The Power of Connection in Restaurant Equipment Success

With nearly three decades of industry experience, Scott Sayre brings a people-first mindset to his role as Branch Manager at Curtis Restaurant Equipment in Bend, Oregon. Having spent 17 years with The Human Bean, Scott developed deep-rooted relationships with customers, vendors and competitors—in-valuable bonds during his career transition. His belief in authentic, long-term connections has shaped his leadership style and continues to guide him in fostering a collaborative, future-ready environment. Now part of an employee-owned organization with strong values, Scott champions teamwork, innovation and meaningful engagement at every step of the business journey.

Navigating a Changing Industry through Strong Relationships

Over the past 28 years, I’ve witnessed immense change—economic downturns, a global pandemic and shifting trade dynamics like tariffs. Despite the differences, each challenge highlighted one constant: the power of strong, authentic relationships. Early in my career, I kept interactions with customers and vendors strictly professional. But over time, I realized that this distance only limited my understanding. I discovered a more profound sense of shared success, empathy and trust when building genuine connections. In many industries, we become lifelong acquaintances—so why not invest in friendships with customers, vendors and competitors?

For 17 years, I was with The Human Bean, a specialty coffee company where I believed I’d retire. But as life took a turn, those very relationships I had built became invaluable. When I shared news of my departure, the outpouring of support was humbling and affirming—it proved how deep those bonds had grown. They ultimately led me to Curtis Restaurant Equipment, a company I now feel privileged to be a part of. Looking back, I only wish I had joined this team sooner. The relationships we build don’t just support our careers—they carry us through change, insulate us from uncertainty and open doors to unexpected opportunities.

Key Trends Reshaping the F&B Industry

The most significant trends and advancements impacting the F&B industry center around AI, labor costs and menu management.

AI is rapidly becoming integral in helping businesses understand operations, plan effectively and evaluate real-time performance. Previously, comparing performance with competitors required extensive time and money. Now, AI allows quicker, more intelligent decisions to remain competitive and avoid becoming a short-term success with long-term failure.

“Relationships built with care and consistency becomes the foundation that insulates us from downturns, disruptions and unexpected transitions. It’s through these bonds that we find strength, opportunity and a shared path forward— even in the most challenging times”

Labor remains a significant challenge. Over the years, I’ve seen work ethic decline while employee expectations rise. Automation is increasingly addressing this, both in kitchens and dining experiences. Since COVID, to-go menus and drive-thrus have grown, while dine-in traffic has dropped due to rising costs. In Central Oregon, food trucks and trailers are thriving—they offer labor and cost efficiencies. We’re also seeing automated food lines and robotics in line. Some ovens even recognize items and adjust cooking cycles automatically. Technology continues advancing to offset rising training costs and labor shortages.

Menu management is also key. While classic comfort foods remain, today’s consumers want fresh, healthy, organic and farm-raised options. Sustainability is no longer just a trend—it’s an expectation. Simpler, well-aligned menus reduce waste, streamline prep and can boost net income when done right.

Addressing the Decade’s Greatest Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I see is raising costs. I speak primarily from an equipment background but have a pretty good knowledge of ingredients. Over the next decade and years, you will always be presented with increased costs. I think in terms of preserving what I have to combat that. That might be through relationships.

It could be planning for the next big purchase and getting it sooner than you might. Always be looking forward to what the competition is doing. That could be direct competition or supporting competition. One of the biggest mistakes I have seen is to be complacent. You must be vigilant in checking yourself and others to ensure you do not become stuck where you are today and not take advantage of progression.

The Curtis Approach: Values That Drive Everything

Our processes and framework are unique at times. We serve large projects and individual account needs. We also offer design, an essential part of the full spectrum of what we do for our customers. Our name also serves as an acronym and our core values. This is the basis for our entire framework. We build our foundational strength through commitment, unwavering passion, relationships, integrity and selfless leadership. We ask ourselves, in all things, does this meet our core values?

Without going into specific processes, I can say we have a fantastic leadership team. Being an employee-owned company, we strive to include everyone and encourage engagement by joining committees and teams involved in the company’s decision-making.

Smart Tech Adoption: Lead Early, But Strategically

When adopting emerging technologies, a fine line exists between being first or an early adopter. You would want to be on the front end of the spectrum. When considering a new adoption, I would look beyond the immediate impact. Will it serve my growth, or will I invest in another immediate CAPEX? I would also see if this technology will be swallowed by a bigger player, limiting my expectations or forcing me to reinvest in the same technology but with a different partner.

We all need emerging technologies more than ever, but being cautious about our choices is imperative. Ask who is utilizing it and if you can speak with them. Is this new tech a financially solid company, or are they seeking venture capitalists or private equity to keep going? You need to do your due diligence when making tech investments.