Restaurant365’s Restaurant Transformation Tour gathered hundreds of industry leaders in South Florida. If you missed it, don’t worry—here’s your inside look at the top insights shared at the event.
The recent RTT event in Fort Lauderdale was packed with fresh ideas, smart strategies, and some genuinely eye-opening moments for restaurant operators. This wasn’t just about tools or tech. It was about the people running restaurants and how to make things easier, smarter, and more sustainable.
From the power of automation to elevating team culture, RTT delivered takeaways that any restaurant operator can put into action today to streamline their operation, boost morale, and ultimately, bring more profit to the bottom line.
Here’s a look at nine standout ideas from this year’s event that every restaurant leader should know.
R365 Co-Founder Morgan Harris got real about how R365 isn’t just tech—it’s a movement. His dream? Every restaurant in the U.S. running on R365’s platform. With over 2,852 customer ideas submitted and 132+ product updates, R365 is all about keeping it fresh and making sure that, as restaurants evolve, so does the software. This commitment to user-driven improvements means that many of the latest advancements come directly from customer insights, which keeps R365 on top of industry changes. From new scheduling features to better forecasting tools, R365 is constantly evolving to help operators streamline tasks, improve team management, and stay ahead in a competitive field.
Harris hit a nerve when he said, “A great restaurant manager is precious.” Think about it: They’re the heartbeat of your restaurant, directly impacting everything from customer experience to profits. Great managers don’t just show up—they drive your success.
With features like simplified scheduling, task automation, and real-time reporting, R365 aims to take the load off managers, allowing them to focus on what they do best: leading their teams, engaging with guests, and fostering a positive work environment. Because when managers have the support they need, they’re more likely to stay, thrive, and contribute to the long-term success of your restaurant.
Automation got a lot of love at RTT. Imagine slashing time spent on ordering and inventory by half. That’s what R365’s automated tools do, helping managers focus on the stuff that really matters. From invoice processing to forecasting, automating routine tasks gives managers hours back in their day. With features that minimize clicks, reduce errors, and save thousands of hours over time, managers can reclaim their day for high-impact activities, like improving service quality and driving sales.
R365 Director of Product Workforce Chris McNutt kept it simple: Use data to make decisions that make sense. With real-time tracking on everything from inventory to menu costs, R365 users can spot what’s working, fix what’s not, and cut down on food waste. This visibility doesn’t just help control costs; it eliminates guesswork, allowing operators to manage resources confidently.
With forecasting tools that adapt to trends, operators can anticipate needs and make adjustments before issues arise. Having that clarity helps them make better choices, optimize labor, reduce waste, and ultimately provide a smoother, more enjoyable experience for guests.
Labor’s a complex challenge, but RTT highlighted an effective solution: cross-train your staff. Cross-training not only keeps team members engaged by expanding their skill sets but also enhances scheduling flexibility, allowing managers to adapt swiftly to changing demands. With R365’s mobile-first training platform, employees can access training modules directly on their phones, making it easy to learn on the go. This accessibility ensures that training is consistent and timely, regardless of shift schedules or location. A fully cross-trained team that can step into multiple roles doesn’t just improve efficiency—it strengthens the entire operation, empowering employees and creating a more resilient, versatile workforce.
This focus on accurate forecasting was a hot topic at RTT, where industry leaders emphasized the importance of data-driven scheduling to manage the holiday rush and day-to-day operations alike.
By allowing operators to anticipate staffing needs based on real trends and data, it enables more efficient scheduling and inventory planning. According to the National Restaurant Association, improving forecasting accuracy by even 1% can reduce labor costs by up to 2%—a significant impact for any operation. RTT attendees saw how the weekly forecasting feature not only relieves the stress of scheduling but also keeps labor costs in check, freeing up resources for other key areas.
Wasting ingredients, wasting time, wasting clicks—it’s all money down the drain. At RTT, R365 customers shared how the platform helps cut down on everything from food costs to liquor waste, simply by using the right tools to track what was going on in real time. With R365’s real-time data tracking and automated reporting, users can spot inefficiencies and act quickly to eliminate unnecessary costs. By keeping a close eye on every detail—down to specific menu items and inventory variances—R365 allows operators to capture more profit, minimize waste, and focus their efforts where it counts most.
We’ve all heard that retaining good employees can make a big difference, and Todd Graves from Raising Cane’s shared just how much: 20-50% growth in sales with the right team. Some restaurants go all out with benefits and incentives, while others (like Chicken Salad Chick) put managers’ names on the front door. It’s about creating a place where people feel proud to work.
Money talk was a big theme, especially when it came to breaking down the basics of P&L. Kristen Sandhurst, CFO at Edotto Brands & Taco John’s of Iowa, emphasized the importance of keeping close tabs on both controllable and noncontrollable costs. With the right tools and transparency, even small adjustments can lead to major financial improvements—and everyone from the kitchen to the front of house has a role to play.
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RTT Fort Lauderdale was all about practical solutions that go beyond theory and dive into real-world application. Whether you’re streamlining operations, building a stronger team, or harnessing data to drive decisions, these takeaways are a solid foundation for any restaurant looking to up its game.
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