There’s no denying that technology plays a pivotal role in today’s food service industry. Many restaurateurs rely on it to drive operational efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. And yet, many restaurant owners still struggle with fragmented systems and high costs, often having to juggle multiple software solutions that fail to communicate effectively.
Katalyst is changing the game as an all-in-one restaurant management platform “built by restaurateurs, for restaurateurs.” It combines every essential tool for managing a restaurant efficiently, from point of sale (POS) to reservations and analytics to online ordering.
With a deep understanding of industry pain points, Katalyst promises to revolutionize how restaurants operate.
Katalyst stands apart as a software service created by restaurant owners, for restaurant owners. It was specifically designed to address issues restaurateurs had with their available technology.
"We built this platform because the solution we were looking for didn’t exist," explains Dan Roland, co-founder of Katalyst. "We understand the pain points restaurant owners face every day because we’ve lived them, like losing money due to charge-backs or having to generate massive spreadsheets just to figure out where the leak in our profits was.”
Along with co-founders Bill Roland, Cole Dillon, and software entrepreneur Scott Bleczinski, the Katalyst team developed a platform that meets the unique needs of restaurant operators, focusing on simplicity without sacrificing performance.
In the beginning, Katalyst was tested and optimized in the Roland family’s own restaurants to ensure its practicality and effectiveness.
This real-world testing is what ultimately gives the platform unmatched relevance in the industry. It enables restaurants to streamline operations, like tracking customer preferences, all while offering top-tier analytics to enhance decision-making and increase profit margins by 5x.
As restaurant technology advances, several trends are shaping the food service landscape for 2024/2025—and Katalyst is leading the way in helping operators navigate them:
1. High Costs and SaaS Fees Remain a Challenge
A major pain point for restaurant owners is the growing cost of IT tools. Many operators feel burdened by multiple software subscriptions and lack transparency in pricing. Katalyst addresses this challenge by bundling essential tools—POS, kitchen displays, loyalty programs, online ordering, and more—into a single, cost-effective solution. By consolidating services, restaurants can eliminate the need for multiple vendors, reducing both fees and complexity.
2. AI Adoption Gaining Traction
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly finding its way into restaurants, particularly in areas like customer loyalty programs and targeted digital marketing. Katalyst incorporates advanced analytics, helping owners harness their data for actionable insights. With features such as automated reporting and personalized guest profiles, restaurants can leverage AI to optimize operations and enhance customer engagement.
3. Data Confidence and Operational Insights
Access to real-time data is transforming how restaurants make decisions. Operators are becoming more confident in their data strategies, using digital tools to track every aspect of their business. Katalyst offers over 250 reports, delivering insights on everything from table profitability to labor productivity. These tools empower restaurant owners to identify top-performing servers, manage food costs more effectively, and analyze revenue by seating area or event.
4. Productivity and Efficiency are Paramount
With rising labor costs, restaurants are prioritizing tools that boost productivity and streamline operations. Katalyst ensures seamless front- and back-of-house coordination with an intuitive POS system built on familiar Apple products like iPads. The platform’s kitchen display system, online ordering, and handheld devices help staff turn tables faster, increasing revenue potential.
5. A Focus on Profitability
Operators are no longer just looking for solutions that improve operations—they need technology that directly impacts the bottom line. Katalyst offers integrated tools that generate savings across multiple areas, from SaaS fees to credit card processing rates. Its ability to consolidate vendors under one system not only saves money but also eliminates inefficiencies that could otherwise erode profit margins.
Katalyst isn’t just about saving money—it’s about driving growth. The platform’s ability to consolidate data from every aspect of a restaurant’s operations opens new opportunities to increase profitability. For instance, its tools allow owners to analyze customer behavior across multiple dining experiences—whether guests dine in, order takeout, or use delivery services—empowering restaurants to offer personalized promotions that drive repeat business.
In one example, Katalyst helped a restaurant track the performance of a top server after introducing handheld devices for table-side ordering. The server increased her efficiency by 30%, generating an additional $40,000 in revenue in a year.This case underscores how technology, when implemented effectively, can transform daily operations and improve profitability.
Additionally, Katalyst provides hands-on support with dedicated account managers who have years of industry experience. Unlike competitors who outsource customer service, Katalyst guarantees responsive, personalized support to address issues in real time.
"Many of our competitors take days—sometimes months—to respond to service requests," shares Bleczinski.
"With Katalyst, our team knows the challenges restaurant operators face because we’ve lived them. We prioritize immediate solutions, returning phone calls and addressing issues without delay."
Switching technology platforms can be daunting, especially for restaurant owners who rely heavily on their POS systems. Katalyst alleviates this concern by handling every aspect of the transition. From menu setup to floor plan design, the system is designed to be ready to perform by day one.
With costs rising across the board—from labor to ingredients to rent—restaurants need innovative solutions that do more than maintain the status quo. They need technology that offers a competitive edge. Katalyst delivers this by empowering restaurant operators with a holistic platform that combines essential tools, advanced analytics, and world-class customer support.
“No other company offers what we do,” Dan Roland says. “And no other company is as committed to the success of its restaurant partners as we are.”
