TechBytes

In this episode of TechBytes, Rob Grimes sits down with Chad Moutray, Chief Economist of the National Restaurant Association, to explore the economic forces reshaping the restaurant industry. From rising labor and food costs to staffing challenges, consumer behavior, and the role of technology, Chad explains how operators are balancing profitability while continuing to deliver memorable guest experiences. The convers...

In this episode of TechBytes, Rob Grimes speaks with Kelly Davis of Infor Hospitality about the growing importance of connected technology across restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, and beyond. They explore how cloud platforms, workforce management, sales and catering, POS, CRM, and AI are coming together to create seamless hospitality ecosystems. Kelly also shares how her background in hospitality d...

In this episode of TechBytes, Rob Grimes welcomes Tyler Marpes, Vice President of Technology Operations at Scooter’s Coffee, to discuss how one of the fastest-growing coffee brands is using technology to support rapid expansion without sacrificing hospitality. From AI and data governance to connected equipment, franchise operations, and barista training, Tyler explains why successful technology strategies begin...

In this episode of TechBytes, Rob Grimes sits down with Avi Goren, CEO and co-founder of Marqii, to explore how AI search is transforming restaurant discovery. As consumers increasingly rely on ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other AI tools to choose where to dine, operators must rethink SEO, structured data, online reviews, and digital content strategies. Avi shares practical advice for improving visibility, maintainin...

In this episode of TechBytes, Rob Grimes speaks with Jim Grandahl, Director of National Accounts at DIRECTV, about the powerful role entertainment plays in hospitality. From sports programming and commercial licensing to music, ambiance, and employee engagement, Jim explains how restaurants can create more memorable guest experiences through thoughtful entertainment strategies. The conversation explores how technology sim...

In this TechBytes episode, host Rob Grimes talks with Tom Cindric, President of the National Restaurant Association Show, about what’s ahead for the 105th edition of the industry’s largest foodservice event. From AI and automation to beverage trends, smart kitchens, and interactive exhibitor tours, the conversation explores how technology is transforming every part of hospitality. Tom shares insights into...

Join Rob Grimes at HRC / HT360 in London for a special TechBytes episode with Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA. They explore how hospitality is evolving at the intersection of technology, revenue management, and genuine service. From the rise of revenue managers and digital transformation to QR codes, robotics, chatbots, and AI, Rob and Jane dig into what really works in hotels and restaurants today. You&...

In this episode of TechBytes, host Rob Grimes sits down with William Connors, International Technology & Systems Manager at Starbucks, to talk about everything but Starbucks. William traces his journey from food & beverage roles at Club Med and Radisson through hotel IT, Oracle implementations, and global restaurant tech. They explore how data, connected kitchens, CCTV, and AI can transform feedback, pre...

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 t...

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 t...

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 mor...

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 i...

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), dyn...

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 innov...

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 setti...

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...

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...

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, Commitmen...

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 innovativ...