Bill Lindsey, co-founder of COGS-well, shared valuable insights into how COGS-well helps restaurants optimize production, rebuild customer loyalty, and maintain a strong focus on hospitality on the latest episode of the Data Delicacies podcast powered by Incentivio.

Key Takeaways

Optimizing Production Efficiency - COGS-well optimizes production by using historical data to predict the future of company costs. In doing so, Lindsey says they help lower costs for their restaurant partners.

Rebuilding Customer Loyalty - There are valuable lessons that restaurants could have learned from the Pandemic. Now, post-pandemic, restaurants need to find ways to reengage customers and rebuild customer loyalty, which, when done correctly, Bill Lindsey says is absolute gold.

A Hospitality Business, Not a Tech Business - Bill Lindsey still believes in the value of hospitality. For him, it is important for COGS-well to treat their customers as well as the customer would treat their customers so that no disconnects are present.

Episode Links

• Bill Lindsey on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-lindsey775/
• COGS-well Online: https://www.cogs-well.com/
• COGS-well on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cogs-well-llc/

About Data Delicacies

Data Delicacies is a weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of technology and data as it pertains to restaurants. Host Arun Kumar interviews some of the best and brightest in the industry about all things hospitality tech, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Data Delicacies on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29ExS0n9X3Z3FyK4HuSPKH

Incentivio Online - https://www.incentivio.com/

Incentivio Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/incentivio/

Produced by Incentivio & Cali BBQ Media - https://www.incentivio.com/ | https://betheshow.media

In this episode of Data Delicacies powered by Incentivio, host Arun Kumar welcomed Jason Berkowitz, Founder of Arrow Up Training and industry veteran passionate about creating positive restaurant environments and effective training programs. Berkowitz shared his insights on the importance of vibe in restaurants, the need for clear workplace boundaries, and the enduring power of human storytelling in training.

Catch up on our key takeaways below or stop by our website for a full recap of this episode.

Vibe Matters - Jason Berkowitz was drawn to the overall feeling of a restaurant between coworkers and customers as a youngster. He has since taken that discovery with him when training industry leaders to convey the importance of setting the correct vibe for customer acquisition.

A Course to Navigate Workplace Boundaries - Jason Berkowitz, like many employees, struggled with the blurred lines of professionalism and friendship. To build better leadership within a positive environment, Berkowitz has created a course that he believes does just that while capturing stories and the human spirit.

The Power of Human Storytelling in Training - Even in training, storytelling is a powerful tool. According to Jason Berkowitz, despite the increasing inclusion of Artificial Intelligence and other advanced technology, human stories remain engaging and promote buy-in.

Episode Links

• Arrow Up Training Online: https://arrowuptraining.com/
• Jason Berkowitz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdberko/
• Arrow Up Training Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arrow_up_training/?locale=English
• Arrow Up Training TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arrow_up_training
• Jason Berkowitz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondberkowitz/

About Jason Berkowitz

Jason Berkowitz is a hospitality veteran dedicated to developing modern online training and InsurTech tools that help organizations meet compliance, lower liability and risk, and strengthen their teams, culture, and operations. His career spans over 50 restaurant openings, from fast-food to fine dining, and he has served as VP of Operations for Umami Burger, COO for Tocaya Organica, and is the founder of ARROW UP Training. Berkowitz’s progressive ideas and forward-thinking approach have made his training programs standard practice for independent restaurants and large-scale corporations like GUCCI Osteria, 800 Degrees, Sweet Lady Jane, Jack in the Box, El Pollo Loco, Joe and the Juice, Umami Burger, Toca Madera, and Tocaya Organica.

A wine enthusiast, he has curated wine lists for Mastro’s Steakhouse, Craft, Cube, Umami Burger, and smoke.oil.salt. Currently, Berkowitz is the CEO of ARROW UP Training and Partner at The Madera Group. His Psychology degree from Michigan State University has shaped his management style, focusing on understanding and appealing to the core of human nature.

As a lifelong musician and author, he has co-written the title track for Showtime's 'Shameless' and authored the book 'Please Don't Sleep With The Host - 50 Tips For Managing A Functional And Profitable Restaurant.' Berkowitz believes that all decisions must measure against the sustainability of small businesses, society, and the planet.

About Data Delicacies

Data Delicacies is a weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of technology and data as it pertains to restaurants. Host Arun Kumar interviews some of the best and brightest in the industry about all things hospitality tech, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Data Delicacies on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29ExS0n9X3Z3FyK4HuSPKH

Incentivio Online - https://www.incentivio.com/

Incentivio Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/incentivio/

Produced by Incentivio & Cali BBQ Media - https://www.incentivio.com/ | https://betheshow.media

Stacey Sikorski, a seasoned veteran in the industry and current Director of Mid-Market Sales at Incentivio, recently made a compelling appearance on Data Delicacies, powered by Incentivio. During her insightful discussion with host Arun Kumar, Sikorski shared her experiences and perspectives on the evolving landscape of customer loyalty, the importance of catering to top-tier guests, and the intentional use of technology in the post-COVID era.

TAKEAWAYS:

AI, Loyalty, and the Customer Experience - Stacey Sikorski is an industry vet that saw a massive shift in operation during COVID. With the influx of AI coming out of COVID, Sikorski believes that customer loyalty has become paramount as businesses and customers adapt to the new landscape.

Catering to Top Tier Guests - Stacey Sikorski believes that top tier guests should not only be identified, but also receive access to deals and opportunities exclusive to them. To her, that is a way for those customers to feel how important they are to the business.

Intentional Use of Technology - COVID forced companies to embrace technology in a way they hadn’t previously, which may have caused an overreach. However, Stacey Sikorski believes that customers are beginning to center their purchasing by vetting their potential tech partners functionality within the company tech stack.

ABOUT STACEY SIKORSKI

Stacey Sikorski is an established revenue leader and team builder focused on driving success and positive impact within the restaurant industry. Passionate about dynamic relationship management, fostering long-term connections, and solving problems to strengthen restaurant brands through innovative tech solutions, she brings proven expertise in B2B sales, partnerships, leadership, customer relations, and marketing. With specialized experience in restaurant tech, including GTM strategy and building early-stage SaaS revenue team infrastructure, Stacey is dedicated to supporting individual growth within a team environment. Energetic and enthusiastic, she contributes to a positive and collaborative workplace.

ABOUT DATA DELICACIES—

Data Delicacies is a weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of technology and data as it pertains to restaurants. Host Arun Kumar interviews some of the best and brightest in the industry about all things hospitality tech, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Data Delicacies on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29ExS0n9X3Z3FyK4HuSPKH

Incentivio Online - https://www.incentivio.com/

Incentivio Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/incentivio/

Produced by Incentivio & Cali BBQ Media - https://www.incentivio.com/ | https://betheshow.media