State of the Restaurant Industry: Tactics for Tackling Rising Food Costs

As food prices continue to climb, restaurant operators must find innovative ways to maintain profitability without sacrificing quality. In this webinar, our R365 expert, Kevin McTigue, sits down with top restaurant industry leaders to discuss the creative strategies they’re using to offset rising costs, from optimizing menu pricing to leveraging supplier relationships and more.

Beyond cost-saving tactics, our panel will explore how back-office technology is revolutionizing inventory management and reducing food waste.

Learn how industry professionals are using data-driven insights to track expenses, streamline ordering, and improve operational efficiency. Whether you own a single restaurant or oversee multiple locations, this webinar provides actionable strategies to help you control costs and boost your bottom line in today’s challenging economic landscape.

Meet the Speakers

Kevin McTigue

Solutions Engineer Manager

Kevin McTigue is a Solutions Engineer Manager at Restaurant365. Before joining R365, he served as a CFO and Controller for multiple multi-unit restaurant concepts, including Chicago-based fast-casual concepts Naf Naf Grill and Protein Bar & Kitchen, and the full-service Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group out of New Orleans. Kevin has experience with multiple Accounting/ERP solutions, including Intuit Quickbooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Compeat Advantage, Sage Intacct, and Restaurant365.

Prakash Karamchandani

Co-Founder
Prakash Karamchandani, also known as PK, is a self-proclaimed foodie, technology junkie, and co-founder of Balance Pan-Asian Grille, a nationally acclaimed fast-casual Asian fusion multiunit concept based in Ohio. Prakash oversees development, finance, marketing, and technological innovation for Balance Grille. Recognized as one of the most influential restaurant CEOs by Nation’s Restaurant News in 2022 and a Top 24 Executive by Fast Casual from 2016 to 2022, his tech-forward thinking has positioned Balance as a Fast Casual industry disruptor. He has developed proprietary technologies and an employee-centric operational model, contributing to Balance’s success. His most valued accomplishments are his two children, whom he shares with his supportive wife, Navdeep.

Chaston Johnson

Chief Operating Officer

Chaston Johnson is a seasoned executive with 19 years of experience in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, known for his strong leadership in operations and growth management. He began his career as a Training Manager, mastering operational procedures and employee development before rapidly advancing to Regional Director of Operations, where he oversaw 91 restaurants across multiple regions. In this role, he led a team of four Regional Managers and 20 District Managers, implementing strategic initiatives to improve efficiency, optimize daily operations, and enhance customer service. His leadership played a key role in driving revenue growth and strengthening operational effectiveness across a vast network of stores.

With experience at Popeyes, Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr., and Taco Bell, Chaston has developed a deep understanding of various QSR operational models and best practices. Now serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Ted’s Hot Dogs, he oversees corporate strategies, operational initiatives, and business performance at an executive level. His focus on developing talent, optimizing efficiencies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement has consistently led to strong business outcomes. Recognized for his hands-on leadership and adaptability in fast-paced environments, Chaston remains a trusted industry leader dedicated to driving growth and operational excellence.

Restaurant365 bridges the gap between accounting and operations by centralizing all data, helping restaurant operators to become more efficient, accurately forecast, and tackle any challenge or opportunity with speed and accuracy.