This is the restaurant technology and restaurant staffing episode operators have been waiting for.
In the finale of our three-part hiring and staffing series, Dr. Chad Moutray joins Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden to answer where restaurant technology fits, from cutting hiring time from weeks to days, to chatbots and self-scheduling, to the one thing automation can’t replace: the human touch that makes hospitality work.
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*This Episode is Brought to You By*
*RetailClub* https://www.retailclub.com/
Join 2,000 retail leaders at *RetailClub AI Festival, September 22–24* in Huntington Beach. Dive deep into how AI is reshaping retail while soaking up the sun at a fully outdoor, beachside venue. Decision-makers from retailers and brands can attend with free tickets and up to $1,250 in travel reimbursement. Head here to learn more: https://retailclub.com/retail-razor-podcast
*The Retail Razor: Data Blades S2:E12*
*Released on July 24, 2026*
*Resource Links*
*HIRING & STAFFING How Onboarding, Managers, & Technology Drive Restaurant ROI.* https://www.restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/research-reports/research-insight-workforce-hiring-staffing/
*State of the Restaurant Industry  2026.* https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/research-reports/state-of-the-industry/
*Guest info*
*Dr Chad Moutray, Ph.D., CBE,* https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadmoutray/
_Chief Economist & Sr Vice President of Industry Research & Knowledge_
*National Restaurant Association,* https://www.restaurant.org/
Chad Moutray is senior vice president for research & knowledge and chief economist at the National Restaurant Association, where he leads economic analysis, data-driven insights, and thought leadership for business leaders in the restaurant and foodservice industry. A recognized expert on economic trends, he frequently shares his perspectives through professional presentations, media interviews, and industry reports.
Dr. Moutray is an adjunct professor at George Washington University, where he teaches econometrics in the M.S. in the applied economics program. He has held leadership roles in several professional organizations, including serving as chair of the Conference of Business Economists and as a board member of the National Association for Business Economics. He is also a past president and chairman of the National Economists Club, the Washington, D.C. chapter of NABE. In 2026, he will begin serving on the board of trustees of the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Arlington, VA.
*Chapters*
00:00 Teaser
00:40 Show Intro
02:48 Welcome Back Chad Moutray!
03:38 Robots Taking Jobs
04:11 Tech Boosts Efficiency
06:20 Hiring Process Wins
08:18 Chatbots and Scheduling
09:29 Onboarding and Retention
10:53 Hospitality vs Automation
12:34 Employee Buy In
14:24 Big Takeaways 2026
16:58 Where to Find Report
17:48 Show Close
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