Tech on Toast, The Hospitality Tech Podcast

Chris Fletcher
Tech on Toast, The Hospitality Tech Podcast Podcast

The Tech on Toast podcast is brought to you by Chris Fletcher, Founder & CEO of Tech on Toast. Chris talks to entrepreneurs in the world of hospitality and retail technology. Search for the best problem solving tech, listen to both operators and tech experts on our podcast and meet up with the brilliant people who are helping innovate the hospitality industry as we enter a new era. Welcome to Tech on Toast.

  1. How to maximise the recruitment process through tech with Tom Hacquoil, CEO at PinPoint

    1 DAY AGO

    How to maximise the recruitment process through tech with Tom Hacquoil, CEO at PinPoint

    Grab a cuppa and get comfy, because in this episode we have a natter with Tom Hacquoil, the CEO at Pinpoint. He shares his thoughts on the ever-evolving world of recruitment technology and the candidate experience. Highlights: • Hitting the Century Mark (00:01:00): Tom kicks things off by mentioning he’s just boarded his 100th flight this year—talk about clocking up the air miles! • Finding Your True Calling (00:03:55): He admits that while he enjoys programming, it’s not really his strong suit. Sometimes it’s about knowing where your real talents lie. • Life’s Cheat Codes (00:05:21): Tom hints at discovering some “cheat codes” that have given him a leg up in life and business. • Tools of the Trade Matter (00:07:44): We chat about how people choose workplaces based on the tools they’ll have to use—no one wants to be stuck with clunky old software. • No Substitute for Experience (00:09:34): Tom emphasises that you just can’t beat time spent in the market; experience truly is invaluable. • Sustainability in Software (00:11:12): He points out that many software companies are “default dead,” lacking sustainable business models—a bit bleak but a reality check. • Rethinking Recruitment (00:14:00): Leading organisations now treat hiring as a “sell-side” challenge, focusing on attracting talent by showcasing their own value. • A Word to the Wise (00:15:10): Tom advises against certain strategies that might seem clever but often don’t pay off in the long run. • The Rise of Automation (00:18:40): We discuss how candidates can now auto-generate CVs and apply to thousands of jobs in a heartbeat, changing the recruitment game. • Guiding Through Change (00:20:00): Acknowledging that change can be tough, Tom stresses the importance of offering support during transitions. • Underutilised Tech (00:21:54): He reckons most technology is only used to 70-80% of its capacity—so there’s plenty of untapped potential out there. • Specialists vs Generalists (00:24:40): Using a brilliant analogy, Tom says if you break your leg, you’d want a leg specialist, not just any doctor. • Post-Offer Pitfalls (00:26:40): There’s often a sharp drop in candidate experience after a job offer is made, which can affect onboarding and retention. • The Entrepreneurial Buzz (00:28:24): Tom describes entrepreneurship as a bit of a drug—you just keep coming back for more. • Customer Feedback Loop (00:30:17 & 00:33:00): Pinpoint prides itself on iterating based on customer feedback, letting the product evolve alongside clients’ needs. • Direct Appreciation (00:34:02): He shares how clients often reach out personally to express their gratitude when their suggestions are implemented. • Supercharging Recruiters with AI (00:37:12): The aim isn’t to replace recruiters but to enhance their abilities, making them even more effective. • AI is All About Use Case (00:39:01): Tom notes that the success of AI hinges on how and where it’s applied within recruitment. • Benefits of Long-Term Partnerships (00:41:40): Staying with one provider builds up valuable data over time, offering scalable insights. • Need for Better Benchmarking (00:42:14): He critiques the poor standard of industry benchmarking data, suggesting there’s plenty of room for improvement. • Learning from Across the Pond (00:45:41): Tom suggests UK businesses look at US recruitment trends to anticipate changes likely to arrive here in about six months. • Tech That Empowers (00:47:42): He envisions technology increasingly helping people by making their lives easier and providing better data, rather than replacing them. Wrap-Up: Whether you’re in HR, recruitment, or just fancy a good tech chat, this one’s definitely worth a listen! The Tech on Toast Podcast is brought to you by Square. Square is trusted by over 4 million businesses globally. Get 20% off Square counter top h

    48 min
  2. How to future proof your restaurant with tech featuring Mohamed Fayed, CEO & Co-Founder of Grubtech

    18 SEPT

    How to future proof your restaurant with tech featuring Mohamed Fayed, CEO & Co-Founder of Grubtech

    In this episode of the Tech On Toast podcast, Chris Fletcher sits down with Mo Fayed, founder of Grub Tech, to dive deep into the world of hospitality technology. They discuss the evolution of tech in the restaurant industry. Key Topics Covered: [00:05:30] Automating Restaurant Order Management Mo explains how Grub Tech’s platform automates the entire order lifecycle, reducing the need for manual processes. This includes everything from managing menus and modifiers to integrating orders from multiple delivery platforms. Streamlining these processes improves efficiency and helps restaurants focus more on customer experience. [00:08:44] Cloud Kitchens and Virtual Brands With the rise of cloud kitchens and virtual brands, restaurants can now operate multiple brands from a single kitchen. Mo discusses how Grub Tech supports this trend by providing unified tech solutions that consolidate orders across various platforms, simplifying operations and enabling restaurants to tap into new revenue streams. [00:12:13] The Importance of Tech Integrations Grub Tech’s solutions are built to integrate seamlessly with existing POS systems, helping restaurants avoid expensive overhauls. Mo highlights the critical role of integrations in improving efficiency without disrupting current operations. [00:13:06] Data Visualization for Restaurant Operators Effective data visualization is key to understanding business performance. Mo shares that Grub Tech’s platform allows restaurant owners to quickly access vital metrics through intuitive dashboards, empowering them to make faster, informed decisions that improve operations. [00:17:06] Food Aggregator Disputes Explained One common issue for restaurants is managing disputes with food aggregators. Mo discusses how Grub Tech’s platform helps track and resolve these disputes, ultimately improving the relationship between restaurants and third-party platforms. [00:22:52] Saudi Arabia’s Digital Infrastructure Mo provides insights into the digital transformation occurring in Saudi Arabia, where Grub Tech has a strong presence. He talks about how the country’s growing infrastructure is enabling rapid adoption of tech solutions in the hospitality sector. [00:24:00] AI Product Launch: G-Scout Mo introduces Grub Tech’s newest AI-powered tool, G-Scout. This product consolidates third-party data, including competitor analysis, to help restaurant operators stay ahead of market trends and refine their business strategies. [00:26:44] Actionable Insights from AI Data The conversation shifts to how AI-generated insights can help restaurants optimise menus, streamline operations, and enhance customer satisfaction. Mo gives examples of how G-Scout offers real-time, actionable recommendations that can significantly impact a restaurant’s bottom line. [00:30:10] AI’s Role in Transforming the Hospitality Industry Mo closes by explaining how AI is transforming hospitality, from automating processes to helping businesses become more data-driven. He emphasizes that AI will play a critical role in shaping the future of restaurant operations, improving efficiency, and driving innovation across the sector. Learn more about how Grub Tech is revolutionising restaurant operations and stay ahead of the tech curve by visiting www.grubtech.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Tech On Toast podcast for more insights on the latest in hospitality tech! The Tech on Toast Podcast is brought to you by Square. Square is trusted by over 4 million businesses globally. Get 20% off Square counter top hardware with promo code: SquareUK20 Visit Square.com to use the promo code or to request to speak to our sales team for a demo #TechOnToast #Podcast #HospitalityTech #CustomerExperience #AI #Memories #AccessHospitality #ChangeManagement

    33 min
  3. Building Memories: The Role of Technology in Hospitality with Champa Magesh, MD Access Hospitality

    11 SEPT

    Building Memories: The Role of Technology in Hospitality with Champa Magesh, MD Access Hospitality

    In this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Champa Magesh, Managing Director of Access Hospitality, who shared valuable insights on the importance of creating lasting memories in the hospitality industry. 🌟 Key Highlights: Memories Over Transactions: Hospitality is not just about service; it’s about creating emotional connections. Champa explains how every significant moment in life—from birthdays to weddings—can be tied to hospitality venues. These experiences shape guest loyalty and return visits. “I think hospitality is a very special industry, right? Because everything that hospitality does, I think, is about building memories.” Emotional Connections & Customer Loyalty: Champa emphasises that hospitality is a people business. The personal touch between staff and guests is crucial, and it’s this human connection that makes customers feel valued and return to venues where they’ve had memorable experiences. Role of Technology in Hospitality: Champa discusses how AI and technology can elevate the guest experience by personalising services, streamlining operations, and anticipating customer needs. But technology should enhance, not replace the emotional connection. Balancing Efficiency with Personal Service: While tech can boost operational efficiency, Champa highlights the need to empower staff to maintain that essential personal touch, ensuring memorable guest experiences while optimising behind-the-scenes operations. 💬 Champa’s Thoughtful Insights on managing change: “I think it’s really important when making change first to recognise what works, what’s the magic that has to be preserved and almost identify it and ring fence it so that you go that bit we do no harm.” 🎧 Tune in to hear more about the power of memories, the role of technology, and how Access Hospitality is shaping the future of guest experiences. The Tech on Toast Podcast is brought to you by Square. Square is trusted by over 4 million businesses globally. Get 20% off Square counter top hardware with promo code: SquareUK20 Visit Square.com to use the promo code or to request to speak to our sales team for a demo Squareup Europe Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (registered reference no. 900846). Ts & Cs Apply*Offer commences August 7th and expires 31st October 2024 at 11:59 pm UK time or while supplies last, whichever comes first. Offer is for 20% off the total cost of your first purchase of Square Terminal, Square Stand or Square Register excluding VAT. Limited to 1 Square Terminal, 1 Stand and 1 Register per account holder. Code may be redeemed once only per account holder. Offer applies to UK customers only. Offer not valid with guest checkout. Square reserves the right to modify, revoke or cancel the offer at any time. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount. Offer void where prohibited, not redeemable for cash and is non-transferable. #TechOnToast #Podcast #HospitalityTech #CustomerExperience #AI #Memories #AccessHospitality #ChangeManagement

    43 min
  4. How to help restaurants save on every order with Nick Paine, Founder of Opspot

    4 SEPT

    How to help restaurants save on every order with Nick Paine, Founder of Opspot

    In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Nick Paine, the visionary founder of Opspot, and what a conversation it was! 🌟 Nick shared his incredible journey, from working in the Middle East with a Saudi family office to investing in cutting-edge restaurant tech companies in California, and eventually founding Opspot right here in London. His experience with facial recognition technology for ordering kiosks at Pop ID was a standout moment, showcasing how innovation can significantly enhance customer experiences by reducing ordering times for repeat customers. But the star of the show was Opspot, Nick’s game-changing solution for restaurants facing delivery challenges. Opspot uses advanced camera systems to monitor the packaging process, ensuring every delivery order is spot on. As Nick put it, “A restaurant can work as hard as possible and do everything perfectly, and then as soon as they hand over the food, their whole customer experience is blackout.” We explored the operational hurdles that restaurants face, especially during the pandemic, and how Opspot is empowering them by providing a transparent, third-party perspective on where issues occur. Nick shared, “Our goal is to give more time back to the ops managers, right? We don’t think that they should be sitting down every morning for a half an hour, 40 minutes, arguing.” And with an average 15x ROI, it’s clear that Opspot is a product that the industry truly needs. Want to learn more about how Opspot is revolutionizing the way restaurants manage delivery challenges? Tune in to the full episode now, and don’t forget to visit their website at getopspot.com or connect with Nick Payne on LinkedIn. 🎧 Listen now and discover how technology is transforming the hospitality industry! #TechOnToast #Podcast #HospitalityTech #RestaurantTech #Innovation #DeliverySolutions #CustomerExperience

    33 min
  5. How to Master Delivery with Otter: Seamless Integration, Automation, and Data-Driven Success

    28 AUG

    How to Master Delivery with Otter: Seamless Integration, Automation, and Data-Driven Success

    Hey Toasters, 👋 We’re buzzing to share the latest Tech On Toast podcast episode with you! This time, we had a super fun chat with Felipe Diaz Sampa, the General Manager at Otter—aka the guy who’s helping restaurants run smoother than ever! 🦦✨ Felipe’s journey is nothing short of an adventure. Born in Colombia, raised in the vibrant streets of Bogota, and now making waves in the UK after pit stops in Australia—this guy’s got stories! 🌍✈️ His globe-trotting experiences have shaped his unique outlook on life and work, and he's here to spill the beans on how he found his true passion in restaurant tech (spoiler: it wasn’t always this way). Here are some of the gems from our conversation: 1. Always Online, Always Winning 💻💸 Felipe shared how Otter keeps restaurants online 24/7, ensuring they never miss an order. With a 99%+ order injection rate, Otter’s got your back, making sure every order hits your POS system seamlessly. No more missed revenue! 2. Automation Nation🤖🚀 From menu updates to financial reconciliation, Otter automates the nitty-gritty so restaurants can focus on what really matters—delivering amazing food and service. As Felipe put it, "Let the tech do the talking!" 3. Data-Driven Decisions FTW 📊💡 Otter’s analytics and reporting tools are like your restaurant’s Mission Control. They normalise and standardise data from all your platforms, giving you the insights needed to make smarter, faster decisions. Who knew data could be this cool? If you’re in the restaurant biz or just love tech, you’ve got to check out this episode! 🎧 Click the link in our bio to listen now and let us know what you think in the comments below! 🚀 The Tech on Toast Podcast is brought to you by Square. Square is trusted by over 4 million businesses globally. Get 20% off Square counter top hardware with promo code: SquareUK20 Visit Square.com to use the promo code or to request to speak to our sales team for a demo Squareup Europe Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (registered reference no. 900846). Ts & Cs Apply*Offer commences August 7th and expires 31st October 2024 at 11:59 pm UK time or while supplies last, whichever comes first. Offer is for 20% off the total cost of your first purchase of Square Terminal, Square Stand or Square Register excluding VAT. Limited to 1 Square Terminal, 1 Stand and 1 Register per account holder. Code may be redeemed once only per account holder. Offer applies to UK customers only. Offer not valid with guest checkout. Square reserves the right to modify, revoke or cancel the offer at any time. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount. Offer void where prohibited, not redeemable for cash and is non-transferable. #TechOnToast #RestaurantTech #Automation #DataDrivenDecisions #Innovation

    48 min
  6. How to Transform Customer Experiences with Data-Driven Digital Strategies with Sam Hawker, Head of Digital, From Nightcap

    21 AUG

    How to Transform Customer Experiences with Data-Driven Digital Strategies with Sam Hawker, Head of Digital, From Nightcap

    🛠️ **How to Transform Customer Experiences with Data-Driven Digital Strategies** 🎧 🚀 **New Podcast Episode Alert on Tech on Toast!** 🎧 In this episode, we dive deep with Sam Hawker, the Head of Digital at Nightcap PLC, as he shares game-changing insights on how they’re revolutionising digital customer experiences using cutting-edge tools like Microsoft Clarity and Google Analytics. Here’s what you’ll learn: 🔍 **Understanding User Behaviour:** Sam talks about leveraging **Microsoft Clarity**, a free tool similar to Hotjar, to observe user interactions through heatmaps and click data. This has been pivotal in identifying and fixing user navigation challenges, making the customer journey smoother and more enjoyable. 📈 **Data-Driven Decisions:** By meticulously setting up **Google Analytics**, Nightcap PLC tracks every click, inquiry, and booking, ensuring their digital marketing efforts are hitting the mark. Sam stresses the importance of integrating this data with CRM systems to maintain consistency and accuracy. 💡 **Maximising ROAS:** Sam reveals how well-tracked **Google Ads** campaigns have yielded between 4-8x ROAS, showcasing the power of targeting high-intent audiences with precision. 📲 **Real-Time Engagement:** During key events like the Euros, Nightcap PLC used **SMS messages**, **paid social ads**, and CRM tools to engage customers immediately after games, driving a surge in website traffic and conversions. 🎯 **Keyword-Driven Campaigns:** Sam explains how they used **SEO and keyword research** to discover trending themes, such as garage-themed bottomless brunches, tailoring their offerings to boost engagement and customer satisfaction. 🔧 **Sweating the Tech:** Sam emphasises the importance of using every tool at your disposal, from **Google Search Console** to **Tag Manager**, to track success and uncover growth opportunities. 💬 **Key Takeaway:** Leveraging data-driven strategies isn’t just about tracking numbers—it’s about understanding your customers and tailoring your approach to meet their needs. This is how Nightcap PLC is transforming their digital initiatives into tangible success. 🚀 Ready to level up your digital game? Don’t miss this insightful episode on the **Tech on Toast Podcast**! 🎙️ **Listen now** and discover how you can implement these strategies to create unforgettable customer experiences and drive impressive results. The Tech on Toast Podcast is brought to you by Square. Square is trusted by over 4 million businesses globally. Get 20% off Square counter top hardware with promo code: SquareUK20 Visit Square.com to use the promo code or to request to speak to our sales team for a demo Squareup Europe Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (registered reference no. 900846). Ts & Cs Apply*Offer commences August 7th and expires 31st October 2024 at 11:59 pm UK time or while supplies last, whichever comes first. Offer is for 20% off the total cost of your first purchase of Square Terminal, Square Stand or Square Register excluding VAT. Limited to 1 Square Terminal, 1 Stand and 1 Register per account holder. Code may be redeemed once only per account holder. Offer applies to UK customers only. Offer not valid with guest checkout. Square reserves the right to modify, revoke or cancel the offer at any time. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount. Offer void where prohibited, not redeemable for cash and is non-transferable. #DigitalMarketing #CustomerExperience #SEO #AI #GoogleAnalytics #TechOnToast #HospitalityTech #ROAS #DataDrivenDecisions #Podcast #NightcapPLC

    40 min
  7. How to have great career conversations with Jo Harley, Co-Founder of Korero

    14 AUG

    How to have great career conversations with Jo Harley, Co-Founder of Korero

    🎙 New Podcast Episode: How to Have Great Career Conversations with Jo Harley, Co-Founder of Korero Join us on the Tech on Toast podcast as host Chris Fletcher chats with Jo Harley, co-founder of Korero, about her fascinating journey from the hospitality industry to founding a business focused on enhancing career conversations. Key Highlights: • Jo’s Journey: 🌟 Discover how Jo’s background in hospitality and her early experiences managing pubs and working for Bacardi shaped her understanding of the importance of employee engagement and career development. • From Learn Purple to Korero: 🔄 Learn about the evolution of Jo’s first company, Learn Purple, and how it laid the groundwork for Korero, a platform dedicated to improving career conversations and retention in the hospitality industry. • The Power of Career Conversations: 💬 Jo discusses how Korero helps businesses engage employees through meaningful career discussions, moving beyond traditional appraisals to focus on individual growth and aspirations. • Building Resilient Teams: 🛡️ Explore how Korero supports leaders in creating a framework for regular, constructive conversations that align with company values and promote a positive work culture. • Tech-Enabled Transformation: 🖥️ Hear Jo’s insights on how technology can facilitate better career management and why it’s crucial for businesses to invest in their people for long-term success. Jo also shares her thoughts on the importance of aligning company values with employee experiences and the transformative impact of supportive leadership. 📈 Episode Takeaways: • Creating structured career conversations can significantly enhance employee engagement and retention. • Businesses should invest in tech solutions that empower employees and foster a culture of open communication. • Aligning company values with career development strategies is vital for building strong, resilient teams. The Tech on Toast Podcast is brought to you by Square. Square is trusted by over 4 million businesses globally. Get 20% off Square counter top hardware with promo code: SquareUK20 Visit Square.com to use the promo code or to request to speak to our sales team for a demo Squareup Europe Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (registered reference no. 900846). Ts & Cs Apply*Offer commences August 7th and expires 31st October 2024 at 11:59 pm UK time or while supplies last, whichever comes first. Offer is for 20% off the total cost of your first purchase of Square Terminal, Square Stand or Square Register excluding VAT. Limited to 1 Square Terminal, 1 Stand and 1 Register per account holder. Code may be redeemed once only per account holder. Offer applies to UK customers only. Offer not valid with guest checkout. Square reserves the right to modify, revoke or cancel the offer at any time. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount. Offer void where prohibited, not redeemable for cash and is non-transferable. #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #TechOnToast #Podcast

    47 min
  8. How to drive loyalty and win with Dan Aldridge & Laurens Havenaar from Piggy

    7 AUG

    How to drive loyalty and win with Dan Aldridge & Laurens Havenaar from Piggy

    In this special edition of the Tech on Toast podcast, we visit Eat the Bird in Cardiff to chat with the founder, Dan, and Laurens from Piggy. They discuss the growth journey of Eat the Bird, the unique concept behind the brand, and the collaboration with Piggy to enhance their loyalty program. Dan shares insights into the challenges and successes of growing a small business in the hospitality industry, while Laurens talks about Piggy's expansion into the UK market and their focus on personalised communication and loyalty programs. The conversation delves into the seamless integration of tech solutions like Lightspeed Pos, Storekit, and Piggy, creating an efficient ecosystem for operators. They also touch on innovative tech ideas like ambient management and customer engagement through personalised campaigns. Join the discussion as they explore the future plans for Eat the Bird and Piggy, the transition to the new brand name "Leat," and the exciting possibilities for collaboration and growth in the hospitality industry. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation filled with insights, tech solutions, and the journey of two innovative brands in the food industry. Subscribe to the Tech on Toes podcast for more episodes like this! The Tech on Toast Podcast is brought to you by Square. Square is trusted by over 4 million businesses globally. Get 20% off Square counter top hardware with promo code: SquareUK20 Visit Square.com to use the promo code or to request to speak to our sales team for a demo Squareup Europe Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (registered reference no. 900846). Ts & Cs Apply*Offer commences August 7th and expires 31st October 2024 at 11:59 pm UK time or while supplies last, whichever comes first. Offer is for 20% off the total cost of your first purchase of Square Terminal, Square Stand or Square Register excluding VAT. Limited to 1 Square Terminal, 1 Stand and 1 Register per account holder. Code may be redeemed once only per account holder. Offer applies to UK customers only. Offer not valid with guest checkout. Square reserves the right to modify, revoke or cancel the offer at any time. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount. Offer void where prohibited, not redeemable for cash and is non-transferable. #eatthebird #piggy #loyaltyprograms #techintegration #hospitalityindustry #collaboration #podcastepisode

    38 min

About

The Tech on Toast podcast is brought to you by Chris Fletcher, Founder & CEO of Tech on Toast. Chris talks to entrepreneurs in the world of hospitality and retail technology. Search for the best problem solving tech, listen to both operators and tech experts on our podcast and meet up with the brilliant people who are helping innovate the hospitality industry as we enter a new era. Welcome to Tech on Toast.

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