In this episode of Data Delicacies, host Arun Kumar sits down with Mateen Habib, VP of Growth at GoTab, to explore the future of dining experiences. From the popularity of food halls to the growing importance of hybrid service models, they dive deep into how the industry is adapting to post-pandemic challenges like rising costs and labor shortages. Mateen explains why restaurants are embracing experiential components—like entertainment and immersive dining experiences—to stand out in competitive urban markets. Discover how technology, such as GoTab’s innovative solutions, is enabling operators to meet these changing demands while providing flexible, engaging options for guests.

Key Takeaways -

1. Experiential Dining is Essential - Mateen discusses how the restaurant industry, already struggling with rising costs and labor shortages since COVID-19, has increasingly shifted toward an "experiential" dining model. He notes that in today’s market, simply offering good food may not be enough, as many areas already have high-quality dining options. Instead, he suggests that successful restaurants now often incorporate unique elements—like entertainment, food halls, or other immersive experiences—to create a memorable atmosphere that draws guests in. 
2. Hybrid Service Models Are The Future - Mateen highlights how the restaurant industry, hit hard by rising costs and labor shortages since COVID, is increasingly turning to experiential dining to attract guests. With the market now saturated with quality food options, restaurants need something extra to stand out—whether that’s entertainment, food halls, or even elevated fine dining experiences. This trend toward hybrid service models, which combine great food with unique, engaging experiences, has become almost essential for operators to create meaningful connections with guests and encourage repeat visits.
3. GoTab’s RFID Tech is Revolutionizing Guest Experience - Mateen explains how GoTab’s RFID and Easy Tab features streamline the guest experience while reducing labor needs. With Easy Tab, customers receive a text with their tab that allows them to order more, move freely, and pay directly from their phones, making it ideal for venues like food halls or entertainment spaces where guests are mobile. This flexibility not only enhances the guest experience but also enables operators to run large venues with minimal staff during off-peak times by activating only certain areas as needed, optimizing both space and labor efficiency.

Episode Links

• Connect with Mateen Habib on LinkedIn
• Visit GoTab Online
• Connect with GoTab on LinkedIn
• Follow GoTab on Facebook
• Follow GoTab on YouTube
• Follow GoTab on Instagram

ABOUT MATEEN HABIB -

Mateen Habib has a diverse work experience spanning over a decade. Their most recent role is as the Head of Product at GoTab, Inc., where they started in March 2022. Prior to that, they served as a Product Manager from October 2021 to March 2022 at the same company. Before joining GoTab, Inc., Mateen worked as an Account Growth Specialist from August 2020 to October 2021.

Earlier in their career, Mateen held the position of Director of Operations at Jupiter, Drake's Brewing, and Triple Rock Brewing from February 2010 to October 2020. In 2015, they also served as a Co-Owner at Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack from November 2015 to September 2018.

Mateen Habib earned a Bachelor's degree in Business/Managerial Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Mateen attended the university from 2005 to 2009.

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.

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Produced by Incentivio & Cali BBQ Media