In this episode of TechBytes, host Rob Grimes sits down with Tyler Marpes, Vice President of Technology Operations at Scooter’s Coffee, for an engaging conversation about what it takes to build and support technology inside one of America’s fastest-growing coffee brands. With more than 900 locations across 31 states and rapid expansion continuing, Scooter’s Coffee has become a compelling example of how thoughtful technology can fuel growth while preserving the hospitality that keeps guests coming back.
The discussion begins with a look back at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show, where Tyler shares his perspective on the latest technology trends—from connected kitchen equipment and AI-powered software to the increasing convergence of operational technology throughout the restaurant. While artificial intelligence was impossible to ignore, Tyler explains why the conversation has matured beyond marketing buzzwords and toward practical applications that improve productivity and create measurable business value.
Rob and Tyler dive deep into one of the industry’s most pressing topics: data. They discuss why strong data governance, clean data structures, and responsible AI practices are essential before organizations can fully capitalize on AI-powered insights. Rather than chasing the latest tools, Tyler emphasizes solving business problems first and ensuring a human remains at the center of every AI-enabled workflow.
The conversation also explores the realities of supporting franchise operations at scale. Tyler shares how Scooter’s approaches technology through the lens of the barista, store manager, and franchisee—focusing on reducing complexity, improving training, and eliminating operational friction so employees can spend more time serving guests instead of troubleshooting technology. From connected espresso machines and kitchen equipment to modern training tools and predictive analytics, every investment is evaluated by one simple question: does it make life better for the people running the stores?
Throughout the episode, Rob and Tyler exchange ideas on AI adoption, restaurant innovation, dashboard design, and the future of connected operations. They also reflect on how technology leaders can balance innovation with security, governance, and brand culture while preparing organizations for continued growth.
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