Adams Keegan Virtual Fireside Chat: The Myth of the All-In One SaaS Solution with Special Guest Bruce Nelson

In early November, Adams Keegan hospitality and restaurant advisors Charles Rodriguez and Tye Reedy teamed up for a virtual fireside chat alongside special guest Bruce Nelson of Peak Financial Performance, LLC and author of Restaurant Management: The Myth, the Magic, The Math.

Recorded just ahead of the 2025 Restaurant Finance and Development Conference (RFDC) in Las Vegas, they focus current challenges in the restaurant space, explore financial and HR solutions, and discuss where and why specialization in services beats one-size-fits-all SssS option.

You can watch the full recording below.

Rethinking restaurant data and decision-making
Speed and visibility are now essential for restaurant operators managing razor-thin margins. Yet many businesses still rely on outdated systems that postpone financial reporting by weeks, leaving leaders to make decisions based on stale information. In an industry that shifts daily, delayed data means missed opportunities.

Operators that automate data flow gain a significant edge. With daily visibility into financial performance, restaurants can forecast more accurately, manage labor more efficiently, and make informed pricing decisions in real time.

The hidden drain of tech sprawl
Technology is now one of the fastest-growing and least monitored expenses in the hospitality industry. Many operators subscribe to multiple software systems like payroll, reservations, inventory, marketing, and more, without realizing how much those subscriptions add up. Because costs are often scattered across accounting categories, total tech spend can go unnoticed, consuming as much as 4% of sales.

By consolidating all software subscriptions into a single line item in the P&L statement, operators can see their full Software as a Service (SaaS) investment clearly each month. That visibility makes it easier to identify redundant systems, evaluate return on investment, and redirect funds toward technology that truly improves operations.

Pricing with confidence
Menu pricing remains one of the most emotional decisions in restaurant management. Operators fear raising prices could drive away customers or make them less competitive. But small, calculated adjustments can create significant results.

A $0.50 increase on select menu items can boost profit margins by several percentage points, particularly in multi-unit concepts. The difference between a 7% and a 10% bottom line often comes down to these incremental changes. Pricing decisions supported by current cost information and regular analysis help operators maintain profitability without sacrificing customer trust.

The myth of the all-in-one SaaS solution
The idea of a single, all-in-one software platform that manages every aspect of a hospitality business sounds ideal, but the reality is more complicated. Compliance, payroll, tip distribution, and scheduling can vary dramatically across regions and employee types. All-in-one platforms often can’t adapt quickly enough, forcing operators to sacrifice accuracy for convenience.

A more effective model combines specialized tools with expert integration. This approach gives operators the flexibility to scale and evolve without replacing their entire infrastructure.

AI, speed, and the human factor
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping restaurant operations, but it’s not a substitute for human decision-making. Automation can accelerate how quickly data is collected and analyzed, yet interpretation still depends on human insight and experience.

Hospitality is built on relationships, and technology should enhance that, not replace it. The most effective operators use AI to identify trends and highlight opportunities, then rely on expert judgment to take action.

The future of restaurant management lies in that balance – using data and automation to move faster, while maintaining the personal expertise and accountability that define successful hospitality operations.

For restaurant leaders, CFOs, and operators preparing for 2026, this discussion offers a candid look at what’s working – and what’s not – in restaurant finance, tech, and HR management.

Watch the full fireside chat here to hear more from Bruce Nelson and the Adams Keegan team.