#345 From POS to AI: Alexander Ponomarev on Elevating the Dining Experience

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Alexander Ponomarev, the COO of Syrve in the Middle East, to discuss the transformative role of technology in the restaurant industry. Alexander shares his journey from IT and hardware technology to food tech, emphasizing the integration of AI and automation in enhancing restaurant operations. The conversation covers key trends, challenges, and the future outlook for technology adoption in the F&B sector, particularly in the MENA region.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Alexander Ponomarev:

• Background in IT and food tech

• Experience in automating hospitality enterprises

2. The Journey into Food Tech:

• Transition from hardware technology to restaurant automation

• The fusion of passion for technology and the food industry

3. Technological Innovations in the F&B Sector:

• Overview of Syrve’s all-in-one, cloud-based restaurant management system

• Application of AI and automation in restaurant operations

4. Challenges and Solutions:

• Overcoming resistance to new technologies in an established industry

• Importance of data-driven decision-making in enhancing efficiency

5. Impact on Customer Experience:

• How technology improves service speed, accuracy, and overall dining experience

• The role of AI in forecasting and resource management

6. Trends and Future Outlook:

• Adoption of technology in the MENA region

• Emerging trends like AI-driven operations and digital payment systems

7. Advice for Restaurant Owners and F&B Entrepreneurs:

• Embracing technology to scale operations and enhance efficiency

• Balancing traditional hospitality with modern technological solutions

8. Alexander’s Vision for the Future:

• The evolving landscape of the restaurant industry

• The importance of continuous innovation and adaptation

Resources and Links:

• Syrve Official Website

• Follow Syrve on Instagram: @syrve

01:16 Alexander's Background and Role at Syrve

03:15 Journey into the F&B Industry

09:29 Challenges in Implementing New Technologies

14:36 Syrve's All-in-One Cloud-Based Solution

22:52 Integrations and Flexibility in Technology

32:03 Menu Engineering and Item Efficiency

33:35 Data-Driven Decision Making in Restaurants

34:06 Operational Software vs. Traditional Methods

35:49 Technology's Role in Enhancing Efficiency

40:23 Adoption of Technology in the MENA Region

43:07 AI and Future Trends in F&B

46:26 Advice for Scaling F&B Businesses