What if ordering a meal could be as seamless as a conversation with a trusted friend? In this Scale of Success Podcast episode, host Marcus Arredondo sits down with Brandon Barton, CEO of Bite, to explore how AI and innovation reshape the restaurant experience. From working alongside Danny Meyer and Gary Vaynerchuk to collaborating with Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, Brandon shares lessons on leadership, hospitality, and the role of emotional intelligence in business. Discover how AI is helping restaurants enhance service, reduce costs, and build meaningful customer connections. Whether you’re in the restaurant industry or a tech enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights on building a brand, embracing digital transformation, and fostering a customer-first culture.

Brandon Barton is a hospitality technology leader with nearly two decades of experience in the restaurant industry. As CEO of Bite, he drives innovation with the industry’s leading AI-powered self-service ordering platform, partnering with brands like Chick-fil-A and Bluestone Lane. Previously, Brandon was a key player at Resy, where he led sales and operations before its acquisition by American Express, and held leadership roles at Avero and Local Bushel. A Cornell University graduate and former Varsity Basketball player, Brandon lives in Westport, CT, with his wife and two children, balancing work, cooking, and basketball coaching.

Episode highlights:
[3:56] Creating the secret menu
[8:02] From hospitality to restaurant technology
[17:38] Transition to tech with Avero, Resy, and Bite
[21:42] Lessons on leadership and culture
[30:01] The concept of Founder Mode
[34:42] Post-COVID impacts on restaurants and the digital guest experience
[37:25] Understanding dynamic pricing
[41:54] Successful use of technology in restaurants
[45:17] Tipping and the future of customer service
[47:27] Brandon’s daily routine, leadership style, and mind diet
[50:00] Outro