AI with a Southern Accent: Inside Jack’s Restaurant Technology Transformation

In this episode of TechBytes, recorded at FSTEC, Rob Grimes welcomes Chris Incorvati, Chief Technology Officer of Jack’s Family Restaurants, to explore AI, digital transformation, and the future of restaurant technology. Drawing on his experience at Legal Sea Foods, Panera Bread, and Jack’s, Chris discusses modernizing nearly 300 restaurants, implementing AI-powered drive-thru ordering, and using data to improve operations. They also examine the advantages of building versus buying technology, emerging opportunities in computer vision, and the importance of preserving Southern hospitality. Discover how restaurants can embrace innovation while keeping the guest experience at the center.

In this special TechBytes episode from FSTEC’s 30th anniversary event, Rob Grimes welcomes Dr. Kevin Bentley, technology and digital leader at Jollibee North America, for a conversation about AI, automation, leadership, and restaurant innovation. A former NFL player with a doctorate in organizational leadership, Kevin shares how Jollibee is scaling technology across seven brands while preserving the culture and hospitality that define the guest experience. From AI-powered analytics and robotics to franchisee collaboration and digital transformation, they explore how emerging technologies can empower restaurant teams, improve operations, and create meaningful business value without losing the human touch.

In this special TechBytes Industry Spotlight, Rob Grimes sits down with Noah Glass, Founder and CEO of Olo, to explore the next evolution of restaurant commerce. Noah shares the vision behind the new Olo app, connecting restaurants with a network of more than 40 million guest accounts while creating more personalized experiences and new opportunities for restaurant discovery. They tackle one of the industry’s biggest questions, “Who owns the guest?”, examine why 70% of first-time restaurant guests never return, and look ahead to AI-powered agentic commerce. It’s a fascinating conversation about data, loyalty, hospitality, profitability, and the future of restaurants.

In this TechBytes Event Spotlight, Rob Grimes welcomes Emily Nordee-Rogers, Head of Content for Informa Connect’s restaurant and foodservice conferences for a preview of FSTEC 2026, coming to the Gaylord Texan from September 23–25. They explore how restaurant technology conversations are shifting from AI hype toward real-world ROI, data strategy, operational efficiency, and balancing automation with human hospitality. Emily also previews FSTEC’s educational sessions, Marketplace, new Intelligence Stage, industry-leading suppliers, and keynote speakers. From AI and voice technology to economics and customer experience, this episode explores the trends and solutions restaurant leaders should be watching as they prepare for what’s next.

In this TechBytes event spotlight, Rob Grimes welcomes George Brophy, Portfolio Director of the Hospitality Tech Expo, for a preview of the September 29–30 event at ExCeL London. Now part of the expanded Food Service Industry Expo, the event brings together eight shows, approximately 600 exhibitors, and innovations spanning AI, automation, restaurants, hotels, cafés, retail, packaging, and more. George previews the speakers, networking, technology, and experiences attendees can expect—and breaks news about the event’s planned 2027 expansion to Miami and a growing focus on stadium technology. It’s your inside look at where global foodservice innovation is heading next.

In this episode of TechBytes, Rob Grimes welcomes Danny Klein, Editorial Director of QSR Magazine, for a preview of the QSR Evolution Conference, coming to Atlanta September 8-10. They discuss how the event has become a content-driven gathering focused on the industry’s biggest challenges, including labor, technology, leadership, growth, franchising, and the evolving relationship between quick-service, fast-casual, and full-service restaurants. Danny also shares insights into this year’s keynote lineup, new CEO-to-CEO conversations, and why meaningful education and collaboration remain at the heart of the conference. It’s an insider’s guide to one of the restaurant industry’s most influential events.

In this episode of TechBytes, Rob Grimes speaks with Benjamin Calleja, founder of Livit, about how restaurant design, technology, and operations are becoming inseparable. From innovation labs and AI to robotics, predictive analytics, sensory design, and kitchen automation, Benjamin shares how leading brands are creating more efficient operations while delivering unforgettable guest experiences. Drawing on work across more than 17,000 restaurants worldwide, he explains why the future of hospitality isn’t about adopting more technology—it’s about integrating the right technology to support people, simplify operations, and build stronger restaurant brands.

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 conversation also examines AI, workforce development, data-driven decision making, and why restaurants remain one of America’s most important training grounds for future leaders. It’s an insightful discussion about turning industry data into practical strategies for long-term success.

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 design influences her approach to building technology solutions, while discussing why partnerships, integrations, and personalization are becoming essential for modern operators. It’s an insightful conversation about creating better guest experiences by connecting people, processes, and technology. 

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 with solving business problems—not chasing trends. Together, they explore the evolving role of AI, the importance of clean data, and how thoughtful innovation can simplify operations while creating better experiences for employees and guests. A must-listen for anyone shaping the future of restaurant technology.