Top Talent Talks Tech
“Everyone looks at Instagram and decides where they’re going to eat,” says RW Restaurant Group’s Frank Shull. He argues the image-driven app has surpassed Facebook and Twitter. 2015 RAMMY finalists in Restaurateur of the Year and Service Program of the Year also discussed technology that boosts guest relations. Maria Trabocchi of Fiola, Fiola Mare and Casa Luca uses Venga (it integrates with a restaurant’s POS system) and OpenTable to keep track of diners’ preferences. “We use it to maximize loyalty that leads to revenue,” she says. Next time you’re seated effortlessly at your favorite booth, there’ s a good chance Venga or a similar platform was involved. Pictured: Frank Shull; Knightsbridge Restaurant Group’s Ashok Bajaj; Maria Trabocchi; Passion Food Hospitality’s David Wizenberg; WAMU 88.5’s Rebecca Sheir; Mike Isabella Concepts’ Mike Isabella; Bourbon Steak’s Mark Politzer; and Think Food Group’s Stew Newbold.