In this episode of Room for Seconds, Gregg Majewski sits down with Matt Wampler, co-founder of ClearCogs, to explore how technology and systems are reshaping the restaurant landscape. From optimizing food costs to preparing for a future dominated by AI and automation, Matt shares his insights on the tools and strategies that restaurant operators need to thrive. Tune in to hear how balancing analytics with hospitality can lead to long-term success and why now is the time to start future-proofing your business.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Impact of Technology - In a rapidly evolving restaurant landscape, technology is transforming how operators manage their businesses. As Matt Wampler explains, success often boils down to “20 or 30 decisions” focused on key metrics like revenue, food costs, and labor. By leveraging data analytics, restaurants can optimize these areas to boost profitability. 
2. Divorcing Operations from Hospitality - Hospitality is the heart of any restaurant, but as Wampler and Gregg Majewski discuss, operational efficiency is equally vital. Wampler highlights the divide between the warm, guest-facing experience and the structured, data-driven side of restaurant operations: “AI is never going to create the experience or train your staff to make customers feel welcome. 
3. Future-Proofing Restaurants -The integration of AI and automation is inevitable in the restaurant industry. According to Wampler, “In the next 20 years, you’re going to have robotic kitchens… But there are real practical things we can be doing today to start getting used to AI.” He emphasizes taking small, low-risk steps, such as using AI for prep and production planning, to ease into this technological shift. 

Episode Links:

Visit Clear Cogs Online

Connect with Clear Cogs on LinkedIn

Follow Clear Cogs on Instagram

Follow Clear Cogs on Facebook

Follow Clear Cogs on X

Follow Matt on Instagram

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

ABOUT MATT WAMPLER:

Matt started his journey in restaurants early, taking over a failing Jimmy Johns franchise right out of college. After turning it around he spent the next 7 years opening additional units before exiting the business in 2018. After learning to code over the pandemic, Matt became consumed by the disparity between today’s technology and the tools currently available to operators. Possessed with the mission to close that gap, ClearCOGS was born.

ABOUT GREGG MAJEWSKI:

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

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