Advertise on podcast: What's Cooking? | A Podcast from Nory

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. 

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

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. 

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

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. 

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. 

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

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. 

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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! 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 Jose Gaytan de Ayala on LinkedIn Learn more about Nory on LinkedIn