Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show
Speaker’s Spotlight: Ira Blumenthal, founder/CEO, Co-Opportunities, Automated Restaurant Solutions
Ira Blumenthal will be sharing his insight on implementing strategic self-service solutions at the upcoming Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show.
November 4, 2025
The Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show is the premier event for self-service kiosks, automated retail, vending and more. End users, operators and vendors will gather to network and learn about top trends in the industry in Tampa, Florida from Dec. 10 to 12.
The show will feature nearly a dozen sessions on a range of topics with industry experts offering insights.
Today's speaker spotlight highlights Ira Blumenthal, founder and CEO of Co-Opportunities and Automated Restaurant Solutions. Blumenthal will be participating in a panel title "High Traffic Hospitality: Expanding Your Revenue with Automation and Self-Service."
The panel, sponsored by LBX Food Robotics and Automated Restaurant Solutions, explores implementing strategic self-service solutions to meet the unique demands of these locations.
The Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show is owned by Networld Media Group, publishers of Kiosk Marketplace and Vending Times. The company's next event is the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit which will take place March 16-18, 2026 in San Diego, California.
Describe your current role:
My role currently, and for the past number of decades, is to identify, quality and ultimately pursue, as well as navigate visionary, innovative, "game changing" food and foodservice products, programs, technology, platforms and initiatives. Whether it's for retail (CPG) or foodservice, I am proud that many of the "cutting edge" programs we've developed have been defined by industry associations, industry media and industry leaders as "history-making." From unique restaurant concepts that are miniaturized, modularized and placed in high-traffic venues (carts, kiosks, counter-top modules, etc.) on college campuses, airports, hotels, hospitals, recreation venues and more, we are respected as a leader in extending food brands to/through a wide range of channels. We have also been credited by the "food industry" (retail, foodservice) through our creation, development and implementation of many leading food industry products, programs, services and platforms.
What was your first-ever career role and what is one important lesson you learned from it?
In the food industry, my first ever "career role" was up-and-down-the-street foodservice sales, calling on independent restaurant operators, selling case, by case, by case of frozen foods. It was hard, challenging work and taught me time management and goal setting and perseverance and follow-up. As I grew my career into sales management, marketing, and eventually executive positions. These memories and lessons proved invaluable.
What inspired you to work in your industry?
Although I started my career as a college football and lacrosse coach, I was raised in the food industry by my dad who was a visionary food industry innovator. As an example, when he returned from serving our country in World War II, he became enamored with the form and flavors of Asian food. He envisioned the Chinese egg roll as being destined to become one of the four most important "eat in hand" ethnic food offerings alongside the pizza, the taco, the hot dog. He, in turn, was referred to as "The Egg Roll King" and credited with being one of the founders of building mass-consumption of Chinese food in America. I spent summers working in his factory but my love for sport led me to coach on the collegiate level. Through it all, I was intrigued by my dad's work, eventually met with him for some necessary father-son counseling and ultimately pursued a career in food marketing and sales and have loved making that choice.
What's a common misconception people have about what you do?
One would think a person with the title of "CEO" or a reputation for being a "marketing" professional would be, naturally, viewed as a "manager" of enterprise and/or one who creates, develops and implements marketing programs. Yes, to a certain extent that is true, however, it's more "misconception" than "fact." My role is to create or foster visionary innovation — define all the steps necessary to move innovation to successful, profitable implementation and input discernible, sustainable, uniquely differentiated marketing programs geared to success and leadership. We CEOs and marketing execs must also be educators and inspirational sources for our employees and team members.
What is one career achievement you're most proud of?
I've been blessed as the author of a number of books, one a "best seller." I've also been honored to be the public speaking "opener" for two U.S. presidents, General Colin Powell, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Heisman Trophy winners Bo Jackson and Herschel Walker, Russia Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev and others. I'm very proud of that, however, in the food industry, I'm very proud to have been the recipient of three highest honors: "The Key Person Award," "The President's Award" and a "Lifetime Achievement Award." Most importantly, I'm proud of the employees I've worked with and for and the mentoring I've put forth. So many have become industry leaders. That makes me feel absolutely great.
What industry trends do you think are currently over-hyped and why?
Costs of goods and supply chain, to my mind are over-hyped. If the food taste great, the price doesn't matter. Yes, prices and food supply chain has gone up but it's been "going up" for decades and decades. The threshold question is "How can we make our food products and programs exceed expectations positively so that a rising cost market or prices are less important."
What industry trends do you think don't get enough attention and why?
Clearly the workforce challenges is the forefront. We have a labor shortage in our industry. We have a typically inept, oftentimes lazy workforce. We have a $20-plus minimum wage challenge. And more. Yes, it's a huge industry trend (workforce) but it's also an opportunity for the automated retail and kiosk industry.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?
Don't come in this or any industry if you're not passionate about the industry and the work. My old, late friend Tommy Lasorda (LA Dodgers manager) said, "Find something you love to do and you'll never work a day in your life." Passion is the key.
If you weren't working in your current field, what would you be doing instead?
As the author of five books, a public speaker who has delivered nearly 3,000 speeches on five continents and a visiting university professor. I would be full-time professor, writer and speaker.
What do you do to have fun outside of work?
Above-and-beyond writing (books, a column, etc.), I love coaching young athletes and to this day I am considered the oldest youth lacrosse coach in America. I coach nine- and 10-year-old aspiring lacrosse players. Also, having 14 grandchildren, I love spending time with them all.
Are you involved in any charitable organizations that you would like to tell people about?
See my write up below on something interesting in my life on Janie's Fund, my charity... for further answer to this question.
Where did you grow up and how did your upbringing impact the person you are today?
I grew up on Long Island, New York. My dad was a hard-working entrepreneur who built a food industry dynasty but also had time to volunteer in the community as did my mom. I believe I received my work ethic coupled with my commitment to volunteerism, charity and community from my parents.
What's one interesting thing about you that even the people you work with every day probably don't know?
My wife and I were co-founders with Aerosmith lead singer, Steven Tyler, in a "fund" that raises money for at risk, abused and neglected girls called "Janie's Fund" (inspired by "Janie's Got A Gun," a hit Aerosmith song. Our group has raised over $35 million in 10 years for the cause and we host a Grammy party in LA annually that sees A list celebrities attend and participate. Through that endeavor (not a "work of art" but we call it a "work of heart"), we have built friendships with some amazing, high-profile and caring celebs (one example is Alice Cooper).
Is there anything else you would like to tell people about yourself or your company/organization?
I was proud to be honored and respected as one of the leaders who extended restaurant brands in miniaturized, modular formats on college campuses. I was also proud to be honored and respected as one of the leaders who extended restaurant brand and converted them into supermarket retail CPG products. Now, I'm proud to be leading a company that is focused on extending restaurant brands into hot food vending.
