86 Reason Ep. 1 | Matt Wampler’s Journey with ClearCOGS: AI That Transforms Restaurant Efficiency

From sleeping on aprons during 120-hour work weeks to revolutionizing restaurant operations with AI – Matt Wampler's transformation story will change how you think about restaurant technology.In this episode of the 86 Reason Podcast, host Xavier Mariezcurrena sits down with Matt Wampler, CEO & Co-Founder of ClearCOGS, for an unfiltered look at how AI is transforming restaurant efficiency. Matt's journey from frantically managing a "train wreck" Jimmy John's franchise to building cutting-edge restaurant AI solutions offers invaluable lessons for every hospitality professional.Why This Episode Matters:Matt tackles the industry's biggest challenge head-on: "People don't enter the restaurant business to manage numbers or inventory but to work with people." Yet without proper data and systems, even the most passionate operators burn out. Discover how AI bridges this gap, allowing restaurateurs to focus on what they love while technology handles the operational complexity.Key Moments & Insights:🔥The Brutal Reality: Saving a Failing RestaurantMatt's raw account of turning around a Jimmy John's "disaster" – from chronic understaffing to overflowing grease traps. Learn the hard lessons that shaped his approach to restaurant operations.🎓 Why Real Experience Beats MBA TheoryThe surprising revelation about why Matt stepped away from franchise ownership to pursue an MBA, and what he learned about the gap between academic theory and restaurant reality.💡 The ClearCOGS Origin StoryHow Matt identified demand forecasting as the restaurant industry's critical blind spot and pivoted from corporate life to launch his AI solution.🤝 Breaking Through Tech ResistanceWhy the hospitality industry struggles with technology adoption despite desperate need, and ClearCOGS' approach to making AI accessible for operators who "just want to serve great food."🚀 The AI Revolution in RestaurantsMatt and Xavier explore how AI transforms guesswork into data-driven decisions, creating more sustainable and profitable restaurant operations.Who Should Watch:

• Restaurant owners struggling with operational inefficiencies
• Hospitality leaders looking to implement technology solutions
• Anyone interested in AI applications in traditional industries
• Entrepreneurs seeking inspiration from pivot stories

Subscribe to the 86 Reason Podcast for more "People, Plates, & Profits: The Real Stories Behind Restaurant Success!"Need restaurant operations support? Visit Over Easy Office for innovative solutions: www.overeasyoffice.comWhat's your biggest operational challenge in restaurants? Share in the comments below!#RestaurantAI #HospitalityTech #RestaurantOperations #AITransformation #HospitalityLeaders #86ReasonPodcast #OverEasyOffice #OEO #ClearCOGS