How to Select the Best Restaurant Kiosk System
Understand how to evaluate a Kiosk system using key criteria including features, POS integration, hardware, pricing, customer experience, and support.
Aug 31, 2026
Understand how to evaluate a Kiosk system using key criteria including features, POS integration, hardware, pricing, customer experience, and support.
Aug 31, 2026
Explore restaurant technology trends in 2026, including AI, automation, digital ordering, workforce tools, connected kitchens, personalization, and profitability strategies today.
Aug 28, 2026
Learn how to calculate restaurant cost of goods using inventory, purchases, COGS percentage, variance reviews, and regular tracking for profitability.
Aug 31, 2026
Learn the startup costs of opening an ice cream shop, including rent, equipment, renovations, permits, inventory, labor, marketing, and reserves.
Aug 28, 2026
RaceTrac has appointed Jill Pemberton as chief financial officer, succeeding Karla Ahlert, who moves into the newly created role of chief administrative officer.
Aug 26, 2026
A restaurant P&L statement reveals sales, expenses, and profits, helping owners manage costs, improve margins, and plan finances more effectively.
Aug 26, 2026
Learn practical ways to reduce labour costs through smarter scheduling, forecasting, productivity, cross-training, automation, overtime control, and performance monitoring strategies.
Aug 26, 2026
Levain Bakery appoints Lorna Sommerville and Taya Stenson as co-CEOs, blending operational and marketing expertise to power national expansion and innovation while staying rooted in its brand values.
Aug 25, 2026
Create a practical restaurant marketing plan by setting goals, targeting customers, choosing channels, budgeting wisely, scheduling campaigns, and measuring results.
Aug 24, 2026
Blaze Pizza welcomes Tracy Stockard as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing decades of brand and franchise experience to drive strategic growth and guest engagement.
Aug 25, 2026
Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!
Explore the influence of technology in hospitality through the experiences of Brian Wallunas, Chief Technology Officer at Ascent Hospitality Management, as he drives digital transformation and brand growth.
Photo by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
Brian Wallunas, with over two decades of experience in the intersection of hospitality and technology, has been a pivotal figure in driving digital transformation in the hospitality industry. Through his role as Chief Technology Officer at Ascent Hospitality Management, Wallunas has demonstrated a profound understanding of leveraging digital innovation to propel brand performance and enhance guest loyalty. His track record at leading brands such as Smokey Bones, Fat Brands, Domino’s, Arby’s, and Coca-Cola showcases his expertise in implementing transformative technology strategies.
One of the key areas where Brian Wallunas has made a significant impact is in enhancing guest experiences through technology. During his tenure at Smokey Bones, Wallunas spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the chain’s technology infrastructure and e-commerce platform, resulting in a tripling of online sales and improved guest engagement capabilities. His ability to align technology investments with brand goals has not only strengthened the digital foundation of the brands he has worked with but has also contributed to their long-term success.
Photo by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
Wallunas' strategic vision for brand growth is evident in his approach to creating brand-specific technology strategies at Ascent’s Perkins and Huddle House concepts. By implementing scalable digital solutions tailored to each concept, Wallunas aims to not only improve guest engagement but also streamline operations and drive franchisee growth. This focus on aligning technology with business objectives underscores his commitment to ensuring the sustainable development and expansion of the restaurant systems under his purview.
Photo by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
Brian Wallunas' arrival at Ascent Hospitality Management comes at a crucial juncture of growth and transformation for the company. His expertise and leadership have already borne fruit, with Perkins undergoing a successful rebrand, introducing new store formats, and launching a fast-casual concept that has garnered significant interest. The multi-unit franchise agreements signed by Perkins and the substantial deal secured by Huddle House in Houston reflect the positive trajectory set in motion by Wallunas' technology-driven strategies.