Services
Our services include ResTech Advisory, ResTech Consulting and Restaurant Value Creation.
ResTech Advisory
The restaurant industry is undergoing rapid technological transformation. Inflation, labor pressures, and thinning margins have made technology adoption a necessity — not a luxury. Operators increasingly rely on solutions that drive revenue, optimize pricing, reduce waste, and automate labor-intensive processes.
At Blackthorn, we don't just advise ResTech companies — we partner with them. We bring an investor's perspective to every engagement: we're selective about who we work with, we take equity stakes alongside founders, and we stay accountable to outcomes, not just deliverables.
We partner with early-stage restaurant technology companies that have the potential to meaningfully improve operator outcomes.
Our ResTech Advisory focus areas include:
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Automation
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Agentic AI / AI Analytics and Insights
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Voice AI
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Vision AI
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Agentic Guest Intelligence & Marketing
We conduct rigorous evaluations before becoming an Advisor — because our credibility with operators, consultants, and capital partners depends on it.
Our criteria:
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Demonstrable operator benefit, with no predatory practices
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Strong leadership with a culture of hospitality
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Clear ICP and proven customer ROI
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Technical and market validation
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A sustainable business model attractive to investors
Our core ResTech Advisor services:
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Due diligence and competitive analysis
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Business plan review, emphasizing capital efficiency
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Capital raising strategy and introductions
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Customer and strategic partner introductions
For clients requiring deeper operational support, we also offer fractional and consulting services including go-to-market strategy, sales infrastructure, marketing support, customer success development, operational structure and finance support. (See ResTech Consulting / Fractional Leadership below.)
Our commitment to transparency:
We disclose all client relationships publicly. Every Blackthorn client is listed on our website and LinkedIn. When we recommend technology to restaurant operators, we believe they deserve to know the full picture.
ResTech Consulting / Fractional Leadership
Scaling a restaurant technology company is hard. The most successful ResTech entrepreneurs know when to bring in experienced operators and builders — people who have done it before — to accelerate growth, manage costs, and execute against critical priorities.
Blackthorn provides consulting and fractional leadership resources purpose-built for growing ResTech companies. Our Managing Directors lead every engagement, assembling the right mix of senior talent matched to your specific needs and objectives.
Fractional leadership roles include CMO, CRO, CTO, CFO and COO.
Our consulting and leadership capabilities span:
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Go-to-market strategy, including customer segment analysis
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Strategic partnership strategy and activation
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Sales infrastructure and activation
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Marketing strategy and support
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Customer success organization development
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Operational structure and systems
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Key performance indicators and performance analysis
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Building a hospitality-centered culture
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Financial and accounting systems and processes
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Technical support
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Corporate governance guidance
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Technology incubation and product refinement
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Board participation
Restaurant Value Creation Leadership
Blackthorn Strategic Advisors brings substantial expertise in value creation, turnaround management, and interim executive leadership roles (CEO, CFO, COO), particularly in the restaurant industry.
Value creation begins with a thorough analysis of the business to develop a Value Creation Plan ("VCP") that is fully backed by the management team. Blackthorn typically takes on an interim management role to collaborate closely with company leaders and guide the execution of the VCP.
A VCP contains several components: 1) a cash flow forecast to monitor liquidity, 2) a five-year projection to show how different initiatives affect profitability, cash flow, and overall enterprise value, 3) opportunities for cost savings and margin improvements, 4) an evaluation of company culture, employee experience, and customer experience/customer service, and 5) strategies for increasing revenue, including sales and marketing plans designed to drive renewed growth.
Our background in company growth and commitment to customer experience sets us apart from other transformation-focused firms. In restaurant turnarounds, we emphasize operational excellence—managing food and labor costs while delivering outstanding customer service. Our recommendations are data-driven and seek to have the support of management and key stakeholders throughout the process.
We strive to align our incentives with our clients, sharing in the value we help create. Our compensation often includes equity or equity options or may be structured as a success fee based on measurable outcomes.