In a world where culinary adventures meet technological mastery, there's a hero who seamlessly blends the tastes of innovation with the zest of life. Kyle Vorndran’s journey has taken him from the hustle and bustle of the kitchen to the forefront of technological innovation as the Senior Product Marketing Manager at HungerRush.

But, behind his polished exterior lies a man with a taste for adventure, a knack for storytelling, and a passion for all things food and tech. So, grab your popcorn as we embark on a whirlwind journey through Kyle's professional and personal life. 

Meet Kyle!

What is your restaurant/professional background?

The story is actually quite interesting, haha. I started predominantly working in the restaurant industry through high school, college, and even for some time after. I was a delivery driver, waiter, bartender, floor manager, and more. However, while waiting tables one day, I met a wonderful woman (you know who you are!) who would change my life and direction.

While focusing on providing the best customer service (and upselling, of course, 😉), she would eventually ask if I would be interested in product marketing. This eventually led to me joining the product marketing team at one of the nation's largest oil and gas services companies. It was a blessing and led to other opportunities to work with more great people and mentors.

I worked in the oil, gas, and energy space for 8ish years and eventually landed at HungerRush as their Sr. Product Marketing Manager.  

What is your favorite part of your role at our HungerRush organization?  

It's tough to say just one thing, as I love product marketing and interacting with customers to hear their stories. Let's go with one that isn't as obvious: working cross-functionally across all departments as a product marketer should. I learn from so many great people and brilliant minds, making it fun and exciting every day!

Being aligned is also super important as a company and helps us work together more efficiently and provide the best solutions to our customers! 

What are the key features when choosing a point of sale (POS) system for a small restaurant? 

It depends on how the restaurant operates and their strategy.

For example, is it a small cafe or a big chain? Do they only offer delivery or dine-in/curbside service? But generally speaking, delivery is almost a must-have, given how much online ordering and third-party delivery apps have skyrocketed over the years. The ability of a point-of-sale to efficiently take, dispatch, track, and manage a delivery order from start to finish is key.

HungerRush has an outstanding in-house delivery system that also includes an app for drivers to be more efficient. We also allow our customers to use both in-house and third-party delivery as needed without being locked into one or the other. The best part is that there are no more tablets! 

To keep this short, one other key feature is the general ease of use of the POS. I feel like it gets overlooked quickly sometimes, but maybe that's just the old waiter in me where I always asked, "Where is that button again?" "What tab is it on?" or constantly running back to the kitchen to fix errors.

It just makes a big difference having an intuitive POS that helps you quickly take or modify an order and move to the next. Being able to handle complex orders and modifications is critical, too, and the HungerRush POS excels in this area!   

What integrations are available with HungerRush POS systems to enhance functionality and meet specific restaurant needs? 

We have a lot going on with integrations, so I will pick two I worked on. The first is the HungerRush POS and Menufy integration, which is awesome because now, Menufy customers can take advantage of our industry-leading point-of-sale system.

Another of my favorites is our integration with third-party delivery apps like DoorDash. It's fantastic to hear how happy customers are to use that as needed while taking full advantage of our in-house delivery. 

If HungerRush's POS system had a superpower, what would it be and why?  

Interesting question. Now, my nerdiness will come out a bit! Instead of a specific power, I'll compare it to a particular superhero, which is my choice…

Ironman.

Why? Well, Ironman is a genius who built his own suit that includes all the tools he needs to efficiently and easily get rid of the villains and save the day.

Our POS was also built with all the tools you need to run your restaurant more effectively, from in-house delivery, integrated Caller ID and loyalty, smart ordering, a layout that makes sense, and much more.  Save your restaurant with the HungerRush POS!!! 

Which city do you call home, and what is the restaurant scene like there?  

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, which is one of the best food cities in America. Thank you very much! There's a wide variety of great cuisines, styles, cultures, and tastes, and there are SO MANY options. Getting hungry just talking about it!   

If you could name a pizza after yourself, what would it be called, and what toppings would it have?  

What a great question. I should probably name it Reflux, ha, but I would probably name it something like "The Texan." The toppings would include pepperoni, sausage, jalapeno, and extra cheese. Jalapeno and Texas just go together, ya know? 

After you clock out, how do you spend your free time? 

I have a beautiful 2-year-old daughter that gave me the greatest gift of being a dad. She keeps me busy these days, but if I have time, you can usually find me on the golf course. I love me some sports, but I also spend time with my beautiful wife, attention-seeking dog Mia, family, and friends. 

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?  

Psh, that's easy. Pizza, because it's so delicious and can be modified a million different ways. What's there not to like? 😉   

Here’s what Kyle’s teammates have to say: 

"Kyle is an exceptional product marketing leader, possessing a profound understanding of our customers' needs and the intricacies of the restaurant ecosystem. His proactive approach and extensive product knowledge empower him to effectively introduce new products and services, thereby fostering the growth of our customers' businesses. Kyle exemplifies true teamwork and demonstrates unwavering dedication by eagerly embracing any task necessary to achieve our goals." - Shannon Chirone, SVP of Marketing 

“Kyle is the best teammate and hypeman. He's dedicated to doing the right thing, a true leader by example. Kyle has a knack for listening to diverse perspectives, especially when speaking with our restaurant partners. He champions the voice of the customer and navigates any challenges or projects with expertise and, of course, some 'delightful' Dad jokes. We're incredibly lucky to have Kyle on the HungerRush marketing team!” - Melissa Dimmitt, Menufy Marketing Manager 

"Teaming up with Kyle Vorndran, the Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Hungerrush, has been nothing short of fantastic. His expertise and teamwork have made our projects soar, turning each day into an exciting journey of achievement. Kyle's innovative mindset is both inspiring and invaluable, driving us towards greater success." - Matthew Dieden, Menufy Sales Director 

 
A Heartfelt Thank-You 

We want to express our sincere gratitude for sharing his inspiring story with us. His culinary expertise, unwavering enthusiasm, and dedication to bringing joy and flavor to every aspect of life are truly remarkable.  

Kyle's a true asset to HungerRush, and we can't wait to see what innovative ideas he brings to the table next! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

COURTNEY KITCHENS, SR. MARKETING SPECIALIST

Courtney, an English teacher turned marketer at Menufy, draws inspiration from the restaurant industry's everyday moments. Her writing is a testament to her expertise, providing insightful and compelling accounts of the industry's diverse and vibrant nature.