In the latest episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Rick Elliott, a seasoned veteran in the restaurant tech game and co-founder of Konducter, a promising startup aimed at reshaping how restaurants operate. His journey, from working on drilling rigs to leading tech innovations, provides invaluable insights into the determination and innovation required to excel in the competitive restaurant technology space.
A Journey from Oil Rigs to Tech Innovator
Rick Elliott’s path to the restaurant tech industry was as unconventional as it was inspiring. Starting his career in the oil and gas industry, Rick quickly realized the importance of further education and made a pivotal decision to switch paths. Following a move to San Diego and a degree in computer science, Rick’s tech career flourished, eventually leading him to become a key player in the restaurant tech world. His work co-founding Brink POS, one of the first cloud-based point-of-sale solutions, set new standards in the industry and paved the way for future endeavors.
Konducter: Crafting a Superior Guest Experience
The birth of Konducter came from a blend of experience and ambition. After Brink was acquired in 2014, Rick spent several years with PAR, further honing his skills and understanding of the industry. The idea for Konducter sprouted from reflecting on past experiences and identifying gaps in the market, particularly in how restaurants manage and communicate with their guests.
Konducter aims to revolutionize the restaurant experience by enhancing the way kitchens operate and connect with their guests. At its core, Konducter is developing a kitchen orchestration system, leveraging lean manufacturing principles to streamline kitchen workflows, optimize order turnaround times, and ultimately, improve the guest experience. By addressing the all-too-common issue of unpredictable wait times, Konducter seeks to set a new benchmark for customer satisfaction.
Setting Expectations and Improving Communication
One of the key goals of Konducter is to provide guests with precise predictions on when their orders will be ready, thereby reducing anxiety and enhancing their overall experience. In the world of fast-paced dining and instant gratification, setting accurate expectations is crucial. Konducter’s innovative use of technology aims to keep guests informed, from the moment an order is placed to when it’s ready to be enjoyed, fostering a more trusting and enjoyable dining experience.
The Future of Restaurant Tech with AI and Integration
Looking ahead, Rick Elliott envisions a future where artificial intelligence and machine learning play integral roles in maximizing kitchen efficiency and menu optimization. Konducter not only plans to refine its kitchen orchestration system but also to explore predictive analytics for menu planning and order management. The goal is to offer a seamless, integrated experience for both restaurants and their customers, potentially transforming the entire industry in the process.
Join the Revolution
For those interested in staying updated on Konducter’s journey or wishing to contribute to the project, Rick Elliott encourages visiting the project’s website and connecting with him on LinkedIn for the latest news and developments. As Konducter continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in restaurant technology, its journey represents a beacon of innovation and a testament to the power of dedication and forward-thinking.
Wrapping Up
Our conversation with Rick Elliott offered a captivating look into the mind of a true innovator in the restaurant technology space. His journey, from drill rigs to digital dining, is a reminder of the transformative power of technology and vision. As Konducter moves forward, its potential to change the dining experience is boundless, promising a future where every meal is met with enhanced satisfaction and efficiency. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates from Rick and the Konducter team as they cook up a new era of restaurant technology.
