Time Travel Revisited: A Journey to the Future According to the Iconic Film Series
Technology and Hospitality's Bold Venture into the Future
Yo, peeps!
Booze it up and grab a snack, it's Saturday, and we're here to talk about the epic event we attended: the 2023 FSTEC. This technology and food service conference had us geeked out to the max!
Branded, along with our awesome friends from Cargill - Digital Studio, Nestle Professional, and Open Kitchen by Middleby, rocked the Branded Innovation Alley. We were psyched to speak with other industries pros, embracing technology, and innovating the restaurant scene.
But let's face it, with remote work and online everything still happening, these in-person gatherings are crucial. Nothing beats face-to-face meetings and learning when it comes to efficiency and collaboration. That's why FSTEC, being chock-full of hospitality operators and tech companies, was an unmissable opportunity.
What made this conference super special was a bumper crop of hospitality operators who were totally engaged in the latest technology trends. From artificial intelligence to new digital ordering solutions and robotics, everyone was talking tech!
But at Branded, we're all about keeping it real—we're hospitality people, after all. We kicked off this tech-driven event with a blast, focusing on emerging technology that amplifies the guest experience. Remember, technology supports hospitality, it's not the main show.
Legendary restaurateur and CEO of Craveworthy Brands, Gregg Majewski, hit the nail on the head when he said, "We're all about serving guests." Dude nailed it! He goes on to say that technology won't be the center stage at his restaurants, but instead, hospitality will.
Now, there's a healthy debate going on about whether the hospitality industry is a tech-supported business or a tech business. For Branded, it's a tech-enabled and tech-supported business, and that's our story and we're stickin' to it! Remember, our PRB theory—Professional, Respectful, and Before Everything, think about what's best. Anything can be discussed as long as it follows these simple guidelines.
At FSTEC, we left no stone unturned, covering topics like new ordering solutions, robotics, and AI. But we also touched on some of the industry's most pressing challenges. As labor issues remain a top concern, we talked about technology as a labor-saving tool—a game-changer for many operators.
We all know that taking care of the guest experience is the honey that keeps us coming back for more. In fact, the relationship between guests and brands is deeply personal—way beyond the heated debates about cheap vs. expensive. It's about the perceived value from the experience. A strong technology stack can be a vital ally to your business, but it's not the be-all and end-all. We've got an F&B and hospitality-first mentality at Branded, and we never forget the Johnnies and Janes visiting our spots.
If you don't win them over with delicious food and incredible service, the tech stack won't matter one bit. As Mark Lohmann, CEO of Birdcall, so wisely stated, "Hospitality and personal experience are key to a successful strategy." That's what the restaurant people know, and that's what technology will support.
We leave you with some awesome shoutouts and our first-ever top 5 takeaways from the week. Enjoy, and don't forget to keep it PRB!
TODAY'S TRIVIA
Answer: Ketchup
What's the sauce that costs the U.S. about $7 billion annually? Yep, that's right, ketchup!
ASK THE HEADLINE
🔍 Got Questions? We've Got Answers! 🌟
We're all about sharing the knowledge, so dive into our new segment—Ask the Headline! Every week, we'll answer burning questions on whatever tickles your fancy. Do you want to stay anonymous or receive a stellar shout-out? It's up to you!
That's all for today, fellow foodies! We'll catch you next week, same time, same place. Stay hungry and keep innovating!
[5] Source: SIC codes researched in IBISWorld's US Economy at a Glance report.
- At the 2023 FSTEC conference, Branded, alongside Cargill - Digital Studio, Nestle Professional, and Open Kitchen by Middleby, highlighted their focus on technology and innovation within the hospitality and food service industries in the Branded Innovation Alley.
- The hospitality operators and tech companies that attended the FSTEC conference showcased a strong interest in the latest technologies, such as artificial Intelligence, digital ordering solutions, and robotics, to enhance the guest experience.
- Despite the focus on technology, the hospitality industry's core values of hospitality, personal experience, and guest satisfaction remain paramount for brands like Branded, which embrace technology to improve their services rather than making technology the sole focus of their businesses.
- In an effort to cement their position as a tech-supported business, the team at Branded emphasized their PRB (Professional, Respectful, Before Everything) theory, which emphasizes the importance of considering what's best for their customers and their dining experience when making business decisions.
- Leadership within the hospitality and food service sectors, such as Craveworthy Brands' CEO, Gregg Majewski, and Birdcall's CEO, Mark Lohmann, underscored the significance of prioritizing hospitality, personal experience, and technology as complementary elements in a successful business strategy.
