Joshua Sharkey, Founder & CEO, Meez

The restaurant technology landscape is undergoing a significant shift as major platforms like OpenTable and Seven Rooms compete for dominance in reservation management and data integration. Beyond these platform wars, the integration of AI into professional kitchens is transforming operational efficiency, particularly through structured recipe data management. Josh Sharkey, founder of Meez, emphasizes that while AI can streamline complex tasks like recipe scaling and inventory, the true value lies in creating "second brains" that synthesize personal and professional data to enhance decision-making. Entrepreneurs are increasingly building custom internal tools to bypass traditional SaaS limitations, signaling a move toward greater data ownership. Ultimately, the industry is evolving from simple digitization to a future where technology anticipates operational needs, provided that operators remain motivated to leverage data effectively rather than relying solely on off-the-shelf solutions.