason's Deli, discusses how the brand continues to excel in off-premises operations. She dives deep into catering, sharing best practices for this growing sector, and highlights how technology and a hybrid delivery fleet can help scale your on-demand business. 

In this episode, we explore Cousins Maine Lobster—a leader in the food truck and brick-and-mortar space. Co-founder Sabin Lomac shares insights from their Shark Tank experience that helped launch the business. Discover what makes their mobile restaurant concept so successful, and tune in for invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs!

In this episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, host Bernadette interviews Wow Bao CEO Geoff Alexander on redefining the restaurant experience through non-traditional locations, technology and gamification in the metaverse. Co-host Adam also joins to discuss the state of drone delivery and a delivery speed test on DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub.   

In the 31st episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Bernadette interview Michael Boyan, director of digital operations at Shake Shack. They also cover Instacart's big IPO and Kitchen United CEO Michael Montagano departing for Dog Haus. 

In the 30th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Bernadette interview Bikky co-founder and CEO Abhinav Kapur about the future of customer relationship management and loyalty in restaurants. They also cover MrBeast filing suit against Virtual Dining Concepts and Domino's signing with its first third-party delivery provider—Uber Eats.

In the 29th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Jared interview Meredith Sandland and Carl Orsbourn, authors of Delivering the Digital Restaurant, about their next book coming soon. They also cover the Kroger-Albertsons mega merger and Reef hitting a municipal snag in Texas and Pennsylvania.

In the 28th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick interview Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. As a preview for the upcoming Food On Demand Off-Premises Packaging Summit, they cover new products hitting the market, the rising issue of so-called forever chemicals, and bringing beverages and desserts into the delivery ecosystem.

In the 27th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick interview Rob Carpenter, founder and CEO of Valyant AI, an AI platform for quick-serve restaurants. They also cover dynamic pricing coming into the restaurant space, Waitr officially rebranding to ASAP, DoorDash and Uber Eats starting nationwide shipping, and a new study showing drones emitting much less carbon during deliveries. 

In the 26th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick interview Khanh Nguyen, founder and CEO of Zalat Pizza, a pizza concept that does all its delivery via third-party platforms. They also cover the Daily Harvest foodborne illness outbreak,  Kwali's kitchen computer vision, Wonder's eye-popping valuation and Just Eat Takeaway's stock dropping on Grubhub sale concerns. 

In the 25th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick speak with Alex Vasilkin, co-founder and CEO of Cartwheel, which is a company helping restaurants manage their delivery fleets and set up hybrid or fully in-house delivery. They also cover a new product improving delivery and takeout food quality, Deliverect's virtual restaurant marketplace, Uber's nationwide shipping and Dexai kitchen AI.  

In the 24th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick interview Kristen Barnett, founder and CEO of Hungry House, a ghost kitchen bringing a rotating roster of notable chefs to New York City diners. They also cover McDonald's hitting a huge digital sales milestone, a partnership accelerating the move to sustainable delivery packaging and the latest automation advancements from Miso Robotics.

In the 23rd episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick interview Jason Chen, the CEO of JustKitchen, a Taiwanese ghost kitchen brand that's now expanding into North America. They also cover Starship raising $100 million, DoorDash buying Bbot, the possible implosion of Buyk and the impact of rising gas prices on delivery drivers.

In the 22nd episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick interview Buyk CEO James Walker about scaling the ultra-fast grocery category. They also dive into DoorDash providing financing for restaurants, White Castle bringing Flippy bots into its kitchens, Grubhub partnering with 7-Eleven on convenience and Coco expanding its robotic delivery service to Austin.

In the 21st episode of the Food On Demand Podcast hosts Tom and Nick talk about the latest big DoorDash acquisition, ghost kitchen operational issues and Uber's new all-encompassing membership program.  They also interview Zhong Xu, founder of order integrator and delivery experience company Deliverect about the competitive restaurant technology space, where the market is going and novel delivery use cases from across Europe. 

In the 20th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick give a brief preview of this year's Food On Demand Conference, and interview Meredith Sandland and Carl Orsbourn, authors of "Delivering the Digital Restaurant," about delivery providers diversifying their offerings, the convergence of the grocery and restaurants, and how these changes will show themselves in the build form of suburbia.

In the 19th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick talk with Dirk Izzo, president and GM of NCR's hospitality division. They also cover Toast's IPO, Alphabet's Wing hitting the 100,000 drone delivery milestone, the rise of local delivery co-ops and the ongoing Proposition 22 debate about delivery drivers.

In the 18th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick talk with David Bloom, Chief Development and Operating Officer for Capriotti's and Wing Zone. They also cover DoorDash's new Full Service model that allows restaurants to outsource everything—even the cooking—at its ghost kitchens, WoodSpoon landing $14 million in funding, and the Food On Demand team's delivery price inflation test comparing the cost of delivery to dining in. 

In the 17th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick talk with Rishi Nigam, co-founder and CEO of Franklin Junction, which pioneered the host kitchen model bringing outside brands into under-utilized kitchens.   They also cover Just Eat Takeaway finalizing its purchase of Grubhub, the rise of instant grocery delivery, Snackpass landing a big-dollar investment and delivery volumes remaining stable as we move into the peak of summer.

In the 16th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick talk with Bobby Healy, founder of Manna, a drone delivery as a service provider, and Brody Sweeney, director, Camile Thai Kitchen, about their ongoing work delivering meals to customers in Ireland. They also cover Olo's IPO, DoorDash suing Olo, Fuku's rough delivery-only debut in Houston and the staying power of virtual restaurants as the pandemic slowly recedes.  

In the 15th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick talk with Nabeel Alamgir, founder and CEO of Lunchbox. They also dive into the rise of software platforms specifically designed for virtual restaurants, DoorDash acquiring Chowbotics, and also how their own dining and delivery habits are permanently changed because of the pandemic.

In the 14th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick talk with Geoff Alexander, president and CEO of Wow Bao and a managing partner at Lettuce Entertain You. They also cover the National Restaurant Association's new guidelines for delivery providers, an Ohio city hiring its own delivery drivers, and the rise of celebrity-backed virtual restaurants.  

In the 13th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick talk with Chris Monk, founder and CEO of Your Fare, an order integration and logistics company that recently acquired Pronto and Beyond4. They also cover DoorDash's imminent IPO, Chipotle's first digital-only kitchen, Ordermark raising $120 million and California voters approval of Proposition 22 that allows delivery drivers to remain independent contractors.

In the 12th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick talk with Ilir Sela, the founder and CEO of Slice, an online marketplace exclusively for independent pizzerias that recently crossed $1 billion in transactions. They also cover drone deliveries of pad thai in the U.K., electric delivery vehicles on campuses and beyond, Inspire Brands investing in ItsaCheckmate and Amazon going deeper into grocery delivery.

In the 11th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Tom and Nick speak with Meredith Sandland, the former COO of Kitchen United who's writing a book called Delivering the Digital Restaurant, and Christine Barone, CEO of True Food Kitchen. They also dive into Waitr's latest financial results, Uber buying Postmates, CloudKitchens' new drive-thru facility in LA, and C3's upcoming mega food hall/ghost kitchen project on Manhattan's west side.

In the 10th episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Nick and Tom speak with Wingstop CEO Charlie Morrison about how his brand has bucked the trends by growing sales during the pandemic. They also dive into rumors that Uber might buy Grubhub, cities capping delivery fees, Drizly delivering weed and cracks spreading in the grocery supply chain. 

In the latest episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Nick and Tom speak with Don Fox, the CEO of Firehouse Subs, and Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, about how they're adapting their brands to weather the pandemic storm. They also discuss Panera getting into the grocery game, and the novel JoyRun delivery service accelerating its national rollout.

In the eighth episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Nick and Tom talk about possible M&A action on the delivery space, U.S. virtual kitchen investment reaching $600 and speak with Kelly Seeman, head of enterprise relations at Uber Eats.

Tom and Nick discuss Grubhub's big move into delivery integration, as well as Instacart getting into the prepared meal game. Ordermark founder and CEO Alex Canter talk about big changes to the marketplace, as well as the operational cornerstones to succeed with his Grilled Cheese Heaven virtual restaurant.