In the latest episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian engages in an insightful conversation with Christian Touzet, the President of Love My Point, an emerging American-style pub and grill franchise. Love My Point is rapidly expanding across the United States, with a focus on incorporating technology and innovative practices to help franchisees succeed.
Introduction and Welcome
Jeremy begins the podcast with a warm welcome to the listeners, expressing gratitude for their continued support. He sets the stage for an exciting discussion with restaurant industry leaders like Christian, diving into how they utilize technology to enhance their businesses.
Meet Christian: President of The Point Pub and Grill
Christian introduces himself as the President of The Point Pub and Grill, sharing his journey in the restaurant industry. Growing up in a family of restaurateurs in France and the US, Christian has been immersed in the restaurant culture from a young age, which paved the way for his current role in leading this promising franchise.
Defining the American Style Pub
Christian explains the unique concept of Love My Point as an American-style pub, highlighting its family-friendly approach and diverse menu. The conversation touches on the distinctions between American and European pubs, with Christian noting the more personal, full-service model they offer compared to the counter-service style common in Europe.
Menu Innovation and Upscale Dining
Discussing menu innovation, Christian shares how the franchise balances upscale offerings with approachable, value-oriented choices. The focus remains on utilizing fresh ingredients and creating dishes that appeal to a wide range of customers. They regularly update their menu based on data-driven insights and feedback from their management team and customers.
Utilizing Technology for Menu Feedback
Christian reveals how they leverage technology to gather feedback and refine their menu offerings. By talking to customers, using secret shoppers, and analyzing purchase data, Love My Point ensures that their menu meets customer expectations and trends.
Franchisee Support and Training Systems
A key part of Love My Point’s growth strategy is the extensive investment in their tech stack, including a robust learning management system (LMS) for training. This LMS provides over a hundred hours of online training for various roles, significantly reducing training costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
Managing Digital Training in Restaurants
The transition to digital training has challenges, but Christian describes their approach to integrating mobile learning without disrupting service quality. With trust and the right tools, they manage to balance device use among employees effectively.
Guest Loyalty and Recidivism
Christian discusses their loyalty program and use of third-party data to track and enhance guest return rates. By maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction, they’ve built a loyal customer base that frequently visits their locations.
Investment in Technology and Systems
Love My Point stands out for its significant investment in technology and systems compared to its size. Christian emphasizes that their commitment to robust systems has laid a strong foundation for future growth, driven by a culture of continuous improvement.
Franchise Expansion and Opportunities
Currently targeting expansion in Texas, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon, Love My Point seeks franchisees who can emulate their culture and are open to innovative approaches in the restaurant space. The franchise offers a flexible model adaptable to varied locations and customer demographics.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Jeremy concludes the podcast by appreciating Love My Point’s thoughtful investment in technology and strategic growth plan. He encourages listeners to explore the opportunities with Love My Point and congratulates Christian on their achievements.
As Jeremy promises to visit one of the Love My Point locations soon, the podcast wraps up with gratitude to the listeners and a reminder to subscribe to keep up with future episodes.
With its focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and strategic growth, Love My Point embodies how restaurants can effectively leverage technology to drive success. Whether you’re a potential franchisee or a technology enthusiast, there’s much to learn from Christian Touzet’s insights into building a modern restaurant brand.
