Alex Sambvani is the Co-Founder & CEO of Slang.ai, a startup that helps full-service restaurant operators automate their inbound phone calls using AI. In this episode, we’ll talk about what separates Slang from traditional IVR systems, the myriad of inquiries it can handle for guests, and a litmus test for what makes a valuable AI startup.…

Amos Golan is the founder & CEO of Chunk Foods, a startup that makes plant-based, whole cut meat products like steak and brisket. In this episode, we’ll talk about the plant-based predecessors to Chunk, how the startup is leveraging solid-state fermentation to create a clean label, and broader consumer trends within flexitarian and plant-based diet…

Maya Sapir-Mir is the Co-Founder & CEO of PoLoPo, a Israel-based startup pioneering a new method of molecular farming to grow egg proteins in potatoes. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Polopo leverages CRISPR to express proteins within potatoes, how molecular farming works, and the end-to-end supply chain that helps it compete against traditio…

Matt Smolin is the Co-Founder & CEO of Hang, an interactive omnichannel loyalty platform used by brands like Roam Burgers, Boba Guys, and Budweiser. In this episode we’ll talk about the lack of personalization in today’s loyalty ecosystem, how Hang is leveraging minigames to unlock 50% greater spend for its restaurants, and the importance of omnich…

Phil Mikhaylov is the Co-Founder & CEO of Unicorn, a modern auction platform for spirits and wine enthusiasts. In this episode, we’ll talk about the market for liquid collectibles, how the platform offers custodial services for buyers and sellers, and the data it is uncovering within the alcohol industry.…

Abhinav Kapur is the Co-Founder & CEO of Bikky, a customer data analytics platform that helps multi-unit restaurants understand the frequency and lifetime value of their guests. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Bikky is threading the needle between various data silos, how it helps operators understand guest retention, and the future of persona…

Nathan Myhrvold is the author of The Modernist Cuisine, an esteemed cookbook series that examines the art and science of cooking for highly curious chefs and enthusiasts. In this episode we’ll chat about Nathan’s transition from CTO at Microsoft to French culinary school, how he thinks about food science, and the cutting edge of bread making.…

Sami Inkinen is the Co-Founder & CEO of Virta Health, a digital clinic that reverses type 2 diabetes through nutrition. In this episode, we’ll talk about the broken incentives of the American healthcare system, the efficacy of Virta’s program for treating diabetes and promoting weight loss, and the future of healthy eating.…

John Rabiner and Mike Sanuti are the co-founders of Prime Site, an end-to-end construction and advisory firm that leverages data and insights for retailers. In this episode we’ll analyze real estate strategies of fast-growing salad and beverage concepts, talk about omnichannel fulfillment, and analyze grocery retail expansion across dollar, conveni…

Francisco Martin-Rayo is the Co-Founder & CEO of Helios, an AI platform that aggregates billions of data points to predict the climate, economic, and political risks facing global commodities. In this episode, we’ll chat about how some of the largest food players and commodity traders are leveraging Helios’ platform, the various tradeoffs we need t…

Ali Wing is the CEO of Oobli, a biotech startup that manufactures “sweet proteins” that reduce the amount of added sugar in foods and beverages by 75-90%. In this episode we’ll talk about the science behind these trickster sugars, Oobli’s two-pronged go-to-market strategy, and the metabolic health crisis in America.…

Matt Wampler is the Co-Founder & CEO of ClearCOGS, an AI-based demand forecasting platform that helps restaurants move beyond guesswork. In this episode, we’ll talk about how the platform helps drive profitability for customers like Goop Kitchen, how it builds its predictive models on back-of-house and POS data, and the potential for AI across the …

Matt Tucker is the SVP and Head of Tock, a comprehensive restaurant reservation platform focused on revenue management through offerings like events, experiences, off-premise, and more. In this episode, we’ll talk about what sets Tock apart from the competition, how it has evolved beyond fine dining, and the future P&L of restaurants.…

Christine Schindler is the Co-Founder & CEO of PathSpot, a health & safety operating system for restaurants and food manufacturers. In this episode, we talk about PathSpot’s proprietary handwashing compliance hardware, how it serves as the system of record for standard operating procedures, and the power of its data to help prevent foodborne illnes…

Stephen Goldstein is the COO of Kernel, a redesigned restaurant model for the next era of hospitality that leverages automation and efficiency to drive convenience, better wages, sustainability, and quality. In this episode, we’ll talk about Stephen’s journey from RBI, Deliveroo, and Wonder to Kernel, the concept’s unique approach of vertical integ…

Rajat Bhageria is the Founder & CEO of Chef Robotics, an AI startup focused on automating assembly lines within foodservice and CPG. In this episode, we’ll talk about Chef’s unique approach to robotics, how it quickly scaled to helping produce over 12 million meals, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and robots within the food industry.…

Reed McCord is the Founder & CEO of First Bite, a software platform providing market intelligence and CRM tools for CPG brands selling into foodservice. In this episode, we’ll talk about Reed’s early experience helping scale Impossible Foods, the black box of foodservice distribution, and how First Bite is helping brands identify and sell to the mo…

Judy & Eliot Frost are the co-founders of Beli, a social network and review platform dedicated to restaurant fanatics. In this episode we’ll talk about the problems with the existing rating platforms and restaurant discovery, how Beli aims to play a pivotal role in the end-to-end dining experience, and the power of its data to unlock personalized r…

Priyam Saraswat is the co-founder of Voosh, a dashboard that helps restaurants maximize profitability on third-party delivery apps. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Voosh leverages AI to help restaurants win back lost revenue from chargebacks, optimize their promotions, and get a full picture of their delivery P&L across multiple platforms.…

Dr. Joseph Weiss is a gastroenterologist and clinical professor at University of California San Diego. In this episode, we’ll talk about the various functions of the gut microbiome, why many probiotics are scientifically unproven, and the power of resistant starch prebiotic foods.

Gunpil Hwang is the co-founder & CEO of Aniai, a hamburger automation startup based in Seoul, Korea. I was also joined by Head of North American Sales Eric Hansen. In this episode, we’ll talk about Aniai’s first-principles approach to kitchen automation, how it’s different from competitors, and the current and future foodservice robotics landscape.…

Anne Palermo is the Co-Founder & CEO of Aqua Cultured Foods, a startup developing whole-muscle cut alternatives to seafood using biomass fermentation. In this episode we’ll talk about the health and sustainability challenges facing traditional aquaculture, how AQUA is partnering with high-end restaurants, and the market opportunity to offer a high-…

Cole Jones is the Founder & CEO of Local Line, an e-commerce network connecting local farmers with restaurants and grocers. In this episode, we’ll talk about the importance of keeping food dollars within local economies, how large QSRs like Chipotle are using the platform to purchase tens of millions of pounds of local produce, and how farmers can …

Ellen Brune is the VP of Product Management at AutoStore, a warehouse automation system for online grocery and e-commerce fulfillment for brands like Best Buy, Puma, HEB, and Giant. In this episode, we’ll discuss the tradeoffs between manual and automated grocery fulfillment, how automation can deliver groceries faster and more accurately, and how …

Sai Alluri is the Co-Founder & CEO of Momos, an all-in-one customer engagement platform that helps restaurants grow and retain their guests. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Momos is consolidating email marketing and feedback management, leveraging AI, and how restaurants are using it to identify key areas to delight their customers. Subscribe…

Micahel Robinov is the co-founder and CEO of Farm To People, a New York City-based grocery delivery service that procures fresh produce, meat, dairy, and more directly from local farmers. In this episode, we’ll talk about sourcing products from sustainably-grown purveyors, the unit economics powering its delivery service, and the future of hyperloc…

Derek G. Taylor is the founder of Menotti’s Coffee Shop and The Park, a on-chain DAO powering food, beverage, and music projects like Happy Friday Coffee. In this episode, we’ll chat about the potential to move offline communities on-chain, how blockchain can create more equity within hospitality, and the pure espresso technology behind Happy Frida…

Nick Kenner is the Founder & CEO of Just Salad, a fast casual salad chain on a mission to unlock everyday health and sustainability. In this episode, we’ll chat about technology’s role when it comes to nutrition, automation, and retention, its reusable bowl program, and the whitespace opportunity for salad to steal share away from fast food. Sign u…

Marcus Antebi is the founder & CEO of goodsugar, a NYC-based quick service concept serving unpasteurized organic smoothies and juices as well as plant-based prepared foods and baked goods. In this episode, we’ll explore Marcus’ entrepreneurial journey including the founding story of Juice Press, his unique approach to culinary and retail, and his p…

Kevin Brown is the Co-Founder & CEO of Innit, an AI platform purpose-built for large CPGs, grocers, and healthcare companies. In this episode, we’ll talk about the problems with off-the-shelf large language models in food, the future of personalized nutrition, and the promise of smart kitchens. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the HNGRY newsletter…

Page Schult is the co-founder & CEO of Topanga.io, a technology platform powering reusable container programs. In this episode, we’ll define what the circular economy really means, how it can help save businesses money in the long run, and talk about its deployments for meal delivery services, college campuses, and more. Watch on YouTube Subscribe …

Matthew Kenney is a world renowned plant-based chef, restaurateur, educator, and entrepreneur. In this episode we talk about Matthew’s launch of the first plant-based IP holding company, how he’s transitioned his restaurants from owned-and-operated businesses to asset-light franchises, and his thoughts on the future plant-based dining landscape. Wa…

Arik Keller is the Founder & CEO of Mable, a next-generation wholesale technology platform for emerging food & beverage brands. In this episode, we’ll chat about Mable’s three-sided marketplace of retailers, CPGs, and distributors, how it’s enabling c-stores to test new brands, and how technology can play a role in creating a more diverse and flexi…

Martina Lokaiova is the Co-Founder & CEO of Tempty Foods, a Danish food innovation company creating fungi-based alternatives to tofu and meat. In this episode, we’ll talk about why Tempty is shying away from imitating meat analogs, its recent partnership with mycoprotein leader Quorn, and the importance of unbundling of food brands from technology …

Colin Webb is the Co-Founder & CEO of Sauce, a dynamic pricing engine that helps restaurants leverage their data to optimize their online sales. In this episode, we’ll chat about the history of dynamic pricing, how restaurants can double their profitability on third-party marketplaces, and how variable pricing can alleviate the many cost pressures …

Ismail Salhi is the Co-Founder of Wildgrain, the first bake-from-frozen subscription food service for artisanal breads, pastries, and pastas. In this episode, we’ll chat about the current state of the over-commercialized American baked goods market, how Wildgrain bootstrapped itself to 44k paying subscribers, and its unique business model that taps…

Alex Blum is the Founder & CEO of Relay, a last mile logistics company that consolidates restaurants delivery orders across every channel. In this episode, we’ll talk about how restaurants can save money by switching to self delivery, how Relay is able to more efficiently batch orders compared to DoorDash and Uber Eats, and the impact of the recent…

Edward Shenderovich is the Co-Founder & CEO of Synonym, a developer of shared and dedicated commercial-scale biomanufacturing facilities. In this episode we’ll talk about the myriad use cases for fermentation in pharmaceutical to textiles and food, how Synonym is creating a new asset class, and how “fermentation as a service” can unlock a wide rang…

Bobby Brannigan is the Founder & CEO of Mercato, a local marketplace highlighting over 1,500 top independent grocers and specialty stores in the US. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Mercato is able to quickly digitize merchants, the role of its unique marketplace alongside larger competitors, and how it strives to make grocery delivery profita…

Dante DiCicco is the Founder & CEO of Zitti, a company on a mission to bring radical transparency to the $300bn wholesale restaurant industry while streamlining vendor payments for operators. In this episode, we’ll talk about the current inefficiencies of pen-and-paper restaurant procurement, the competitive landscape of back-of-house technology co…

Ben Berman is the Co-Founder & CEO of Tomorrow Farms, a CPG startup focused on building irresistible consumer brands around emerging platforms like precision fermentation and upcycling. In this episode, we’ll chat about why foodtech startups should focus on being B2B and R&D centric companies, the nuances behind precision fermentation dairy, and ho…

Jensen Cummings is a fifth-generation Chef and Restaurateur turned consultant and media operator. In this episode, we’ll talk about where Jensen sees the biggest growth opportunities for restaurants, the tug of war between restaurateurs and tech companies, and the lens operators should use to evaluate new innovations like automation. Watch on YouTu…

Kristen Barnett and Trevor Kerin are the Co-Founders of Culinary Creators Worldwide, a new agency focused on omnichannel activations for the next generation of culinary influencers. In this episode we’ll chat about the opportunity for influencers to work with brands, ghost kitchens, and tech firms to create tangible consumer experiences, the potent…

Stefan Hertzberg is the SVP of Growth at ItsaCheckmate, an integrator between POS systems and online ordering channels for QSRs like Wendy’s, Five Guys, and Jet’s Pizza. In this episode, we’ll talk about the recent M&A activity in the fragmented restaurant tech space, how operators can own their customer data on third-party delivery platforms, and …

Karthik Shekar is the Head of Data Science at Climax Foods, a producer of specialty dairy-free cheeses currently being used by Michelin-starred chefs. In this episode, we’ll talk about how the startup leverages AI to speed up its R&D cycle, the advantages of natural plant-based alternatives over precision fermentation, and the potential for AI to c…

Marc Washington is the Founder & CEO of Supergut, a line of shakes, snack bars, and powders focused on gut health through prebiotic fiber. In this episode we’ll talk about the misconceptions behind probiotics, the role of the gut in moderating everything from our mood to our metabolism, and the future of clinically-validated health and wellness pro…

Brad McNamara is the founder & CEO of Morrissey Market, an online grocery platform built on top of the existing restaurant distributor infrastructure. In this episode we’ll talk about Brad’s roots in vertical farming, how Morrissey is building online grocery as a service for food as medicine and nonprofit organizations, and the economics behind his…

Shawn Walchef is the owner of Cali BBQ and Cali BBQ Media, a 15-year-old BBQ chain located in San Diego, California that also creates B2B content for operators. In this episode, we’ll discuss how Cali BBQ is leveraging smaller-format locations like ghost kitchens and stadium concessions to build the “Amazon Prime of BBQ,” the current state of resta…

Morley Ivers is the Co-Founder & CEO of Cookin, a Toronto-based food delivery marketplace enabling a new crop of creators to sell hot food from their homes or commissary kitchens. In this episode, we’ll talk about the regulatory hurdles facing Cookin and similar platforms, how Cookin is developing its own chef certification program, and the behavio…

Dmitry Shevelenko is the former head of Uber’s mobility partnerships and founder of Tortoise, a startup that built slow-moving robotic vending machines for stadiums, parking lots, and other public spaces. In this episode, Dmitry talks about lessons learned from his startup, the current landscape of autonomous delivery bots, and the challenges for h…