Kristen Barnett is the founder and CEO of Hungry House, a ghost kitchen that works to shed light on the culinary leaders of our tomorrow. Kristen’s innovation is one of many skills she is bringing to the table. Having earned her bachelors degree from Cornell University, we are fortunate to have met with one of the brightest minds helping to develop the restaurant industry.

Here’s one of our highlights from this episode and Kristen’s answers to some of our questions:

Featured Takeaway: Bridging the gap between tech and up-and-coming chefs

“Hungry House helps with understanding how to commercialize your brand and the recipes that you’re known for, maybe only in a digital sense, but then consumers could actually try it out. I feel like for up-and-coming chefs, that gap between doing really great cooking, potentially having some junior leadership positions at restaurants, maybe building a following online. And establishing reputation to jump to brick and mortar is huge.”

What’s the most important aspect of the guest experience nowadays? (16:06)

“I would say the most important aspect is the genuine connection and like authenticity, that you can have throughout the guest experience. Things like the the handwritten note, or just a personal personal touch when you’re dining at a restaurant

…that type of engagement creates those authentic connections”

What’s something successful you’ve seen restaurants try lately? (18:50)

“The rise of the Instagram pop up for chefs as a tool of innovation as a tool to test new menu items and create engagement and exclusivity with a brand. I feel that restaurants and chefs that are exploring Instagram communication to sell new menu items or try something else out or do a collaboration I’ve seen that be really successful in terms of the type of engagement they get with a local community which is obviously the dream of any restaurant.”

Who is someone in the industry that deserves an Ovation? (21:26)

Kristen gave a resounding shoutout to Just Salad.

“I think their focus on sustainability has been absolutely unwavering throughout the brand’s entire development. Everything from piloting their reusable containers, way before we were having conversation on closed loop and Reusables, carbon neutrality, the labeling of their dishes, and seeing that flow through everything from the in-store experience to how they design their technology and the way you ultimately purchase the items online is just incredible to see it evolve.”