TechBytes
Prepare to be amazed by the groundbreaking changes in the Foodservice, Hospitality, and Retail industries! TechBytes, hosted by the renowned F&B technology expert Rob Grimes, is your go-to podcast for the latest innovations and trends. With a fresh perspective, TechBytes brings insightful conversations with thought-leaders, introduces innovative ideas, and uncovers global trends to help you grow your business. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead and transform your industry. Brought to you by the IFBTA. Tune in to TechBytes now! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/techbytes-podcast--6154934/support.
Episodes
On this episode of TechBytes, host Rob Grimes sits down with Kris Douglas, Vice President of Technology at Smalls Sliders and co-chair of the IFBTA Atlanta chapter. Kris shares how Smalls went from under 10 locations to 47 units across 12 states, with ambitions of hitting 1,000+ locations—powered by a best-in-breed tech stack, data-driven decision-making, and a deep focus on the guest experience. They dig into AI beyond the hype, l...
In this TechBytes episode, host Rob Grimes speaks with Abby Lorden about the upcoming MURTEC Conference, coming to Las Vegas March 9-11, and how restaurant technology is evolving. From the debut of the AI Summit to a renewed focus on connection, collaboration, and real-world case studies, Lorden explains how the event helps operators and business leaders navigate today’s fast-changing tech landscape. With attendees spanning IT, ope...
In this TechBytes episode, Rob sits down with Matt Hodgins, Project Director at Montgomery Group, to spotlight HRC – Hotel, Restaurant & Catering 2026 and the launch of Hospitality Tech360 (HT360) in London, March 30–April 1. They explore how HRC is evolving to serve the full hospitality ecosystem—from hotels and restaurants to catering, bars, pastry, pizza, and more—while HT360 focuses on real-world tech case studies, curated ...
Starbucks, McDonald’s, AI, and global tech strategy—all in one conversation. In this episode of TechBytes, host Rob Grimes sits down at the National Retail Federation’s NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show with Vikram Badhwar, Director of International Technology at Starbucks, to explore how major brands scale digital experiences across thousands of stores and dozens of countries. They dive into Starbucks digital solutions, lessons from McD...
Dive into the inspiring world of Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL)! In this special TechBytes episode, host Rob Grimes chats with Satyne Doner and Danny Klein of QSR/FSR about the third annual WiRL conference, coming to Charleston this February. Discover how this unique event elevates, empowers, and educates women across hospitality, featuring powerhouse keynotes (including leaders from McDonald’s and Culver’s), dynamic panels,...
In this special TechBytes episode, Rob Grimes is joined by Susan Newman, Senior Vice President of Events Strategy at the National Retail Federation, for a behind-the-scenes look at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show and the growing convergence of retail and foodservice. Susan shares why the Big Show has become the “Super Bowl of retail,” drawing 40,000 attendees from over 100 countries, and explains how foodservice innovation now plays a ...
In this TechBytes episode, Rob Grimes sits down with Dwight Rowe, Vice President of Information Technology at Duffy’s Sports Grill and IFBTA Central Florida Chapter Co-Chair, for a candid conversation about the evolving role of technology in hospitality. Dwight reflects on joining Duffy’s just before the pandemic, navigating cloud migration, supporting 28 corporate locations, and driving innovation in a sports-bar setting with 80+ ...
In this TechBytes spotlight, host Rob Grimes reconnects with Jon Kelly, Chief Revenue Officer of Mako Networks, for a deep dive into the technologies shaping retail and restaurant operations heading into 2026. Drawing on real-world data from thousands of locations, Jon explains the industry’s shift back to edge computing, the explosion of AI-driven applications, and the hidden costs operators overlook—from outdated POTS lines to si...
Discover how the restaurant and hospitality industries are evolving in the age of technology, outsourcing, and AI! In this special TechBytes Spotlight episode, we dive into Auxis' journey—now part of Grant Thornton—and unpack how their unique approach to shared services and business process outsourcing empowers brands for success. Learn how virtual operational audits, dedicated franchise support, and AI-driven solutions are tra...
In this TechBytes episode, host Rob Grimes speaks with Billy’s Downtown Diner founder Billy Kounoupis, whose path through hospitality began at age 14 and was shaped by time spent in his father’s diner and later at Bob’s Big Boy. Billy shares how he built a fresh-focused, high-energy breakfast concept with strong culture powered by his philosophy— FACE: Focus, Attitude, Commitment & Ethics. Now franchising, he explains how techn...
Step inside the future of hospitality tech with our exclusive podcast from the Hospitality Tech Expo in London! Join Rob Grimes as he interviews Ayesha Ansari, Product Director of AI and Analytics at Harri. Discover how AI and data analytics are transforming restaurants and hotels, from smarter scheduling and labor management to seamless guest experiences. Ayesha shares her journey from the front desk to leading innovative platform...
Get insider access to the world of restaurant finance, franchising, and innovation in this episode featuring John Hamburger, Founder of the Restaurant Finance Monitor and the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference (RFDC) - coming to LAs Vegas November 10-12. Discover the secrets behind the industry’s most influential event: who attends, what hot topics and surprise deals emerge, and how trends in technology, labor, and del...
Join us for a special episode of the TechBytes podcast as Rob Grimes sits down with Manuel Valdes, CTO of GoTo Foods, at FS/TEC 2025 in Orlando. Discover how GoTo Foods is redefining the restaurant industry through digital transformation, unified platforms, and innovative technology. Manuel shares insights on operational efficiency, AI adoption, and the challenges of managing diverse brands. Whether you’re passionate about foodserv...
Join us as Chris Demery, Chief Technology Officer at Blaze Pizza, shares his journey through the world of restaurant innovation at FS/TEC 2025. Discover how AI, automation, and guest-centric technology are transforming the pizza industry, and hear Chris’s unique perspective on blending operations with cutting-edge tech. From speed of service to the future of hospitality, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone passiona...
In this TechBytes Spotlight, host Rob Grimes speaks with Oliver Ostertag, General Manager of Operator Cloud at PAR Technology, about how AI, voice technology, and data-driven solutions are transforming the restaurant and retail industries. From PAR’s “better together” ecosystem of hardware, software, and services to their AI-powered platform CoachAI, Ostertag explains how operators can achieve smarter, faster, and more personalized...
Dive into the cutting-edge world of Brazilian restaurant technology with Ricardo Bomeny, CEO of BFFC. In this TechBytes episode, explore how a pioneering burger chain is revolutionizing dining through robotics, AI, and innovative customer experiences. Discover how Bob's is transforming traditional restaurants with robotic milkshake makers, digital ordering kiosks, and smart food lockers. Learn how technology isn't replacing...
Dive into the world of culinary innovation with Jason Wade, VP of Strategic Operations at Parlour Pizza! This TechBytes episode explores the intersection of technology, food, and entrepreneurship across multiple industries. From revolutionary pizza dough machines to cannabis beverage ventures, Jason shares insider insights on how modern businesses leverage cutting-edge tech. Discover the secrets behind pickle pizzas, learn about cr...
Dive into the future of workforce management with Infor's Kasey Gieschen! This TechByte Spotlight reveals how cutting-edge technology is transforming hospitality staffing. Discover how AI, flexible scheduling, and innovative tools are solving the industry's biggest challenges in recruiting and retaining top talent. From gig-style labor to intelligent shift management, learn how businesses can create an employee experience t...
Dive into the delicious world of Biscuit Belly with Lauren Coulter, Chief Biscuit Eater and Integrator. In this TechBytes episode, Lauren reveals how a small restaurant brand navigates technology, from consolidating complex systems to implementing innovative customer feedback tools. Learn how they balance tech integration with maintaining their unique dining experience across multiple states. Discover the challenges of scaling a re...
Dive into the future of hospitality technology with George Brophy, Portfolio Director of the Hospitality B2B Portfolio. Discover the upcoming Hospitality Tech Expo at London's ExCel Center from September 30 - October 1, where 500 exhibitors and 15,000 industry professionals converge. This two-day event showcases groundbreaking innovations like AI-powered guest experiences, robotics, sustainability solutions, and cutting-edge te...
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