In this special TechBytes Spotlight Edition, host Rob Grimes sits down with Oliver Ostertag, General Manager of Operator Cloud at PAR Technology, for a deep dive into how technology is reshaping restaurant and retail operations. From AI integration and voice technology to loyalty systems and just-in-time inventory, the conversation explores how innovation is helping operators work smarter—not harder—in an increasingly complex industry.
Ostertag breaks down PAR’s unique “triple threat” structure—hardware, software, and services—and how the company’s “better together” philosophy creates flexibility and choice for operators across more than 100 countries. Whether brands want best-in-class individual tools or a fully integrated ecosystem, PAR’s multi-product strategy ensures that customers get both performance and partnership.
AI, however, is the star of this episode. Ostertag shares how PAR’s “AI-first” approach isn’t just about embedding automation into products—it’s about rethinking how the company operates internally, builds products, and helps clients optimize everything from labor to inventory. Through platforms like CoachAI, PAR empowers operators with real-time insights and predictive tools that make decision-making faster, smarter, and more human-centric.
The discussion also explores the growing role of voice AI in drive-thru and kiosk environments, the importance of maintaining brand personality amid automation, and the future of loyalty-driven personalization. For PAR, the mission is simple: blend human hospitality with intelligent technology to elevate every customer interaction.
This episode provides a thought-provoking look at how PAR is driving the next wave of operational intelligence—helping the industry move from connected to truly smart.
Available on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | iHeartRadio
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