In the heart of New Orleans, where hospitality is a way of life, our founders experienced firsthand the challenges of the industry—serving coffee, waiting tables, and managing staff. Witnessing hiring managers spend over 20 hours weekly sifting through resumes and scheduling interviews, they recognized a pressing need for change. Post-pandemic, the struggle to find quality talent intensified, as local restaurant and hotel owners voiced their frustrations over the overwhelming influx of digital applications.

In November 2023, CEO Rich Simmerman, inspired by these challenges, teamed up with Lane Degenhardt, former Chief Sales Officer of his first startup, and Joshua Anderson, founder of a SaaS platform. Together, they embarked on a mission to revolutionize hospitality hiring. Engaging with over 500 decision-makers across the U.S.—from Austin to Central Coast California, New York, and their hometown of New Orleans—they gathered invaluable insights.

By 2024, Cantaloupe AI was born. With 28 pilot partners and thousands of interview invites sent, we've collaborated closely with hiring managers to develop the most powerful applicant tracking and screening technology tailored for the hospitality sector. Our mission is clear: to help hospitality businesses hire faster, reduce turnover, and ensure every applicant gets a fair opportunity.