In this episode of the Supersonic Hospitality Marketing Podcast, recorded live at Hospitality Tech Expo in London, host Mark McCulloch is joined by Mariam French, the Marketing Director at Leon Restaurants, and Andrew Brooke, the Head of Information Technology at Tortilla. The discussion revolves around their experiences and insights into implementing digital strategies in the hospitality industry.
In this episode of the Supersonic Hospitality Marketing Podcast, recorded live at Hospitality Tech Expo in London, host Mark McCulloch is joined by Mariam French, the Marketing Director at Leon Restaurants, and Andrew Brooke, the Head of Information Technology at Tortilla. The discussion revolves around their experiences and insights into implementing digital strategies in the hospitality industry. Mariam shares the challenges and learnings from Leon's journey, including the need to shift guest behaviour and ensure a seamless ordering process. Andrew discusses the introduction of kiosks at Tortilla and the importance of balancing the human element with digital technology. They also touch on the impact of digital strategies on delivery services and the role of data in driving operational improvements.
The conversation highlights the importance of keeping the guest experience at the heart of digital strategies and the need for agility and continuous learning in this rapidly evolving landscape. Both Mariam and Andrew emphasise the value of reliable data in making informed decisions and the potential for loyalty programs to enhance customer engagement. They also address the concerns around technology replacing human interaction and stress the importance of finding the right balance between digital and human elements in the hospitality industry.
Mariam French is the Marketing Director at Lyon Restaurants. With over 13 years of experience in the industry, Mariam has a deep understanding of marketing and product development. She started her own restaurant and has firsthand experience of the challenges and hustle involved in running a restaurant. At Lyon, Mariam has been instrumental in implementing digital ordering and launching their native app. She is passionate about creating a positive guest experience and finding innovative ways to enhance the brand's digital strategy.
Andrew Brooks is a seasoned IT professional with 18 years of experience and currently serves as the Head of IT at Tortilla UK. With a strong foundation in technical expertise and a passion for people-centric leadership, Andrew excels in nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative environment. He is dedicated to delivering an exceptional level of customer service and successfully leading high-profile technical projects in demanding, fast-paced settings. Andrew's core values include a commitment to team excellence, a customer-centric approach, and a keen eye for technical innovation. He invites like-minded professionals to connect and explore opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the IT world.
This podcast is sponsored by Vita Mojo.
The future of your restaurant, built together.
Vita Mojo’s all-in-one platform helps restaurants increase ATV, run more efficiently and deliver an exceptional, fully-branded guest experience. Our restaurant management platform transforms your online and off-premise order sources - including delivery networks - in one fast, reliable and easy-to-use system.
Vita Mojo is trusted by leading hospitality operators such as LEON, YO! And GAIL’s, as well as midsize and large restaurants across the UK and Europe to continuously innovate - beyond their menu. To find out more visit vitamojo.com/supersonic
Our SIlver Sponsors are:
GRTFL - The modern hospitality tipping platform
GRTFL.com
&
RMI - The Restaurant Marketing and Innovator's Awards + Summit
https://www.restaurantinnovator.com/
&
Saved by Robots:
Saved by Robots are passionate about creating compelling brands and memorable experiences through great design, engaging storytelling and genuine authenticity.
Visit Savedbyrobots.com to get in touch
Mark McCulloch is one of the leading food, drink and hospitality brand and marketing minds in the world. Mark has over twenty years brand, marketing, digital and social media experience holding senior and board-level positions at lastminute.com, Barclaycard, YO! Sushi and Pret A Manger. Mark co-founded multi-award-winning brand and marketing agency WE ARE Spectacular in 2012 which is still going strong today. Mark is now fulfilling his lifelong ambition to live and work by the sea in Brighton where he is a Virtual Chief Marketing Officer and Brand Strategist for the best hospitality, tech and B2B brands in the UK and beyond. Mark is also a popular thought leader, speaker and broadcaster, the highlight of which being in 2018 when Mark began podcasting and his Mark McC Supersonic Food Marketing podcast hosting guests including the greatest digital mind in the world Gary Vaynerchuk plus music legends Fatboy Slim and Alan McGee (the man who discovered rock band Oasis). Mark’s podcast has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times and has reached the top 10 in the UK iTunes business charts and is a regular Top 100 podcast in multiple countries around the world helping educate, entertain and inspire both the marketing and business community. Mark is also the Campaign Director for Hospitality Rising which is an 'Be The Best' army style campaign for hospitality to help solve the hospitality recruitment crisis forever.
For Brand & Marketing Strategy & Consulting, Non Exec Director, Speaking, Hosting and Podcast queries contact:
mark@supersonic.marketing
07881314385