In the premiere episode of Fries with That Tech, host Nate Sheen sat down with Matthew Scherer, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in both the restaurant and technology industries. Matthew shared a wealth of knowledge on how technology can optimize restaurant operations and the importance of blending traditional strategies with modern solutions.
Matthew’s journey is both inspiring and relatable. Starting out as a dishwasher, he worked his way up to General Manager before transitioning into tech consultancy. His early fascination with how technology could improve restaurant efficiency laid the foundation for his expertise in helping businesses optimize their operations today.
Now, as part of Performance Partners, Matthew provides consultancy services aimed at reducing costs, improving operational efficiency, and increasing profit margins. His insights come from a deep understanding of both the operational challenges restaurants face—such as labor costs, food waste, and outdated technology—and the technological solutions available to address them.
One of the key takeaways from the episode is the concept of addressing the “four walls” first—making sure your restaurant’s internal operations are solid before focusing on external marketing efforts. From streamlining order-taking with handheld devices to improving table turnover, Matthew highlighted how restaurants can use technology to enhance customer experience and operational speed.
He also shared a success story of how one restaurant doubled its floor space and improved service speed by integrating handheld devices. This example shows that with the right technology, restaurants can significantly boost efficiency and revenue.
As for the future, Matthew touched on emerging trends like automation and robotic servers but emphasized that personalized service will continue to be essential in full-service dining environments.
Wrapping up with a fun quickfire round, Matthew shared his favorite meals (pizza five days a week!) and his go-to road snacks (Reese’s and Doritos, of course).
For more insights from this episode, check out the full video and connect with Matthew via his Facebook page, “Performance Partners,” or via email. If you’re looking to optimize your restaurant operations with a mix of technology and expert guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out—because friends don’t let friends call the 800 number!
