Moxie’s Bob Gibilaro joins James for our first-ever triple shot special, exploring three technology shifts shaping how restaurants operate and connect with guests.
Welcome back to The Pour, where we sit down with marketers, operators, and innovators to answer one big question before the coffee runs out. This time, we ordered a triple shot.
Moxie Labs co-founder James Koran is joined by Bob Gibilaro, our VP of Software Delivery, who brings more than 25 years of experience leading technology strategy and engineering teams across industries, including nearly four years at Moxie. Inspired by what they saw on the floor at FS/TEC this year, they explore where restaurant technology is heading and what it means for operators.
Our first pull looks at technology in the real world. Kitchen robots get the social media buzz, but Bob sees adoption as limited. Other developments could have a more immediate impact: AI-powered cameras that check order accuracy on the prep line, drone delivery demos drawing crowds, and brands like Taco Bell moving servers back into stores to reduce delays in AI drive-thru conversations. James’ and Bob’s ultimate take? They’d rather have food delivered by a human, with order accuracy in focus, than have it delivered by a drone, even if it meant a quicker delivery time.
Shot two tackles the trade-offs between all-in-one platforms and point solutions. With so many vendors to manage, operators face a familiar question: consolidate on one platform or assemble a stack of specialized tools? Players like Wonder and Olo add another layer as the line between partner and competitor blurs. Bob’s rule of thumb:
“Buy the platform for the plumbing, and own the parts that the guest touches.”
Shot three explores AI beyond voice ordering at the drive-thru. James and Bob discuss what integrations with tools like ChatGPT and Claude could mean for how guests discover restaurants and place orders. As more of that experience moves into conversation, brands may need to think beyond their own apps. An accurate, up-to-date menu feed becomes increasingly important, along with the ability to meet guests in the channels they choose.
We won’t spill the whole pot here. Watch the full episode to hear James and Bob unpack all three topics and share what stood out at FS/TEC.
Pour a cup of coffee and watch the triple shot special of The Pour.
For more restaurant technology insights, visit the Moxie Labs blog at moxielabs.co/blog. You can also explore FNGRFOOD, our semi-custom digital ordering platform, at fngrfood.com.
One cup of coffee. Three big questions. See you on the next episode of The Pour.
