From Fryer to Fuel: The Tech Firm Reshaping Restaurant Sustainability

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN – January 15, 2026 – As the foodservice industry continues to navigate a complex landscape of labor shortages and operational pressures, one Minnesota-based company is making waves by tackling challenges from the back of the house to the gas pump. Restaurant Technologies, Inc. (RTI) has cemented its position as an industry leader, concluding 2025 with a series of major achievements in sustainability, workplace culture, and executive leadership, demonstrating a holistic approach to modern business.

The company, which specializes in automated cooking oil management, reported a landmark year, highlighted by recycling over 390 million pounds of used cooking oil (UCO) and converting it into renewable fuels. This achievement not only underscores a significant contribution to the circular economy but also comes at a time when restaurants are increasingly seeking solutions that are both economically and environmentally sound.

A Green Revolution in the Kitchen

At the core of RTI's recent success is its profound impact on sustainability. The 390 million pounds of UCO collected from its 45,000 customers—a notable increase from 363 million pounds in 2024—were not simply discarded. Instead, through partnerships with renewable energy giants like Phillips 66 and Chevron REG, the waste product was transformed into valuable renewable diesel or biodiesel. This process offers a substantial environmental payoff, with studies showing that biodiesel derived from UCO can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 86% compared to conventional diesel.

Adding a layer of verifiable credibility to its green initiatives, Restaurant Technologies earned the prestigious International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) in 2025. This globally recognized standard validates the integrity, traceability, and sustainability of the company's entire recycling supply chain, assuring partners and customers that the process meets stringent environmental and social criteria. In a tangible example of its own commitment, the company even powers its own fleet vehicles with the renewable diesel produced from the very oil it collects, creating a closed-loop system.

The environmental benefits extend beyond fuel. The company's efforts in 2024 alone prevented nearly 9 million cubic feet of landfill waste and kept approximately 30 million pounds of trash from entering the environment, addressing the pervasive issue of improper oil disposal.

Solving the Toughest Operational Headaches

While its sustainability metrics are impressive, RTI's primary value proposition for restaurant operators lies in solving day-to-day operational pain points. The company's flagship Total Oil Management® system automates the entire cooking oil lifecycle, from fresh oil delivery and storage to filtration, monitoring, and collection. This closed-loop technology is designed to eliminate what is often called one of the “worst jobs in the kitchen”: manually handling hot, heavy, and slippery cooking oil.

This focus on automation has become increasingly critical. In a September 2025 article for Forbes, RTI's President, CEO, and Chairman, Jeff Kiesel, addressed the industry's persistent labor challenges, advocating for technology adoption as a key strategy to create more efficient and desirable work environments. By automating the dangerous and time-consuming task of oil management, restaurants can reduce the risk of employee burns and slips, which can in turn lead to lower insurance premiums. Some customers have reported saving dozens of labor hours each week, allowing staff to focus on less hazardous and more value-added tasks.

The market for such innovations is expanding rapidly. The global kitchen robotics and automation market was estimated at over $2.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $4.3 billion by 2029, driven by rising labor costs and a push for greater safety and efficiency. While RTI faces competitors like Frontline International and Mahoney Environmental, it maintains a strong market position. Independent customer feedback is generally positive, with restaurant managers praising the system for cleaner operations and improved food quality. While some smaller operators have questioned the cost-effectiveness for their scale, many users agree the system enhances safety and oil yield.

A Culture of Recognition and Growth

Beyond its technology and environmental impact, Restaurant Technologies has also cultivated an award-winning internal culture. In 2025, the company was named a 'Best Place to Work' by the Minneapolis–St. Paul Business Journal for the fourth time. The award is particularly noteworthy as it is based on confidential employee surveys administered by a third party, Quantum Workplace. RTI achieved an impressive overall engagement score of 88.46 out of 100, with nearly 80% of its more than 1,400 employees classified as "highly engaged."

This commitment to its workforce is further reflected in the recognition of its leadership team. COO Alissa Partee was honored as a 2025 Women in Business honoree by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal. Furthermore, Diana Geseking was appointed as the company's first Chief Legal Officer and was also named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Minnesota for 2025 by Women We Admire. Geseking also chairs the company’s ESG Committee, linking leadership directly to its sustainability mission. These accolades, alongside Newsweek's 2024 recognition of RTI for its diversity and mental wellbeing initiatives, paint a picture of a company investing heavily in its people.

This focus on culture is a cornerstone of the company’s strategy. “The hard work and dedication of the RTI team have built unprecedented momentum as we head into 2026,” said Kiesel in a recent statement. “Our strong, positive culture of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation will continue to elevate us to new heights as an industry leader. As we execute our 2026 strategic vision and grow together, we remain focused on building upon our foundation of trust, delivering on our brand promise, and sustaining consistent double-digit growth year over year.”