In this episode of Digital Hospitality, Shawn Walchef sits down with Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Alervio, to explore how personal health challenges inspired a new approach to allergen transparency in restaurants. Wood shares how sudden food allergies reshaped his relationship with dining out and revealed the hidden anxiety many guests carry to the table. The conversation unpacks California’s upcoming SB 68 allergen labeling law, why operators fear added complexity, and how technology can reduce risk without adding friction. At its core, the episode is about using empathy, data, and thoughtful design to create safer, more confident dining experiences for everyone.

Interview Takeaways:

• Lived Experience Driving Safer Hospitality – Alervio was born from Anthony Wood’s personal health journey, where sudden food allergies turned everyday dining into a source of anxiety. That lived experience shaped his belief that hospitality should reduce stress, not create it. By building tools that understand how individuals interact with food, Alervio helps operators care for guests in ways menus alone never could.
• Technology That Removes Friction at the Table – Rather than adding more responsibility to busy servers or complex training for staff, Alervio shifts allergen communication to the table itself. Guests input their needs directly, while the system translates that information into clear guidance for the kitchen. The result is fewer mistakes, lower risk, and a calmer experience for both guests and operators.
• Compliance as an Opportunity, Not a Burden – With California’s SB 68 allergen labeling law approaching, many operators see regulation as another operational headache. Alervio reframes compliance as a chance to build trust and stand out. By simplifying data ingestion and menu transparency, the platform helps restaurants meet new requirements while strengthening guest confidence and brand integrity.

Episode Links:

• Alervio Online: https://www.alervio.com/
• Alervio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alervio/
• Anthony Wood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-wood-6262611a3/
• SB 68: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB68

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