2026 AI & Tech Trends | Special Series

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Fast Casual Nation

Savor.fm

189 episodes

6 days ago

Join the #1 Restaurant Business Podcast Shaping the Future of The Restaurant Industry!

Hosted by Paul Barron—industry pioneer, investor, and author of The Chipotle Effect—alongside Cherryh Cansler, the editorial force behind Fastcasual.com, this is where restaurant operators get the competitive edge. Every week, this power duo decodes the trends, strategies, and innovations transforming the restaurant business, driven by the Fast Casual mindset, redefining what's possible across all restaurant segments. With over two decades of combined expertise, Paul and Cherryh don't just report on the industry; they've helped build it.

This isn't just a podcast. It's your playbook for what's next.

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2026 AI & Tech Trends | Special Series

Fast Casual Nation

43 minutes

2 weeks ago

2026 AI & Tech Trends | Special Series

Join Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler on Fast Casual Nation as they dive deep into AI's transformation of the restaurant industry with Kerry Leo, VP of Technology at Shipley Donuts, and restaurant tech consultant Paul Molinari. Discover how Shipley achieved 24% higher average order values through AI-powered ordering, learn why traditional Google search is becoming obsolete, and understand how data unification is creating the "single pane of glass" operators need. From voice ordering in mobile apps to agentic AI solving integration challenges, this episode reveals practical strategies for implementing AI in your restaurant operations. Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to accelerate adoption, this conversation provides actionable insights on everything from choosing the right tech partners to measuring real ROI.

00:00 - Why AI in restaurants is hitting a turning point
01:44 - Shipley Donuts launches AI powered ordering
02:39 - AI boosts average order value through smart upselling
04:59 - The exact moment Shipley committed to AI
07:01 - How AI mimics top performing cashiers
11:42 - Voice ordering and mobile app AI roadmap
16:42 - OpenAI vs Google Gemini and the AI platform battle
25:45 - Domino’s AI case study and massive efficiency gains

#RestaurantTech #AIinRestaurants #FastCasual

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