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When Chaos Is The Business Plan
The restaurant industry is notoriously tough. If these guys keep it up, it'll get a little bit easier.
Eric Harrison
April 22, 2025
Some founders chase disruption. Others build systems to tame it.
This week, we’re spotlighting two founders who turned operational chaos into opportunity.
Both started with hands-on experience in the food industry and built tech solutions that bring order to the inherent unpredictability of their fields.
Their stories are a testament to the power of embracing the mess to find clarity.
 | Matt Wampler transformed his experience managing sandwich shops into a tool that helps restaurant owners see the future a little bit clearer. “Restaurants don’t know who’s walking in the door tomorrow, and it’s killing them. We help answer the 20 decisions a day that actually move the needle.” This one’s for the founders ready to roll up their sleeves and make a chaotic industry “boring.” Check out Matt’s full story here! |
Chris Heffernan saw the writing on the wall when food delivery went mainstream, and pivoted to a smarter niche: scheduled catering orders for corporate clients. His platform now spans the globe and pays out millions to drivers, all while offsetting every mile of their carbon footprint. “Why hire one driver when you could have a hundred?” This one’s for the founders willing to course correct to keep it moving. More about Chris here! |  |
If these stories hit a little too close to home, good.
You’re not the only one figuring it out as you go. There’s a whole group of us doing the same—comparing notes, trading wins, and building real businesses without pretending to have it all together.
Some of those people are already in Thrive.
Some aren’t yet.
You’ll know which one you are.
— Eric 👋
 | Thrive is where founders find their people. |