ChatGTM

The conversation covers various topics related to Coco Robotics, including its launch event, capabilities, impact on food delivery, design, scalability, government approvals, deployment, tipping points, impact on restaurants, expansion into other verticals, growth and partnerships, PR and brand trust, upcoming events, and rapid fire questions.TakeawaysCoco Robotics is revolutionizing the last-mile delivery industry with its autonomous delivery robots.The company's focus on quality, sustainability, and efficiency is driving its success in various cities and markets.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Work Culture05:47 Coco Robotics Impact on Food Delivery10:54 Coco Robotics Scalability and Expansion18:00 Coco Robotics Tipping Points23:44 Coco Robotics Growth and Partnerships32:02 Closing Remarks

Most restaurants aren’t losing on strategy. They’re losing in the middle of a Tuesday lunch rush.Mary Pillow Thompson breaks down why frontline execution, not planning, is where profit is won or lost. From wasted product to misaligned teams, this episode exposes the hidden inefficiencies killing margins inside restaurant operations.Mary, co-founder of Zignal (acquired by Miso Robotics), explains how AI, automation, and better shift-level clarity are transforming how restaurants actually run. Not in theory. In real time.This isn’t about replacing humans. It’s about finally telling them how to win.What you’ll learn:Why up to 40% of fries get wasted and how to fix itThe biggest mistake restaurants make with AI and automationHow giving employees a simple goal can transform performanceWhy most teams are running a different store than they thinkThe real role of robotics like Flippy in modern kitchensHow to reduce chaos during peak hours without adding headcountMary also shares how Zignal acts as an “AI shift manager” giving frontline teams clarity on what matters right now, not after the fact.If you care about restaurant ops, GTM, or applying AI in the real world, this one hits.Subscribe to ChatGTM for more conversations on marketing, AI, and go-to-market strategy..TakeawaysAI in the restaurant industryImpact of automation on QSR workers Efficiency in the restaurant industry can lead to significant cost savings.Understanding the current state of a restaurant's operations is crucial before implementing new technology or automation.Chapter Timestamps00:00 Intro01:42 Who is Mary Pillow Thompson04:31 What Zignal actually does06:19 Turning employees into a winning team07:15 Robots as team members (Flippy)09:06 Why Miso acquired Zignal12:09 The real value of data + AI in restaurants17:36 The shocking level of food waste19:22 The future of QSR workers24:22 How to adopt automation the right way29:07 The one thing every operator should fix34:04 What Mary looks for in a struggling store35:41 Biggest mistake with AI in restaurants37:10 Lightning round

The conversation covers the introduction of the podcast, the mission behind Power Soul Cafe, the need for safe food for people with celiac disease, building a movement, the drive to succeed, and scaling the business and guest experience. The conversation covers various themes including customer experience, tech solutions, influencer engagement, Shark Tank experience, brand awareness, franchising, and personal insights. Power Soul Cafe's unique approach to franchising and the importance of educating people about food are highlighted takeaways.TakeawaysCertified gluten-free fast food conceptThe importance of safe food for people with celiac disease and food sensitivity Brand awareness is crucialPower Soul Cafe's unique approach to franchisingEducating people about food is importantChapters00:00 Scaling the Business and Guest Experience26:07 Customer Experience and Constructive Feedback31:57 Shark Tank Experience and Business Beliefs39:47 Rapid Fire Q&A and Personal Insights

Most franchise brands lose what made them special when they scale.This is how one pizza brand is refusing to.Carl Comeaux, CEO of Crust Pizza Co., breaks down what it actually takes to grow a restaurant brand without sacrificing quality, culture, or unit economics.From turning down private equity to building custom tech and obsessing over prime cost, this episode is a masterclass in disciplined growth.Carl didn’t start with pizza, he built multiple businesses before spotting Crust as a customer. Now he’s scaling it toward 250 locations with a clear philosophy: protect the soul, or the brand dies.Inside this episode:Why private equity can destroy emerging brandsThe #1 lever that makes or breaks restaurant profitabilityHow to find (and filter) the right franchiseesWhy most brands focus on the wrong “customer experience”How AI is reshaping restaurant operations right nowThe real reason pizza brings people together (and why it matters)If you’re building, scaling, or investing in a brand—this one hits.Subscribe to ChatGTM for more conversations on marketing, AI, and go-to-market strategy.#FranchiseGrowth#RestaurantBusiness#Entrepreneurship#UnitEconomics#GTMStrategy#FoodBusiness#StartupScaling#Hospitality#AIinBusiness

The conversation covers topics such as birthday celebrations, the introduction of Kelly Grogan and her work with Crumbs, the importance of catering in restaurants, common mistakes in catering menus, balancing menu variety for catering, delivering a great customer experience through catering, marketing strategies for catering programs, budgeting and ROI for catering programs, and the importance of packaging and branding in catering. The conversation covers a range of topics related to catering, delivery, and guest experience. It explores strategies for winning accounts, the impact of delivery robots, empowering third-party delivery, leveraging third-party marketplaces, social media marketing, the role of AI in catering, and the upcoming catering workshop event. Kelly Grogan shares her passion for finding and wowing new customers and provides insights into her personal preferences and experiences.TakeawaysCatering is a significant revenue source for restaurantsMenu variety and customer experience are crucial in cateringEffective marketing and budgeting are essential for successful catering programsPackaging and branding play a key role in the success of catering orders Maximizing investment in packaging for multiple usesEmpowering third-party delivery for a better guest experienceChapters00:00 Birthday Celebrations and Introductions05:05 The Importance of Catering in Restaurants15:45 Marketing Strategies for Catering Programs22:29 Maximizing Investment in Packaging28:23 First-Party vs. Third-Party Dynamic33:39 Catering Workshop

The conversation covers the evolving landscape of catering in the restaurant industry, focusing on the operational and marketing aspects. It delves into the importance of catering, the impact of technology and innovation, and the role of the C Society in providing fractional support for restaurant businesses. The conversation covers the emergence of new solutions in the market, the impact of off-premise catering on restaurant operations, and the importance of brand experience in catering. It also delves into the challenges and opportunities in off-premise catering, the role of technology, and the significance of relationship-based business in catering.TakeawaysCatering is becoming increasingly important for restaurants to drive revenue outside of their four walls and create consistency and quality in guest experiences.The C Society provides a collective of professionals with distinct superpowers, offering fractional support for various aspects of restaurant businesses. Emergence of new solutionsImpact of off-premise catering on restaurant operationsImportance of brand experience in cateringChallenges and opportunities in off-premise cateringRole of technology in cateringSignificance of relationship-based business in cateringChapters00:00 The Future of Off-Premise and Catering29:10 Importance of Brand Experience in Catering35:15 Role of Technology in Catering

The podcast episode features a conversation with Allen Beck, a proven operator and growth leader in the restaurant and hospitality space, discussing the transition from his previous company to his current role at nibble one. The conversation covers the significance of catering, the impact of technology, and the operational challenges faced by restaurants in the off-premise and catering business. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to off-premise catering, including technology solutions, branding, customer experience, and industry insights. It also delves into the challenges and opportunities in the catering industry, as well as the impact of technology on catering operations.TakeawaysCatering as a significant revenue driverThe importance of operations, technology, and people in catering success Full transparency in the catering processThe importance of branding and customer experience in cateringChapters00:00 Quality Control in Catering Delivery31:18 The Role of Delivery Services in Off-Premise Catering37:38 Transition to Tech and Passion for Impact

This episode of ChatGTM features a conversation with Christopher Sebes, a hospitality pioneer and visionary, discussing the Incentive platform designed to grow customer count with targeted digital ads. The conversation covers the evolution of restaurant technology, the impact of location-based advertising, and the role of AI in marketing. The conversation covers the journey of a tech company in the restaurant industry, the challenges of changing direction, and the innovative approach to targeted advertising. It also delves into the intersection of technology and human behavior, as well as the personal and professional insights of the guest.TakeawaysRestaurant technology evolutionImpact of location-based advertisingRole of AI in marketing Tech companies face challenges in pivoting their direction to meet market needs.Innovative targeted advertising can be a game-changer for businesses in various industries.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Snowdrifts06:18 Incentive Platform Overview12:10 Problem-Solving with Incentive18:22 Reporting and A/B Testing24:10 Learning and Collaboration32:59 Targeted Advertising and Human Behavior39:33 Partnerships and Industry Insights

In this episode of The ChatGTM Podcast, hosts Michael Beck and Chad Horn welcome Adam Steinman, a customer experience executive specializing in restaurant technology. The conversation explores the intersection of culinary arts and technology, particularly how Adam's background as a chef informs his approach to enhancing customer experience through AI. They discuss the complexities of restaurant operations, the role of AI in improving hospitality, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in service. Adam shares insights on guest sentiment towards AI, the significance of quality in technology, and lessons learned from past AI failures. The episode concludes with thoughts on leadership, the future of AI in restaurants, and upcoming industry events.The conversation covers the impact of AI in the restaurant industry, the influence of culinary background on technology, and guest sentiment towards AI experience. It also explores the challenges and opportunities in AI adoption, the respect for restaurant operations, and the impact of AI on hospitality and employee experience. Additionally, it discusses the design of tech for restaurant operations and lessons from first generation AI platforms. The conversation covers a range of topics including the interaction between AI and human touch, cost and pricing strategy, customer experience and leadership, the importance of quality ingredients in technology, restaurant operations and AI, and the significance of human touch in hospitality. The discussion delves into the impact of AI on drive-through upsell, the fixed cost per store, customer experience teams, the analogy of cooking with quality ingredients, Audivi AI in drive-through technology, and the role of human interaction in the restaurant industry.TakeawaysAI in the restaurant industryImpact of culinary background on techGuest sentiment towards AI experience AI and Human InteractionCost and Pricing StrategyCustomer Experience and LeadershipQuality Ingredients and TechnologyRestaurant Operations and AIHuman Touch in HospitalityChapters00:00 Introduction and Trade Show Season05:00 Hospitality and AI in Restaurants11:01 AI and Hospitality Experience16:15 Impact of AI on Employee Experience22:29 Designing Tech for Restaurant Operations29:39 AI and Human Interaction35:09 Quality Ingredients and Technology40:54 Human Touch in Hospitality

The conversation covers the personal stories of the guests, the journey of Budget Branders, the challenges and solutions in the supply chain, the importance of branding and custom disposables, eco-friendly packaging, upcoming events, and the seamless process and turnaround time for custom disposables. Key takeaways include the impact of custom branded disposables on brand perception, the benefits of the hybrid program, and the importance of communication and customer service. The conversation covers the entrepreneurial journey of Ramsey and Jamie Gilbertsen, focusing on their investment in a factory, printing equipment, customer relationships, and the benefits of their hybrid program for packaging. The discussion also highlights the joy found in business and the surprising aspects of working in the custom disposables industry.TakeawaysCustom branded disposables elevate brand perceptionHybrid program offers cost efficiency and flexibilityCommunication and customer service are key to success Hybrid program for packagingEntrepreneurial journeyServant leadershipCustom disposables industryChapters00:00 Seamless Process and Turnaround Time29:46 Growth and Market Competition35:09 Hybrid Program Benefits42:21 Surprising Aspects of Custom Disposables

The podcast episode features a conversation with Daniel Martinez, the founder and CEO of QNS, discussing the impact of technology on restaurant operations, the value proposition for restaurant brands, Daniel's personal journey as a solopreneur, and the role of technology in the hospitality business. The conversation also delves into the misconceptions and realities in technology adoption, as well as the alignment of technology with measurable outcomes and the importance of resiliency and redundancy in network infrastructure. The conversation delves into the impact of technology on customer experience, highlighting the shift in the restaurant industry towards technology-driven customer interactions. It also explores the critical importance of endpoint security in business operations, emphasizing the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive data and systems.TakeawaysTechnology needs to be aligned with measurable outcomesThe importance of resiliency and redundancy in network infrastructure Customer experience is impacted by technologyEndpoint security is a critical concern for businessesChaptersDaniel’s Background & Career Journey – From IT leadership to founding Q & S, solopreneurship, and lessons learned.Q & S & Restaurant Technology – Discussing tech infrastructure for multi-unit restaurants, scaling, and operational efficiency.Security & Network Insights – Cybersecurity, endpoint security, and network resiliency in restaurants.AI & Tech Adoption – How AI and modern technology impact operations and decision-making.Personal Reflections – Daniel shares personal stories of resilience, community, and lessons from entrepreneurship.

The conversation covers the importance of AI in hospitality, Josh's Halpern's expertise in bar operations, his role at Anheuser-Busch, identifying key industry challenges, the impact of chicken wings on business, the role of AI in hospitality and emotional currency, the use of AI to enhance guest experience, challenges and opportunities with AI and Shaquille O'Neal, and creating emotional experiences in Big Chicken and Fresh Brothers Pizza. The conversation covers topics related to creating lasting memories, improving hiring processes, learning from Craveworthy, challenges of restaurant tech, the value of trade shows, AI in hospitality, and preparing for an AI-enabled future. Key themes include the importance of authentic energy and hospitality, the complexity of restaurant tech solutions, and the need to isolate feeling vs. thought in business.TakeawaysAI's role in enhancing guest experienceEmotional currency and its impact on hospitality Authentic energy and hospitality are essential for creating lasting memoriesThe complexity of restaurant tech solutions requires careful consideration and optimizationChapters00:00 Introductions and Cold Weather Chatter05:15 Identifying Key Industry Challenges16:04 The Use of AI to Enhance Guest Experience23:51 Creating Emotional Experiences in Big Chicken and Fresh Brothers Pizza29:21 Learning from Craveworthy35:24 The Value of Trade Shows41:07 Preparing for an AI-Enabled Future

🎙️ Podcast Spotlight: ChatGTM Podcast S2 Ep 5: Toni Ronayne on Leadership, Fractional Roles & CommunityWe had the pleasure of speaking with Toni Ronayne about her journey from corporate leadership to founding her own company, The C Society. The conversation dives into the shifts, insights, and strategies shaping modern hospitality leadership.✨ Key Themes:• Embracing change & validation• Early career leadership lessons• The rise & impact of fractional leadership• Community building & mentorship in hospitality• Unique pressures for women in leadership• Momentum, cross-pollination & setting up fractional leaders for success💡 Top Takeaways:• Hospitality leadership: Navigating dynamic change & priorities• Fractional leadership: Essential in times of transformation• Community building: Finding your tribe & fostering connections• Validation & timing: Knowing when to pivot & embrace new opportunities🕒 Episode Chapters:• 00:00 – NRF Highlights & Introduction• 05:57 – Early Career & Leadership Lessons• 14:00 – Rise of Fractional Leadership• 20:54 – Community Building & Transition to C Society• 27:16 – Embracing Change & Validation• 33:27 – Unique Pressures for Women in Hospitality Leadership• 39:03 – Setting Up Fractional Leaders for SuccessToni’s insights remind us that leadership isn’t just about title, it’s about momentum, community, and impact.#Leadership #FractionalLeadership #Hospitality #CommunityBuilding#Mentorship #CareerTransition

The conversation covers the impact of AI on the QSR industry, focusing on decision-making, operational efficiency, and staff experience. It also delves into the challenges and benefits of AI adoption, particularly in the context of product leadership and operational dynamics within the QSR industry. The conversation covers the importance of challenging AI models, the process of pivoting in product development, the future of drive-through technology, the significance of customer satisfaction, the role of customer obsession in product leadership, and the need for clarity in AI adoption. Each chapter delves into these themes, providing valuable insights and perspectives from the speakers.TakeawaysAI as a Decision-Making ToolImpact of AI on QSR Industry AI models should be challengedPivoting in product developmentThe future of drive-through technologyThe importance of customer satisfactionCustomer obsession in product leadershipThe need for clarity in AI adoptionChapters00:00 Introduction and Event Discussion05:28 AI in QSR Industry14:30 Impact of AI on QSR Staff and Operations19:37 New Bottleneck in AI Adoption25:06 Pivoting in Product Development31:36 Customer Satisfaction and Obsession40:50 AI Tools and Product Mistakes

The conversation delves into the influence of Jim Knight, the impact of culture on business success, Jim Knight's career journey and focus on culture, the power of one in sparking change, the role of leadership in organizational culture, encouraging innovation and risk-taking, the shift towards personal branding and employee engagement, and the importance of personalization in customer experience. The conversation covers Jim Knight's journey from a middle school teacher to a promoter of change and impact. It delves into the trajectory of change, resilience, and identifying key areas of change. It also explores unique experiences, lessons of gratitude, and the influence of speaking engagements.TakeawaysCulture as the Terroir of BusinessThe Primacy of Personalization in Customer Experience Embracing changeFostering internal content creatorsChapters00:00 The Importance of Personalization in Customer Experience42:22 Creating Impact Through Change Management48:21 The Hard Rock Vault57:29 Speaking Engagements and Impact

In this episode, Joseph Szala discusses the concept of 'Quiet Killers' and how it relates to the challenges faced by restaurant brands. He shares insights on the patterns and frustrations that led to the development of his book, as well as the allure of bad ideas and the fallacy of the marketing funnel. Joseph emphasizes the importance of blaming systems, not people, and addresses the resistance to change in the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges of challenging beliefs, the importance of daily rituals, creating a safe space for risk-taking, collaboration and clarity, implementing frameworks and simplicity, addressing the funnel and emerging brands, prioritizing and aligning goals, the importance of digital experience, recognizing organizational health, identifying underlying issues, the desired outcome of reading Quiet Killers, key questions for leaders, and encouraging random acts of kindness.TakeawaysPatterns and frustrations led to the development of 'Quiet Killers'The allure of bad ideas and the fallacy of the marketing funnel are key challenges in the industry. Daily rituals are essential for identifying and addressing 'Quiet Killers' in business.Creating a safe space for risk-taking and collaboration leads to organizational health and success.Chapters00:00 Uncovering Quiet Killers06:00 The Allure of Bad Ideas10:52 The Marketing Funnel Fallacy17:03 Blaming Systems, Not People22:20 The Challenge of Challenging Beliefs28:33 Prioritizing and Aligning Goals36:57 Identifying Underlying Issues42:44 Key Questions for Leaders

The conversation covers the journey of Bill Assyri, the owner of Wits frozen custard, from his background in the restaurant industry to the acquisition of Wits and the subsequent growth of the business. It delves into the importance of trust, teamwork, and leadership decisions, as well as the innovation in technology and the relationship with franchisees. The conversation covers the challenges and strategies of balancing technology and people in the restaurant industry, as well as the growth and expansion plans of a franchise. It delves into the importance of customer experience, staffing, culture, and the franchisee journey, along with the integration of technology and vendor selection. The discussion also highlights the significance of work ethic and success in the industry.TakeawaysFranchise AcquisitionBusiness Growth Balancing tech and peopleGrowth and expansion strategyChapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:03 The Journey of Acquiring Wits11:31 The Importance of Trust and Teamwork19:06 Leadership Decisions and Franchisee Relations24:16 Customer Experience and Branding30:25 Franchisee Journey and Vision37:21 Work Ethic and Success

In this episode of Chat GTM, hosts Michael Beck and Chad Horn sit down with Rich Faltot, leader of the Restaurant and Hospitality vertical at Point B , a consulting powerhouse helping iconic brands like Whataburger, Starbucks, and others transform from the inside out.Fresh off Point B’s surprise Trailblazer Award from Whataburger, Rich shares the story behind the recognition, why Point B consultants start every engagement working inside a restaurant, and how brands can future-proof their operations as AI and automation reshape hospitality.Whether you’re building tech for restaurants, leading transformation initiatives, or just love hearing how great teams scale with integrity — this episode delivers insight, humor, and actionable takeaways from one of the industry’s best.👉 Meet the Point B and Inc Tank GTM teams in person at the upcoming Restaurant Finance & Development Conference in Las Vegas, November 10–12. Come say hello, swap stories, and learn how Point B is helping restaurant brands perform, scale, and evolve.

Show Notes: Keywords: sales education, Kennesaw State University, experiential learning, ethics in sales, technology in sales, community engagement, AI in sales, workforce preparation, curriculum development, student successSummary: On this episode, Beck and Chad have a stimulating and fun jam session with Dr, Scott Inks and Professor Brent McCulloch of Kennesaw State University. The conversation explores the innovative sales program at KSU, highlighting its evolution, curriculum, and the emphasis on ethics and experiential learning. The speakers discuss the importance of preparing students for the workforce, the role of technology and AI in sales education, and the program's commitment to community engagement. They reflect on the impact of their teaching on students' lives and the broader implications for the sales profession.Takeaways:The sales program at Kennesaw State University is designed to professionalize the sales profession.Experiential learning, including role play, is a key component of the curriculum.Ethics and integrity are emphasized throughout the sales education process.Students are encouraged to engage with the community and give back.Technology, including AI, is integrated into the sales curriculum to prepare students for modern challenges.The program has a 100% placement rate for engaged students.Faculty camaraderie and support contribute to a positive learning environment.Students learn the importance of habits and professionalism in sales.The program aims to change the perception of sales as a profession.The future of sales education will continue to adapt to technological advancements and societal changes.TitlesTransforming Sales Education at Kennesaw State UniversityThe Future of Sales: Ethics, Technology, and CommunitySound Bites"The sales bug is real, and it catches on.""We teach habits that make good people.""This is a place to come to recruit them."Chapters:00:00Introduction and Overview of the Sales Program02:59The Evolution of Sales Education05:55Curriculum and Teaching Methodologies08:49Experiential Learning and Role Play11:46The Importance of Ethics in Sales14:59Community Engagement and Giving Back17:42The Role of Technology in Sales Education20:33Preparing Students for the Workforce23:32The Impact of AI on Sales26:22Future Directions for the Sales Program29:19Closing Thoughts and Reflections