Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the restaurant industry—from drive-thrus and phone ordering to personalized customer experiences and operational efficiency. As restaurants and retailers increasingly adopt AI-powered solutions to address labor shortages, improve service, and drive growth, leaders like Ben Bellettini are helping define what the future of hospitality looks like.
As Senior Vice President of Restaurant and Retail at SoundHound AI, Ben works at the forefront of this transformation, helping some of the world's leading brands deploy conversational and agentic AI solutions that are changing how consumers interact with businesses. Yet beyond the fast-paced world of technology and innovation, Ben remains deeply rooted in the traditions that have always defined hospitality: family, food, culture, and connection.
In this edition of The Art of Balance, Ben shares how his Italian heritage influences everything from Sunday family dinners to his leadership philosophy, why time spent with his wife and children is non-negotiable, and how simple rituals from reading bedtime stories to solving daily Sudoku puzzles help him stay grounded while leading one of the most exciting growth sectors in technology today.
As AI continues to transform the business of food, Ben reminds us that the heart of hospitality remains profoundly human.
What does "work" & “balance” look like in your life right now?
With a demanding career leading our restaurant strategy at SoundHound AI and two young, energetic children at home, balance is something I have to be incredibly intentional about. It can easily escape you if you aren't careful.
For me, balance is about making the absolute most of our environment when the weekend hits. We live in Marin County in the Bay Area, so my family heavily relies on our surroundings — tapping into the incredible local geography, nature, and cultural scene to completely unplug and enjoy family life together. On the professional side, I look at travel for conferences, trade shows, and visiting clients not as a burden, but as a great opportunity to stay engaged with the industry. It’s all about blending those worlds.
What fuels you outside of work (on weekends, on your plate, in your glass, or in your home)?
I have Italian heritage – my father’s side of the family comes from a town called Fanano – so food, culture, and gathering are deeply embedded in my DNA.
Because of that, Sunday night is a sacred family dinner night in our household. Almost every single Sunday, we cook pasta or experiment with a new pasta dish. The kids love it; we love it, and it's always paired with a fantastic, medium-bodied red wine, plenty of laughs, and a chance to reflect on the week behind and, separately, ahead. It’s the ultimate fuel for the soul before the workweek spins back up.
The ritual you never skip, no matter how busy things get?
I actually split this into two essential rituals:
Professionally: I start every single day and week by defining the top two to three non-negotiable goals that must get done by the end of that period. Breaking work down into smaller, highly digestible milestones keeps me intensely focused and drives more fruitful performance across our teams.
Personally: No matter how hectic the day has been, we never skip reading books to our kids at night. The bedtime routine starts about 35 to 45 minutes before lights-out, and after teeth are brushed, we always sit down to read three or four books together. It grounds me completely.
A recent meal, bottle, trip, or exhibition that left a lasting impression?
My wife and I recently caught a show by an indie band called Leisure at the Fox Theatre in Oakland. We grabbed a great dinner beforehand, and the whole evening just had a fantastic energy to it. It was a phenomenal performance, but honestly, simply having three hours completely away from the kids to unwind and connect was a lasting impression in itself!
When we aren't catching live music or heading up to Napa Valley for the weekend, we often look back on our travels to Italy. Wandering through different regions and experiencing some of the best culinary artistry in the world has left a permanent mark on us – and it's what heavily inspires our Sunday night pasta traditions at home. We have two very small kids right now, so we are taking a brief hiatus from those long-haul flights for another two years or so, but balancing local nights out like that with our backyard wine country keeps us plenty inspired.
What’s one pursuit beyond your career that’s shaped how you think and lead?
I am a highly competitive individual by nature, and honestly, I am often most competitive with myself. To keep my mind sharp and challenge my internal thought processes outside of standard corporate structures, I make it a point to play an extreme Sudoku at least once a day.
I usually enjoy a crossword puzzle as well, finding opportunities after hours to take on these personal challenges. It forces me to step away from daily emails and meetings, ensuring I'm always stimulating my brain in a fresh, analytical way. That practice of disciplined problem-solving and maintaining mental agility directly carries over into how I approach strategic, high-stakes decisions in the workplace.
