Obsessed with the success of independent hospitality brands.
Imagine transforming your hospitality business into a seamlessly efficient operation with happier staff and loyal customers, all through the power of AI and automation.
Kinetic Management Systems, or KMS, is an integrated solution specifically designed for hospitality operators looking to scale their businesses.
Jason Littrell, a hospitality management consultant has over a decade of real world experience helping bars and restaurants increase their profitability and streamline their operations.
We've seen firsthand how these challenges can limit the success of even the most passionate operators. We care about helping you achieve your full potential because we believe in the impact a well-run hospitality business can have on its community and its employees.
By leveraging KMS, you have the opportunity to boost your revenue by up to 30% within just three months, while reducing operational headaches and enhancing guest satisfaction.
To get started, visit our website and sign up for a free demo. Our team will walk you through the system and show you how KMS can be tailored to meet your unique needs.
We're not just offering a set of tools; we're providing a path to a more profitable and enjoyable business. This is a movement towards smarter, more efficient hospitality management, and we want you to be a part of it. Whether you join us now or later, the shift towards automation and AI is happening. We'd love to have you with us from the start.
Core Values
1. Innovation:
We continuously seek and implement cutting-edge technology to provide independent restaurants and spirits brands with the most effective tools for success.
2. Integrity:
We operate with honesty and transparency, ensuring our clients receive genuine value and trustworthy support.
3. Collaboration:
We believe in the power of teamwork, both within our organization and with our clients, to achieve shared goals and create a supportive community.
4. Excellence:
We are committed to delivering the highest quality services and support, striving for excellence in everything we do to elevate our clients' businesses.
5. Client-Centric:
Our clients' needs and success are at the heart of our business. We tailor our solutions to meet their specific challenges and objectives, ensuring personalized and impactful results. Solving the problem will always be the direction of our products and services.
6. Adaptability:
We embrace change and are agile in our approach, ready to adapt to the evolving needs of the hospitality and spirits industries.
7. Sustainability:
We promote sustainable business practices that benefit not only our clients but also the broader community and environment, supporting long-term success and responsible growth.
8. Continuous Improvement:
We are dedicated to learning and growing, constantly enhancing our coaching, strategy, systems, and support to better serve independent restaurants and spirits brands.
9. Empowerment:
We aim to empower our clients with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to independently drive their businesses forward, fostering a culture of self-reliance and innovation.
10. Strategic Guidance:
We provide insightful and actionable strategies to help our clients navigate their business challenges and achieve their goals effectively.
11. Comprehensive Support:
Our commitment to ongoing support ensures that our clients always have the assistance they need to implement and sustain our solutions successfully.
Future-Proofing Restaurants: AI, Labor, and Value Strategies for 2026
-Join the free 14 day restaurant automation challenge https://www.jlittrell.com/free
-Free training and strategies for independent restaurant owners: https://workshop.jlittrell
-Free community of hospitality pros at https://lab.jlittrell.com
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Hey there, future hospitality superstar! If you’ve ever wondered why some restaurants always have a line out the door while others only have tumbleweeds rolling by, you’re in the right place. Drawing insights from the Hospitality Strategy Lab Podcast (live interview with Barbara Castiglia from Modern Restaurant Management), I’m here to break down what’s really happening in the world of restaurants and how YOU can get ahead—without needing to be a business genius!
Pull up a (virtual) chair, and let’s dive in.
1. Labor and Costs: The Big Challenges
Barbara Castiglia, an industry expert, says labor is the “main thing keeping restaurant owners up at night.” Think about it: People want fair pay, tips, and a fun place to work. And let’s not forget—food costs are rising like a dough in the oven! Meat, coffee, and everything else are getting pricier.
Pro Tip: Build strong relationships with your suppliers and lock in contracts for your ingredients. This helps keep prices steady and avoids unexpected menu price hikes.
2. The Power of Value and Experience
What makes YOU choose one burger joint over another? Barbara says today’s guests want an experience AND value. It’s not just about eating—it’s about feeling good when you do.
Look at chains like Applebee’s and Chili’s. They’re bouncing back by offering deals like “2 for $25.” People love getting the most bang for their buck—especially these days!
Pro Tip: Pair awesome service with affordable prices. Even if you’re not fancy, you can be someone’s favorite by providing memorable experiences.
3. Simple Menus Win (Seriously!)
Are you overwhelmed by restaurants with huge, endless menus? You’re not alone—and neither are your customers. Barbara highlights restaurants that focus on doing one thing really well—like burritos—and why they’re crushing it.
The more focused your menu, the easier it is to train staff, manage food costs, and create loyal fans. Even classic diners are shrinking their menus!
SEO Keywords: “restaurant menu strategy,” “building customer loyalty,” “streamlined menu benefits”
Pro Tip: Don’t try to please everyone. Be awesome at what you do best, and your people (aka your “tribe”) will find you!
4. Marketing: Keep It Real, Keep It Simple
If you only have ONE hour a week to market your restaurant, what should you do? Barbara suggests: video, video, video! Take pictures of your food, your place, and—most importantly—your people. Show who you are. Post quick updates to Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. No fancy agency needed—your cell phone works!
SEO Keywords: “restaurant video marketing,” “best social media for restaurants,” “how to promote your restaurant online”
Pro Tip: Focus on the three Ps—People, Place, Product. Customers want a peek behind the scenes. 7 minutes a day is plenty to share your story and build excitement!
5. Online Reputation Is Everything
Online reviews can make or break your business. Barbara explains how fake reviews and online scams are a real problem. Respond politely to all reviews—even the weird ones! Show you care. Being human is your secret weapon.
SEO Keywords: “restaurant reputation management,” “how to respond to reviews,” “protect your business online”
Pro Tip: Ask happy guests to leave honest reviews, but NEVER buy fake ones. Your real fans are your best marketers.
6. Technology: AI Is Here to Help
Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just for robots! Restaurants are using it to manage marketing, organize things, and save money—especially behind the scenes. But Barbara says: Use AI for organization, not for creativity. Stay authentic so customers feel a real connection.
SEO Keywords: “AI for restaurants,” “restaurant technology trends 2026,” “automate restaurant marketing”
Pro Tip: Let AI tackle boring stuff, so you can focus on the fun: connecting with guests!
7. Find and Serve Your Tribe
Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Whether you’re a burrito bar or a fine dining spot, your unique personality attracts the right customers. Barbara says: Know your mission, share your story, and build loyalty in your local community. People will travel for great food and fun—even if it’s not fancy!
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Dream Big
Whether you’re just opening your first restaurant or looking for ways to grow, remember that hospitality is about caring and building relationships. Take Barbara’s advice: Focus on what YOU do best, market simply, use tech to save time, and never lose your authentic flavor.
Hungry for more? Check out ModernRestaurantManagement.com for expert tips and stories. And don’t forget to tune in to the Hospitality Strategy Lab Podcast for the latest strategies to help you succeed—no matter your experience level.
Ready to make your restaurant or bar the next big thing? Start with these simple steps—and pour yourself a glass of inspiration! 🍷
00:00 Restaurants Balancing Experience and Technology
05:35 "Streamlined Menus and Online Presence"
06:40 "Focused Menus Build Loyalty"
13:28 "Authenticity Builds Loyal Communities"
16:13 "Human Touch in Hospitality"
20:04 "Fake Review Fraud Frustration"
22:57 "Hospitality, Reviews, and Customer Care"
24:09 Resilience in Tough Business Times
27:47 Industry Trends and Insights 2025
31:01 Hospitality Strategy Lab Overview
About KMS
Jason Littrell - Management Consultant & Industry Innovator
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Jason Littrell has established himself as a leading consultant and strategist, specializing in helping bars and restaurants maximize their efficiency and profitability. His expertise spans a wide range of essential areas, including operational management, staff training, customer experience, and technology integration.
Jason is the founder of Kinetic Management Systems, a cutting-edge suite of tools designed to automate and optimize the day-to-day operations of hospitality businesses. Through his systems, Jason offers solutions for everything from staff recruitment and onboarding to customer retention and feedback management. His approach combines innovative technology with proven strategies to deliver results that are both measurable and scalable.
A passionate educator and speaker, Jason regularly hosts workshops and seminars, sharing his knowledge on how to leverage AI and automation to thrive in a competitive market. His insights are rooted in practical experience, having worked on the ground in various capacities within the industry—from bartender to manager, and now, consultant.
Jason also manages a vibrant online community, "Bar Teams," where he fosters discussions and collaboration among hospitality professionals. Here, members gain access to exclusive content, including training sessions, industry news, and peer support.
His commitment to excellence and innovation in hospitality has not only transformed the operations of numerous establishments but has also inspired many to pursue and achieve greater success. Jason's work is driven by a core belief: that the right mix of people, processes, and technology can turn any hospitality business into a thriving, profitable enterprise.
