This year’s Self-Service and Innovation Summit, hosted by Networld Media Group in Tampa, Florida from December 9-11 will culminate with “Thought leader roundtable: Executive predictions,” a panel dedicated to helping decipher fact from fiction and providing practical advice for building your business.
Technology and business are changing faster every day, from advanced software and artificial intelligence to 3D avatars in self-service kiosks, to name only a few emerging technologies!
How is an operator to stay on top of so many changes, and how can they future-proof their operations and customer experience regardless of what comes next?
These questions and more are the core of a panel of distinguished industry experts at this year’s Self-Service and Innovation Summit, hosted by Networld Media Group in Tampa, Florida from December 9-11.
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The summit will culminate with “Thought leader roundtable: Executive predictions,” a panel dedicated to helping decipher fact from fiction and providing practical advice for building your business. Panelists will include:
- John Laspia, CEO at Kiosk Operators.
- Ashkan Mirnabavi, founder and CEO at NextGen Kitchens.
- Ishai Reinfeld, director of eCommerce, smart answering at SoundHound AI.
- Bill Stutzman, director of strategic initiatives at Ventus.
I reached out to panelist Ashkan Mirabavi via email interview to learn more about some of the topics he is passionate to share with the audience and to get a preview of some of the thought leadership that will be on display during the panel.
Mirabavi is a distinguished business leader and serial entrepreneur. A few highlights from his broad resume include serving as: founder at CIBOTICA, a food-tech robotic company; founder and CEO at NextGen Kitchens, a multi-unit restaurant and SaaS technology company; owner of Nabavi Holdings, a restaurant holding company.
Q&A with Ashkan Mirabavi, founder and CEO at NextGen Kitchens
Q: What is the biggest change you’ve seen this year, particularly as AI reshapes technology?
Mirnabavi: This year, we’ve seen “AI” become a buzzword, with businesses rushing to jump on the trend. While many of these tools are still in their early stages, the speed at which AI is being developed and implemented is remarkable. AI is already reshaping both back-end processes—like inventory management and logistics—and customer-facing systems with more personalized experiences.
In the food industry, where innovation has historically lagged, this change is particularly significant. Many operators are hesitant to be the first to adopt new technology, fearing the risks, and some even go out of business before they’re willing to change. This reluctance is compounded by a business model that often prioritizes cost-cutting over long-term strategic improvements.
Despite these challenges, we are seeing a shift. Automation and robotic solutions designed to enhance employee productivity are gaining traction. Larger brands with R&D budgets are investing heavily in smart commercial equipment and automation, creating more efficient back-of-house operations and reducing the strain on workers. These tools, when used effectively, not only improve productivity but also enhance the quality of life for employees—a factor the industry has often overlooked.
Q: What is your biggest prediction for the coming year?
Mirnabavi: Looking ahead, AI will continue to transform how food operators manage complexity. We’re only a few years away from AI replacing jobs like drive-thru attendants, cashiers, and other repetitive roles. Even the implementation of these systems is likely to be outsourced to AI and machine learning tools that can handle deployment and decision-making.
POS systems, for example, are expected to become far more capable, focusing on personalization to create a better customer experience. AI-driven insights will enable operators to analyze data from their POS systems, helping them make smarter, faster decisions. Labor-saving and labor-enhancing technologies will dominate, as operators seek to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality.
However, it’s essential to think beyond surface-level claims. Many tech companies tout extensive capabilities, but few deliver solutions that truly address the industry’s challenges. Developing technology is expensive and difficult to execute properly. The companies that succeed will be those that are passionate about solving real problems, taking an operator-first approach to innovation.
Q: What should operators be doing to prepare for a rapidly changing industry?
Mirnabavi: The food industry has traditionally been slow to innovate, often chasing the lowest cost rather than adopting better business models. Operators expect more productivity from employees without investing in improving their quality of life, which is unsustainable.
To thrive in a rapidly changing landscape, operators must embrace flexibility and innovation. While technology isn’t the answer for everyone, businesses with well-established processes can greatly benefit from scalable, seamlessly integrated tools. Solutions like AI-powered chat features that analyze POS data and provide actionable insights could revolutionize decision-making.
It’s also important to partner with tech companies that truly understand the industry. As restaurant operators ourselves, we approach technology with a deep understanding of day-to-day operations, ensuring it solves real-world challenges. Passion for the problem and a focus on improving both productivity and quality of life for employees are key when choosing the right solutions.
Q: What is the biggest mistake to avoid right now?
Mirnabavi: The biggest mistake operators can make is resisting change or jumping into a solution without fully understanding its value. Complacency—relying on traditional methods—will leave businesses behind, but adopting technology without thorough evaluation can also lead to wasted resources.
In this industry, many businesses chase the lowest cost or fall victim to a fear of missing out (FOMO), resulting in poor decisions. It’s crucial to identify your specific challenges, evaluate solutions critically, and partner with tech companies that are both capable and passionate about solving these problems.
At the end of the day, the right technology should improve the quality of life for workers and enhance productivity. Operators need to balance innovation with a thoughtful approach to ensure they’re investing in tools that truly align with their long-term goals.
Q: What is your biggest message to operators on leveraging this moment for success?
Mirnabavi: This is a pivotal moment for operators to embrace technology as a strategic advantage. The food industry’s capacity to drive revenue through technology has been limited so far, but the opportunity exists to think beyond the traditional model.
Operators should take the time to evaluate inefficiencies, explore available tools, and choose solutions thoughtfully. Technology like AI-powered platforms not only streamlines operations but also enhances employee satisfaction by reducing repetitive tasks and enabling better decision-making.
Ultimately, technology’s value lies in its ability to improve both productivity and quality of life. Tools like NextGen Kitchens’ platform can help operators unlock new revenue streams, deliver more personalized customer experiences, and position their businesses for long-term success. The key is to adopt technology that aligns with your vision and solves real problems—because thoughtful innovation is what will drive the future of this industry.
