What I Built
Automated research system that triggers when restaurant demos are booked via Calendly. Takes restaurant name and website as input, runs operational analysis across multiple data sources, and delivers comprehensive discovery brief via email.
System generates:
- ROI calculator with estimated savings based on restaurant profile
- Third-party services identified (delivery platforms, POS systems)
- Google ratings and review analysis
- Local competitor landscape
- Potential pain points based on operational signals
- Positioning strategy recommendations
How It Works
Calendly booking webhook fires when demo is scheduled. System captures restaurant name and website URL, runs Google Maps API lookup for ratings and reviews, analyzes operational profile for pain points using Claude API, identifies competitor landscape, generates ROI estimates, and delivers complete discovery brief via automated email.
Infrastructure
Built on self-hosted n8n server running on DigitalOcean infrastructure (automation.mikegrowsgreens.com). Docker containerization with Caddy reverse proxy for SSL management. Self-hosting provides unlimited operation execution for high-volume discovery analysis without per-operation cost constraints.
Why self-host: Make.com works for simple workflows but becomes cost-prohibitive at scale. Self-hosted n8n provides full control over deployment environment, unlimited operations, and ability to build custom integrations.
What Gets Included
ROI Calculations: Estimated savings based on delivery volume, average ticket size, and current platform costs. Shows payback period and annual savings projections.
Third-Party Services: Identifies which delivery platforms they use (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub), current POS system, and other tech integrations.
Google Intelligence: Star rating, review count, recent review sentiment, operational hours. Review analysis for operational signals.
Competitor Context: Local competitors within radius, their ratings, market positioning opportunities.
Pain Point Analysis: Based on review text, operational profile, and tech stack. Identifies likely friction points with current setup.
Positioning Strategy: Recommended approach for demo based on their specific operational profile. Tailored talking points.
Why This Matters
Discovery and demo happen in same Zoom call (typical for restaurant sales). Having intelligence upfront allows tailoring demo to specific operational context rather than spending first 10-15 minutes asking basic research questions.
Calendly
n8n
Claude API
Google Maps