In this episode of the Titans of Foodservice podcast, host Nick Portillo speaks with Adam Letizio, Senior Vice President of A.J. Letizio Sales and Marketing. Adam shares his journey in the foodservice industry and discusses how his family has been in the industry for over 100 years, starting with a meat store in 1912. He talks about his experience in the Navy and how it taught him valuable leadership skills. Adam also highlights the importance of building solid relationships with clients and the challenges and opportunities of expanding into new markets.

In this episode of the Titans of Foodservice podcast, host Nick Portillo speaks with Cathy Holley Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Flavor & The Menu Magazine and owner of the Flavor Experience event. Cathay and Nick discuss trends in the food service industry, focusing on Gen Z and their preference for experiential dining. Kathy shares insights into the Flavor Experience event and the importance of engaging with high-volume menu developers. She also discusses the influence of social media on Gen Z’s eating habits and the future trends in flavor development, including global cuisines and innovative beverages.

In this episode of the Titans of Foodservice podcast, host Nick Portillo speaks with Kern Halls, Owner, and Chief Innovator at Ingenious Culinary Concepts. Kern discusses his journey in the foodservice industry, including his work in the school foodservice sector and helping schools increase revenue through cafeteria refreshes. Kern also talks about the power of discipline in your personal and professional life and shares valuable insights about how to make it to the top in this competitive field.

In this episode of the Titans of Foodservice podcast, host Nick Portillo speaks with Paul Mangiamele, Owner, Chairman, and CEO of Legendary Restaurant Brands. Paul discusses various aspects of running a franchise model and being a global company in the restaurant industry. He shares his passion for the brands he leads and owns, emphasizing the importance of love for the brand, team, and guests. Nick and Paul talk about the legacy and pioneering role of their iconic brands in the casual dining space and why passion is important.

Join Kareema as she delves into the past and future of the food service industry. She reflects on its transactional nature 20 years ago, when marketing programs and category management were just starting, requiring stern, tough individuals to navigate the business landscape. However, Kareema advocates for a shift, envisioning a future where genuine care for customers and colleagues is valued, and promotions are based on kindness and integrity, not just business prowess. Tune in to explore Kareema’s perspective on creating a more humane food service industry.

In this episode of the Titans of Foodservice Podcast, Nick speaks with Steve Sweeney, former CEO and President of Chartwells. Steve shares his journey in the food service industry, from his early days in his family’s restaurant and hotel business to becoming a chef, and eventually transitioning to the managerial side of the industry. Steve and Nick discuss the importance of taking risks, the daily life of a CEO in a multi-hundred-million-dollar organization, and the evolution of the food service industry. They also delve into the challenges of growing a national company while dealing with different cultures.

In this episode of the Titans of Foodservice Podcast, Nick speaks with Guy Rigby, VP of Food & Beverage for Four Seasons in the Americas. Guy shares his journey in the luxury hotel industry, from starting as a receptionist at the Ritz Hotel in London to working in Houston, Tokyo, Bangkok, and New York. He also shares his insights on the importance of customer service, the challenges of managing food and beverage operations in luxury hotels, and the impact of technology on the industry.

In this episode of the Titans of Foodservice Podcast, Nick speaks with Dimitra Rizzi, CEO of Alohi Strategic Advisors. Demetria discusses her background in the food service industry, including her experience working at Wendy’s and running a Bruegger’s Bagels franchise. She provides insights for emerging and established brands on how to succeed in food service sales. Additionally, she discusses the importance of understanding company culture, surrounding oneself with the right people, and overcoming setbacks and mistakes.

In this episode of the Titans of Foodservice Podcast, Nick speaks with Mark Setterington, Co-founder and CEO of Island Fin Poke Company, a franchise with 26 open locations, and 65 more on the way. Mark shares his journey of finding a job after college, which wasn’t easy due to a lack of experience, and the valuable lessons he learned in managing costs and maintaining curb appeal. He talks about his current position as a food service broker, working with chefs, general managers, and owners of restaurants. Mark also shares insights about successful franchise models and local community engagement.

This week we are taking you behind the scenes of the food service industry with Joel Robbins, President of Taste Specific. Join Nick and Joel as they dive deep into the world of food service, exploring the agency model, marketing strategies, and the art of effective sampling. Joel shares how he helps brands navigate the intricate foodservice landscape, providing valuable insights and innovative solutions for their marketing needs. Listen to learn how Joel has revolutionized the sampling process by creating an innovative system that breaks down samples into practical packs, empowering salespeople to be more effective and deliver delicious results.