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Zach takes the Ovation mic to the streets of Chicago for a special edition of the Two Question Podcast, recorded live at the National Restaurant Association Show. From tech innovators to restaurant operators, leaders across the industry answer two key questions: what should restaurants focus on over the next 12 months, and what tactics can improve the guest experience? You’ll hear quick insights, real-world tips, and recurring themes around data, human connection, and of course—using Ovation.

Thank you to all our amazing guests, including Sean Walchef, Scott Porter, Brandon Barton, and so many more.

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Alice Crowder, CMO of Krispy Krunchy Chicken, joins Zack Oates to break down how the brand grew to nearly 3,400 locations without traditional franchising. From gas stations to guest experience strategy, Alice shares how high-quality food, grassroots marketing, and authentic partnerships drive brand love and repeat visits.

Zack and Alice discuss:

• Why quality, value, and craveability win in any location
• How to grow using micro-influencers instead of ad budgets
• The power of authentic pride among convenience store operators
• Why guest experience starts with product and belief—not policy
• How to create emotional loyalty in unexpected settings

Thanks, Alice!

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicecrowder/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/krispy-krunchy-foods/
https://www.instagram.com/krispykrunchychicken/
https://www.krispykrunchy.com/

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Michael Lukianoff, CEO of SignalFlare, joins Zack Oates to unpack the restaurant industry's biggest data challenges and opportunities. From AI-driven decision-making to understanding local market dynamics, Michael explains how restaurants can stay ahead in a crowded, fast-changing landscape.

Zack and Michael discuss:

• Why restaurant growth is outpacing population growth
• How to make sense of complex guest data without loyalty programs
• Why local market dynamics are more important than ever
• How AI will change local marketing strategy
• What brands can do to gain more than their “fair share” of traffic

Thanks, Michael!

Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelukianoff/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/signalflareai/
https://signalflare.ai/