By: Andrew Morrison

The saying, “Work smarter, not harder,” is sound advice. Unfortunately, not many restaurant owners have the resources needed to make that shift. Most depend only on great food, great service, and expensive marketing to stand out. 

This approach works for short-term survival, but it compromises long-term profitability. If restaurateurs want their business to thrive, they need to learn how to gather and leverage data for a smarter, more streamlined management system so they don’t just make revenue but also keep profit. 

This is where Katalyst, a cutting-edge restaurant technology platform, steps in.

Co-founded by restaurateurs Dan Roland, Bill Roland, Cole Dillon, and software entrepreneur Scott Bleczinski, Katalyst is revolutionizing restaurant operations. This state-of-the-art program offers access to the data owners need to boost profits, reduce waste, and streamline operations. 

A One-Stop Solution for Restaurant Management

One of Katalyst’s core advantages is its ability to consolidate multiple operational functions into a single, user-friendly platform. Much like purchasing, installing, and maintaining a television requires multiple vendors, restaurants traditionally rely on several systems for point-of-sale (POS), inventory management, gift cards, loyalty programs, and payment processing. 

Managing this vendor patchwork takes time and effort. Katalyst eliminates these inefficiencies by integrating all restaurant technology needs into a unified system.

As Dan Roland, Katalyst’s co-founder, explains, “Our platform is architected fundamentally differently from any other out there. We’re the only company in this space that was built by restaurateurs, for restaurateurs.” This focus allows Katalyst to meet the unique needs of restaurant owners by delivering operational simplicity without sacrificing performance.

Leveraging Data for Profitability

Katalyst doesn’t just simplify operations; it empowers restaurant owners with actionable data that can have a real impact on the bottom line. Scott Bleczinski, Katalyst’s Chief Revenue Officer, highlights that Katalyst meticulously tracks over  200 key performance indicators (KPIs), from table turnover rates to inventory costs, enabling restaurant owners to make informed decisions.

Co-founder Bill Roland knows and explains Katalyst’s functionality best. “With our platform, restaurant owners can easily see which tables are profitable, which servers generate revenue, and which menu items are driving repeat business,” he says. 

This real-time data helps restaurants not only optimize daily operations but also make strategic decisions that improve profitability. For example, by analyzing revenue per seat hour and plate costs, owners can adjust their menu prices or seating arrangements to maximize profits. In fact, Nacho Matrix – a concept restaurant in Colorado Springs – has chosen Katalyst to help them streamline operations and drive higher customer spending. 

Cutting Costs While Increasing Revenue

Katalyst also excels in cost reduction, helping restaurant owners save money in areas they might not have previously considered. 

Bill emphasizes that many restaurants unknowingly overpay for multiple software systems and payment processing services. “We often find restaurants using up to seven different systems that don’t communicate with each other. This lack of integration leads to inefficiencies, higher costs, and missed opportunities for profit,” he says.

By consolidating these functions into one platform, Katalyst saves restaurants thousands of dollars annually on licensing fees alone. Additionally, Katalyst’s partnership with payment processing giant Fiserv allows the company to offer some of the lowest payment processing fees in the industry, further reducing operating costs. In one example, Katalyst saved a restaurant thousands of dollars in one year by switching from a fragmented system to Katalyst’s integrated platform. 

Beyond cost savings, Katalyst enhances revenue generation through features like digital gift cards, loyalty programs, and online ordering, allowing restaurants to capture more sales from new and existing customers.

Real-Time Updates and Exceptional Support

One of the significant advantages Katalyst offers is its real-time data and system updates.  Traditional restaurant software platforms often require downtime to make updates. This momentary system maintenance can cost restaurants precious time and money. Katalyst’s system allows for instant updates without interrupting service. 

For instance, if a restaurant runs out of a menu item like steak, the system can remove it from the menu in real-time across all platforms like in-house dining, online ordering, and delivery. 

This seamless integration prevents customer disappointment and maintains operational efficiency.

Moreover, Katalyst prides itself on providing world-class customer service. Unlike many competitors, who outsource their support services, Katalyst assigns each restaurant a dedicated account manager with deep industry experience. This hands-on approach ensures that issues are resolved quickly and efficiently, preventing costly downtime and operational headaches.

“One of the biggest frustrations for restaurant owners is poor customer service from their software providers. We address that by returning calls promptly and resolving issues immediately,” says co-founder Cole Dillon.

Driving Efficiency with Intuitive Technology

At its core, Katalyst’s platform is designed with ease of use in mind. Built on Apple’s iOS system, Katalyst uses familiar iPads for POS systems, making the platform intuitive for staff. This reduces training time and allows new employees to quickly get up to speed. 

Additionally, Katalyst’s modifier system is a game-changer for restaurants. It allows servers to make complex adjustments to orders—such as cooking temperatures or dietary preferences—without disrupting the flow of service. This customization extends to menu layouts and revenue center management, ensuring that every aspect of the restaurant’s operations is optimized for efficiency.

A Smarter Way to Run Your Restaurant

Katalyst is much more than just a software provider; it’s a strategic partner for restaurant owners. By offering a fully integrated platform that consolidates operations, reduces costs, and leverages data for smarter decision-making, Katalyst helps restaurants thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

For restaurant owners looking to boost profits, reduce waste, and run their businesses smarter, Katalyst is the ultimate solution. As Dan Roland puts it, “No other company offers what we do, and no other company is as committed to the success of its restaurant partners as we are.”

Published By: Aize Perez