The Buzz: Where Operators Are Heard

If you’ve ever spent time in a restaurant — really spent time — you know the magic isn’t just in the food or the ambiance.

It’s in the unspoken rhythm of a team that runs like a well-oiled machine.

It’s in the way an experienced GM can feel the energy shift before a rush even hits.

It’s in the late-night texts, the early-morning prep, and the mid-shift chaos that somehow always comes together by the end of service.

But here’s the thing: that magic doesn’t just happen... It takes leadership, adaptability, and the right tools to keep things moving smoothly. Especially for independent operators running 1 to 10 locations (or more).

That’s why I’m rebranding #HeardHiveBuzz as a LinkedIn newsletter and hub where hospitality leaders, operators, and frontline managers can find the best insights on restaurant technology, hiring best practices, and the industry’s most inspiring leaders.

On a weekly basis - and I'll hold myself to that cadence moving forward.

And what better way to kick off this new chapter than by highlighting a company that has quietly but powerfully shaped how independent operators manage their teams?

If you’re running a restaurant with one or a few locations and don’t know about Schedulefly , consider this your sign to check it out.

Why ScheduleFly?

Because Simplicity Wins.

There’s no shortage of tech in hospitality right now. Some of it is incredible. Some of it is…overcomplicated.

The biggest issue I hear from operators—especially those who own or manage fewer than 10 locations—is that they don’t need a bloated all-in-one system with a million features they’ll never use. They need something that just works without adding another layer of stress to an already demanding job.

That’s exactly why ScheduleFly, and the guys behind it, stand out.

It’s a team-first scheduling platform built specifically for independent hospitality operators.

No unnecessary complexity, no extra noise—just a clean, intuitive way for teams to manage shifts, communicate, and keep everything running smoothly.

The best part? It was designed with hospitality in mind, not as an afterthought.

While some scheduling software tries to be everything to everyone, ScheduleFly stays true to what independent operators actually need—something that makes their lives easier, not harder:

• Staff can swap shifts without confusion.
• Managers can see everything at a glance—no spreadsheets, no headaches.
• Everyone stays connected without endless group texts.

And perhaps most importantly: it’s reliable. When your team depends on scheduling tech to show up for work, the last thing you want is something that crashes, lags, or requires an IT degree to troubleshoot.

Wil Brawley: A Champion for Operators

Behind every great product is someone who gets it.

For ScheduleFly, that’s Wil Brawley and his team at Schedulefly .

Wil in particular - because I know him personally so I can speak about him the most confidently, just being honest - is one of those people you want in your corner if you’re an independent operator. Or a restaurant tech nerd.

He’s built his career around understanding, supporting, and amplifying the voices of restaurant owners —the ones who aren’t part of a massive franchise system but still want tools that can help them compete at a high level.

If you haven’t already, check out "Restaurant Owners Uncorked", the podcast he co-hosts that dives into real stories from real operators. It’s not just about tech or trends—it’s about the lived experiences of restaurant leaders navigating staffing, retention, culture, and profitability.

In a world where some hospitality tech companies treat restaurants as just another vertical in their portfolio, Wil and his team at ScheduleFly are different.

They actually care about the operators they serve, every single one of them.

A Must-Have for Independent Operators

So, here’s the real question: Is your current scheduling system working for you or against you?

If you’re still juggling spreadsheets, group texts, or an overly complicated platform that creates more stress than solutions, it might be time to look at ScheduleFly.

Because the truth is, your tech should be making your life easier.

• If you’re an independent operator, this is one of those rare tools that actually understands the way you run your business.
• If you’re a GM or shift lead, it makes scheduling painless instead of a constant battle.
• And if you’re an employee, it gives you clarity, flexibility, and a simple way to swap shifts without the usual chaos.

Schedulefly offers free trials, btw. Just make sure to convert to an actual customer because then you get to interact with that phenomenal team... a lot. Just an additional perk.

So...what’s Next for Heard Hive and #TheBuzz?

This is just the beginning.

Heard Hive will be a space where I talk about:

• Restaurant technology that actually works — no fluff, just real solutions for real operators.
• Best hiring practices for frontline workers and managers because hiring and retention are make-or-break for restaurants.
• Spotlights on the people (leaders, operators, and tech innovators) making a real impact in hospitality.

If you’re an operator, frontline leader, recruiter, or just someone who loves this industry, I’d love for you to follow along.

And drop your favorite hospitality tools or tech in the comments — I’m always looking for the next great conversation.