Today’s restaurants are balancing more moving parts than ever, from kitchen execution and inventory to labor and the guest experience. As brands add technology to manage these demands, many of those systems still operate independently, creating disconnected workflows that make it harder for teams to move efficiently and make informed decisions.
The opportunity is bigger than simply putting more technology in the kitchen. It’s about connecting the systems already in place so teams can turn data into action, streamline execution, and keep work flowing from the back of house to the guest.
At FS/TEC 2026, Crunchtime is bringing together a powerful panel of restaurant technology leaders to explore the future of the connected kitchen. Hear firsthand from Todd Roach, Vice President of Restaurant Systems at Brinker International; Steve Barrow, Senior Director of Information Technology at Nando’s Peri-Peri North America; and Brian Krakower, Technology Advisor and Former CIO at BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse, during the Innovation Forum on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 9:15 - 10:00 am.
Together, they’ll share how leading brands are connecting technology, data, and operations to create smarter, more seamless restaurant workflows.
Whether you are a CIO looking to unify your data or an operator tired of manual workarounds, this session provides actionable insights into the future of restaurant technology. The panel will share their perspectives and experiences around moving away from disjointed tech stacks to scale without adding more overhead.
Todd Roach | Vice President of Restaurant Systems, Brinker International
With extensive experience leading complex technology transformations, Todd focuses on driving operational excellence, improving restaurant performance, strengthening vendor partnerships, and building high-performing teams that deliver scalable, reliable solutions. He works closely with executive leadership to align technology investments with business outcomes, enabling innovation while maintaining a relentless focus on restaurant operations, team member experience, and guest satisfaction.
Steve Barrow | Senior Director of Information Technology, Nando’s Peri-Peri North America
Steve’s portfolio includes point-of-sale, payments, digital ordering, loyalty, kitchen systems, labor management, and third-party integrations. Working closely with Operations, Finance, Marketing, and global stakeholders, Steve ensures technology investments align with strategic priorities and deliver measurable business value.
Recognized for a practical, results-oriented approach, Steve specializes in streamlining complex technology environments, strengthening vendor partnerships, and building sustainable processes that support long-term growth and innovation.
Brian Krakower | Technology Advisor and Former CIO, BJ's Restaurants & Brewhouse
This passion for execution and operations empowerment has resulted in BJ's being a launch partner for several feature releases and partner integrations with Crunchtime Kitchen and Crunchtime Host.
The connected kitchen is more than a technology strategy: it’s an opportunity to give restaurant teams the tools, insights, and direction they need to keep work moving.
Join Crunchtime and our panel of restaurant technology leaders at the FS/TEC 2026 Innovation Forum on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 9:15 -10:00 am to hear how brands are breaking down technology silos, simplifying operations, and building a more connected foundation for growth.
Ready to explore what’s next for restaurant technology? Book time to meet with us during FS/TEC at booth 404, and join us for happy hour on September 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Dusk Bourbon Bar right inside the Gaylord Texan.