Wisking it all

S2E87 - Revmo: Missed Calls. Lost Revenue. One AI Fix with Joe Wylezik

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode, Joe Wylezik, Head of Partnerships at RevMo AI, discusses the innovative use of voice AI technology in the restaurant industry. He explains how RevMo AI started as a B2B solution and pivoted to focus on the hospitality sector, addressing common pain points such as missed calls and labor shortages. Joe highlights the importance of customer experience and how AI can enhance interactions, streamline operations, and ultimately drive revenue growth for restaurants. He then shares insights on the implementation process, overcoming pushback from operators, and the future of AI in hospitality, including success stories from clients like Donatos and LandOcean. TAKEAWAYS * RevMo AI started as a B2B solution but pivoted to focus on restaurants. * Voice AI can alleviate missed calls and improve customer interactions. * 70% of restaurant orders still occur over the phone. * AI enhances customer experience and operational efficiency. * Labor shortages are a significant pain point for restaurants. * AI can handle reservations, orders, and payments seamlessly. * The onboarding process for RevMo AI is simple and quick. * Restaurants can track performance metrics through the RevMo dashboard. * AI technology is evolving rapidly in the hospitality industry. * Success stories demonstrate significant revenue growth for clients. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Helping Bar Operators with Tools 03:21 Pivoting to Inbound Restaurant Solutions 08:29 "Automating Reservations and Orders" 11:22 Solving Operators' Pain Points 13:59 Labor Challenges and Customer Interaction 17:18 Optimizing Staffing with Automation 21:16 Tech Adoption in Hospitality 24:52 "Ensuring Product Satisfaction" 26:10 Dashboard Analytics for Phone Insights 31:13 AI Enhances Hospitality Experience 35:09 "Tech Transforming Pizza Operations" 36:57 "Connect with Revmo.AI [http://Revmo.AI] & Joe" 38:51 "Integration, Partnership, Collaboration"

S2E86 - Trust First: How Qu Builds Long-Term Brand Success Today

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of WISKing It All, host Angelo Esposito speaks with Niko Papadimitriou, co-founder of Qu POS, about his journey from finance to hospitality technology. They discuss the evolution of POS systems, the growth of Qu POS, and the importance of maintaining company culture during rapid expansion. Niko shares insights on building a customer-focused sales team and the current trends in the fast casual and QSR industries. In this conversation, Niko Papademetriou and Angelo Esposito discuss the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, focusing on the value equation for customers, the integration of AI and automation, the challenges of technology adoption, and the dynamics of employee turnover. They emphasize the importance of tangible results from innovations and provide insights for hospitality entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of the industry. TAKEAWAYS * Niko transitioned from finance to hospitality technology after a brief career in investment banking. * He opened a restaurant at 26, which provided valuable lessons in business management. * The main pain point in POS systems was data siloing and lack of cloud integration. * Qu POS focuses on fast casual and QSR chains, avoiding full-service restaurants. * Early decisions in the company's history shaped its current direction and partnerships. * Maintaining company culture is crucial during rapid growth, focusing on cultural fit in hiring. * Building trust with customers is essential for long-term success. * Sales teams should prioritize genuine customer value over mere transactions. * The restaurant industry is experiencing macroeconomic challenges, affecting pricing strategies. * Niko emphasizes the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing market. The dining experience is being reshaped by value-driven choices. * AI and automation are crucial for improving restaurant operations. * Tech adoption in restaurants faces unique challenges due to workforce size. * Turnover rates in the restaurant industry can be misleading. * Accepting help is vital for hospitality entrepreneurs. * Edge technology is key for operational stability in restaurants. * The restaurant industry is evolving rapidly with new innovations. * Understanding employee dynamics is essential for consistent service. * Big changes are necessary for the restaurant industry's future. * Building a strong community around a brand enhances guest experience. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Building Trust, Success, and Partnership 05:33 Restaurant Tech and Data Integration 08:25 Evolution of POS Tablets 13:13 Early Partnership Decision Reflected 14:11 Platform Shift for Better Service 19:38 "Building Trust Beyond Transactions" 21:07 "Building Trust Through Engagement" 24:31 AI Transforming Restaurant Operations 29:29 Bridging Restaurant Innovation Challenges 33:33 Restaurant Labor Turnover Trends 34:45 "Dave's Hot Chicken: Low Turnover" 37:49 "Edge Architecture Innovations in Restaurants" 41:21 "Always Responding on LinkedIn"

S2E85 - Scaling Revenue: Smart Strategies for F&B Growth

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of WISKing It All, Edelmira Delgado, F&B Director at the Perry Hotel, shares her journey in the hospitality industry, discussing her experiences from working in major hotel brands to boutique resorts. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, navigating cultural differences, and the dynamic nature of food and beverage operations. Edelmira also highlights current trends in guest preferences, the significance of teamwork, and offers valuable advice for aspiring F&B professionals. TAKEAWAYS * Edelmira's journey in hospitality began with a desire for variety and interaction. * Mentorship played a crucial role in shaping her career. * Cultural differences significantly impact hospitality operations. * A typical day for an F&B director is unpredictable and dynamic. * Planning for events and menus starts months in advance. * Maintaining profitability in menu items is essential. * Guest preferences are shifting towards experiences and aesthetics. * Team dynamics are vital for successful operations. * The divide between luxury and standard dining is increasing. * Asking questions is key to learning and growth in the industry. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 "Passion for Travel and Hospitality" 03:52 "First Hotel Experience Insights" 09:26 Adapting to Cultural Change 11:30 "Holiday and Event Planning Prep" 14:13 "Managing Costs in Hospitality" 16:44 "Managing Price Changes in Hospitality" 20:36 Hotel Teamwork vs Restaurant Independence 24:48 "Viral Moments Change Lives" 26:06 Accountable Leadership Through Imperfection 29:42 "Teamwork is Family Bonded" 33:21 "Shifting Trends: Experience vs. Luxury" 36:40 LinkedIn, Hospitality, Food & Growth

S2E84 - How Failure Sparked a Michelin-Worthy Comeback

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this engaging conversation, Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and marketing expert, shares his journey from nightlife to fine dining, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and the art of storytelling in marketing. He discusses the five levers of restaurant success, the power of social media, and how to create memorable customer experiences through surprise and delight. Josh also offers valuable advice for aspiring restaurateurs and explores the transformative role of AI in the restaurant industry. TAKEAWAYS * Josh Kopel is a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and marketing expert. * Success in the restaurant industry often comes from learning from failures. * Hospitality is about having a servant's heart and creating memorable experiences. * Simplicity and elegance are key to making restaurant operations effective. * Frequency of customer visits is crucial for restaurant success. * Social media should be used to build relationships, not just broadcast offers. * Surprise and delight can significantly enhance customer experiences. * Understanding how your restaurant fits into customers' lives is essential. * The restaurant industry has a low barrier to entry, but marketing is crucial for success. * AI can be leveraged in various aspects of restaurant operations, including hiring and marketing. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 "Mastering Dining: From Bar to Michelin" 03:59 "Servant's Heart in Service" 06:43 "Simplicity in Diverse Dining Ventures" 11:01 "Invite, Don't Bribe, Customers" 12:30 Upselling: Giving Customers More 18:10 Social Media for Sales Strategy 19:51 Boost Customer Visits for Free 22:09 "Entrepreneurial Mistakes and Self-Reflection" 25:17 Soap Operas' Multi-Story Strategy 28:52 People Over Product in Hospitality 32:10 Creating Memorable Experiences 35:09 Restaurant Business Entry Advice 40:17 AI-Driven Hiring Process 42:07 AI-Enhanced Menu Optimization 44:43 Embracing Value-Driven Engagement

S2E83 - Leadership at the Core of Every Business Issue

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of WISKing It All, host Angelo Esposito interviews Jeffrey Summers, founder of Summers Hospitality Group, who shares his extensive experience in the restaurant industry. They discuss Jeffrey's journey from aspiring lawyer to hospitality expert, the importance of creating unique systems in business, and the distinction between service and hospitality. Jeffrey emphasizes the significance of leadership, consistency, and personal growth in running a successful restaurant. He also provides insights into common mistakes made by restaurant leaders and offers advice for those looking to expand their business. The conversation touches on the future of hospitality, the role of technology, and the enduring importance of guest experience. TAKEAWAYS * The journey into hospitality often starts unexpectedly. * Creating unique systems is essential for business success. * All problems in a restaurant are leadership problems. * Effective leadership requires continuous personal growth. * Service is transactional; hospitality is emotional. * Consistency across all aspects of the business is crucial. * Taking guests along for the journey is vital for success. * Mistakes in leadership often stem from a lack of strategic thinking. * The future of hospitality will always revolve around human experience. * Love for people is fundamental in the hospitality industry. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Early Legal Career Beginnings 06:08 "From Law to Restaurant Success" 08:18 Next Practices Over Best Practices 12:08 "Independent Business Growth Strategies" 14:23 Leadership and Continuous Improvement 16:42 "Work On, Not In, Business" 20:31 "Understanding Guests for Repeat Business" 25:06 Restaurant Modernization Missteps 27:50 Insights on Restaurant Operations 31:47 Passion for Continual Growth 33:42 Lifelong Learning and Growth 36:32 Consistency and Proven Experience Matter 40:34 "Focus on Personal Growth" 42:22 Streamlining Restaurant Operations 46:19 "Follow Jeffrey Summers' Insights"