Digital Hospitality

Digital Hospitality


How Kickfin Helped Riot Hospitality Eliminate the Back-Office Bottleneck

May 12, 2025

J Goldin is the Systems Director at Riot Hospitality Group, a company known for high-volume, high-energy nightlife experiences. But behind the scenes, he is focused on precision, not chaos. In this episode, Goldin explains how technology, particularly Kickfin, has transformed Riot’s tip payout process. The result is saved time, fewer errors, and more managers on the floor where they belong. From eliminating cash to building custom tip structures that scale, Goldin shows how a thoughtful tech stack can drive efficiency without losing the human touch. It is a look at what it really takes to run a modern nightlife operation.



Interview Takeaways:
  • Speed at Scale – In nightlife, seconds matter. For J Goldin, Systems Director at Riot Hospitality Group, shaving even half a second off a transaction can mean thousands in extra revenue. Kickfin’s real-time tip payout platform has helped his venues move faster, stay compliant, and improve nightly operations across the board.
  • Simplifying Complex Tip Structures – With multiple venues and highly variable tip rules, Riot needed a platform that could adapt. Kickfin worked closely with Goldin to build a custom system in just 90 days, helping Riot Hospitality eliminate spreadsheets and reduce tip payout time. 
  • Partners Who Understand Hospitality – Goldin credits Kickfin’s team for deeply understanding the unique demands of nightlife. Their responsiveness, accuracy, and follow-through made them not just a vendor, but a strategic partner in helping Riot scale smartly and sustainably.


Episode Links:


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