🌱Technology Isn't the Enemy of Hospitality - It's Your Strongest Ally
A 2 min read.
I just delivered an EDTalk that challenged restaurant operators to completely rethink their relationship with technology. And based on the reactions I got, this is a conversation our industry desperately needs to have.
Watch the full speech here
Here's the reality check: 20 years ago, we had a computer in the office, a POS system, and a landline phone. That was pretty much it. We built everything from scratch with binders, plexiglass, china pens, and spreadsheets.
But we figured it out. We adapted. We created solutions with the tools we had.
Fast forward to today, and everything has changed. Margins are thinner than ever, labor and food costs need constant oversight, guests want experiences that fit their lifestyle, and we're hiring people with little to no industry experience.
You can't just work harder anymore. You have to be smarter.
Yet I talk to operators every day who avoid technology because they tell themselves limiting stories:
"I'm not tech-savvy"
"I don't understand how it impacts my business"
"Tech equals corporate"
These beliefs are holding you back from running a more productive and profitable restaurant.
Here's the mindset shift that changed everything for me: Stop seeing technology as just another tool you have to manage. Start seeing it as your most reliable employee—one that doesn't call in sick, doesn't get tired, and consistently provides data to help you make better decisions around the clock.
Think about Open Table's impact 20 years ago. Overnight, it filled seats without phone calls, gave us guest insights before they walked in, turned running the door into a game, and made the restaurant more profitable—all without losing the human touch.
The key is choosing technology intentionally. Before investing in any tool, ask yourself three questions:
Will this elevate the guest experience?
Will it improve the employee experience?
Will it make us more profitable?
If the answer is yes to all three, it's worth exploring.
Remember, restaurants are emotional businesses. We make decisions based on what feels right—but data tells us the truth we might not see when emotions are running high.
Technology isn't replacing hospitality. It's protecting it by giving you more time to focus on what matters: taking care of yourself, your team, and your guests.
So here's my challenge: Think about one problem in your business that technology could solve. Get curious, take one step, and see the impact.
The restaurant industry isn't getting easier—but with the right tools, you can make it easier on yourself.
Watch the full speech here
P.S. Ready to make technology work for your restaurant instead of against it? Here's how I support independent restaurant owners:
One-on-One Coaching - Work directly with me to develop systems, leadership skills, and strategic thinking that drives profitable growth
Multi-Unit Mastery Framework - Get my proven roadmap for scaling restaurant operations without losing control or sacrificing quality
Leadership Development - Build the confident, empowered leadership team that can implement and manage technology effectively while maintaining your culture
Let’s connect at christinmarvin.com/contact
