Ep 82: Michael Chachula is the Chief Information Officer for FAT Brands
To become a transformational CIO, one must have key characteristics, capabilities, and leadership styles that foster followership and inspire others to embrace their vision. This is the belief of Michael Chachula, Chief Information Officer for FAT Brands, who joins us today to shed some light on what it takes to manage the marketing tech stack for 18 different restaurant brands in a total of 2,300 locations, including Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, and Fazoli’s. With a background in tech, finance, and hospitality, Michael exemplifies the well-rounded expertise needed to run tech for a multi-brand restaurant portfolio, but it’s his focus on inspiring rather than commanding people to follow him that stands out in this interview. He also shares his take on how artificial intelligence is impacting the restaurant industry today and into the future and we discuss how tech providers can become trusted advisors, why industry experience is more important than the latest tools, and so much more! For a down-to-earth conversation with a true visionary leader, don’t miss this episode with FAT Brands’ CIO Michael Chachula!
Key Points From This Episode:
A fun fact about Michael Chachula: he can hold a tune!
Some of the restaurants under the FAT Brands banner.
Ways that FAT Brands’ tech stack has evolved since Michael joined the team.
Possible versus probable: the working relationship between marketing and tech.
The process of integrating new companies into the FAT Brands marketing tech stack.
Green and red flags in the evaluation process of bringing on new technologies.
Tips for martech companies hoping to pitch their offering to FAT Brands.
How a technology provider can go from vendor to partner to trusted advisor.
Challenges that come with asking franchisees to adopt new tech.
Insight into Michael’s previous roles at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Dine Brands.
His take on the role of AI in the restaurant industry and how FAT Brands is adopting it.
Building a followership rather than a leadership and other key advice for aspiring CIOs.