A Rare Endorsement: Why We Trust Restaurant Systems Pro (and CEO Fred Langley)

Yesterday I was on a call with Fred Langley, the CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro (RSP), and the president of a growing restaurant franchise brand. We referred this franchise executive to Fred so he could learn about what RSP offers. Towards the end of the call, the franchise president asked Fred: “What are the top three differentiators of Restaurant Systems Pro?” Fred’s answer was solid. He focused on the product and the service RSP provides along with that product. When he finished, I jumped in with an extra perspective that Fred was too humble to share himself. More on that below. First, Fred’s list of differentiators…

Product + Service: RSP’s Built-In Differentiators

Fred explained that Restaurant Systems Pro is not just software, but a complete restaurant management solution. RSP was designed by experienced restaurateurs to give independent restaurants the kind of systems and tools usually found in large chains. It’s an all-in-one platform that helps owners control food costs, manage labor, streamline inventory, simplify scheduling, and much more. In fact, RSP’s typical members boost their profits to 15–20% (industry average is ~5–8%) without compromising quality. The breadth of features means an owner can run their restaurant “like a franchise” without paying franchise royalties.

But as Fred pointed out, software alone isn’t what makes RSP special. The second differentiator he hung his hat on was the service and support that come with the product. When you sign up for RSP, you’re not just handed login credentials and left on your own. You get unlimited training and coaching from people who know restaurants inside and out. RSP provides free one-on-one coaching, phone support, live webinar trainings, on-site classes, and even an online learning system for your staff. In other words, they partner with you to implement the systems and ensure you succeed. One long-time RSP user summed it up perfectly in a review: “Not only the software, but the support that goes with it is invaluable. The RSP team is always willing to help… Everyone in the company treats us like we are their only client.” That level of personal, high-touch service is baked into RSP’s DNA. It stems from the company’s roots as a training and coaching organization (formerly TheRestaurantExpert.com) and from the values Fred and his team live by: education, empathy, integrity, and truly serving restaurant owners.

It’s no surprise, then, that RSP clients stick around for the long haul. The average RSP customer has been with them over 12 years, an eternity in the restaurant tech world. And RSP has an astounding 4.9 out of 5 star rating on Capterra. Those numbers reflect something real: Restaurant Systems Pro delivers lasting results and builds lasting relationships.

Fred’s team isn’t interested in churning out quick software sales, they’re committed to improving their clients’ businesses and lives for the long term. Fred told us their mission is to help independent owners make more money and live a balanced life, a mission I respect deeply.

The Third Differentiator: A CEO Who Truly Cares

After Fred answered the question with a focus on RSP’s product and service, I asked to add my thoughts. I felt the franchise president needed to hear about one more differentiator – the character of the person behind the company. So I said:

“Fred won’t say this because he’s too humble and not self-centered, but I will. Fred actually cares about improving the lives of restaurant owners and their employees. I’ve spent time with him and broken bread with him, and I am willing to put our company’s good name and reputation on the line to endorse Fred and Restaurant Systems Pro. There are very, very few companies we’ll do that for. In fact, there is not one other restaurant tech CEO I trust more than I trust Fred to always put the customer first. I genuinely believe he cares first and foremost about helping restaurant owners be successful.”

I meant every word of that. Fred has earned that endorsement. I don’t think the franchise president on the call had ever heard such a strong, personal endorsement of a tech CEO before. But I wanted him to know that behind RSP’s impressive software and support, there’s a leader with a servant’s heart. Fred started in the industry as a dishwasher, worked his way up to chef and owner, and eventually created RSP in 2011 to share the systems that he knew worked. He’s a restaurant guy through and through, and he says, “I’m on a mission to improve the lives of restaurant owners.”

That’s not a marketing slogan, it’s who he is. Case in point: even though RSP has its own scheduling module, Fred enthusiastically encouraged us (Schedulefly) to integrate our scheduling software with RSP. He knows Schedulefly provides a best-in-class scheduling solution, and he wants our mutual customers to use whatever makes their lives easier, even if that means using an external tool instead of RSP’s built-in scheduler. That kind of humility and customer-first mentality is rare. It shows that for Fred, what matters most is that restaurant owners get the best tools and outcomes, not whose logo is on the tool.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Shared Values

It’s probably obvious by now that we at Schedulefly don’t throw around endorsements lightly. Our business has been serving restaurants since 2007, and we’ve met a lot of people in the restaurant tech space. Fred Langley stands out. The way he runs Restaurant Systems Pro resonates with us: keep it simple, serve the customer’s needs above all, and focus on long-term success over short-term gain. Like us, Fred isn’t piloting a rocket ship. He’s building a destination.

If you’re a restaurant owner or franchisor reading this, and you’re curious to learn more about Restaurant Systems Pro, hit my cell (below). I’m happy to connect you directly with Fred.

- Wil 704-906-2031 (flip phone)