Restaurant brokers, Robin and Eric Gagnon are joined by a panel of industry experts as they discuss “Food Technology “on Atlanta’s AM Talk 920.

The panel of industry experts includes President of Digital CoCo, Paul Barron and the Editor of Foodable Network, Jessica Bryant. The panel discusses food technology and the impact social media has had on the restaurant industry and what operators should know to stay ahead of this fast paced digital technology era.

Founder of Digital CoCo, Paul Barron lists the top mobile platforms for restaurant searches. Are customers looking up menus, sanitation scores, or reservations? Jessica Bryant explains how social media is a tool used for “not expanding the base but strengthening the relationship [of the brand and customer]”. So, just because an operator has a Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, and Vine does not mean customers will automatically invest in the brand.

Paul Barron explains what a responsive mobile desktop user is. Operators, you may want to get rid of the flash player on your website.  Remember, social media tips and trick does not apply to everyone because every demographic has their own digital habits. But why is every operator trying to target millennials? Why is this demographic perfect for fast casual dining?

Learn why operators who are not engaged online are quickly falling behind. Adaptation to technology is “definitely not an option anymore. It’s too rapid to ignore anymore. It changes the ecosystem of the restaurant industry” said, Paul Barron.

The panel discusses the “Chipotle Effect” and why the fast casual chain is ahead of the pack in regards to digital and social media. Has Chipotle found the secret ingredient to incorporating gamification, digital and social media to its brand? Does a brand have to have the same connection online and in-store? “It is Important for in-store to match the online vibe. You don’t want to create disconnect in the customer’s mind.” said, Robin Gagnon.  So, if you have a high tech visually appealing website, you might want to get rid of the 80’s décor inside the actual restaurant.

In the last segment, “Restaurant Reality”, restaurant brokers Robin and Eric Gagnon discuss the importance of adapting digital and social media to a company. What are Google alerts? Why should an operator have one on themselves, their company and their competitors? “You need to know who’s talking about you, your company and know what your competitors are doing at all times” said, Robin Gagnon. Learn branding 101 from the restaurant brokers “Don’t put your brand in the hands of someone else. If they leave, so can your brand. An operator must retain control of the online brand” said, Robin Gagnon.

Guests include:

Paul Barron, Founder of Digital CoCo

Paul Barron is known as the go-to guy in digital, social and media for restaurant and hospitality industries, Paul is the founder of DigitalCoCo - one of his six companies in media and technology launched over the past two decades. Web entrepreneur, publisher and producer, Paul has been instrumental in developing and publishing platforms, creative content, tech solutions and web audience for global brands with real impact and results. As the founder of FastCasual.com and QSRweb.com, he has been a catalyst for both the retail and the restaurant industries, and is known as "the father of the Fast Casual segment." Paul is also a sought-after public speaker and a consultant to many top global brands in the business.

A 2012 Forbes Top 15 Social Power Influencers, Restaurant Trendsetter of the year 2012, Host of Fast Casual Nation a new global documentary, and considered one of the best data scientists in retail and food, his passion for the restaurant business has been mastered over the past twenty years with more than 500 brands.

Jessica Bryant, Editor of Foodable Network

Jessica Bryant is the Editor of Foodable and a senior digital brand analyst for digital brand agency, Digital CoCo. She frequently gives her millennial insight to industry research platforms, including the National Restaurant Association. Bryant hosted the first season of Foodie Geek TV, a WebTV channel geared toward the emergence of both food and technology for pro foodies and industry insiders.