The Fast Casual Nation Podcast offers exclusive interviews with experts ranging from top chefs and brand makers to executives and restaurants who work in one of the fastest-growing segments of the restaurant industry. In this episode, I talk with Frank Paci, chief executive officer of Newk’s Eatery about improving productivity and simplifying restaurant operations.

Paci, an industry veteran, has worked within the restaurant and retails industry over the past 30 years. He has held CEO and CFO positions at companies including Corner Bakery, Einstein Noah Restaurants, McAlister’s Deli and The Pantry, Inc. Paci has additional experience with Burger King and Pizza Hut as well as served on the Board of Directors for Round Table Pizza.

In April of 2021 Paci joined Newk’s Eatery as chief executive officer. The brand was founded in 2004 by Don Newcomb, Debra Bryson and Chris Newcomb, the team that founded McAlister’s Deli. The chain, almost 20 years old, is mainly in the southeastern United States and has about 100 locations.

On this podcast Paci shares his insights on several tested strategies for simplifying operations and increasing productivity including artificial intelligence, benefits of reducing your menu, tableside ordering systems, loyalty programs and more. Paci will break down the positive impact the changes had for Newk’s Eatery when implementing each of the following strategies.

• Reducing Your Menu
• Recipe Changes
• Artificial Intelligence
• Table Ordering Systems
• Reducing Time Consuming Prep Work
• Loyalty Programs

To learn about these strategies and how you can make changes at your restaurant plus get Paci’s top 3 tips for operation simplification check out this episode of Fast Casual Nation or tune in on Apple Podcasts.