In today’s ever-evolving restaurant industry, leveraging data effectively is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. On a recent episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, Jeremy Julian, Chief Revenue Officer of Custom Business Solutions, sits down with the co-founders of RAD, Jeff Porter and Ryan Burhorn, along with guest James McGehee from Dave’s Hot Chicken. Together, they explore how RAD is transforming data analytics for restaurants.
Understanding RAD: The Next-Generation Platform
RAD stands for Restaurant Analytics Delivered, and according to Jeff Porter, COO and co-founder, the platform was conceived from years of working in consulting roles within the restaurant industry. They recognized a constant challenge: the need for an analytics solution that not only displays data but helps operators make prescriptive decisions. RAD aims to be that solution, harnessing data to drive actionable insights rather than overwhelming users with information.
The Value of Actionable Data
As Jeff points out, data on its own can feel meaningless if not analyzed and converted into actionable decisions. Jeremy Julian echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the pitfalls of simply visualizing data without guiding users to understand its practical applications. Ryan Burhorn, CEO of RAD, describes their approach as “analytics first,” focusing on guiding restaurant operators to make informed business decisions.
Holistic Metrics: The Opportunities Matrix
One standout feature of RAD is its Opportunities Matrix, which Ryan elaborates on: it’s designed to present a comprehensive view integrating sales, labor, costs of goods sold, and guest sentiment. This holistic approach allows operators to discern the interconnections between critical metrics, fostering an environment where informed decisions enhance performance across multiple facets.
RAD in Action: Dave’s Hot Chicken Case Study
James McGehee, CFO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, offers a firsthand account of how RAD supports rapid expansion and strategic decision-making. Dave’s, a brand that has expanded from humble beginnings to a significant presence, relies on RAD for measuring productivity, guiding growth strategies, and even fine-tuning details like attachment rates of cheese modifiers.
James emphasizes how RAD’s focus on productivity measures rather than just financial data empowers operators to effect meaningful changes. It’s about understanding not just what is happening, but why, enabling adaptions that improve operations and guest satisfaction.
Driving Operational Change
The podcast delves into RAD’s partnership model, where clients are not left to navigate a static tool alone. Jeff highlights the importance of RAD’s intentional rollout process, emphasizing standardization and the benefits of analyst support to dynamically adapt the tool to meet evolving needs.
The Future Vision for RAD
Looking forward, RAD aims to further simplify the user experience with prescriptive analytics and exception-based alerts. As Ryan explains, the goal is to provide key metrics to operators in an accessible, timely manner. By continuing to innovate, RAD is positioning itself as a leader in transforming how restaurants interact with their data.
Conclusion: A Partnership for Success
For James McGehee, the success of implementing RAD isn’t just in the metrics—it’s in how franchisees leverage these insights to improve Return on Invested Capital. The buy-in from operators at all levels is crucial, and with RAD, they find a tool that is not only functional but transformational.
With restaurant leaders like James contributing to RAD’s development, the platform continues to grow, evolve, and support the dynamic needs of today’s restaurant operators. As the industry moves forward, embracing comprehensive data analytics platforms like RAD could be the defining factor in a restaurant’s success. Check them out at https://thisisrad.io/
