The Restaurant Heroes

What The Restaurant Heroes does

The Restaurant Heroes is a San Luis Obispo-based certification and licensing platform that trains independent advisors to become restaurant technology consultants within exclusive U.S. geographic territories. Founded in 2020 as a portfolio company of RELENTLESS Venture Studio, the company operates a two-sided model: it certifies and licenses individuals (Restaurant Heroes) and equips them to sell consulting services and resell software from a curated partner ecosystem to independent and SMB restaurant owners. The company itself does not build restaurant software; it monetizes the certification, the territory rights, and the technology-agnostic advisory layer that sits between restaurants and vendors.

The core product stack consists of Restaurant Heroes University (a video-based certification curriculum with chapter tests), a proprietary Restaurant Tech Assessment, a Proposal Builder that sequences modernization plans, and a custom-built Client & Payment Management System (CRM) that automates billing and commissions. Certified advisors pay a one-time certification and territory fee of $5,990 plus a $450/month license fee, and earn $175-$600+ per month per restaurant client in combined consulting fees ($99-$299/month) and recurring software platform commissions ($75-$300+/month). The company bundles 12 pre-qualified "SmartAppointments" (guaranteed in-person meetings with restaurant owners, retail $2,500 per set of 3) into every license to jumpstart new advisors' client acquisition.

The business model is a hybrid of franchise-like territory licensing, SaaS-style recurring license fees, and channel/reseller economics across 17+ technology partners including Restaurant365, TouchBistro, PopMenu, MarketMan, NextBite, StrideQ, In-House Delivery, Fundomate, Constant Contact, LinkedVAnow, and others. Go-to-market combines direct website-driven license sales with PR-driven licensee acquisition; advisors then rely on local Chamber of Commerce, BNI, and community networking to acquire restaurant clients. As of the latest disclosures the company has active licensees in 70+ U.S. markets and was recognized as one of the Best Tech Startups 2022 by The Tech Tribune. The company is privately held and has raised $1,500,000 in seed funding from RELENTLESS Venture Studio.

Name

The Restaurant Heroes

Legal name

The Restaurant Heroes

Website

https://therestaurantheroes.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Restaurant Heroes is a private certification and licensing platform that trains independent restaurant technology advisors within exclusive U.S. territories, equipping them to resell software and advisory services from 17+ partners to SMB restaurant owners. It monetizes via one-time certification fees, recurring territory licenses, and platform commissions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

San Luis Obispo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Certification and Territory Fee: One-time fee charged for certification program and exclusive market territory rights. Includes Restaurant Heroes University training, tools, and proprietary resources.
2. Monthly License Fee: Recurring monthly fee of $450 required to maintain Restaurant Hero license. Includes access to support team, ongoing training, Restaurant Heroes University, and partner services.
3. Consulting Fees: Restaurant Heroes charge clients a monthly consulting fee of $99-$299 per restaurant client, typically on 12-month contracts. This is collected by the company and paid out to advisors.
4. Platform Commissions: Passive recurring commissions earned on each software platform implemented for restaurant clients. Commission ranges from $75-$300+ per month depending on software. Often earned for the life of the contract.
5. SmartAppointments: Optional purchase of additional SmartAppointments (guaranteed in-person meetings with restaurant owners). Retail value $2,500 per set of 3 appointments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Restaurant Heroes certifies and licenses individuals to become exclusive-territory restaurant technology advisors, training them through Restaurant Heroes University and equipping them with proprietary assessment, proposal, and CRM tools plus pre-qualified SmartAppointments. Certified advisors then sell monthly consulting services to local restaurant owners and resell 17+ partner software platforms (e.g., Restaurant365, TouchBistro, PopMenu, MarketMan) on a recurring commission basis within their exclusive market.

Product overview

The Restaurant Heroes is a restaurant consultant certification and licensing platform that enables individuals to become certified restaurant advisors in exclusive territories. The core offering consists of Restaurant Heroes University (the training platform), the SmartAppointment Program (guaranteed leads), the proprietary Assessment & Proposal Tool, and a custom CRM/Client & Payment Management System. Certified advisors pay a one-time certification fee of $5,990 plus a monthly license fee of $450, and earn commissions ($175-$600+ per client per month) by recommending technology solutions from the company's partner ecosystem to restaurant clients in their exclusive markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Restaurant Advisor Certification Program Comprehensive training and certification program that teaches consultants the Restaurant Success Playbook, providing core digital strategies for restaurant success. Includes access to Restaurant Heroes University and ongoing training resources. Designed for aspiring restaurant consultants who want to operate an exclusive-territory advisory practice.
• Restaurant Heroes University Online training platform for licensees, delivering years of restaurant technology experience through video clips with chapter tests to ensure mastery of subject matter. The training backbone of the certification program.
• SmartAppointment Program Program providing guaranteed in-person meetings (SmartAppointments) with interested restaurant owners to jumpstart the certified advisor's business. Four sets of three SmartAppointments (12 total) are included with each license, with retail value of $2,500 per set of 3.
• Assessment & Proposal Tool Proprietary tool that enables advisors to review, assess, and plan a strategy to help restaurant clients modernize. The proposal tool creates detailed implementation plans with spaced target dates to prevent overwhelming restaurant owners.
• Client & Payment Management System (CRM) Custom-built CRM system that tracks clients, software usage details, and ensures advisors receive payment. Handles automatic billing for consultants and passive commission collection on partner software platforms.
• Exclusive Territory License Market-exclusive licensing that grants certified Restaurant Heroes sole reseller rights to software platforms in their designated territory with no competition from other Restaurant Heroes. Includes certification, training, tools, and SmartAppointments.

Quantifiable outcome

• Earn $175-$600+ per month per restaurant client
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and standard.

• MarketMancoreTechnology or IntegrationCloud-based inventory and supplier management technology partner. MarketMan is a complete Restaurant Management System designed to simplify order management, eliminate waste, and jump-start profitability. Includes profit planning, order optimization, recipe costing, invoice scanning, vendor payments.
• StrideQcoreTechnology or IntegrationPhone system automation partner offering Call Conversion, Catering AI, and Missed Call Protection. Prevents missed phone calls (average restaurant misses 10-20 calls/day) and automatically converts calls into online revenue. Offers 30-day risk-free trial.
• In-House DeliverycoreTechnology or IntegrationAutonomous delivery dispatch solution for restaurants. Sends orders on-demand to best available driver. Restaurants can use their own drivers or access nationwide network. No commission, no setup fees, no contract.
• Franchise Development GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExperts in facilitating restaurant expansion through franchising. Provide support through entire franchise process including system refinement, franchise disclosure documents, franchise agreements, state filings, operations manuals, franchise sales and marketing.
• FundomatecoreTechnology or IntegrationWorking capital provider offering fast flexible financing up to $500,000 with up to 18-month terms and 24-hour approval. Restaurant Heroes earn average $1,600 commission per funded deal. Includes co-branded landing pages and automated email campaigns.
• TendercardstandardTechnology or IntegrationGift card system for restaurants offering simple, affordable direct platform for small-to-medium businesses. Features include custom card design, real-time accounting, and integration with existing terminals.
• Skip 3rd PartycoreTechnology or IntegrationCommission-free restaurant online ordering system that transforms restaurant websites and Facebook pages into sales platforms. Restaurants keep all sales and customer data with no commission fees.
• Restaurant365coreTechnology or IntegrationEnd-to-end restaurant management software connecting operations, accounting, and workforce. Trusted by 30,000+ restaurants. Modules include accounting, store operations, workforce management, and business intelligence.
• PopMenucoreTechnology or IntegrationWebsite, menus, marketing, and front-of-house operations platform. Omni-platform solution with website design, dynamic menu technology, automated re-marketing, and AI phone answering.
• TouchBistrocoreTechnology or IntegrationAll-in-one POS and restaurant management system. Top-tier POS integrated with restaurant management software, reservations, and online ordering. Features include KDS, customer-facing displays, loyalty programs, and marketing automation.
• Constant ContactstandardTechnology or IntegrationEmail marketing platform partner providing marketing automation, customizable templates, landing pages, and event marketing tools for restaurant marketing campaigns.
• NextBitecoreTechnology or IntegrationVirtual restaurant partner offering delivery-only brands that partner with existing kitchens. Restaurants earn 25-30% profit on orders. No fees, free Ordermark system, and minimal 3-week startup time.
• BrewFirststandardTechnology or IntegrationCraft beer system partner offering small-batch manufacturing approach with customizable beer selection and private label branding. Mobile self-serve tap units with QR code technology. Can reduce beer costs by up to 80%.
• LinkedVAnowstandardGTM or Marketing PartnerFull-service LinkedIn network management and lead generation. Restaurant Heroes earn $200/month recurring for lifetime of each referred single-seat contract. Includes US-based virtual assistants and proprietary lead generation methodology.
• Commission BuddiesstandardTechnology or IntegrationCredit card processing alternative that pays commissions directly to business owners instead of salespeople. Compatible with all major platforms, POS systems, and mobile devices. No long-term contracts required.
• YourFarestandardTechnology or IntegrationUnified delivery management platform that centralizes orders from multiple third-party delivery services. Helps restaurants streamline operations and reduce errors from managing multiple delivery platforms.
• CASTANETstandardGTM or Marketing PartnerLinkedIn lead generation partner providing discounted rates for Restaurant Heroes. Offers industry-specific leads with high conversion potential for restaurant consultants building their client base.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sandler Training: Global sales and leadership training franchise with exclusive territories; trainers deliver proprietary methodology to SMB clients. Same exclusive-territory, certified-trainer, recurring-license structure as Restaurant Heroes.
• ActionCOACH: Global business coaching franchise with exclusive territories; coaches SMB owners on operations, marketing, and growth using a proprietary playbook. Closely comparable to Restaurant Heroes' licensed-advisor model applied to a broader SMB base.
• FocalPoint Business Coaching: Business coaching franchise with exclusive territories delivering proprietary curricula (FocalPoint, Brian Tracy programs) to SMB owners. Structurally similar licensed-advisor model targeting owner-operators.
• E-Myth Worldwide: Business coaching and education company that coaches small business owners (including restaurants) on systematizing operations. Comparable content/playbook-based coaching model serving the same restaurant-adjacent SMB customer.
• Dream Vacations / CruiseOne: Home-based travel advisor franchise with exclusive territories under World Travel Holdings. Closely parallels Restaurant Heroes' exclusive-territory licensing, ongoing training, and recurring commission economics — applied to the travel vertical.
• The Alternative Board (TAB): Peer advisory board franchise with exclusive territories; certified facilitators run monthly peer boards for SMB owners. Comparable franchise-licensing structure serving local owner-operators.

Emerging players

• FranNet: North America's largest franchise consulting firm helping entrepreneurs select and acquire franchises. Comparable in matching local advisors with SMB owner needs, though oriented to franchise selection rather than ongoing technology advisory.
• RestaurantOwner.com: Restaurant-specific consulting, training, and benchmarking firm serving independent operators. Comparable vertical focus on restaurant SMBs, though structured as content/training rather than licensed territory advisors.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-restaurant-heroes

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Restaurant Heroes