Technology

Powerhouse Dynamics’ Open Kitchen to eliminate execution errors during menu rollouts

Photo: Powerhouse Dynamics

May 20, 2026

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As fast-casual brands increasingly rely on seasonal offerings and limited-time menu innovations to drive customer traffic, Powerhouse Dynamics is introducing ways to ensure those items are executed consistently across hundreds of locations via its Open Kitchen platform. Designed to bridge the gap between a brand's test kitchen and its real-world operations by monitoring equipment performance in real time, the platform allows operators to manage equipment from a single digital interface.

For fast-casual operators, the success of a menu launch often hinges on precise execution. However, scaling a recipe from a single test kitchen to a national fleet of ovens, fryers, and holding cabinets introduces the risk of equipment drift or human error.

"When menu changes move from a controlled test environment into real-world operations, even small inconsistencies in equipment performance can undermine quality and the guest experience," Jay Fiske, president of Powerhouse Dynamics, said in a company press release.

Key features include the ability to standardize cook settings remotely, which reduces the risk of manual entry errors at the store level. It also alerts managers to temperature deviations or runtime anomalies that could compromise food safety or quality.

Fiske said the platform creates a "feedback loop" between R&D and field teams. By analyzing data on why certain locations might be struggling with a new item — whether due to mechanical failure or operational behavior — brands can intervene early to protect the rollout.

Beyond menu consistency, the platform is used by multi-unit operators to automate energy management and reduce food waste. Powerhouse Dynamics, a Middleby Company, has its technology connected to more than 60,000 pieces of equipment across 18,000 locations.

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Powerhouse Dynamics

Powerhouse Dynamics is the leading provider of "internet of things" (IoT)-based solutions to connect, analyze and control equipment to deliver enterprise-wide operational efficiencies.

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