Jesse Stein on Making AI Feel Human: The Future of Restaurant Customer Service Artwork

The meez Podcast

Josh Sharkey (Entrepreneur, professional chef, and founder/CEO of meez, the culinaryOS for food professionals) interviews world class entrepreneurs in the food space that are shifting the paradigm of how we innovate and operate in our industry.

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The meez Podcast

Jesse Stein on Making AI Feel Human: The Future of Restaurant Customer Service

September 23, 2025 • Josh Sharkey • Episode 107

#107.
Josh sits down with Jesse Stein, founder of Hermetic AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming hospitality management and customer engagement in the restaurant industry. Stein shares his vision for making AI interactions feel genuinely human while helping restaurants streamline event management and build stronger customer relationships through personalized experiences and strategic follow-up.

The conversation covers the evolving role of technology in hospitality, from the surprising power of handwritten notes in customer engagement to sophisticated AI models that enhance rather than replace human connection. Stein and Sharkie examine practical sales strategies including the psychology of reciprocity, the importance of understanding customer needs, and how restaurants can leverage platforms like LinkedIn for business networking. They also address the critical need for contingency planning in restaurant operations, learning from past mistakes, and why creating memorable experiences often drives more value than focusing solely on material offerings, all while exploring how Hermetic AI's solutions can help restaurants nurture customer relationships that translate into increased loyalty and sales.