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

Seth Temko is the CEO and Chief Strategist at FullOn Strategy, a full service business strategy consulting company that helps businesses own their “go to market success”. On this episode of Data Delicacies, powered by Incentivio, Temko and host Arun Kumar delve into the transformative potential of AI in the restaurant industry, highlighting key innovations and practical applications.

AI for Operations: Adjusting in Real Time: Companies like FasterLines and Holometer use video AI to optimize drive-thru and in-store lines by identifying bottlenecks and alerting managers in real-time, allowing immediate action to boost revenue. For Seth Temko, by addressing operational issues instantly rather than relying on post-fact analysis, companies can offer a higher value proposition

AI for Daily Business - AI operates so quickly that it often needs built-in delays to match human interaction speeds, taking milliseconds to validate, retrieve data, and respond. Seth Temko believes the rapid efficiency possibilities for AI can assist businesses in daily endeavors, such as handling customer inquiries, including answering phones.

The Communication Sweetspot - Effective communication in restaurant marketing requires balance to avoid over or under-communicating and instead focus on personalized, segmented messaging that ties into your overall brand. Seth Temko believes leveraging AI and support from tech companies like Incentivio can help create engaging themes and messages to incentivize customer return.

Episode Links:

Seth Temko LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethtemko/

FullON Strategy Online: https://fullonstrategy.com/

ABOUT SETH TEMKO

Seth Temko is an innovative leader who combines the science of digital technology with the artistic value of human-centric experiences to drive and expand economic and humanistic value. Driven by curiosity and determination, Temko has had a diverse career founding, collaborating, and supporting both tangible products and digital solutions. His executive experience spans brand marketing, digital growth marketing, product strategy, product management, manufacturing, and go-to-market strategy for ventures ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Temko's varied career includes roles such as CMO at PAR Technology (NYSE: PAR), CMO at TouchBistro, VP of Marketing for Xenial/Heartland Commerce within Global Payments (NYSE: GPN), co-founder of RFID company Capton, and leadership positions at Yext (NYSE: YEXT) and Monster Worldwide. He has also co-founded Hi-Five Franchising and led B2B eCommerce strategy for Hartford Computer Group. Innovation has been the driving force behind his efforts and successes in developing reliable and cost-effective SaaS products and leading growth initiatives.

Currently, Temko brings his extensive experience to B2B companies through his consultancy, FullON Strategy, where he leads a high-powered team. He believes in the power of collaborative efforts, stating, "Groups of people can do amazing things far beyond individuals," and feels fortunate to have worked with and often led many great teams.

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

For Michael Sien, Director of Enterprise Business Development at Qu POS, success in the tech industry is built on two foundational principles: focus and responsibility. These principles guide both strategy and execution at Qu.

Watch now to learn more about focus and responsibility in the tech industry, an innovative loyalty marketplace, and how data is the great equalizer.

Follow Incentivio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@incentivio

Episode Links:

• Qu POS Online: https://www.qubeyond.com/
• Michael Sien LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sien-59888b61/
• Qu POS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qu_pos/
• Qu POS YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dZO3GIG_sZYk0CrCkya7A/videos

Takeaways:

Focus and Responsibility in the Tech Industry - For Michael Sien, success in the industry hinges on maintaining a clear focus on goals and taking responsibility for actions. This principle underpins effective strategy and execution.

Innovative Loyalty Marketplace - Michael Sien is enthusiastic about a loyalty marketplace where restaurants can showcase themselves and loyalty companies can utilize AI to target customers who favor those brands. He compares this concept to a "Kayak for loyalty" and believes collaboration among loyalty companies can enhance the market and benefit all parties involved.

Data is the Great Equalizer - According to Michael Sien, data-driven strategies enable smaller brands to compete on a level playing field with larger brands by leveraging similar technologies and gaining similar data insights.

ABOUT MICHAEL SIEN

Michael Sien is a 40+ year hospitality/technology veteran. Currently serving as Director of Enterprise Business Development at Qu POS, his perspective on all aspects of modern hospitality is 100% focused on great guest experience and how modern tech facilitates that for all brands that seek that with their guests.

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

Jared Cohen, COO of Protein Bar & Kitchen, remains relevant in the market with transformative strategies for modern businesses. In a conversation with Arun Kumar on Data Delicacies, Cohen provided a comprehensive approach to overcoming common growth challenges by leveraging these techniques.

Watch now to learn more about building a strong infrastructure, the power of personalization, and AI driven delight.

Follow Incentivio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@incentivio

Episode Links:

• Protein Bar & Kitchen Online: https://www.theproteinbar.com/
• Protein Bar & Kitchen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theproteinbar/
• Jared Cohen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredscohen/

Scaling with Insight: Building a Strong Infrastructure - As businesses grow, maintaining consistency becomes a challenge. To tackle this, developing a strong company culture and training system is essential. With solid infrastructure, decision-making and forecasting improve, supporting rapid expansion. This system ensures that whether you're running 15 restaurants or franchising across the country, you have the insights and muscle to grow effectively.

Personalization Power: Customized Offers for Loyal Customers - Generic discounts are out; personalized offers are in! By using customer data, businesses can craft specific deals based on individual preferences. For instance, frequent shake buyers get shake discounts, while entree lovers receive entree offers. This targeted approach has proven to boost redemption rates significantly, showing that a little personalization goes a long way in building customer loyalty.

AI-Driven Delight: Smarter Personalization for Happier Customers - Imagine a system that knows exactly what you want before you do. By integrating AI and data, businesses can create highly personalized customer experiences. For example, a first-time protein bar buyer might receive a series of tailored emails and offers, designed to convert them into a regular customer. This smart personalization not only increases variety in purchases but also strengthens customer loyalty.

ABOUT JARED COHEN:

As COO of Protein Bar & Kitchen, Jared Cohen is dedicated to expanding the brand's offering of delicious, nutritious, and protein-packed food. At PBK, he oversees strategy, finance, technology, and other functional areas to build a leading better-for-you restaurant company. With the company now franchising and licensing, Jared is eager to connect with potential partners.

Prior to joining PBK, he was a Senior Director of Strategy at McDonald's, where he focused on new business development, including the launch of McDonald's on Uber Eats. His background also includes management consulting, specializing in strategy for major CPG, retail, and media clients.

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

Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, has a unique definition of hospitality. For Walchef, hospitality is more than just a warm greeting; it’s about creating lifelong relationships built on trust. While at the National Restaurant Association Show 2024 in Chicago, Walcef discussed the importance of building a community with host Arun Kumar.

Listen now to learn more about loyalty in hospitality, the truth about advertising, and the power of opportunities and connections.

Follow Incentivio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@incentivio

Episode Links

• Cali BBQ Media Online: https://content.calibbq.media/
• Cali BBQ Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calibbq/
• Shawn Walchef Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnpwalchef/
• Shawn Walchef TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnpwalchef
• Shawn Walchef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/
• Cali BBQ Media TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calibbq
• Cali BBQ Media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CaliBBQMedia
• Cali BBQ Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cali-comfort/

Loyalty is Hospitality - Shawn Walchef has built a business and community on hospitality. For Walchef, hospitality extends beyond a warm greeting, and into creating friendships built on trust.

Be the Show, Not the Commercial - If you have heard Shawn Walchef speak, you know his philosophy of being the show, meaning telling your story, over advertising to potential customers. He truly believes that customers don’t buy from you until they buy into you

Opportunities and Connections - Shawn Walchef has made it his life work to create deep connections and authentic relationships. That intention has brought him and Cali BBQ opportunities that he couldn’t fathom.

ABOUT SHAWN WALCHEF

Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) is the founder of Cali BBQ Media, a podcast host, business coach, and proud dad. Since opening Cali BBQ in 2008, his family-run restaurant and media company in San Diego has generated over $30 million in sales. As a restaurateur who started during the Great Recession, Shawn mastered using digital tools and innovative ideas to stay afloat. During the pandemic, he and his team developed a scalable plan that tripled the profitability of the traditional full-service restaurant model.

Shawn hosts two weekly video podcast series: Digital Hospitality and Restaurant Influencers. These podcasts are part of his growing media empire, which also includes content creation, consulting, and digital services to help others with their smartphone storytelling. His strategies have garnered attention from major media outlets like Amazon Prime TV, Bloomberg TV, Entrepreneur, Inc., Eater, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox News. Committed to helping others succeed, Shawn is dedicated to guiding businesses to the right digital tools and social media strategies to unlock endless opportunities.

His Motto: “Stay Curious. Get Involved. Ask for Help.”

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

Finding Solutions to Restaurant Problems

Restaurant owners often work with tight budgets and limited time. F3 Technologies provides cost-effective IT solutions and services to address these challenges.

Answering the Call for Customers

Dan Diaz emphasizes the importance of availability to customers, fostering trust and loyalty.

Valuing the Value of Restaurant Experience

Dan builds his team with individuals experienced in the restaurant industry, believing that surviving this industry equips one for any challenge.

Helping Restaurant Owners Find More Time

Dan Diaz discusses the premium on time for hospitality leaders and how F3 Technologies alleviates IT management and integration pain points. He also addresses the affordability of their services for businesses on tight budgets.

Why Experience in the Restaurant Industry is So Valuable

Dan prioritizes hiring employees with restaurant experience, sharing his own background as a bartender, which has shaped his leadership skills.

Finding Inspiration from a Hip Hop Legend

Dan draws inspiration from Nipsey Hussle, who taught him the value of self-investment and perseverance.

F3 Technologies, under Dan Diaz's leadership, has grown to become a trusted IT partner in the hospitality space, recently expanding into the UK.

Episode Links

• Dan Diaz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-d-diaz/
• F3 Technologies Website: https://www.f3tech.com/
• F3 Technologies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f3inc/
• F3 Technologies on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f3inc/

About Dan Diaz

Daniel Diaz is the CEO and a Director of F3 Technologies, Inc., with experience in POS, Medical Marijuana, Networking, Healthcare IT, and the Restaurant & Hospitality Industries. Prior roles include managing Field Implementation Engineers for Toast POS and serving as a senior IT specialist. Dan began F3 with less than 10 technicians and has grown the company to over 50 employees. He lives in Chicago with his wife, three children, and two dogs.

About Data Delicacies

Data Delicacies is a weekly podcast exploring technology and data in restaurants. Host Arun Kumar interviews industry experts on hospitality tech, AI, 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:

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

Cali BBQ Media: https://betheshow.media