RESTAURANT TECHNOLOGY NEWS OF THE WEEK

ClearCOGS raises millions for AI operations, FAT Brands starts taking Bitcoin payments from franchisees, Off-Premise Dining Report results

Apr 18, 2025

Here's 3 restaurant technology news stories that caught our attention this week.

Do you have any news or a scoop you'd like to share with us? Please send me a message and we could end up featuring it in this newsletter.

ClearCOGS provides AI for restaurant operations

AI Company ClearCOGS Secures $3.8M Investment to Transform Restaurant Operations and Tackle Food Waste

ClearCOGS, which provides AI-powered predictive analytics for restaurants, has raised $3.8 million in investments to help accelerate adoption of its restaurant operations tech.

The company uses advanced AI technology to translate complex operational data into clear guidance to help reduce costs, increase efficiency, and enhance profitability.

"At ClearCOGS, we believe restaurant operators shouldn't have to navigate uncertainty alone," said ClearCOGS CEO Matt Wampler. "This funding empowers us to extend our reach and deliver the practical, reliable forecasting tools that restaurant operators need to consistently achieve better operational outcomes."

Navigating supply chain uncertainty used to feel like a guessing game—especially in the barbecue business like I’m in with my Cali BBQ restaurant in San Diego, where timing and prep are everything. ClearCOGS has helped us greatly.

Before ClearCOGS, we struggled to get inventory and demand forecasting right. Now, with their AI tool integrated directly into our Toast system, our managers are making smarter ordering decisions that have led to measurable margin improvements.

In today’s climate, if you’re not using AI to forecast demand and manage costs, you’re falling behind.

FAT Brands is now taking Bitcoin from franchisees

FAT Brands Starts Taking Bitcoin Payments From Franchisees

Restaurant franchising company FAT Brands stepped forward to become the first such company to accept franchisee royalty payments in the form of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin.

The company operates a number of notable brands (like Johnny Rockets and Marble Slab Creamery) and has more than 2,300 locations across the world. They said this decision shows FAT Brands’ commitment to “financial and technological innovation.”

“Over the years, Bitcoin has transformed into a mainstream asset and, as a Company, we see great value in expanding our forms of payments for our franchisees, especially for our international partners, who make up over 20 percent of our portfolio,” said FAT Brands COO Thayer Wiederhorn.

REPORT: Half of Younger People Open to Ordering Food From AI-Generated Video Assistant

A newly released report about off-premise dining from the National Restaurant Association found that more customers than ever are expecting speed of service and tech-enabled ordering and payments when dining out.

Younger generations are even open to placing their takeout orders from an AI-generated video worker. with 50 percent of Gen Z saying so, and 52 percent of Millenials.

Here are some other takeaways the report shared:

Packaging: 90 percent of respondents would order a greater variety of items if the food kept its quality during delivery. More than 50 percent would pay more for better packaging.
Limited Time Deals: Nearly 9 in 10 people would use limited-time offers from an app.
Other Ways To Order: 67 percent are interested in bundled meals, 70 percent in cooking kits, and 62 percent in food subscriptions.

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We almost skipped celebrating our 17th business anniversary this year.

After many years throwing big anniversary parties, we thought: “Let’s just wait until 20 to celebrate again.”

That was a mistake. In the restaurant business—or any business—every year you survive and serve is worth celebrating. Not because of the trophies or milestones… But because of the community that made it all possible.

This year, my Walchef Wolfpack was up at 5am, rocking Cali BBQ Media gear, helping Dad spread the word with our friends at KUSI News.

That’s the power of building something bigger than yourself.

To our Cali BBQ community and this incredible LinkedIn network—thank you for 17 years of support, online and in real life.