Build vs Buy - The Question every Restaurant Exec must answer

This week on The Digital Restaurant, Carl is joined by Jeremy Julian, host of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast and CRO of CBS NorthStar, for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of restaurant technology.

We dive into highlights from FSTEC, explore new benchmarks from InTouch Insight’s QSR report on voice AI & kiosks, and tackle the perennial build vs buy question that every brand faces. We also look at ChowBus’ surprising pivot from delivery platform to full-stack tech provider and dig into the often-overlooked value of digital menu boards.

From hospitality’s enduring role to the realities of ROI, this episode is packed with insights operators and tech providers alike won’t want to miss.

Timestamps

01:00 – Insights from FSTEC – tech must enhance guest & staff experience
05:00 – Voice AI in QSRs – findings from InTouch Insight’s report
15:50 – Build vs Buy – hidden costs and ROI realities
20:50 – ChowBus pivots from delivery to full-stack tech platform
24:50 – The untapped potential of digital menu boards

Chapters

• 0:00 The Digital Restaurant Sept 25 2025
• 1:28 Q1 - Insights from FSTEC
• 5:44 Q2 - The QSR InTouch Insights Report
• 15:37 Q3. Build vs Buy - that is the quesiton
• 20:35 Q4 - ChowBus changes direction
• 25:20 Q5. The value of digital menu boards explored