Why Great Restaurant Technology Removes Friction. Convo w/ Tim Newton

What does it take to modernize technology at a legacy restaurant brand while keeping operations simple for employees and guests?

Tim Newton, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Brand Operations at Long John Silver's, joins Shawn Walchef to discuss how better data, simpler systems, and thoughtful technology create better experiences for both operators and guests. Newton shares his perspective on using AI to make data more useful, preparing for voice ordering, why the best technology removes friction instead of creating it, and how building in public on LinkedIn has helped Newton connect with the next generation of technology leaders.

Checkmate’s Digital Menu Boards

Checkmate’s digital menu boards help restaurants increase average check size by surfacing the right add-ons and offers at the right moment. In a recent 30-day test with a national QSR brand, average check size increased by nearly $1 per order, about a 6% lift, with no extra labor and no slower lines.

Learn more at https://www.itsacheckmate.com/blog/how-restaurants-can-finally-treat-digital-menu-boards-like-a-performance-channel

Episode Links

• Tim Newton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnewton/

• Long John Silver’s: https://www.ljsilvers.com/

• Jim Balis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/

• Shawn Walchef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/