The Hidden Infrastructure Powering AI in Retail

AI in restaurants isn’t failing because of bad tools. It’s failing because nothing works together. AT&T’s Mickey Haynes breaks down why the future isn’t more tech, it’s connected tech and what operators are getting wrong right now. Michael Beck sits down with Mickey Haynes, Principal Architect of AT&T Connected Spaces, live from the NRA Show in Chicago. They unpack how AT&T is moving beyond telecom into a full infrastructure platform for restaurants, retail, and beyond. The core idea is simple but powerful. Most operators are drowning in disconnected systems, dashboards, and alerts. The real opportunity is building a single platform that connects everything and actually tells teams what to do. This episode dives into: • What “connected spaces” actually means • Why IoT and AI fail without integration • The real use cases that drive ROI today • How “friendly AI” avoids privacy risks • Why energy savings alone can fund your tech stack • The biggest mistake operators are making right now Mickey also shares a clear message to operators: don’t wait. Start small, learn fast, and build from there. If you're exploring AI, automation, or restaurant tech, this is the conversation most people skip but shouldn’t. Subscribe to ChatGTM for more conversations on marketing, AI, and GTM strategy. #RestaurantTech #AIinRestaurants #IoT #RetailTechnology #ConnectedSpaces #ATT #HospitalityTech #GTMStrategy #SmartStores