In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper welcomes Carl Orsbourn, a leading expert in the digital evolution of the food and beverage industry and co-author of two influential books: Delivering the Digital Restaurant and The Path to Digital Maturity. Carl shares insights into how restaurants, from small independents to global chains, can adopt technology and AI to streamline operations, improve customer experience, and optimize profitability.

The conversation covers the complexities of implementing a modern tech stack, the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency, and the importance of hospitality in creating meaningful customer connections. From Carl’s transformative experiences in the retail and restaurant industries to his thoughts on the future of AI-driven solutions, this episode is packed with actionable advice for restaurateurs aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.

• The importance of embracing hospitality across all business types.

• How digital transformation reshapes restaurant operations and customer experience.

• Navigating the challenges of technology adoption in restaurants of all sizes.

• The future of AI and automation in enhancing labor efficiency and decision-making.

• Insights into global hospitality and the evolving role of personalization in dining.

Connect with Carl Orsbourn:

Carl Orsbourn - Invisible | LinkedIn

www.thedigital.restaurant

Podcasts | Delivering Book

The Digital Restaurant | LinkedIn

The Digital Restaurant (@thedigital.restaurant) • Instagram photos and videos

The Digital Restaurant - YouTube

thedigital.restaurant - DeliveringTheBook

The Digital Restaurant (@LearnDelivery) / X

Delivering the Digital Restaurant

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy meets with Avi Goren, co-founder and CEO of Marqii (Mar-KEE), a digital operations platform revolutionizing the restaurant industry. Avi shares his journey from growing up in a family that cherished hospitality to launching a tech company designed to simplify the lives of restaurant operators.

With a background at Yelp and a passion for food and service, Avi has built Marqii into a tool that empowers restaurants of all sizes to streamline their operations, manage online reviews, and optimize their digital presence. Join us as we explore how Avi's personal experiences shaped his philosophy on hospitality, the evolution of Marqii, and practical strategies for enhancing guest feedback and local SEO in today’s competitive landscape.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Avi’s definition of hospitality and how personal experiences shaped his career in the restaurant industry.

• The founding story of Marqii and its evolution from a specials-focused app to a comprehensive digital operations platform.

• The importance of guest feedback and strategies for responding to reviews to improve customer loyalty and SEO.

• How accurate and consistent data across digital platforms boosts local search engine visibility for restaurants.

• Marqii's role in simplifying digital operations and providing hands-on support for restaurant operators.

Connect with Avi Goren:

Website: Marqii

Avi Goren - Marqii | LinkedIn

Marqii | LinkedIn

Marqii (@getmarqii) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook: Marqii

Marqii - YouTube

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy sits down with Chef Nikki Newman, a culinary veteran with a passion for regional sourcing, community impact, and creating unforgettable dining experiences. They discuss her career journey from casual restaurants to high-end resorts, her innovative approach to creating localized menus, and how embracing health-conscious practices like gluten-free options has reshaped guest experiences. Nikki shares her philosophy on hospitality, rooted in her childhood memories of family gatherings, and provides insights into navigating challenges in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, including the rise of ghost kitchens and virtual brands.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Nikki’s journey from casual dining to fine dining and resort kitchens.

• The importance of creating regionally inspired, locally sourced menus in hotels and restaurants.

• How incorporating health-conscious practices, like gluten-free cooking, benefits both guests and businesses.

• The challenges and opportunities of integrating ghost kitchens and virtual brands into hotel F&B programs.

• Strategies for balancing creativity with scalability in hospitality-driven culinary programs.

Connect with Nikki Newman:

www.chefnewman.com

Nikki Newman - Chief Culinary Officer - Board Member - nurish | LinkedIn

https://www.twitter.com/Newman7Nikki

@nikkinewman7 • Instagram photos and videos

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.