On Technology - Audio

Nation's Restaurant News managing editor Alan Liddle goes virtual dumpster diving as he shares what he learned about the issues and processes surrounding disposal or secondary uses of surplus I.T. gear. Along the way, he passes on a few details about a huge removal project undertaken – with some help – by Darden Restaurants Inc., parent of the Red Lobster and Olive Garden chains, among others. He also highlights some of the services available to operators looking to properly be rid of their unwanted computer equipment and, possibly, profit from the experience.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. executives recently spilled the refried beans about the initial results from a multi-unit test of hand-held POS terminals for line busting, and a Boston Globe columnist shared her unhappiness about being asked to swipe a credit card tableside at a seafood restaurant. Nation's Restaurant News managing editor Alan Liddle, a recent victim of identity data theft, relays some details of these terminal topics and provides a bit of perspective in his latest audio column.

Talk of technology tests and interesting demos were parts of the FS/TEC 2008 conference in Grapevine, Texas. Nation's Restaurant News managing editor Alan J. Liddle shares some information about what he saw or heard at the annual event staged by NRN and Robert Grimes of Accuvia. 

Nation's Restaurant News managing editor Alan Liddle considers convergence, or the bringing together of technologies, products or business processes. Along with a tip for restaurateurs about how they might better position their Web advertising, and a quick look at some industry specific dabbling in the realm of convergence, Liddle takes time to comment on caffeine spiked snacks and weapons trimmed with faux animal hides.

Pizza Tracker, new online bling from Domino's Pizza, lets many of the chain's customers peek at their 'pies' in production. Is the chain trying to make a point to some of its own rebellious franchisees as well as its rivals? NRN managing editor Alan Liddle looks at the whats, whys and hows of Pizza Tracker, which some Domino's officials hint may be the first of many new infotainment initiatives designed to be anything but entertaining to the competition.

NRN managing editor Alan Liddle recently visited uWink, the "interactive restaurant" created by Atari founder and Chuck E. Cheese's creator Nolan Bushnell. The concept is anchored by order input and entertainment selection touchscreen terminals at each table and a suite of games that can be played alone or with other guests.

NRN technology columnist Alan Liddle reports that one Seattle restaurant finds often talked about, but rarely used radio frequency identification, or RFID, technology a good fit. Hear why.

Ruby Tuesday Inc. of Maryville, Tenn., recently overhauled the way it handles credit and debit card data in its 900-plus, company-operated restaurants and at headquarters. Nation's Restaurant News managing editor and technology columnist Alan Liddle reviews the project and touches on why it attracted media attention and why it is timely in light of the growing problem of consumer identity theft.

Executives from prominent foodservice companies, including Compass Group, McDonald's, Rare Hospitality International, Wendy's International and Yum! Brands, annually put their powers of prognostication to the test during the International Foodservice Technology Exposition, or FS/TEC. Hear members of the popular FS/TEC "CIO Panel" comment about the technology changes that may come about at their organization or throughout the industry in 2007.

NRN managing editor for technology Alan J. Liddle ruminates about major changes in the foodservice information technology job market and shares some insights from a prominent headhunter and the parting words of a veteran chief information officer on his way out the door.

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Inc., a 66-unit counter-service chain based in San Antonio, Texas, is overhauling its technology infrastructure. Listen to this audio column by Nation's Restaurant News managing editor Alan Liddle to learn what's up, besides oak smoke, at BMB-B-Q.

Deli Management Inc., parent of the 140-unit-plus Jason's Deli chain, upgraded its corporate intranet portal using so-called "open source" software, or software with no licensing fees. This column by Nation's Restaurant News technology editor Alan Liddle addresses some of the pros and cons of open source applications and what DMI took away from its upgrade project.

Past recipients of Distinguished Career Achievement awards at the International Foodservice Technology Exposition, or FS/TEC, talk about needed changes in restaurant industry IT.