ResTech Advisory

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Currently, the restaurant technology sector is undergoing significant transformation. The recent pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology solutions, while inflation and labor shortages have underscored the necessity for effective inventory management, waste reduction, strategic purchasing, comprehensive labor management systems, operational efficiency, automation, and artificial intelligence. Technological advancements assist operators in increasing revenue, optimizing menu pricing, and managing costs, thereby having a profound impact on restaurant profitability.

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Blackthorn has extensive experience advising restaurant technology companies, assisting several through successful exits. We approach our advisory work with an investor’s perspective, selecting partners that demonstrate potential for substantial success by enabling restaurants to achieve notably improved outcomes.

 

Critical success factors for ResTech companies include possessing a clear competitive advantage, delivering high returns on investment for customers, maintaining a strong customer success infrastructure, and employing a go-to-market strategy that targets the most favorable segments of the restaurant industry and aligns appropriate sales channels, including strategic partnerships.

 

Our focus within restaurant technology encompasses advanced solutions that deliver significant value to operators, such as:

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• Robotics and Automation

• AI Analytics and Insights

• Voice Artificial Intelligence

• Vision Artificial Intelligence

• Loyalty and Marketing, including automation and intelligence

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We conduct thorough evaluations of technology companies to ensure restaurant operators, their consultants, and our ResTech Advisory team have confidence in the chosen technologies, the quality of customer support, and the management’s ability to evolve products alongside industry needs. Our evaluation criteria include:

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• Demonstrable benefits to the industry without predatory practices

• Robust leadership and a culture of hospitality

• Commitment to customer service driving client success

• Clearly defined Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and proven ROI for clients

• Technical validation

• Market validation

• A sustainable and validated business model attractive to investors

 

The services we provide our ResTech clients encompass:

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• Due diligence and competitive analysis

• Business plan review and recommendations, emphasizing capital efficiency and sustainability

• Capital raising strategy and investor introductions

• Introduction of potential customers and potential strategic partners

• Go-to-market strategy, including customer segment analysis

• Strategic partnership strategy and activation

• Sales infrastructure and activation

• Marketing strategy and support

• Customer success organization development

• Technical support

• Corporate governance guidance

• Technology incubation and product refinement

• Fractional executive support (CRO, CMO, COO, CFO)

• Board participation

 

To align interests with ResTech founders and their investors, Blackthorn Strategic Advisors typically receives equity options as part of our engagements.

 

We maintain transparency regarding our relationships. All Blackthorn clients are listed on our website and LinkedIn. We believe it is essential to disclose any potential biases when assisting restaurant operators in identifying technology solutions to enhance their business profitability.