Restaurant Unstoppable Episode 1240: Neil Chand, Co-Founder of FoodServiceIQ

Release Date: December 29, 2025
Host: Eric Cacciatore
Guest: Neil Chand

Episode Overview

In this episode, Eric sits down with Neil Chand, Co-Founder of FoodServiceIQ, to dive deep into the strategies and technology that are helping independent restaurants save big on food costs. They explore Neil’s journey from tech to hospitality, what sets FoodServiceIQ apart from traditional group purchasing organizations (GPOs), the transformative power of leveraging technology and AI, and the current and future state of independent restaurants.

Chand shares actionable insights, case studies with impressive savings, and reflections on the industry’s structural challenges—offering practical hope for independent operators aiming to compete against larger chains. The conversation also delves into the existential challenges and opportunities of AI for both foodservice and society at large.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FoodServiceIQ: Mission and Model

• What is FoodServiceIQ?

  • "We help independent restaurants specifically reduce their food costs by an average of 5 to 7% on a 100% performance-based basis." — Neil Chand [06:04]

• Core Value: Customer Obsession

  • "Customer obsession is our number one value." — Neil Chand [06:30]
  • Chand emphasizes that everyone at FoodServiceIQ, whether customer-facing or not, is responsible for delivering top-notch service.

2. Neil's Background and the Founding Story

• Neil came from a tech background, previously developing trading software for Wall Street.
• Moved to Austin, partnered with Mike (former Sysco COO & PFG president).
  • "Mike was really leveraging his insider expertise as a former distribution executive to help independent restaurants reduce their food costs." — Neil Chand [08:15]
• The initial model was manual and relationship-driven; Neil’s tech experience enabled them to scale and systematize.

3. The FoodServiceIQ Process — More Than a GPO

Three Phases to Maximum Savings

Neil distinguishes FoodServiceIQ from typical GPOs with a robust, multi-phase approach:

1. Distributor Side Optimization:

   • Renegotiate with existing vendors for better pricing and terms—without requiring clients to change vendors or SKUs.
   • "How do you get better pricing and terms with your existing vendor without changing the vendor or the SKUs that you're buying?...That's usually the first big driver of savings in our process." — Neil Chand [19:38]

2. Manufacturer Side Contracting:

   • Secure direct manufacturer deals for high-volume SKUs, especially proteins, leveraging buying power and relationships.
   • Example: A diner chain was paying $56 per case for fries; FoodServiceIQ got it down to $40 via direct negotiation with Lamb Weston. [21:18]
   • "It's capturing as much of that hidden margin as possible in favor of independent restaurants." — Neil Chand [20:48]

3. Ongoing Auditing and Maintenance:

   • Continuously monitor for errors (missed rebates, pricing discrepancies), re-implement short-term manufacturer deals, and provide monthly savings reports.
   • "Mistakes can happen, things get dropped, things get missed. And we do a fair number of audit recoveries." — Neil Chand [25:41]

Notable Distinctions

• Performance-Based Model: If FoodServiceIQ can’t deliver a minimum threshold of savings, they don’t bill. Their fee is flat—the more they save, the more operators keep.
  • [24:12]
• Tailored, Ongoing Service: Every client is managed as a unique “project” with customized procurement strategies.

4. The Power of Technology & AI

Neil’s Contribution

• Built an Integrated Tech Stack: Brought operations, project management, CRM, and analytics into a unified software suite for seamless team and client experience.

  • [16:45]

• AI for Efficiency:

  • Use of GPTs—custom AI agents—for data processing, automating vendor portal data pulls, auditing, and analysis.
  • "With some of these AI tools, they can go through and get the data they need and crunch numbers so much faster..." — Neil Chand [28:08]
  • AI replaces manual, repetitive labor: e.g., monthly report generation is now fully automated, saving significant time. [31:43]

• Competitive Edge through Data:

  • Large-scale data aggregation gives FoodServiceIQ unique insights on what’s possible across vendors and SKUs, informing negotiation strategies.

Neil's Perspective on AI’s Industry Impact

• "It really is the independents who are struggling the most at the moment for a variety of reasons. But rising costs, I think, [are] the main one." — Neil Chand [34:51]
• AI levels the playing field for smaller operators—but also raises questions about consolidation, expectations, and access.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Independence, Leverage, and Advocacy

"My hope with Restaurant Unstoppable is to make fewer 100-unit operators and more 10 to 30-unit operators to redistribute the money and to really help restaurants stay local."
— Eric Cacciatore [12:02]

"It's really just about getting the vendor to agree to honor and load that new pricing, which is typically not an issue for us."
— Neil Chand [22:21]

On the Emotional Side of Savings

"When we have big success stories like that, there's often a little bit of anger on the operator side...when you realize the imbalance."
— Neil Chand [40:01]

On the Future of Restaurants

"Restaurants have a very important place in human society in general. They're a gathering place...and I don't think it's going anywhere."
— Neil Chand [52:13]

On AI: Hope and Warning

"It's empowering a lot of entrepreneurs to make their dreams a reality... But getting there, I don't think is going to be a smooth path."
— Neil Chand [48:08]

Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• Meet Neil Chand & FoodServiceIQ’s Mission: [04:51]–[06:14]
• Customer Obsession Value: [06:30]–[07:08]
• Neil’s Background and the FoodServiceIQ Origin Story: [07:21]–[10:01]
• Detailed Model/Process of FoodServiceIQ: [10:18]–[14:04]; [16:45]–[20:55]
• Case Studies and Tactical Examples: [21:18]–[23:52]
• Explaining AI and Internal Innovation: [28:08]–[33:47]
• Industry Reflections—On Independents, Food Costs, and Hope: [34:51]–[39:41]
• AI: Optimism, Caution, and Societal Impact: [42:52]–[48:08]
• Vision for the Future of Restaurants: [52:13]–[53:15]
• Call-Outs to Industry Peers: [53:34]–[54:17]

Additional Highlights

• FoodServiceIQ’s Savings Structure: FoodServiceIQ’s fee structure ensures alignment of interests—clients risk nothing unless substantial savings are delivered.
• Monthly Savings Dashboard: Each client receives a detailed, line-by-line report on realized savings (a major differentiator).
• Industry Warnings: The conversation ends with broad reflections on AI, market consolidation, and the importance of conscious capitalism in maintaining a healthy restaurant ecosystem.

Notable Resource, Book, or Person Recommendation

• Restaurant Shout-Out: Marianne’s Diner in New Hampshire, owner Bill Andreoli — called out by Neil as a model operator focused on quality and sustainability. [53:34]
• AI & Societal Analysis Book Mentioned: Power and Progress by Daron Acemoglu. [48:33] (Eric references this for further reflection on who controls technology and the risks of market consolidation.)

Tone & Closing

The conversation is energetic, open, and grounded in both practical and bigger-picture thinking. Chand is optimistic, analytical, and honest about the challenges and opportunities in both hospitality and AI. Eric underscores the mission to support local, independent, and value-driven operators.

For Restaurant Owners

• If you’re an independent operator (single or multi-unit), FoodServiceIQ offers:
  • Chain-level pricing and expertise, tech-driven analysis, and support
  • A no-risk, performance-based model
  • Monthly transparency and proactive cost-saving audits

"Support the show, use our links, and any final things before we say goodbye?"
— Eric Cacciatore [54:17]

Connect with Neil Chand and FoodServiceIQ:
FoodServiceIQ Website
For intros and affiliate inquiries, contact Eric at eric@restaurantunstoppable.com.

Restaurant Unstoppable continues to bridge the gap between industry giants and the next generation of leaders—helping you make your independent restaurant vision unstoppable.