Independent Restaurant IT Consulting
Scott Wakeley 20+ Years Hospitality Technology Independent & Multi-Location Experience

Your restaurant's tech
should work as
hard as you do.

Restaurant technology that actually works β€” no crashed systems, no disappearing vendors, and no tech stack that costs more than it earns. I help independent restaurants and growing groups simplify POS, online ordering, delivery integration, networking, and vendor decisions.

Core strengths
POS Systems Online Ordering Payments Network Reliability Vendor Management Tech Strategy
What I Do

The tech problems restaurants deal with every day.

Two systems break most restaurants first: POS and online ordering. Fork & Firewall helps get both working right from day one, then keeps the rest of the stack from dragging the business down.

πŸ–₯

POS Systems

From selection to setup to support, your point-of-sale should be your most reliable tool, not your biggest headache.

  • POS selection and vendor evaluation
  • Installation and configuration
  • Staff training and onboarding
  • Troubleshooting and support
  • Contract and data portability review
πŸ“±

Online Ordering & Delivery

Third-party apps are a tool, not a strategy. The goal is an ordering setup that works for your margins, not theirs.

  • Direct ordering platform setup
  • POS and delivery app integration
  • Menu sync across all channels
  • DoorDash and Uber Eats optimization
  • Customer data ownership strategy
πŸ”Œ

Network & Reliability

A single Friday-night outage can cost more than a year of proper infrastructure. The fix is usually simpler than it looks.

  • Internet failover and backup connections
  • WiFi for FOH, BOH, and guests
  • Basic network security
  • Hardware recommendations
🀝

Ongoing IT Partner

For operators who want a real person in their corner, not a call center, when the pressure is on.

  • Monthly tech check-ins
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Tech decisions and recommendations
  • Priority support when issues arise
About
β€œGreat restaurants deserve tech that works as hard as they do.”

Fork & Firewall was built around one observation: talented restaurant operators are constantly let down by POS systems that fail at the worst moments, online ordering that does not talk to the kitchen, and vendors who disappear after the sale.

My approach is simple. Cut through the noise, identify the technology that actually fits the operation, get it set up correctly, and make sure it keeps working long after the install.

No vendor ties. No referral fees. Just honest guidance shaped by decades in hospitality technology and solution consulting.

01

Independent advice

No vendor relationships and no commissions. Every recommendation is based on what fits the operation.

02

Built for independents and growing groups

Support for independent restaurants, small groups, and growing multi-location operators who need practical solutions.

03

Plain language, always

No jargon. No upsells. Just clear answers, honest priorities, and realistic next steps.

04

Someone who shows up

When something goes wrong at 6 p.m. on a Friday, there is a real person to call.

How It Works

Simple from the start.

No bloated proposals. No confusing contracts. Just a clean process to get the tech stack under control.

1

Free conversation

Tell me what is not working. No pressure and no pitch, just a real conversation about the setup.

2

Tech assessment

Your current tools, vendors, and pain points get reviewed to pinpoint what is costing time, money, and uptime.

3

Clear recommendation

You get a plain-language plan with practical next steps, not a bloated wish list.

4

Implementation and support

Setup, coordination, training, and ongoing guidance so the restaurant can focus on service, not systems.

How I Work

Choose the level of help you need.

This makes it easier for owners and operators to know where to start. Pricing can be customized, but the engagement types are simple.

One-time review

Restaurant Tech Audit

Flat-fee assessment

Best for restaurants that need a clear picture of what is wrong and what to fix first.

  • Current-state review
  • Vendor and workflow evaluation
  • Written recommendations
  • Priority action plan
Project support

Setup or Fix Project

Scoped implementation

For POS changes, ordering fixes, network cleanup, or rollout support where execution matters.

  • Implementation planning
  • Vendor coordination
  • Testing and launch support
  • Training and handoff
Ongoing partnership

Monthly Advisor

Retainer-based support

For operators who want a dependable advisor for decisions, issues, and growth planning.

  • Monthly check-ins
  • Priority problem solving
  • Technology roadmap guidance
  • Vendor accountability help
What People Say

Trusted by people who know the industry.

Feedback from colleagues, clients, and industry peers shared publicly on LinkedIn.

β€œ
Scott is one of the best. He rapidly learns new technologies and translates them into business value for customers. I frequently relied on his experience, perspective, and technical knowledge.
β€œ
Scott is one of the best in the business. If you are looking for a true professional with a passion for helping others and the ability to lead, Scott is the perfect choice.
β€œ
Scott is the best SME I have had the pleasure of working with at NCR and NCR Voyix.
β€œ
NCR just lost one of the great ones. Any company would be lucky to have you.
β€œ
Scott is one of the best in the business. I would not wait to reach out, or you will miss out on one of the great ones.
Reviews sourced from LinkedIn
Let’s Talk

Ready to stop fighting your technology?

No jargon and no pressure. Just a straight conversation about what is not working and how to fix it. The first call is always free.

Connect on LinkedIn