Episode 41: AI & the Future of Restaurants + Fred LeFranc of Results Thru Strategy

In this episode, industry veteran and current catering consultant Jim Rand shares lessons from building and scaling catering programs at brands like Panera Bread and PF Chang’s. Jim walks us through how to build a robust catering program—from understanding production and technology integration to menu adaptation—and how operators can use tools and online ordering systems to streamline operations. He also dives into marketplace strategy, self-delivery vs. third-party fulfillment, and the key investments needed to stand out in a competitive landscape.

Jenifer Kern, CMO of Qu, joins us to unpack key insights from Qu’s 2025 State of Digital Report. We dive into the major trends shaping the restaurant industry—from the shift from third-party to first-party ordering, to tech stack consolidation, AI adoption, the rise of kiosks and smart kitchens, and more. Plus, how success hinges on how effectively restaurants can unify and activate their data.

In this episode, Cynthia Hollen, CEO of Mavi.io, shares how in-car ordering is changing the game for consumers. We explore the growing demand for seamless ordering as people look for ways to streamline the process without reaching for their phones. Cynthia also discusses how tech can enhance promotions, upselling, and overall user experience. From the rise of pre-ordering after the pandemic to discovering best practices for the future, we dive into the ongoing evolution of the industry.

Join Fred LeFranc, CEO of Results Thru Strategy, as we explore the adoption of agentic and generative AI, the impact of robotics, and how restaurants are navigating the value wars. Plus, Fred gives us a look at what's driving success at brands like Chili’s in today’s competitive market. 

With no one-size-fits-all solution, managing a tech stack can be tricky—especially when handling multiple vendors while operators are already juggling so many hats.. In this episode, Maia dives deep into the everyday tech challenges restaurants face, from legacy POS system switches to simple Wi-Fi issues. She explains how Science On Call helps tackle these problems and shares strategies for restaurants.    

Jenn Saunders-Haynes, Director of Global Catering at Subway explores how catering has shifted in recent years, with changing consumer demands for speed, quality, and accuracy. She shares how Subway adapts through tech and compelling food visuals, along with valuable advice for operators of any size. 

In this episode, Anna explores the differences in restaurant marketing strategies for small, local businesses versus larger brands, focusing on community engagement and standing out in a competitive market. She also discusses how leveraging technology and customer data for personalization can foster stronger connections with customers.

Deborah Matteliano, Global Head of Amazon Web Services discusses how AI, predictive ordering, and chatbots are transforming the restaurant industry, plus dives into the future role of tech in hospitality. She also shares valuable, actionable leadership tips for women in tech, focusing on confidence, resilience, and empowering others.

Andrew dives into Papa John’s hybrid delivery strategy, how the brand leverages technology to adapt to new generations in a competitive pizza market, and explores the future of pizza delivery innovations.  

Christine Schindler, CEO and Cofounder of PathSpot, discusses the complexity of food safety in today’s omnichannel restaurant environment and how she created a tech solution for real-time monitoring to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.