Tech Talk: When Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

Given the challenges operators face today, specifically the ongoing labor challenges that show no signs of abating, the benefits of automation continue to become more and more attractive. For automation and other advanced technologies to truly be worth the investment, though, implementation must solve business problems operators face. In other words, operators can’t afford to implement a certain technology and then find an issue for it to address. Taking the latter approach can lead to some pricey lessons learned for both the operators and their suppliers. Before determining if a specific technology can help a foodservice business meet the challenges of the day and whether the expense is worth it the business must first understand when, where and how it deploys labor. Only then can operators and their suppliers begin to understand the true impact of these technological developments and whether they will drive a return on investment through labor savings, better throughput and sales increases.

Juan Martinez, PhD, PE, FCSI, Principal, Profitality

Juan Martinez 150x200 A 37 year industry veteran, Juan Martinez is Principal and Founder of Profitality Labor Guru, an Industrial Engineering Consulting Company that helps brands optimize their investment to drive better “unit economics”. This experience spans to over 100 different concepts across all menu and service system offerings. Juan is a licensed Professional Engineer, with a BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech, and an MS in Engineering Management and PhD in Ergonomics from the University of Miami. He is a member of several professional organizations, including Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI), where he is a member of the “Board of Trustees”, as well as the Institute of Industrial Engineering (IIE). As an industry “thought leader” Juan frequently speaks at industry gatherings, and has written over 100 articles in foodservice and Industrial Engineering Journals, including a regular column in the Foodservice Equipment & Supplies web site. Juan is also a Fellow of The Culinary Institute of America.

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Testimonials

The FED Summit was just the right timeframe, just the right speakers and just the right team to make it all happen. I reunited with and made new friends and have taken away lots of valuable information that will help shape and impact my future success.

Zee Moussa, Culinarian & Owner, ZeeTheCook, LLC

The FED Summit is easily one of the best – if not THE best – conferences I’ve ever attended.

Adam Deutschmann, General Manager, Bargreen Ellingson

It was refreshing to attend a conference where both the networking opportunities and the content were equally important. The sessions tackled provocative issues that will impact the future of the food industry and I've had multiple meetings and events that came solely from contacts I made at the FED Summit.

Mike Kostyo, Trendologist & Associate Director, Content, Datassential

The 2022 FED Summit was a great insight into the current state of not just the equipment world, but the restaurant industry as a whole. I really enjoyed hearing from designers sharing their real life successes and failures, equipment experts sharing what is really working, and from restaurant owners/managers to what their teams enjoy working with.

Brooks Kirchheimer, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Hearth and Hill, and Leave Room for Dessert Eateries

The FED Summit was very thought-provoking and insightful. I came away with great ideas for my customer base to contemplate.

Drew O’Quinn, President, Singer T&L

I loved the diversity of types of leaders in the room; we all grow by learning from other channel segments. Great speakers, useful content, thoughtful dialog with attendees - excellence in every aspect!

Brad Pierce, President, Restaurant Equipment World

I absolutely enjoyed attending my first FED Thought Leadership Summit! It was the right mix of networking opportunities and insightful, thought-provoking content from expert speakers.

Joseph Vajda, AIA, LEED bd+c, Principal, Aria Group

To say that this old guy learned a lot of new, timely industry information is an understatement. I came away from the event saying to myself that this is one conference that can’t be missed, and I am already hoping that I get another chance at attending next year.

William J. Caruso, FFCSI (PP), President, CS Enterprises, LLC.

The FED Summit is so well put together. Both the content of the program and the opportunity to interact and collaborate with industry peers is on point. This conference is a home run for me and I always leave with new ideas and some new industry connections to help grow my business.

FED Global Thought Leadership 2022