Automation cuts costs and boosts efficiency in restaurants
FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES
BLENDZ WITH BENEFITS SHOWCASES HOW TECH DRIVES THEIR COMPETITIVE EDGE
Destin's Leaders Shaping the Future Through Innovation and Community Impact
This year marks a special milestone for Josh Foster as he celebrated his 40th birthday in February. The publisher, Carmen Foster, felt this was a unique occasion to reflect on Josh’s journey and celebrate his contributions to Destin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. As a leader in the field, Josh’s milestone serves as a reminder of his ongoing impact on the local business community and his dedication to fostering growth and innovation. As this special edition focuses on Smart Growth, she wanted to acknowledge his remarkable journey and the contributions he’s made to the business community in Destin and surrounding neighborhoods. Josh’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his unwavering commitment to enhancing customer service and supporting long-term growth, ensuring that businesses in Destin remain competitive and sustainable. Under his leadership, Gateway Payments and Technology has become a cornerstone of the local economy, providing secure, seamless financial transactions that help local businesses thrive in an increasingly digital world. Josh’s dedication to innovation has not only helped businesses succeed but also contributed to the overall development of the community. Other entrepreneurs, like Professor Matthew Weinberg, are also leaving their mark. Through The Barrett School, he’s reimagining education by focusing on hands-on, project-based learning that empowers the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers. Tory and Mike Kratz, through Complete Holistic Coaching and Wellness, are supporting families and individuals with financial strategies and education, ensuring they’re equipped to make smart decisions. Their work complements the efforts of other local entrepreneurs, fostering a community of growth, resilience, and prosperity. As these entrepreneurs continue to shape the future of Destin, exciting developments like waterfront improvements announced by Mayor Bobby Wagner show that the city is truly on the rise, driven by its entrepreneurs and a shared vision for success. Destin is buzzing with entrepreneurial energy, with leaders like Steven Franco, Austin Moore, Addison Moore, Greg Fisher, and Brandon Hillenburg paving the way for innovation and growth. Steven Franco, with his sharp eye for opportunity, is driving smart growth through strategic investments like Beachworx and Rodos Realty, an innovative hub designed to foster economic development and create a thriving business community. His visionary approach aligns with the spirit of Destin, where entrepreneurs are leading the charge toward the future.
CARMEN FOSTER, PUBLISHER
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Carmen Foster | carmen.foster@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Melanie Gray | melanie.gray@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Savannah Vasquez Savannahslens@gmail.com
Bianca Bain Villegas bianca.bainvillegas@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Melanie Gray | melanie.gray@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Galina Wells Photography, Robert Young with Forever Young images, Shanna Perret (Davista Photography) and Emerald Blue Photography.
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn how
Proverbs 3:5-6
Over 100
Restaurants across the Panhandle trust us for their Point-of-Sale needs!
THE MOVEMENT to Automation
Revolutionizing the Future of Restaurants
ARTICLE BY JOSH FOSTER
Over the past 18 years in the point-of-sale (POS) industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the restaurant world has evolved, especially in Destin, Florida, where I opened Gateway Payments in 2016. Since then, I’ve worked closely with hundreds of local businesses and seen the restaurant industry face unique challenges. While we’ve seen some relief in areas like labor shortages and inflation, one persistent
issue continues to challenge restaurants: labor costs. Rising minimum wages are adding to the burden, leaving many restaurant owners searching for ways to keep their businesses profitable.
This is where I believe a restaurant correction comes in. As dining prices rise, customers become selective about where and what they spend their money on. Paying $50 for a lunch that doesn’t live up to expectations is becoming less acceptable. To maintain profitability and customer satisfaction, restaurants need a solution that addresses these pressures head-on. One of the most powerful solutions? Automation.
By integrating automation into restaurant operations, businesses can reduce labor costs while maintaining high product quality. This approach ensures profitability and enables restaurants to offer more competitive prices, driving higher sales volume and keeping customers satisfied. The key to success in today’s environment is finding ways to streamline operations and pass those savings on to the consumer.
At Blendz with Benefits, we’ve embraced this very approach. When designing the payment system, we focused on automation from the ground up. Their entire ecosystem runs through kiosks, a mobile app, and online ordering, eliminating the need for front-of-house staff entirely. This strategy has allowed Blendz to reinvest those savings into better-quality food while maintaining affordable prices that compete with other local chains like Starbucks, Panera Bread, and Smoothie King.
However, it’s important to note that setups like the one at Blendz are not suitable for every type of restaurant. Our system was specifically built for the quick-service model, where efficiency and speed are key. The automation model works best in environments where customers order quickly, and meals are prepared with minimal interaction, like smoothie shops or fast-casual eateries. For sit-down restaurants, where guest interaction and personalized service are paramount, a more traditional model may still be the best fit.
This system improves the customer experience. With kiosks and mobile apps, customers can easily place their orders, while the kitchen display system (KDS) ensures their food is prepared efficiently. Once their order is ready, they receive a text notification to pick it up—removing the need for waitstaff and giving customers a more streamlined experience. However, recognizing that not all customers are familiar with technology, especially
older clientele, Blendz adopted a hybrid approach. Their expo staff assists with kiosks or ordering issues, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and supported.
Looking ahead, the future of AI and automation in restaurants holds even greater promise. As technology evolves, it can predict labor needs based on sales trends, weather, events, and historical data. This predictive capability will allow restaurant owners to fine-tune staffing levels, cutting down on the guesswork that typically accompanies labor scheduling. With the ability to automatically adjust labor based on demand, restaurants can optimize their staffing and reduce labor costs without sacrificing service or quality.
The movement toward automation is not just about cutting costs; it’s about creating a better, more efficient experience for both customers and restaurant owners.
With AI, automation systems will allow for more personalized dining experiences, customizing menus and services based on customer preferences. The possibilities are endless as the restaurant industry adapts to the new technological landscape.
As automation continues to grow in importance, it will become a key tool for restaurants striving to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. By using technology to streamline operations, reduce labor costs, and enhance the overall experience, restaurants can remain profitable and deliver high-quality meals at affordable prices. The future of dining out is evolving, and automation is a big part of that transformation. With the right systems in place, restaurants will be better equipped to handle the challenges of tomorrow while offering exceptional service to their customers today.
1
Top Entrepreneurs Shaping 2025’s Future
Growth in Destin
Steven Franco, CEO of Beachworx
It’s impossible to have an issue focused on Finance and Entrepreneurship without mentioning Beachworx, Destin’s premiere community supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. The coworking space founded by Steven Franco in 2018 has been home to a number of the Emerald Coasts’ most successful entrepreneurs.
Beachworx is a flexible alternative to traditional commercial leasing - offering flexible terms on unique offerings, allowing members to scale and contract in real time as their business needs change. Beachworx is conveniently located in Destin Commerce Center on Hwy 98 and offers 19 private offices and 24 flex desks - all of which can be accessed on a day pass or monthly membership.
Beachworx’s unique offering to connect in a luxury communal space with professionals from various industries and experience has led to a number of successful collaborations. An introduction to Brandon & Crystal Hillenburg, owners of Harbour Village in Fort Walton Beach, left the owners of the office and warehouse complex so impressed with the Beachworx concept that they became the first Beachworx franchisee.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESTIN CITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Public and private leaders meet at Beachworx, too. These relationships led to Franco joining Gary Jarvis, former Mayor of Destin and Shane Moody, CEO of Destin Chamber of Commerce, as a founding member of the Destin Economic Development Committee. The committee’s purpose is coalescing a cross-section of leaders who’ll provide consensus about redevelopment and growth of Destin. Other collaborations that sparked unique opportunities and mentorship stem from Franco’s deep commitment to supporting military veterans. Beachworx has been a grantee of Veterans Florida’s Veteran Entrepreneurship program since 2021. This program has supported six veteran entrepreneurs by providing a professional
Smart
Steven Franco, CEO
environment for working and meeting clients and the opportunity to collaborate with each other to grow their businesses within the community.
Assurance Security Advisors is one such collaboration. Veteran’s Florida grantee, Austin Moore, CEO of Special Operators Transition Foundation, introduced Derek Meyer, a SOTF fellow to Franco in 2022. While a Beachworx office supported Meyer’s remote work needs, it was his frequent conversations with Franco and Beachworx member, Trei McMullen (founder of Syotos Security and Syotos Technology), that led to founding Assurance Security Advisors, a company offering bespoke security services protecting assets, people and property.
Franco's experience as Destin Commerce Center owner and his commercial real estate leasing and development career in Atlanta has given him a deep understanding of the specific security requirements of landlords. His experience and expertise as Managing Partner of Rodos Realty Partners, a boutique real estate advisory firm, informed him that the current climate makes a solution like Assurance Security Advisors a slam dunk. Franco is a natural connector. Members can expect that he and his team will get to know you and your business and will make connections and referrals to Beachworx members - past and present. He attests that this unique mix of care and connection is unprecedented in traditional real estate and invites everyone to Beachworx’s Tuesday Complimentary Coworking days.
The Perfect Team: Vision & Execution
Austin Moore, CEO & Managing Partner at Elias Capital Fund, is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in capital raising, executive leadership, and strategic growth. Austin retired as a Special Operations Pilot and Combat Aviation Advisor from Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida, after 25 years of service. He held numerous leadership positions throughout his career and earned multiple awards for leadership, contributions to National Security, and airmanship. Austin was also presented the Lance P. Sijan award for exceptional leadership, JINSA’s Grateful Nation award for superior conduct in the War on Terrorism, and the AETC Well Done award for exceptional airmanship. He enlisted in 1997 and was later commissioned in 2001 before retiring as a Colonel with over 4,250 hours of flight time as a Command Pilot. Austin has an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University, a graduate degree from Trident University (Summa Cum Laude), and was Outstanding Graduate of Air War College. In addition, Austin graduated from Joint and Combined Warfighting School and served as a Joint Qualified Officer. He retired with numerous awards and medals, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal X 4, Aerial Achievement Medal with 16 devices, and Air Force Commendation Medal. With an extensive background in entrepreneurship and military service, Austin has built strong relationships with high-networth investors and institutional partners. His ability to foster trust and create meaningful
connections allows Elias Capital Fund to access exclusive investment opportunities. Austin’s disciplined, results-driven approach ensures the firm remains focused on long-term value creation, mitigating risk while maximizing returns. His leadership sets the foundation for the fund’s growth, making him a key driver in its continued success.
Austin Moore, CEO & Managing Partner
Austin Moore: A Leader Who Makes a Difference
ADDISON MOORE
Addison Moore, Founder & Fund Manager at Elias Capital Fund, is a visionary in real estate investment and financial structuring. With expertise in capital markets and a sharp analytical mindset, Addison has overseen over $50 million in real estate transactions, skillfully structuring deals that balance risk and reward. His hands-on experience in asset acquisition, capital stacking, and investor relations ensures that each investment aligns with Elias Capital Fund’s commitment to delivering superior returns. Addison’s deep understanding of market trends and financial modeling makes him an invaluable strategist, driving the firm’s investment thesis and positioning it for sustained growth.
THE PERFECT TEAM: VISION & EXECUTION
Together, Austin and Addison Moore bring a rare blend of relationship-building expertise and financial acumen that sets Elias Capital Fund apart. Austin’s ability to cultivate investor trust and secure highlevel partnerships complements Addison’s precision in structuring deals and optimizing investment strategies. Their synergy creates a balanced and dynamic leadership team—Austin opens doors to exclusive opportunities, while Addison ensures each deal is financially sound and strategically positioned. This powerful combination of vision and execution has propelled Elias Capital Fund to the forefront of the investment world, offering investors a unique advantage in wealth creation through disciplined, highvalue investments.
Addison Moore, Founder
Cheap Talk, Big Gains
Revolutionizing Education: Project-Based Learning Blends STEM and Arts to Inspire Future Innovators and Leaders
MATTHEW WEINBERG
Cheap Talk, Big Gains
Professor Matthew Weinberg is changing the way we think about learning with The Barrett School in Destin. He is an entrepreneur and educator with expertise in many fields, including Egyptology, medicine, and game theory. By combining his business skills with creative ideas in education, he is creating a new kind of school.
At The Barrett School, Professor Weinberg uses a hands-on, project-based approach to learning. This means that students don’t just sit in classrooms reading books—they get to work on real projects and solve problems. This helps them develop important skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. The goal is to inspire the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and entrepreneurs. Students learn by doing, which makes education exciting and meaningful.
Dr. Weinberg is also passionate about making education accessible for everyone. He believes that learning should be available to all, no matter who you are or where you come from. His school blends science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with the arts, giving students a well-rounded education. By combining these fields, students can see how different subjects connect and how they can use knowledge to create opportunities in the real world.
The Barrett School is not just about learning facts—it’s about giving students the tools they need to succeed in the future. Dr. Weinberg’s goal is to build a school that
helps students grow, think critically, and be prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. This exciting new project is sure to have a big impact, and we can’t wait to see how it shapes the future of education. Stay tuned for more updates on this game-changing venture!
Article by Destin City Lifestyle Magazine
Photography by Robert Young with Forever Young Images
Professor Matthew Weinberg
GREG FISHER
Greg Fisher, the mastermind behind Tripshock, is revolutionizing vacation planning. Since its 2009 launch, Tripshock has simplified booking tours and activities, offering a onestop platform. Covering 25 markets, with Destin as its core, Tripshock ensures the best prices and quality experiences. Greg also leads WaveRez, a reservation software for watersport and boat tour operators, recently expanding his team with Zach Eischen to grow its market reach.
Greg shares his boating industry insights on his podcast, “The Awkward Watersport Guys”. His new book, Mastering OTAs, launched on February 18, 2025, guides tour operators in using Online Travel Agencies without losing direct bookings. Greg will be doing a book signing at the Tourpreneur Connect event in New York City. Featuring a foreword by industry leader Douglas Quinby, the book is available on Amazon https://a.co/d/0sp27sG
BRANDON HILLENBURG
Brandon and Crystal Hillenburg are bringing their entrepreneurial vision to life with the launch of Beachworx Fort Walton Beach, a dynamic co-working space designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Recognizing the demand for flexible workspaces, especially among government contractors and veteran-owned businesses near Eglin Air Force Base, they’ve created a professional environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses can thrive. Their dedication to building a meaningful community hub is a testament to their hard work and passion. Located near the stunning beaches of Fort Walton Beach, Beachworx offers a range of workspace options, from shared desks to private offices, along with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and printing services. More than just a workspace, it’s a place where professionals can network, exchange ideas, and find support. Beachworx is the ideal setting for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers looking for productivity and community in one inspiring location.
Greg Fisher
Brandon Hillenburg
Mark Dutram, CPWA®, CFP®, AEP® President and Wealth Advisor
Jonathan Slater CFP®, Wealth Advisor
Mary Richards Client Relationship Manager
LEGACY THROUGH GIVING
BayView Private Wealth invests in the community
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
When people think of financial planning, they often focus on investing and managing wealth. But the mission of BayView Private Wealth involves not only helping families manage their wealth, but also encouraging investment into the local community.
“BayView Hope is our foundation dedicated to giving back to the betterment of our community.”
- Mark Dutram
“BayView Hope is our foundation dedicated to giving back to the betterment of our community,” said Mark Dutram CPWA®, CFP®, AEP®, founder of BayView Private Wealth. “Each year, we allocate a percentage of our profits to the foundation, which then distributes charitable gifts to nonprofits."
BayView Private Wealth also empowers clients to build their own legacy of giving. Many aspiring philanthropists want to make an impact but aren’t sure where to begin. That’s where Mark and his team step in, helping clients establish charitable foundations and endowments that align with their values.
“We guide our clients in setting up giving foundations, just like BayView Hope,” Mark explained. “Not only does this provide tax benefits, but more importantly, it creates a lasting legacy. I’ve seen it
transform families—clients involve their children and grandchildren, challenging them to select charities that matter to them.”
Through BayView Hope and its clients’ charitable initiatives, the firm is creating a ripple effect of generosity through thoughtful giving and community support.
Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC ("RFG Advisory" or "RFG"), a registered investment advisor. BayView Private Wealth and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.
A BETTER Destin
Improving Water Quality and Amenities At One of Destin’s Local Parks
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESTIN CITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Tamara Young, Public Information Director for City of Destin
Joe's Bayou Recreation Area
It’s been a long time coming, but renovations on Joe’s Bayou Recreation Area and the nearby Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk are set to begin this year.
“We’re all excited about the Improvement Plan,” said Public Information Director Tamara Young. “We live in such a naturally beautiful piece of paradise, so the more outdoor recreation and waterway access points, the better.”
The project, which is funded by grant money for natural resource damage assessment following the 2010 Deep Horizon oil spill, will see upgraded boat ramps and fishing piers, parking and restrooms, boardwalks and nature trails as well as shore, pond and wetland restoration.
“What people are most excited about following our survey and roundtable discussions with the community are the fishing pier and the nature trail,” Tamara said. “We are redoing the boardwalk and the educational signage. Equally important is the pond restoration and shoreline protection.”
The City of Destin will be working with local environmental agencies such as the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance to build natural reefs and improve the health of the shoreline by removing exotic plants and replacing them with native species.
“The whole idea of environmental sustainability on this project is key,” Tamara said. “We want generation upon generation to be able to utilize the beautiful natural resources we have here in Destin.”
Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner said that this project will not only bring a new and improved waterfront park to Destin, but will also bring cleaner and safer water quality and storm-water retention to one of the lowest sea-level areas in Destin.
“We are trying to improve the stormwater quality and ability to drain on the preserved wetlands that are beside the park as well as improve the existing park,” Wagner said. “I really hope these improvements to Joe’s Bayou and the adjoining Mattie Kelly Nature Walk will showcase what a local park in Destin is all about.”
Construction on Joe's Bayou Recreation Area is expected to begin in September 2025, with substantial completion anticipated by February 2027.
Rebekah Manley, Lady of Destin
Bobby Wagner, Mayor of Destin
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ
THE KRATZES HELP CLIENTS THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX WITH FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
FINANCIAL FREEDOM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA PERRET (DAVISTA PHOTOGRAPHY)
How do you save for retirement? How do you plan for the unforeseen? How do you put your money to work for you in the most tax efficient way? Tory and Mike Kratz have opinions and strategies for all of these questions and offer
The Kratzes emphasized that several Fortune 500 companies, such as McDonald's and Walt Disney originally used cash value from life insurance policies to fund their businesses.
“EDUCATION IS OUR PRIMARY SERVICE, BUT WE ALSO OFFER LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS. A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT YOU CAN USE LIFE INSURANCE AS A FINANCIAL TOOL FOR EVERYDAY OCCURRENCES.”
them to the community through their complimentary financial and education services offered through their business, Complete Holistic Coaching and Wellness.
“It’s what we have never been taught in school on how to actually plan and maximize your retirement,” said Mike. “Education is our primary service, but we also offer life insurance products. A lot of people don’t know that you can use life insurance as a financial tool for everyday occurrences.”
“You are essentially your own bank, because you don’t get a hit on your credit report each time you borrow money,” Tory said. “There are so many benefits to it.”
The Kratzes offer an array of insurance products including whole life insurance, index universal life, annuities, estate planning, saving for college, debt management and consolidation and more. The couple has partnered with over 30 insurance product carriers in order to customize the individual needs of each client.
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