In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Matt Wampler, CEO & Co-Founder of ClearCOGS, filling in for Shawn Walchef, the conversation centered on how restaurants can harness AI as a form of “learned intelligence.” Matt opened with his own story of struggling through the early days of restaurant ownership, sleeping in the back of his Jimmy John’s, and realizing the value of having a true “finger on the pulse” of operations. That experience led to ClearCOGS, built to help operators forecast and act proactively instead of constantly reacting. Joined by leaders across training, finance, and operations, the discussion explored how AI can take the overwhelming breadth of restaurant knowledge—compliance, scheduling, prep, service—and turn it into actionable, time-saving support. The key takeaway was clear: AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about freeing them to focus on hospitality, culture, and growth.
Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed community service and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard.
Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tides Live room streaming with StreamYard on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.
The Big Quote
Homework Assignment
Look at your scope of work and think of one way AI can help you speed up your process? What can you do that can help you be more efficient and increase your speed.
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