TechBytes Podcast

Join Sodexo’s AJ Francavilla and host Rob Grimes in an electrifying TechBytes episode exploring innovations from CES and NRF! Dive into the world of cutting-edge technology, from autonomous vehicles and smart glasses to AI-powered retail experiences. Discover how emerging technologies are reshaping consumer and food service industries, with insider insights from a digital innovation expert. Uncover fascinating trends in robotics, p...

Dive into the sizzling world of pizza technology with Sarika Atal, Papa John's VP of Enterprise Technology! This TechBytes episode reveals how digital innovation transforms pizza ordering, from millions of topping combinations to AI-powered call centers. Discover how a former airplane parts engineer became a tech leader in the pizza industry, pioneering online ordering and personalized customer experiences. Learn about cutting-edge...

Join Rob Grimes and Chris Keating as they dive deep into the upcoming Restaurant Leadership Conference (RLC), the premier gathering of restaurant industry executives. Discover insider details about this year's must-attend event, featuring Mark Wahlberg, innovative networking opportunities, and exclusive insights into restaurant leadership. From Dave's Hot Chicken's remarkable growth story to cutting-edge industry trends, this podca...

Dive into the world of cruise ship cuisine with TechBytes' exclusive interview! Join food and beverage ambassador Rick Welch as he unveils the incredible culinary innovations happening on the high seas. Discover how cruise lines are revolutionizing dining experiences, from sustainable food practices to cutting-edge technology that serves thousands of guests around the clock. Learn about the upcoming F&B @ Sea conference in ...

Dive into the future of hospitality with Rob Grimes and Infor's Alan Young as they unpack the game-changing technologies transforming restaurants, hotels, and service industries. From AI-driven personalization to innovative revenue strategies, this podcast reveals how cutting-edge tech can create seamless customer experiences. Alan shares his remarkable journey from mini-bar attendant to industry strategist, offering insider in...

Join host Rob Grimes for an electrifying TechBytes episode featuring Zerrick Pearson, CIO of Five Guys and new IFBTA Chairman! Dive into the cutting-edge world of food technology where AI, data insights, and innovation are reshaping how restaurants operate. Discover how technology is no longer just a backend tool, but a critical driver of customer experience and business strategy. Zerrick shares perspectives on connecting operators...

Dive into the future of hospitality at HRC 2025! Join TechBytes as we explore the 90-year legacy of the UK's most comprehensive food service event. Philippa Christer reveals an incredible showcase featuring 1,000 products, 200 speakers, and 30,000 industry professionals converging at ExCel Center. Discover cutting-edge technologies transforming restaurants, kitchens, and food service - from startup innovations to enterprise solutio...

Dive into the future of retail with Rob Grimes and Shop Talk's VP of Content, Rocquan Lucas, exploring the cutting-edge trends transforming the industry! Discover how 10,000 retail professionals are reimagining customer experiences through AI, personalization, and innovative networking. This year's Shop Talk promises over 200 speakers, including Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary, revealing breakthrough strategies for conne...

Dive into the evolution of the hospitality industry with Abigail Lorden, VP and Publisher of Hospitality Technology. Explore the 30-year history of MURTEC and how it has adapted to changing technologies and trends. Discover the innovative "Experience Matters" theme for MURTEC 2025 and the new education zones catering to diverse industry segments. Learn how cross-industry collaboration and standards initiatives are shaping the futur...

Join us for a captivating conversation about the Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL) conference, where industry trailblazers are redefining the foodservice landscape. Hear from Danny Klein, VP of Editorial and Director of Food, Retail, and Hospitality at QSR and FSR magazine, as he shares insights into the event's growth, innovative programming, and the powerful community it has fostered. Discover how this conference is providing...

In this episode of TechBytes, host Rob Grimes interviews David Roberts, the CIO of Cicis Pizza. They discuss the unique technology challenges of running a pizza buffet business, including managing inventory, labor, and the customer experience. David shares how Cicis is focused on building a strong data and loyalty platform to better serve their guests. He also touches on using AI for things like spam call prevention and fraud detec...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Ron DiNella, Chief Financial Officer of Ascent Hospitality Management. Discover how this industry veteran has navigated the evolving landscape of the restaurant business, from his early days at Morton's Steakhouse to his current role overseeing iconic brands like Perkins and Huddle House. Gain insights into the role of technology in driving innovation, data-driven decision making, and ada...

Join us for a deep dive from industry expert David Henkes of Technomic as he shares insights on the latest trends, from the rise of global restaurant chains to the surge in beverage innovation. Discover how automation and robotics are reshaping the back-of-house, and explore the challenges of adapting technology across diverse markets. This episode offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of foodservice, blending data-...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Dave Harris, Chief Technology Officer of Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants. Discover how this industry veteran is leveraging his diverse background in hospitality, retail, and travel to drive innovation and enhance the customer experience. Explore the evolving role of technology in the restaurant industry and learn how Cooper's Hawk is staying ahead of the curve. This episode offers a ...

Join us for a tech-filled conversation with Potbelly Sandwich Works’ SVP and CIO, Jeff Douglas, as he shares insights on the evolving fast casual landscape. Discover how Potbelly is leveraging cutting-edge technology, data, and personalization to elevate the sandwich experience. Hear Jeff's perspectives on the convergence of FinTech and foodservice, the power of customer data, and innovative trends like AI integration and immersive...

Get a sneak peek at the cutting-edge innovations set to take center stage at the upcoming NRF2025: Retail’s Big Show from January 12-14. Join us on TechBytes as we dive into the latest technology transforming the customer experience. From robotic pizza makers to smart condiment stations, this episode explores the convergence of retail and hospitality, uncovering the trends and technologies shaping the future of shopping and dining....

Join Rob Grimes as he sits down with Chris Fletcher, CEO and founder of Tech on Toast, for an engaging conversation about the future of technology in hospitality. From the challenges of integrating multiple systems to the buzz around AI, this episode dives into the real-world tech solutions that are reshaping restaurants and hospitality businesses today.

Chris shares his unique insights on untangling tech for operators, simplifyi...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Maruoko Sam-Agwor, Manager of New Restaurant Installations at Chipotle, as he shares his expertise in the evolving world of restaurant technology. A seasoned industry leader, Maruoko discusses Columbus, Ohio’s emergence as a hub for culinary and tech innovation, fueled by a diverse talent pool and its role as a testing ground for new ideas.

He provides an inside look at his ambitious goal ...

The food and hospitality industries are embracing a digital revolution, and Informa Markets offers an insider’s perspective. From the FHA-HoReCa and FSTEC Asia trade events in Singapore, Fraser Hawkes and Janice Lee explore cutting-edge innovations like robotic kitchens, AI-powered restaurant tools, and VR dining. Discover how emerging technologies like AI and IoT are reshaping business models and enhancing customer experiences. Wh...