Episode 568: The Journey of a Hospitality Tech Leader: Chrissy Ouelette, Touchpoint Restaurant Solutions

Restaurant Owners Uncorked

Summary

In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, host Wil Brawley speaks with Chrissy Ouellette, VP of Business Development and Enterprise Sales at Touchpoint. They discuss Chrissy's journey in the hospitality tech industry, the evolution of restaurant technology, and the importance of personal connections in the hospitality sector. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating corporate structures, the phenomenon of tech fatigue in the restaurant industry, and the need for tech audits to streamline operations. Chrissy shares insights into Touchpoint's unique approach to restaurant solutions, emphasizing the benefits of having a single vendor for multiple services. In this conversation, Chrissy and Wil discusses the innovations in fast casual dining, the challenges of tech debt in restaurant technology, and the potential impacts of mergers and acquisitions on the restaurant industry.. The discussion also touches on the significance of authenticity in sales and the launch of a new podcast, 'Bite Size and Bossy', aimed at empowering women in the industry.
Takeaways

• Chrissy's journey began at a young age in hospitality.
• The restaurant industry is evolving with technology.
• Personal connections enhance customer experiences.
• Navigating corporate structures can be challenging.
• Tech fatigue is a real issue in restaurants.
• Auditing tech vendors can improve profitability.
• Touchpoint offers a holistic solution for restaurants.
• The importance of transparency in business relationships.
• Emerging brands benefit from Touchpoint's services. The fast casual dining space is evolving with innovative tech solutions.
• Tech debt can hinder growth and efficiency in restaurant tech.
• Restaurant owners are incredibly resilient despite industry challenges.
• Building a sustainable business is more important than chasing an exit strategy.
• Authenticity in sales fosters trust and credibility with clients.
• Women in the restaurant industry need a platform to share their stories.
• Balancing work and personal life is a challenge for working moms.
• The restaurant industry is facing significant regulatory pressures.
• Successful businesses focus on their strengths and target the right audience.