episodic What's Cooking? is the podcast for hospitality operators scaling smart. Hosted by Conor Sheridan – CEO and co-founder of Nory, and a former operator who built and ran multi-site restaurant brands himself – each episode goes behind the scenes of fast-growing restaurant groups to explore the operational challenges that actually matter - like disconnected systems, staffing chaos, and margin pressure.

Through honest conversations with industry leaders you’ll get practical insight into what’s working on the ground right now - from automation and AI to culture, data, and waste reduction. No fluff. No forecasts. Just the blueprint for better hospitality operations at scale.

New episodes every two weeks.

]]> Nory What's Cooking? | A Podcast from Nory 2025 Nory Nory false Nory producer@b2b-better.com en https://www.nory.ai/ Missed the full episode with Gemma Glasson, CEO of Wahaca? Here's a bite-sized version.

Keep an eye out for our next episode, featuring Alasdair Murdoch, CEO of Burger King UK.

Hosted by Conor Sheridan, CEO of Nory, the AI operating system for hospitality.

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE

Apple Podcasts: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-experience-with-authenticity-gemma-glasson/id1825066598?i=1000763023446]

Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4O74zNpqpLjITPb9gAiB4M?si=c87f4fe5a46640ed]

YouTube: [https://youtu.be/Z3wBouaBttc]

CONNECT

Gemma Glasson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-glasson-452b7475/

Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheridanconor/

Nory: https://www.nory.ai/

All What's Cooking episodes: https://www.nory.ai/podcasts



]]> Wahaca bite-size: The gap between the food and the experience Wahaca bite-size: The gap between the food and the experience 00:12:39 5f50cdf7-f678-4635-a180-02c3c3e248fe Nory 1 2 bonus false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/wahaca-bite-size-the-gap-between-the-food-and-the-experience Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:36:43 +0000 How Wahaca's new CEO rebuilt the guest experience to match the plate — and the partnership campaign that drove £120k of sales without a single discount.

Four years ago, newly promoted Wahaca CEO Gemma Glasson launched Wahaca Reimagined: a line-by-line operational rebuild of the guest experience covering bespoke crockery, cutlery weight, chefs on the pass, new uniforms, rebuilt steps of service and even door handles. In this episode she walks Conor through the full playbook — diagnosing the experience gap, investing in hospitality rather than stripping it out, acquiring customers through brand alignment rather than discounting (including the Atis campaign that drove more than £120k of sales), using Mexico trips and five-year sabbaticals as retention tools, and defending scratch cooking as a moat in an era of UPF backlash. Plus her 2026 strategy distilled to a single line: every guest leaves a super fan.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Close the gap between product and experience — in casual dining, every detail is a proxy for quality
  • Acquire customers through brand alignment, not margin erosion: the Atis partnership drove £120k+ of sales with zero discounting
  • Invest in the fourth and fifth visit, not just the first — loyalty and CRM compound in ways discounts never will
  • Pride is a retention strategy: Mexico trips, five-year sabbaticals and a culture people build careers inside
  • Scratch cooking is a burden — and an increasingly rare moat as consumers wake up to ultra-processed food

CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro — the experience gap in casual dining

2:39 Welcome, Gemma

3:04 From EY corporate finance to CEO of Wahaca

6:31 Leadership: blue energy, yellow energy and clarity built on empathy

11:39 Launching Wahaca Reimagined — diagnosing the problem

17:47 The operational rebuild: crockery, cutlery, chefs on the pass

27:08 Measuring guest experience — the KPIs that actually matter

31:06 Reaching a younger, digital-native audience

33:49 The Atis partnership and the £120k margarita coaster campaign

36:14 The Mexico connection — pride as a retention strategy

45:33 Growth strategy: brand momentum over new sites

48:41 Reflections on Wahaca Reimagined

51:44 The Quick Turn — rapid-fire questions

57:27 Fixing VAT for UK hospitality

1:01:58 Shift Notes: Conor's closing reflections

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

All What's Cooking episodes: https://www.nory.ai/podcasts

Nory: https://www.nory.ai/

Nory blog: https://www.nory.ai/blog

Nory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asknory/

Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheridanconor/

Gemma Glasson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-glasson-452b7475/

]]> Elevating Experience with Authenticity: Gemma Glasson on Wahaca Reimagined Elevating Experience with Authenticity: Gemma Glasson on Wahaca Reimagined 01:06:08 ee4e8a83-5a98-4577-b648-b2e75f264dd8 Nory 1 2 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/elevating-experience-with-authenticity-gemma-glasson-on-wahaca-reimagined Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:43:40 +0000 Missed the full episode? Here’s the highlight reel.

In this episode's highlights, Conor Sheridan sits down with Jose Gaytan de Ayala, Investment Manager at Kinnevik, to unpack Nory’s $37m Series B raise - and what it takes to build a category-defining hospitality tech company.

From why Kinnevik chose Nory in a competitive round to how AI is shifting from dashboards to decision-making, this is a candid look at capital, conviction, and real-world impact.

You’ll hear:

>> Why long-term vision and founder–investor alignment mattered most

>> What made Nory stand out in a highly competitive Series B round

>> How AI is moving from reactive reporting to proactive decision-making

>> Why hospitality is one of the most exciting (and under-served) tech opportunities

>> What’s next for Nory across product, AI agents, and global expansion

Hosted by Conor Sheridan, CEO of Nory.

Connect with Jose Gaytan de Ayala on LinkedIn. 

Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & YouTube. 

]]> Inside Nory’s Series B: building the operating system for restaurants Inside Nory’s Series B: building the operating system for restaurants 00:12:15 0ef86f2d-7eb4-40c3-86cf-2039167b138f Nory 20 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/inside-norys-series-b-building-the-operating-system-for-restaurants Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:21 +0000 In this season one wrap-up of What’s Cooking?, Conor Sheridan reflects on the standout insights from 12 leading voices across hospitality. From tech to team culture, discover what really drives profitability at scale. Learn how operators are solving frontline challenges with AI, operational clarity, and people-first leadership.

What you'll learn in this episode

>> How operators at scale are using data to improve forecasting and guest experience.

>> Why culture and people-first leadership are critical to consistent brand delivery.

>> What role adaptability plays in menu innovation and site deployment.

>> The real ROI behind digital tools and why tech must serve a clear commercial goal.

>> How investors assess hospitality ventures and what makes standout founders succeed.

Meet our guests

This bonus episode features highlights from all season one guests, including Tom James, Darko Salaj, Maria McCann, Jonny Bramwell, Mark McCulloch, Chris Demery, Neil Remedios, Jim Hingston, Jose Gaytan de Ayala, Andrew Maxwell, Kate Nicholls, and Amy Hom.

About our host 

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, a pioneering AI platform helping hospitality brands run smarter, leaner, and more profitably. A former restaurateur himself, Conor blends operational grit with technological vision.

Enjoyed the episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Visit nory.ai to discover how AI can drive smarter restaurant operations.

Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow:

Tom James on LinkedIn

Darko Salaj on LinkedIn

Maria McCann on LinkedIn

Jonny Bramwell on LinkedIn 

Mark McCollough on LinkedIn

Chris Demery on LinkedIn

Neil Remedios on LinkedIn

Jim Hingston on LinkedIn

Jose Gaytan de Ayala on LinkedIn

Andrew Maxwell on LinkedIn

Kate Nicholls on LinkedIn

Amy Hom on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> Season one rewind: the strategies that actually move margins Season one rewind: the strategies that actually move margins 00:39:32 ec4972fc-f2f3-48e8-9050-82a32c2e6dec Nory 19 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/season-one-rewind-the-strategies-that-actually-move-margins Tue, 30 Dec 2025 06:00:26 +0000 Short on time? Here’s the essence.

In this episode's highlights, Mark McCulloch, CMO of Prezzo Italian and founder of Hospitality Marketing Guru, breaks down why brand is not a logo, a launch, or a one-off campaign - it’s an operating system for the entire business.

Drawing on his experience across Pret, YO! Sushi and Prezzo Italian, Mark shares how to diagnose brand problems properly, align culture with product and reputation, and navigate marketing decisions in a margin-pressured industry.

You’ll hear:

>> Why rebrands should be the last lever you pull, not the first

>> The difference between brand and branding and why it matters

>> How misalignment between culture, product and reputation kills value

>> Why consistency in food and service is non-negotiable at scale

>> How to think about marketing investment beyond short-term attribution

Hosted by Conor Sheridan, CEO of Nory.

Connect with Mark McCulloch on LinkedIn. 

Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & YouTube. 

]]> Brand isn’t a campaign: Prezzo Italian highlights Brand isn’t a campaign: Prezzo Italian highlights 00:11:56 e5bf87d8-c341-44c9-8c52-957ef8fc8534 Nory 18 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/brand-isnt-a-campaign-prezzo-italian-highlights Thu, 25 Dec 2025 06:00:21 +0000 In this episode of What’s Cooking?, host Conor Sheridan talks with Alison Wong, Chief Financial Officer at House of Gods Hotel, about scaling financial leadership in hospitality. From consultancy to C-suite, Alison shares powerful insights on balancing operational rigour with guest experience, building scalable systems, and leading transformation with empathy. A must-listen for operators navigating complexity and growth.

What you'll learn in this episode

>> Why hospitality CFOs must balance cost control with creative flair

>> How consistency across operations can unlock scalable success

>> The importance of product discovery in transformation projects

>> Why optimising alone won't solve rising cost pressures in hospitality

>> How AI and automation can be introduced without losing the human touch

Meet our guest 

Alison Wong is the CFO of House of Gods Hotel, bringing 15+ years of finance experience across hospitality, private equity, and consultancy. She specialises in financial transformation, fundraising, and building scalable structures that preserve guest experience.

About our host 

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, a pioneering AI platform helping hospitality brands run smarter, leaner, and more profitably. A former restaurateur himself, Conor blends operational grit with technological vision.

Enjoyed the episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Visit nory.ai to discover how AI can drive smarter restaurant operations.

Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Alison Wong on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> How Alison Wong leads change from the CFO seat How Alison Wong leads change from the CFO seat 00:38:07 6a0a1a9a-85c6-47d5-97b6-c1833633bf7f Nory 17 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/how-alison-wong-leads-change-from-the-cfo-seat Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:00:20 +0000 Pressed for time? Here’s the condensed version.

In this episode's highlights, Jonny Bramwell, Regional Head of Operations at Rosa’s Thai, breaks down what operational excellence really looks like when you’re scaling fast - without losing heart, culture, or energy.

From rolling out Rosa’s Done Right across 46 locations to redefining success beyond the P&L, Jonny shares how clarity, language, and people-first leadership drive results.

You’ll hear:

>> Why giving GMs “the gift of time” changes everything

>> How Rosa’s Done Right created shared language across the business

>> Why peer-led coaching beats top-down audits

>> How guest sentiment and team retention outperform traditional metrics

>> What “beautiful chaos” means and why it’s core to the Rosa’s experience

Hosted by Conor Sheridan, CEO of Nory.

Connect with Jonny Bramwell on LinkedIn. 

Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & YouTube. 

]]> Beautiful chaos, done right: Rosa’s Thai highlights Beautiful chaos, done right: Rosa’s Thai highlights 00:13:56 3e008d92-aad4-4219-8b64-4db494318746 Nory 16 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/beautiful-chaos-done-right-rosas-thai-highlights Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:21 +0000 Culture isn’t top-down - it’s built from the ground up.

In this episode’s highlights, Blacklock’s Ops Director Maria McCann shares how a people-first approach to training, onboarding and culture has driven real results across their growth.

You’ll hear:

>> Why off-the-shelf training can’t build brand culture

>> How investing in people slashes turnover and boosts profitability

>> The power of bottom-up values creation

>> Why onboarding is about time, not checklists

>> What the “Power of 1%” really means in hospitality

Hosted by Conor Sheridan, CEO of Nory.

Connect with Maria McCann on LinkedIn.

Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & YouTube. 


]]> Power of 1%: highlights from Maria McCann at Blacklock Power of 1%: highlights from Maria McCann at Blacklock 00:09:53 a0df14df-b6e0-49ea-8c71-992a895702d2 Nory 15 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/power-of-1-highlights-from-maria-mccann-at-blacklock Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:00:25 +0000 In this episode of What’s Cooking?, host Conor Sheridan talks with Amy Hom, Chief Operating Officer at Barcelona Wine Bar, about scaling leadership in hospitality. From humble beginnings to the C-suite, Amy shares powerful insights on developing frontline teams, creating real culture, and making operations more human. A must-listen for operators navigating complexity at scale.

What you'll learn in this episode

>> Why frontline development is a non-negotiable for restaurant success

>> How to balance empathy with high standards in leadership

>> Practical advice on implementing new tech in multi-site operations

>> The importance of stay interviews and succession planning

>> Why culture is built through action, not slogans

Meet our guest 

Amy Hom is a veteran operator and board leader with over 20 years in hospitality. From sweetgreen to REEF and now Barcelona Wine Bar, Amy has held top roles and now channels her experience into mentoring future leaders through initiatives like LEAD and GLEAM Network.

About our host 

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, a pioneering AI platform helping hospitality brands run smarter, leaner, and more profitably. A former restaurateur himself, Conor blends operational grit with technological vision.

Enjoyed the episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Visit nory.ai to discover how AI can drive smarter restaurant operations.

Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Amy Hom on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> Easy on people, tough on standards: A COO's leadership philosophy Easy on people, tough on standards: A COO's leadership philosophy 00:41:14 76f52315-f914-4a33-98c6-39d7e23931db Nory 14 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/from-dishwasher-to-coo-amy-homs-leadership-journey Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:22 +0000 Giggling Squid didn’t scale by playing it safe.

In this episode’s highlights, Ops Director Darko Salaj shares what it really takes to grow a hospitality brand - through delays, chaos, and curveballs.

You’ll hear:

>> Why resilience, not perfection, is the key to successful openings

>> The value of championing individuality (even at 50+ sites)

>> How tech should support and never replace great operators

>> Why hands-on leadership still wins

Hosted by Conor Sheridan, CEO of Nory.

Connect with Darko Salaj on LinkedIn.

Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & YouTube. 

]]> Structured chaos: highlights from Giggling Squid’s scale-up journey Structured chaos: highlights from Giggling Squid’s scale-up journey 00:13:27 e8b8b707-af73-4e5b-9b63-a49b0653efc2 Nory 13 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/structured-chaos-highlights-from-giggling-squids-scale-up-journey Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:00:24 +0000 Missed the full conversation? Here’s your shortcut.

In this episode’s highlights, Bill’s MD Tom James breaks down what it really takes to lead change in hospitality - from repositioning a legacy brand to launching delivery with precision.

You’ll hear:

>> Why brand clarity matters more than ever

>> How Bill’s doubled down on breakfast, brunch and Gen Z appeal

>> The role of systems in enabling fast, frictionless change

>> What 66,000 pancakes tell us about product-market fit

>> Why investing in people is the smartest move you can make

Hosted by Conor Sheridan, CEO of Nory.

Connect with Tom James on LinkedIn.

Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & YouTube. 

]]> Scaling smart: highlights from Tom James at Bill’s Scaling smart: highlights from Tom James at Bill’s 00:12:52 06ddad73-52f9-4750-961e-1e410d957d9a Nory 12 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/scaling-smart-highlights-from-tom-james-at-bills-resturants Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:28:27 +0000 In this special episode of What's Cooking, Nory CEO Conor Sheridan sits down with Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair of UKHospitality, to dissect the UK Budget 2025 and what it really means for operators on the ground.

The Chancellor promised "root and branch" reform of business rates and a reset that would lower bills for hospitality whilst increasing them for online giants. Instead, operators got the exact opposite. With National Living Wage rising 4.1%, employer National Insurance contributions jumping from 13.8% to 15%, and the NI threshold dropping from £9,100 to £5,000, the sector is facing thousands in additional costs per venue from April 2026.

Kate doesn't hold back on how the government has "badly let down" the industry, but she also provides practical, actionable advice for operators trying to navigate these changes. From challenging business rates valuations to the case for VAT cuts, this episode gives you the tools and context you need to protect your P&L and understand the political landscape ahead.

Whether you're running a single-site independent or managing a multi-site operation, this is essential listening for anyone in UK hospitality right now.

Meet Our Guest

Kate Nicholls OBE is Chair of UK Hospitality and one of the industry's most influential voices, with decades of experience spanning Whitbread, the European Parliament, and 14+ years leading hospitality trade organisations - most notably becoming the sector's fiercest advocate during COVID when she fought to keep millions of jobs alive and get the industry reopened.

About our Host 

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, a pioneering AI platform helping hospitality brands run smarter, leaner, and more profitably. A former restaurateur himself, Conor blends operational grit with technological vision.

>> How National Living Wage increases, NI contribution rises, and business rates changes will impact your P&L from April 2026, and why a typical 50-staff venue faces thousands in additional annual costs

>> Actionable advice on challenging business rates valuations through the VOA, verifying relief has been correctly applied, and strategies for menu engineering and efficiency improvements

>> Kate explains how the "root and branch" business rates reform delivered the opposite of what was promised, and what the harsh reality means for operators already struggling with no cash reserves

>> Why a VAT reduction (even 5 percentage points) would provide the fastest return on investment for government and deliver immediate relief to hospitality, with evidence from COVID and post-financial crash examples

>> The critical windows of opportunity including the Finance Bill, Scotland and Wales elections in May, and why making hospitality a political battleground issue is essential for survival

Enjoyed the episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Want tips on how to challenge your business rates valuation? Check out the resources here.

Visit nory.ai to discover how AI can drive smarter restaurant operations.

Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Kate Nicholls on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> UK Budget deep dive with Kate Nicholls: Higher costs, zero relief UK Budget deep dive with Kate Nicholls: Higher costs, zero relief 00:42:42 941c806b-28e1-486f-8b28-4a15429d71ec Nory 11 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/uk-budget-deep-dive-with-kate-nicholls-higher-costs-zero-relief Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:38:29 +0000 In this episode of What’s Cooking? host Conor Sheridan, CEO and founder of Nory, chats with Andrew Maxwell, Operating Partner at Imbiba, about what it really takes to scale and invest in hospitality businesses. From growing Boojum into Ireland’s leading Mexican QSR to guiding high-growth brands like House of Gods, Andrew shares practical insights into the inflection points, red flags, and cultural foundations that drive sustainable growth - both on the floor and from the boardroom.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

>> The critical inflection points in scaling hospitality businesses

>> Red flags that signal a company isn't ready for investment

>> Why technology must enable - not complicate - operations

>> How founder mindset and team culture impact long-term success

>> What investors look for beyond the numbers

Meet our Guest 

Andrew Maxwell is Operating Partner at Imbiba, with a track record of building and exiting businesses across leisure and hospitality. He previously scaled Boojum into Ireland’s largest Mexican QSR before moving into investment, where he now supports high-growth brands across Europe.

About our Host 

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, a pioneering AI platform helping hospitality brands run smarter, leaner, and more profitably. A former restaurateur himself, Conor blends operational grit with technological vision.

Enjoyed the Episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Visit nory.ai to discover how AI can drive smarter restaurant operations.

Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Andrew Maxwell on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> From Boojum to Pizza Pilgrims and Farmer J: scaling hospitality icons From Boojum to Pizza Pilgrims and Farmer J: scaling hospitality icons 00:30:34 be4b1816-854c-4507-a9f5-4c46e715da54 Nory 10 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/from-boojum-to-pizza-pilgrims-and-farmer-j-scaling-hospitality-icons Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:23 +0000 In this episode of What’s Cooking? host Conor Sheridan, CEO and founder of Nory, chats with Jim Hingston, Digital & Technology Director at Azzurri Group, about what it really takes to make digital transformation stick in hospitality. From integrating across five brands to prioritising projects that actually move the needle, Jim shares practical insights into building tech that delivers operational impact - not just dashboards.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

>> Why “relentless prioritisation” is essential for digital success in hospitality

>> How to manage tech integration across multiple brands with varied needs

>> The pros and cons of building vs buying digital solutions at scale

>> How Azzurri Group uses data to drive decisions across 250 locations

>> Why team engagement is critical to rolling out new systems effectively

Meet our Guest 

Jim Hingston is the Digital and Technology Director at Azzurri Group, leading digital strategy for brands like Zizzi, ASK Italian, Coco di Mama, and Boojum. With 20+ years’ experience in tech and e-commerce, Jim brings deep expertise in customer-first digital innovation.

About our Host 

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, a pioneering AI platform helping hospitality brands run smarter, leaner, and more profitably. A former restaurateur himself, Conor blends operational grit with technological vision.

Enjoyed the Episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Visit nory.ai to discover how AI can drive smarter restaurant operations.

Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Jim Hingston on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> 5 brands & 250 locations: how Azzurri Group uses data 5 brands & 250 locations: how Azzurri Group uses data 00:34:47 36e1cd47-42fb-4c83-b3e6-655be8ac1433 9 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/5-brands-250-locations-how-azzurri-group-uses-data-1 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:30:15 +0000 In this episode of What’s Cooking? Neil Remedios, Operations Lead for Dave’s Hot Chicken UK and Ireland, joins Conor Sheridan, CEO and founder of Nory, live from the 2025 Hospitality Tech Expo to unpack the fast, furious journey of scaling one of the world’s hottest QSR brands, under the Azzurri Group umbrella. From why a copy-and-paste localisation isn’t always possible, to launching 7 sites in under 12 months, Neil shares how operational discipline, team culture, and strategic systems fuel sustainable growth. Learn why speed is nothing without structure - and why consistency is king in QSR expansion.

What you'll learn in this episode

>> How Dave’s Hot Chicken plans on opening 7 restaurants in under 12 months

>> The localisation challenges of bringing a US brand to the UK market

>> Operational tactics for delivering consistent guest experiences at scale

>> Why investing in people and training is key to sustainable QSR growth

>> The role of strategic partnerships and back-of-house systems in rapid expansion

Meet our guest 

Neil Remedios is the UK & Ireland Operations Lead at Dave’s Hot Chicken. With a background in strategic leadership and hands-on hospitality experience, Neil has led the brand's explosive UK entry, blending operational excellence with local market insight.

About our host 

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, a pioneering AI platform helping hospitality brands run smarter, leaner, and more profitably. A former restaurateur himself, Conor blends operational grit with technological vision.

Enjoyed the Episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Visit nory.ai to discover how AI can drive smarter restaurant operations.

Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Neil Remedios on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> The fast and furious arrival of Dave’s Hot Chicken to the UK The fast and furious arrival of Dave’s Hot Chicken to the UK 00:18:51 258ed059-3b01-4e6d-8df8-cbc815c79968 Nory 8 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/the-fast-and-furious-arrival-of-daves-hot-chicken-to-the-uk Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:13:46 +0000 In this episode of What’s Cooking? Chris Demery, CTO of Blaze Pizza, joins Conor Sheridan CEO and founder of Nory, to unpack the gritty realities of tech transformation in hospitality. From piloting new systems to navigating franchise complexity, Chris shares how Blaze Pizza balances innovation with profitability. Learn why the best restaurant tech isn’t flashy—it’s functional, scalable, and obsessively guest-centric.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

>> Why piloting tech in one, five, twenty, then 100 stores is critical to scale

>> How Blaze Pizza manages tech across franchisees of varying sizes

>> The role of AI in refining speed of service and off-premise convenience

>> Why collaboration—not control—is key to successful tech rollouts

>> Which restaurant metrics matter most to determine ROI

Meet our Guest 

Chris Demery, CTO of Blaze Pizza, brings over 30 years of experience in tech leadership across Domino’s, P.F. Chang’s, and now Blaze. He champions practical, scalable solutions that align with guest needs and franchise goals—delivering real value, not just new features.

About our Host 

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, a pioneering AI platform helping hospitality brands run smarter, leaner, and more profitably. A former restaurateur himself, Conor blends operational grit with technological vision.

Enjoyed the Episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Visit nory.ai to discover how AI can drive smarter restaurant operations.

Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Chris Demery on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> How Blaze Pizza scales tech across 300 franchise locations How Blaze Pizza scales tech across 300 franchise locations 00:41:52 1b7d7c5f-62ca-488a-ae27-c6a136113b60 Nory 7 1 full false https://www.nory.ai/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:53:07 +0000 In this special episode of What’s Cooking?, host Conor Sheridan, CEO and founder of Nory, is joined by Jose Gaytan de Ayala, Investment Manager at Kinnevik, to unpack Nory’s recent $37 million Series B raise. They dive into what attracted Kinnevik to Nory, how AI is revolutionising restaurant operations, and what it takes for a hospitality tech company to win in a legacy industry. This is a candid conversation about capital, culture, and creating real-world impact.

Nory is on a mission to put restaurants back in control of their own profitability. More sites opened, more jobs created, more money pocketed.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

>> How Nory plans to double profitability for restaurant partners

>> The power of permanent capital in venture investing

>> How AI is becoming a proactive force in hospitality operations

>> Why legacy industries like hospitality are ripe for tech disruption

Meet Our Guest

Jose Gaytan de Ayala is an Investment Manager at Kinnevik, where he leads SaaS and AI investments. With a background spanning Credit Suisse, NFX, and Kibo Ventures, Jose brings a systematic and growth-oriented approach to venture investing in Europe and the U.S.

About the Host

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, an AI-powered restaurant management system alongside being the co-founder of Mad Egg. Conor blends hands-on restaurant experience with a passion for tech-driven efficiency and profitability in hospitality.

Enjoyed the Episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

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]]> Inside Nory’s Series B: disrupting hospitality with AI Inside Nory’s Series B: disrupting hospitality with AI 00:50:02 918a218c-b835-423c-8650-91f44750f727 Nory 6 1 full false https://pod.co/whats-cooking/inside-norys-series-b-disrupting-hospitality-with-ai Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:02:03 +0000 What does it take to align brand, culture, and operations in hospitality? Mark McCulloch, Founder of Hospitality Marketing Guru and CMO of Prezzo Italian, joins Conor Sheridan, CEO and founder of Nory, on the latest episode of What’s Cooking? to share how he led a successful brand repositioning at national scale. From Pret to Prezzo Italian, Mark dives into building brand DNA, strategic marketing leadership, and navigating the friction between vision and operational reality.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

>> Why a brand is more than just a logo—it’s your business operating system.

>> The strategic process behind Prezzo’s rebrand to Prezzo Italian.

>> How to align culture, product, and reputation for scalable growth.

>> The role of AI in marketing planning and personalisation in hospitality.

>> How to measure marketing success in a margin-conscious industry.

Meet Our Guest

Mark McCulloch is a veteran hospitality marketer and CMO of Prezzo Italian. He’s helped shape iconic brands like Pret A Manger and YO! Sushi, and now leads marketing strategy at Prezzo Italian while training the next generation through Hospitality Marketing Guru.

About the Host

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, an AI-powered restaurant management system alongside being the co-founder of Mad Egg. Conor blends hands-on restaurant experience with a passion for tech-driven efficiency and profitability in hospitality.

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Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

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Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Mark McCollough on LinkedIn

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]]> Prezzo Italian: ​why ​brand ​is an ​operating ​system, ​not a ​campaign Prezzo Italian: ​why ​brand ​is an ​operating ​system, ​not a ​campaign 00:52:09 8d1bdfe2-6328-4d97-8f28-dfe207c681eb Nory 5 1 full false https://www.nory.ai/ Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:00:20 +0000 What does operational excellence really look like in the real world of hospitality? In this episode of What’s Cooking? Conor Sheridan, CEO and founder of Nory, sits down with Jonny Bramwell, Regional Head of Operations at Rosa’s Thai, to explore how the brand scaled a transformative internal programme—Rosa’s Done Right. Jonny shares leadership lessons, key challenges, and how to balance beautiful chaos with brand consistency across 46+ locations. 

Discover how aligning culture with systems drives results in team retention, guest sentiment, and commercial performance.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

>> How Rosa’s Thai used the "Rosa’s Done Right" framework to embed consistency across 46 locations

>> Why bottom-up leadership and team empowerment are critical for successful operational transformation

>> How focusing on guest sentiment and team turnover can unlock long-term profitability

>> What “beautiful chaos” means and why it’s a strategic asset, not a liability

>> Why new openings now require faster, more impactful rollouts—and how Rosa’s is leading the way

Meet Our Guest

Jonny Bramwell is the Regional Head of Operations at Rosa’s Thai and a hospitality leader known for blending operational rigour with creative energy. With a career spanning venue launches, content creation, and strategic leadership, Jonny is passionate about building engaged teams and delivering consistent, memorable guest experiences.

About the Host

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, an AI-powered restaurant management system alongside being the co-founder of Mad Egg. Conor blends hands-on restaurant experience with a passion for tech-driven efficiency and profitability in hospitality.

Enjoyed the Episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

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Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Jonny Bramwell on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> Inside Rosa's Thai's playbook Inside Rosa's Thai's playbook 00:37:08 c302a824-dc12-40a3-a4e6-234dafd3788c Nory 4 1 full false https://www.nory.ai/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:00:20 +0000 In this episode of What’s Cooking? Conor Sheridan, CEO and founder of Nory, sits down with Maria McCann, Operations Director at Blacklock, to uncover how the brand has grown without compromising its people-first ethos. From retaining team culture across regions to transforming chef training, Maria shares tactical insights that have helped Blacklock scale smartly and sustainably. 

Discover the role of radical candour, local community integration, and leadership development in building hospitality teams that thrive.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

>> How Blacklock retains and exports its culture as it expands outside London

>> Why succession planning across venues fosters internal growth

>> The impact of bespoke training like Radical Candour on kitchen culture

>> How Blacklock uses local engagement to ensure new venue success

>> Why investing in people lowers turnover and improves profitability

Meet Our Guest

Maria McCann is Operations Director at Blacklock and a hospitality veteran with over 17 years of experience. From Shake Shack to Blacklock, she has built a reputation for creating people-first cultures that fuel operational excellence and sustainable growth.

About the Host

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, an AI-powered restaurant management system alongside being the co-founder of Mad Egg. Conor blends hands-on restaurant experience with a passion for tech-driven efficiency and profitability in hospitality.

Enjoyed the Episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Visit nory.ai to discover how AI can drive smarter restaurant operations.

Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Maria McCann on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> Blacklock's people-first growth strategy Blacklock's people-first growth strategy 00:40:48 1718c12e-3b28-44b7-8e6f-01794864bc58 Nory 3 1 full false https://www.nory.ai/ Thu, 07 Aug 2025 06:00:20 +0000 In this episode of What’s Cooking? Conor Sheridan, CEO and founder of Nory, sits down with Darko Salaj, Operations Director at Giggling Squid, to uncover the unconventional strategies behind the brand's rapid expansion. 

From thriving amid Covid to rejecting corporate rigidity, Darko shares his unique approach to operations, leadership, and scaling sustainably. Tune in to discover how embracing individuality and structured chaos can be a winning formula for hospitality.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

>> Why "slow down to go fast" became Darko’s mantra for growth.

>> The surprising benefits of structured chaos in hospitality operations.

>> How Giggling Squid kept scaling through Covid while maintaining culture.

>> Why personal connection beats metrics in spotting operational red flags.

>> The role of resilience and individuality in building strong restaurant teams.

Meet Our Guest

Darko Salaj is Operations Director at Giggling Squid, where he brings over 25 years of hospitality experience across major brands like Prezzo and Chimichanga. Known for his hands-on leadership and candid insights, Darko has helped scale Giggling Squid to over 50 sites while preserving its founder-led spirit.

About the Host

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, an AI-powered restaurant management system alongside being the co-founder of Mad Egg. Conor blends hands-on restaurant experience with a passion for tech-driven efficiency and profitability in hospitality.

Enjoyed the Episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Visit nory.ai to discover how AI can drive smarter restaurant operations.

Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Darko Salaj on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> How chaos helped Giggling Squid thrive How chaos helped Giggling Squid thrive 00:32:43 fb51ea9b-f915-480a-af6b-737412b35c0b Nory 2 1 full false https://www.nory.ai/ Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:00:26 +0000 Tom James, Managing Director at Bill’s Restaurants, joins Conor Sheridan, CEO and founder of Nory, to share how he led the brand through record-breaking growth over the past 4 years by doubling down on guest experience, change management, and technology. 

With decades of experience and a deep operational background, Tom shares how he’s led Bill’s Restaurants through significant transformation, balancing heritage and innovation while maintaining a relentless focus on the guest experience.

Listeners will gain insights into how Tom approaches change management, builds alignment across teams, and integrates new technologies without losing sight of what makes a hospitality brand thrive. From piloting initiatives at select sites to rethinking training and communication across 47 locations, this episode is a masterclass in the leadership strategies and operational tactics that helped a legacy brand adapt and thrive in a dynamic hospitality landscape.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

>> How to lead a successful change management programme in hospitality

>> Why guest experience is the single most important operational metric

>> The value of frontline team empowerment through tech and training

>> What it takes to trial and scale innovation across multiple sites

>> How data-driven decisions improve team engagement and profitability

Meet Our Guest

Tom James is Managing Director at Bill’s Restaurants, where he has led the brand to record sales and a 100% increase in EBITDA. With over 30 years in hospitality, Tom has held leadership roles at Jamie’s Italian, Coppa Club, and Harbour Hotels, known for his operational excellence and people-first approach.

About the Host

Conor Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nory, an AI-powered restaurant management system alongside being the co-founder of Mad Egg. Conor blends hands-on restaurant experience with a passion for tech-driven efficiency and profitability in hospitality.

Enjoyed the Episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about better hospitality operations at scale. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Visit nory.ai to discover how AI can drive smarter restaurant operations.

Explore Nory’s AI-powered restaurant ops platform: nory.ai

Connect with Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn

Follow Tom James on LinkedIn

Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn

]]> Change management lessons from Bill's Restaurants Change management lessons from Bill's Restaurants 00:44:58 c9fe11ae-baf3-4314-af79-e7dfc3097a9a Nory 1 1 full false https://www.nory.ai/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:56:13 +0000 What's Cooking? is the podcast for hospitality operators scaling smart. Hosted by Conor Sheridan – CEO and co-founder of Nory, and a former operator who built and ran multi-site restaurant brands himself – each episode goes behind the scenes of fast-growing restaurant groups to explore the operational challenges that actually matter - like disconnected systems, staffing chaos, and margin pressure.

Through honest conversations with industry leaders you’ll get practical insight into what’s working on the ground right now - from automation and AI to culture, data, and waste reduction. No fluff. No forecasts. Just the blueprint for better hospitality operations at scale.

New episodes every two weeks.

]]> Trailer Trailer 00:00:52 503ce016-8aba-4141-8098-781e355e5cc1 Nory 1 trailer false https://www.nory.ai/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 08:03:21 +0000