This blog is a conversation recap with Scott Siegel and Paul Molinari from Popcorn GTM from the Morning Sam, Morning Ralph Podcast - watch the full episode below, or listen on Spotify or iHeart... or wherever you get your podcasts.
Omnichannel food ordering might just be the biggest double-edged sword operators are swinging these days. With orders flying in from off- and on-premise, operators love the ease with which guests can access their food, but sometimes all those channels create chaos with their data, guest satisfaction, and operational visibility. Enter Curbit—a game-changing solution designed to streamline the chaos of modern digital ordering. In a recent episode of Popcorn GTM, Scott Siegel, Co-Founder and CRO of Curbit, sat down with Paul Molinari to discuss how their innovative approach to kitchen capacity management is transforming the industry.
Getting to Know Curbit
Launched in 2019, Curbit set out to bring the luxury of drive-through efficiency to all restaurants. Initially envisioned as a virtual drive-through, Curbit pivoted in response to the pandemic’s surge in digital ordering. They identified a critical gap: traditional POS (Point of Sale) systems lacked real-time kitchen intelligence to manage order flow effectively.
By integrating with major KDS (Kitchen Display System) providers, Curbit developed a real-time, data-driven solution that informs guests and drivers when to arrive and ensures food is prepared at the right time—not too early, not too late.
Solving Industry-Wide Challenges
The restaurant industry has long struggled with the fragmentation of omnichannel orders, creating a one-way communication flow from ordering systems to the kitchen—with little feedback in return. This gap leads to operational inefficiencies, longer wait times, and poor guest experiences.
Curbit acts as the missing feedback loop, providing real-time insights that allow restaurants to:
- Synchronize digital and in-store operations
- Ensure food is fresh at pick-up
- Reduce stress on kitchen staff
- Improve guest satisfaction and online reviews
The Power of Seamless Integration
Curbit doesn’t replace existing systems—it enhances them. By integrating ordering platforms, POS, and KDS systems, Curbit creates a “digital twin” of kitchen operations. This enables:
- Dynamic order orchestration to prevent bottlenecks
- Data-driven order prioritization for efficiency
- Elimination of static configurations that restrict flexibility
Scott and Paul highlighted the importance of removing rigid system settings that hinder performance. With Curbit’s real-time adaptability, restaurants can optimize operations without unnecessary guesswork or major infrastructure changes.
➡️ Learn more about Curbit’s integrations: Curbit Integrations
Insights from the Kitchen: Fixing Hidden Inefficiencies
Managing orders isn’t just about technology—it’s also about staff behavior. Scott shared how Curbit identifies operational inefficiencies, such as:
- Pre-bumping & mass-bumping: When kitchen staff clear multiple orders at once, causing inaccurate wait times
- Order delays: When kitchens prep food too early or too late, leading to cold meals or long wait times
By analyzing kitchen trends and flagging inefficiencies, Curbit gives restaurant managers actionable insights to improve service flow and boost guest satisfaction.
Real-World Results: The Curbit Impact
Curbit’s data-driven approach delivers measurable improvements across major brands:
- Reduced wait times: On average, orders are ready 4.5 minutes faster
- Improved guest sentiment: Smashburger saw an 11% boost in customer satisfaction
- Higher Google ratings: Restaurants experience stronger online reputations, leading to more repeat customers
A key part of Curbit’s strategy is defining brand-specific “Goldilocks zones”—the ideal timeframes for food pick-ups. This ensures guests receive their meals at peak freshness, optimizing both service speed and food quality.
➡️ Check out Curbit’s impact at Smashburger: Read the Case Study
Strategic Partnerships: Powering the Future of Kitchen Intelligence
Curbit’s value is amplified through partnerships with industry leaders like:
- Olo (leading digital ordering platform)
- QSR Automations (kitchen technology provider)
These collaborations ensure Curbit can seamlessly plug into existing systems, providing efficiency and innovation without requiring a full tech overhaul.
➡️ Discover how Curbit works with industry leaders: Curbit Partner Ecosystem
The Future of Kitchen Capacity Management
Scott describes Curbit as more than just an order management tool—it’s a growth enabler. As restaurants continue facing labor shortages, increasing demand for speed, and higher guest expectations, Curbit is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of restaurant operations.
What makes Curbit different?
- Real-time intelligence that optimizes kitchen flow
- Seamless integrations with existing restaurant technology
- Actionable insights that improve efficiency and guest experiences
Whether you’re a small restaurant looking to scale or a major brand refining your digital operations, Curbit is the key to unlocking kitchen efficiency.
Learn how Curbit can transform your operations: Schedule a Demo
Curbit isn’t just another restaurant system—it’s the future of kitchen intelligence. By leveraging real-time data, removing inefficiencies, and seamlessly integrating with existing platforms, Curbit ensures restaurants stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
