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  • In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy sits down with consultant, coach, and mentor Richard Liverman. Broadcasting from the UK, Richard shares his perspectives on hospitality, branding, and the power of storytelling in business. Drawing from a diverse background from horticulture to luxury brands he illustrates how service and connection can define success across industries.

    The conversation centers around Richard’s core mantra, “Don’t be boring,” which he uses as a lens to challenge clients’ thinking, brand execution, and communication. He introduces listeners to the concept of “scaffolding” for personal and professional growth, highlighting systems and support that help leaders and entrepreneurs perform at their best.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    Defining hospitality through meaningful connection and consistency

    The role of storytelling in branding and customer engagement

    “Don’t be boring” as a mindset for challenging assumptions and innovating

    Personal and business “scaffolding” for sustainable growth

    Staying fresh and relevant through clarity of brand DNA

    Connect with Richard Liverman:

    https://richersolutions.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-liverman/ https://www.instagram.com/richer_solutions_global/

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this milestone 50th episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper sits down with longtime friend and returning guest Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, for the podcast's first-ever on-location recording at Pepper Lunch in Las Vegas. They reflect on the journey of launching and sustaining a media-driven business strategy in the hospitality industry, discussing how consistent storytelling builds brand authority, trust, and growth over time.

    Troy credits Shawn as the original inspiration behind starting the show, and they dive into topics such as overcoming fear of publishing content, building a personal brand through video and audio, and the power of showing up consistently. Throughout the episode, they offer practical encouragement for entrepreneurs to share their stories publicly, embrace imperfect content, and use digital media as a long-term investment in visibility and influence.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode

    The value of consistency and speed in content creation

    Storytelling as a strategy to build trust and brand awareness

    How media transformed Troy Hooper’s leadership and business reach

    Overcoming fear and self-doubt in publishing content

    Creating a content habit to drive long-term visibility and growth

    Connect with Shawn Walchef:

    www.betheshow.media

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef

    https://www.instagram.com/shawnpwalchef/

    https://www.instagram.com/calibbq/

    https://www.instagram.com/calibbqmedia/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@calibbq

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyKV0F1uggLgiPbBsnPSeUA

    https://twitter.com/CaliBBQMedia

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

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  • In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Tammy Billings, a seasoned marketing and technology advisor in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Tammy shares her journey from starting in hospitality at In-N-Out Burger to becoming a sought-after voice in MarTech and decision intelligence. She explains the evolution from traditional marketing roles into tech consulting, emphasizing how hospitality principles like listening and anticipating needs still apply in a data-driven world.

    They also discuss SaaS fatigue, the complexity of vendor ecosystems, the role of POS systems in data access, and how SignalFlare.ai is using AI and external data to deliver more accurate pricing and marketing insights. Tammy’s blend of service-oriented mindset and technical knowledge offers valuable perspectives for operators navigating rapid tech shifts.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    Tammy’s transition from marketing roles to technology advisory

    Challenges of SaaS pricing models and vendor consolidation

    SignalFlare’s data modeling and pricing tools for restaurants

    Importance of data access and ownership in POS systems

    Using composed external data for targeted marketing and site selection

    Connect with Tammy Billings:

    http://signalflare.ai

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammykbillings/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/signalflareai/

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In Episode 048 of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Erin Levzow, a seasoned marketing and technology leader with more than two decades of experience in hospitality, restaurants, and consulting. Erin shares her insights on what hospitality truly means—emphasizing emotional connection over transactional service—and why every business, regardless of industry, should consider itself part of the hospitality sector.

    The conversation explores current trends in marketing tech, including the tendency for brands to misdiagnose their marketing issues, the over-accumulation of disconnected tech tools, and the importance of consolidating tech stacks for efficiency and ROI.

    Erin also breaks down her approach to fractional consulting, helping businesses uncover the real problems behind their perceived challenges and align their technology and brand strategy to drive revenue. The episode closes with her personal reflections on redefining career priorities and integrating work-life balance through her consulting practice.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    The meaning and business value of authentic hospitality

    Common misconceptions in diagnosing marketing problems

    Evaluating and consolidating the tech stack

    Understanding data usage versus data accumulation

    Erin's consulting philosophy and work with fractional clients

    Connect with Erin Levzow:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlevzow/

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Rev Ciancio, a hospitality marketing expert and dynamic personality in the restaurant industry. Known for his extensive social media presence, food crawl leadership, and straight-talking marketing advice, Rev shares insights into hospitality, influencer marketing, and creating meaningful guest experiences. He reflects on the early roots of his hospitality mindset, the role of convenience and experience in consumer decisions, and how independent restaurants can leverage influencer marketing for long-term results.

    The conversation also covers tactical marketing strategies, the value of nano and micro-influencers, and the importance of aligning content with business goals. Throughout, Rev keeps it real with stories, humor, and actionable advice restaurant operators can use right now.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    The role of convenience and experience in defining hospitality

    How Rev Ciancio uses influencer marketing as an “always on” strategy

    Why nano and micro-influencers are critical for local restaurant growth

    The importance of aligning influencer content with business initiatives

    Examples of real-life hospitality from chains and independents alike

    Connect with Rev Ciancio:

    https://www.instagram.com/revciancio/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/revciancio/

    www.restaurantsgrow.tv

    https://www.tiktok.com/@revciancio

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy sits down with hospitality coach, author, and industry leader Jason E. Brooks. The conversation explores what true hospitality means beyond service scripts and steps, diving into Jason's personal journey from overcoming a speech impediment to becoming a keynote speaker and trusted consultant. Jason breaks down the differences between managing, leading, and coaching, and offers thoughtful insights on building authentic culture in restaurants. He also teases the release of his upcoming book, Every Team Needs Coaching, aimed at equipping managers with the support they often lack.

    Key Topics Discussed in the episode:

    True hospitality stems from genuine care and the ability to respond empathetically, not just following scripts.

    Many businesses confuse employee perks for culture. Real culture is visible and consistent, even when it’s not stated.

    Each is essential—managing organizes, leading inspires, and coaching develops individuals.

    Jason shares how a childhood stutter and Toastmasters shaped his ability to communicate effectively in high-stakes environments.

    Brooks advocates for ongoing coaching for managers, likening it to how we support youth sports teams—with dedicated coaching to grow their abilities.

    Connect with Jason E Brooks:

    www.jasonebrooks.com

    linkedin.com/in/jasonebrooks

    https://x.com/2leadnsucceed

    FSR Magazine Articles: https://www.fsrmagazine.com/feature/introducing-the-coaching-connection-a-column-from-hospitality-expert-jason-e-brooks/

    Calendly: https://calendly.com/jason-e-brooks/ask-me-anything

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this insightful episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with hospitality veteran and author Steve Fortunato to explore the deeper meaning behind true hospitality. Steve shares a compelling personal journey that led to a major mindset shift in his 34-year career in the food and beverage industry.

    From launching boutique catering brand Room Forty to opening event venues like The Fig House and writing The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality, Steve unpacks how hospitality should transcend the restaurant world and apply to all human relationships and industries. The conversation dives into themes of intentionality, service over self-promotion, and the universal need to feel valued. Steve discusses how reframing hospitality as a virtue rather than just an industry practice can spark more genuine relationships and sustainable business growth.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    The true definition of hospitality as the intention to make others feel valued

    Steve Fortunato’s personal and professional awakening after 29 years in the industry

    The difference between virtuous and vicious cycles in business relationships

    Why hospitality should be a foundational mindset across all industries, not just food and beverage

    Key concepts and frameworks from Steve's book The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality

    Connect with Steve Fortunato & Room Forty:

    https://www.instagram.com/steve_fortunato

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-fortunato-3b990516/

    https://www.amazon.com/Urgent-Recovery-Hospitality-Rediscovering-Generosity/dp/1962341526

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/roomfortycatering/

    https://www.roomforty.com/

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this inspiring episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with serial entrepreneur and churro connoisseur Scott Porter, founder of San Diablo Artisan Churros. With an eclectic background spanning PR, healthcare, aviation, and gourmet desserts, Scott shares his unwavering belief in the power of hospitality as a strategic advantage in any industry.

    He details how his formative experiences in Mexican culture shaped his philosophy of treating every guest like a divine being and how those values now drive his mission to “fill lives with happiness—one churro at a time.” From turning around distressed nursing homes with radical hospitality to launching a gourmet churro empire, Scott reveals his proven framework for building human-centered brands that foster meaningful interaction over mere transactions.

    Listeners will walk away with actionable insights into creating unforgettable customer experiences, the importance of consistent values in company culture, and how hospitality can transform businesses—from senior care to street food. Plus, get a taste of his Taco Tour Mastermind in Mexico City, where leaders learn first-hand what true hospitality looks like at every level.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    Scott Porter’s journey from healthcare and aviation to launching a gourmet churro brand

    How Mexican culture and mission work inspired his hospitality mindset

    Building internal culture through values like “interaction over transaction”

    Using hospitality as a tool to differentiate and grow any type of business

    The evolution of San Diablo Artisan Churros—from live events to frozen grocery products

    Connect with Scott Porter:

    www.sandiablochurros.com

    www.forevervitamint.com

    https://www.instagram.com/sandiablochurros/

    https://www.instagram.com/forevervitamint/

    https://www.instagram.com/searchfortheperfecttaco/

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper welcomes Josh Kopel, a seasoned restaurateur, entrepreneur, and host of the influential Full Comp podcast. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, diving into topics like AI-driven profitability, menu engineering, and maximizing check averages. Josh shares invaluable insights on how restaurants can leverage artificial intelligence for marketing and operations, the power of suggestive selling, and the importance of building a frequency flywheel to drive customer loyalty. From the role of kiosks in guest experience to strategic upselling techniques, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies that hospitality professionals can implement today.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    How AI can drive restaurant profitability through marketing and menu optimization

    The psychology of hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences

    Menu engineering and structuring offerings for higher check averages

    The impact of kiosks and automation on guest interactions and sales

    The frequency flywheel strategy for increasing repeat customers and long-term loyalty

    Connect with Josh Kopel:

    www.joshkopel.com

    https://www.instagram.com/joshkopel/

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/172117011497393/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuakopel1/

    https://twitter.com/josh_kopel

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with hospitality industry veteran Chris Tripoli. With decades of experience in restaurant ownership, consulting, and education, Chris shares invaluable insights into what makes restaurants successful in today's rapidly evolving landscape. From his early days learning the principles of hospitality to building and scaling restaurants, Chris has seen it all. He now dedicates his time to helping restaurant owners through consulting, online education, and his podcast, Corner Booth.

    Chris and Troy discuss the timeless principles of restaurant success—people, product, and process—and how independent operators can overcome modern challenges such as labor shortages, rising costs, and adapting to shifting consumer expectations. Chris emphasizes the importance of building a strong team, implementing scalable systems, and embracing change to stay competitive. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, operator, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you thrive in the hospitality industry.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    The true meaning of hospitality and why guest experience matters more than ever

    The three core principles of restaurant success: People, Product, and Process

    Challenges facing modern restaurant owners and how to adapt to industry shifts

    The importance of systems, training, and leadership in scaling a restaurant business

    How American restaurant models and processes are being adopted worldwide

    Connect with Chris Tripoli:

    https://www.christripoli.com/ https://www.instagram.com/christripolifcsi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ctripoli https://www.therestaurantclinic.com/ https://www.restaurantowner.com/

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • Welcome to this special episode of The Pineapple Perspective with your host, Troy Hooper. In today’s episode, we’re joined by two incredible guests — Ashley Carlson, Founder and CEO of Elevate Business Solutions, and Nichole Hughes, Lead Executive Assistant at Elevate. Together, they share how their innovative approach to fractional executive assistant services helps busy executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders streamline operations, regain work-life balance, and elevate their businesses to the next level.

    As a client of Elevate, I’ve experienced firsthand how Ashley, Nichole, and their team don’t just “check boxes” — they become strategic partners in your business. They proactively identify areas for improvement, anticipate needs before they arise, and create scalable systems that save time and reduce stress. From managing email and calendars to coordinating vendor communications, booking personal travel, and even overseeing podcast production, Elevate offers a holistic support system that helps leaders focus on growth, not just daily tasks.

    In this conversation, Ashley shares her journey from hospitality professional to entrepreneur, and why her passion for service and efficiency led to the creation of Elevate. Nichole highlights the unique collaborative structure that sets Elevate apart from basic VA services, allowing their clients to benefit from not just one assistant, but an entire team of experts. We also dive into how technology — from live document sharing to Slack collaboration and calendar automation — enhances the remote support process.

    We cover how business owners know when it’s time to “graduate” from fractional support to full-time in-house assistance and how Elevate helps make that transition smooth. Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to launch your own podcast but felt overwhelmed by the logistics, you’ll love hearing how Elevate handles everything from scheduling to production and guest management — leaving you free to simply show up and have meaningful conversations.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    How Elevate Business Solutions provides strategic, fractional executive assistant services for busy entrepreneurs and executives

    The importance of proactive support and identifying tasks before they become problems

    Leveraging technology (Slack, Calendly, Google Drive) to streamline communication and operations

    When and how to transition from fractional EA services to hiring a full-time, in-house assistant

    Full-service podcast management as an extension of executive assistant services

    Connect with Elevate, Ashley, and Nichole:

    https://elevatevbsolutions.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/elevatevbsolutions/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevate-virtual-assistant-services

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymcarlson/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholedhughes/

    https://elevatevbsolutions.com/get-it-done-service

    https://elevatevbsolutions.com/contact

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper meets up with Chad Offerdahl, President and CEO of The Big Biscuit, a rapidly expanding breakfast and lunch franchise. Chad shares his journey as a second-generation restaurateur, detailing how he and his father transformed a small Kansas City breakfast spot into a multi-state franchise operation. They discuss the importance of hospitality, the challenges of franchising, and how The Big Biscuit has built a strong corporate foundation to support its franchisees. Troy and Chad also dive into industry trends, including technology in restaurants, real estate challenges, and the growing demand for breakfast-focused dining concepts.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    The growth story of The Big Biscuit from a local eatery to a multi-state franchise

    The role of hospitality in restaurant success and customer loyalty

    The challenges of franchising, from finding the right franchisees to streamlining operations

    How technology and AI are shaping the future of restaurant efficiency

    The appeal of breakfast and lunch franchises in today’s market

    A second-generation restaurateur, Chad Offerdahl has been dedicated to The Big Biscuit since 2010. With a focus on the future of the brand, he brings the values of adaptability, inclusivity, and a tech-forward approach to the business.

    Connect with Chad Offerdahl

    https://bigbiscuit.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/the.big.biscuit/

    https://bigbiscuitfranchise.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-offerdahl

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebigbiscuit

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • To celebrate the opening of Pepper Lunch in the Irvine Spectrum this month, we’re replaying this episode with Paul Tran, Director of Franchising for Pepper Lunch Restaurants. Paul met up with Troy in episode 4 to talk about Pepper Lunch and hospitality.

    In this episode, Troy and Paul cover topics like:

    Paul’s unique definition of hospitality

    How a single act of hospitality can transform a business’s reputation

    The importance of customer delight and quality in franchise success

    And finally, why investing in people has the highest ROI

    You can learn more about Paul Tran on his website or connect with him on X and LinkedIn.

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy sits down with Toby Malbec, a leading expert in restaurant technology and “operational technologist” for ConStrata Consulting. Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of hospitality, discussing how technology is reshaping the guest experience, improving efficiency, and driving business success. Toby shares his insights on the current and future state of restaurant tech, including AI, kiosks, digital menu boards, and the increasing need for integration across platforms. They also explore the challenges operators face, from labor and supply chain issues to the overwhelming number of SaaS solutions available.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    The evolving role of technology in hospitality and restaurant operations

    How AI and automation are shaping efficiency and guest experience

    The benefits and future of kiosks, digital menu boards, and self-service tech

    The challenge of managing multiple SaaS products and the push for integration

    How operators can use data-driven insights to improve labor, inventory, and marketing strategies

    Connect with Toby Malbec:

    http://www.constrata.io

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-malbec-8989322

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this episode, Troy chats with Ashwin Kamlani as he shares his journey from growing up in a hospitality-focused family to founding HighMargin, a company aimed at helping restaurants leverage data for actionable insights. He discusses the evolution of e-commerce in the hotel industry, the parallels with the restaurant sector, and the importance of understanding and utilizing data to enhance operations and customer experiences.

    Highlighted Topics:

    Foundations in Hospitality: Ashwin's early exposure to the hospitality industry through his family's ventures, including his grandfather's establishment of the first five-star hotel in India and his parents' restaurant endeavors.

    E-commerce Evolution: His role in integrating e-commerce into the hotel industry, drawing parallels to the restaurant sector's current digital transformation.

    Data Utilization in Restaurants: The challenges restaurants face with abundant data and the need for actionable insights to improve operations and customer satisfaction.

    Founding HighMargin: Ashwin's motivation behind starting HighMargin to assist restaurants in consolidating data into impactful, actionable insights using AI technology.

    Building in Public: The importance of transparency and community support in building a company, and Ashwin's approach to sharing his journey openly.

    Connect with Ashwin Kamlani:

    www.highmargin.ai

    https://linkedin.com/in/ashwinkamlani

    https://www.youtube.com/ashwinkamlani

    https://www.tiktok.com/@highmargin

    https://x.com/high_margin

    https://www.instagram.com/ashwinkamlani/

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Daniel Estrada, CEO and co-founder of 86 Repairs, to discuss the often-overlooked world of restaurant repairs and maintenance (R&M).

    They explore why most restaurant operators approach equipment maintenance reactively rather than proactively—and how this mindset is costing them time and money. Daniel shares insights on how technology, combined with smart data and service support, can transform how restaurants manage repairs, reduce costs, and extend equipment life.

    The conversation also highlights the importance of preventive maintenance, vendor relationships, and how optimizing R&M can significantly impact restaurant margins.

    Topics Discussed in This Episode:

    Why restaurant operators struggle with reactive maintenance and how to shift to a proactive mindset

    How R&M costs have skyrocketed and what operators can do to control expenses

    The role of data in making smarter repair and replacement decisions

    Preventive maintenance strategies that extend equipment life and reduce emergency repairs

    The importance of vendor selection and why the cheapest option isn’t always the best

    Connect with Daniel Estrada:

    www.86repairs.com

    www.linkedin.com/company/86repairs

    www.instagram.com/86repairs

    www.youtube.com/@86Repairs

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!


    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In today’s episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy meets with Heather Cox, a seasoned WordPress website designer, social media strategist, and content creator with over 15 years of experience in the digital space. Heather shares her insights on the evolving landscape of branding and marketing technology, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and omnichannel presence in today's competitive market.

    Troy and Heather explore how businesses—especially in the hospitality industry—can leverage AI, storytelling in their marketing, and cohesive branding to build meaningful connections with their audience. Heather discusses the need for businesses to adapt to emerging platforms and technologies while maintaining a human touch in digital communication.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    The role of authenticity and honesty in hospitality and business success.

    Leveraging AI for business content creation and branding while maintaining a human touch.

    The importance of omnichannel marketing and consistent branding across platforms.

    Strategies for building and engaging a community effectively for online visibility.

    Upcoming trends and tools in digital marketing for 2025.

    Connect with Heather Cox:

    heathercoxcodes

    instagram.com/heathercoxcodes/

    facebook.com/heathercoxcodes/

    x.com/heathercoxcodes

    tiktok.com/@heathercoxcodes

    threads.com/heathercoxcodes

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • This week on The Pineapple Perspective, Troy interviews Zack Oates, the founder of Ovation and a hospitality visionary. Together, they discuss the art and science of creating unforgettable guest experiences.

    Zack shares his insights on the essence of hospitality, which he defines as proving to guests that you genuinely care about their experience. Zack explains how Ovation’s guest experience platform leverages AI-driven feedback to help restaurants connect with their customers, resolve issues in real time, and foster long-term loyalty. From practical tips like empowering staff to deliver small, meaningful gestures to broader discussions on industry trends, Zack's advice is actionable and inspiring.

    Troy and Zack dig into a discussion on the value of consistency in guest experiences, the importance of addressing operational gaps, and how even small acts of kindness can build strong relationships with customers.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    The true meaning of hospitality: proving that you care.

    How Ovation transforms guest feedback into actionable insights.

    The impact of consistency and predictability on customer retention.

    Simple yet effective ways to elevate the guest experience, like small daily gestures.

    Real-world examples of how data-driven tools boost restaurant revenue and reputation.

    Connect with Zack Oates:

    Ovation Up

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/ovationup/

    🍽️Zack Oates🍕 - Ovation | LinkedIn

    Zack Oates (@zackoates) • Instagram photos and videos

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy is joined by Andy Freivogel, co-founder and CEO of Science On Call, to explore the intersection of technology and hospitality in the restaurant industry.

    Andy shares his unique perspective on what hospitality truly means—leading with generosity and solving real-world problems. The conversation dives into the complexities of modern restaurant technology stacks, the evolution of tech adoption post-pandemic, and the role of AI in transforming operations.

    From proactive automation to minimizing friction for frontline staff, Andy provides actionable insights for restaurant operators navigating the challenges of today’s fast-paced industry.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    The philosophy of "hospitality as giving first" and its impact on leadership.

    The role of Science On Call in streamlining restaurant operations and solving tech-related challenges.

    Current challenges in the restaurant industry: staffing, supply chain, and tech integration.

    The future of restaurant technology, including AI and automated insights.

    Tips for operators: selecting, implementing, and optimizing tech solutions effectively.

    Connect with Andy Freivogel:

    Website: Science On Call

    Andy Freivogel - Science On Call: Tech Support for Restaurants | LinkedIn

    Science On Call (@scienceoncall) • Instagram photos and videos

    Science On Call (@scienceoncall) • Threads, Say more

    Facebook: Science On Call

    http://x.com/scienceoncall

    Science On Call | LinkedIn

    https://www.youtube.com/@scienceoncall

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

  • In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy dives into the dynamic intersection of hospitality and technology with Jeremy Julian, host of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast and a seasoned industry innovator. Together, they explore how cutting-edge tools, like AI-driven analytics and voice ordering, are transforming restaurant operations and enhancing guest experiences.

    Jeremy shares real-world insights on leveraging technology for operational efficiency, such as integrating point-of-sale systems with platforms like OpenTable to create seamless, personalized customer interactions. From the potential of computer vision for inventory management to strategies for avoiding common pitfalls in tech implementation, Jeremy offers actionable advice for restaurant operators looking to stay competitive in a fast-evolving industry.

    Topics Discussed in the Episode:

    How AI and machine learning are redefining restaurant operations and guest engagement.

    Strategies to avoid failure in restaurant technology implementations.

    The importance of personalized customer experiences and integrated guest profiles.

    Innovations in back-office operations, including AI-driven inventory management.

    The future of voice ordering, computer vision, and same-day pay in the hospitality industry.

    Connect with Jeremy Julian:

    Jeremy Julian - Custom Business Solutions | LinkedIn

    CBS NorthStar - Website

    CBS NorthStar | LinkedIn

    Custom Business Solutions - Facebook

    CBS NorthStar (@cbsnorthstar) / X

    CBS NorthStar Training - YouTube

    Restaurant Technology Guys - Website

    The Restaurant Technology Guys | LinkedIn

    Restaurant Technology Guys - YouTube

    The Restaurant Technology Guys - Facebook

    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

    Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.