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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.

Independent restaurant IT consulting — POS systems, online ordering, delivery integration & network support.

I help independent restaurants and growing groups sort out POS, online ordering, delivery integration, networking, and vendor decisions — without the runaround from vendors who disappear after the sale.

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.

🖥

POS Systems

Your point-of-sale should be your most reliable tool. If it's the thing you're babysitting instead, something went wrong at setup.

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

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
🔌

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
"Talented operators are let down by their technology way more often than they should be."

Fork & Firewall started from a pattern I kept seeing: good operators stuck with POS systems that fail at the worst moments, online ordering that doesn't talk to the kitchen, and vendors who vanish after the contract is signed.

My job is to find what actually fits the operation, get it set up right, and make sure it keeps working — not just through go-live, but six months later when something changes.

No vendor ties. No referral fees. I've spent 30+ years in hospitality technology and I'd rather tell you what I'd actually buy than what pays the best margin.

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

Technical problems get explained in plain language. You get honest priorities and realistic next steps, not a list of everything that could theoretically be better.

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

Here's how it works.

No bloated proposals and no confusing contracts. A straightforward 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.

Three engagement types depending on where you are and what you need. Pricing can be scoped to fit — reach out and we'll figure out the right starting point.

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 real person in their corner for decisions, issues, and growth planning — not a ticket queue.

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

What people say.

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

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.
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.
Scott is the best SME I have had the pleasure of working with at NCR and NCR Voyix.
NCR just lost one of the great ones. Any company would be lucky to have you.
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

Let's figure out what's going on.

No jargon and no pressure. Just a straight conversation about what isn't working and where to start. The first call is always free.

Connect on LinkedIn