CFVG Embracing AI to Elevate Foodservice

Turning Hesitation into Action

After the presentation, CFVG members dove into a discussion about how AI is taking shape in the retail world, especially for small and mid-sized businesses. The conversation touched on everything from retailers’ hesitations and

worry among retailers that they “keep thinking they need to be Google” regard- ing their data quality to even contemplate AI adoption. Weber emphasized how AI can help retailers manage complexity

the many ways AI can be applied, to the hurdles of handling data and helping employees adapt. Members also looked ahead at what AI might mean for the future of retail. A common thread throughout was the importance

across multiple stores, even when those stores use different point-of-sale (POS) systems and produce inconsistent data. He explained that AI models are designed to shape reliable forecasts from fragmented infor- mation, allowing operators to quickly explore

of breaking down the complexity of AI and showing how it can be practical, approachable, and genuinely useful across all kinds of retail operations.

scenarios such as the potential impact of a limited time offer or the performance of newly acquired stores. These models, he noted, can learn and adapt on limited data, offering valuable insights in real time.

A central point of concern for many attendees revolved around the perceived high barrier to entry for AI, particularly for businesses that might not have the extensive resources or perfectly curated data of larger corporations. Poye articulated this sentiment, stating, “I think about some of the smaller retailers that are out there that might read this report, and they’d be like, ‘I’m over- whelmed by this.’” This immediate apprehension led Roy Strasburger , CEO of StrasGlobal, president of Compliance

Brask expanded a concept Upshop internally calls “global training,” which allows machine learning models to generate accurate demand forecasts even when data is incomplete, incon- sistent, or limited to certain locations. He noted that while different names are used in the field, Upshop adopts “global training” because it is the clear- est and most approachable description. For example, menu items that rotate in and out or are offered only at select stores can still be forecasted across an entire network. Drawing from his experience in mul- tiple implementations, Brask noted that smaller, tightly knit teams often achieve stronger outcomes because they minimize noise in the adoption process.

Safe, and Vision Group Network co-founder, to directly seek reassurance from Weber, expressing concern about the potential overwhelm small and medium retailers might face when adopting AI. He highlighted the widespread