This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Dr. Emily Williams Knight, the President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. Emily is a powerhouse advocate for the Texas food service industry, representing over 60,000 restaurants and 1.3 million employees. She shares her journey from a military upbringing to her prominent role in advocating for restaurant owners, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability. Dr. Knight discusses the unique challenges faced by the industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how her leadership has helped navigate these turbulent times.

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Bill Lewis, the President and CEO of Frosty Acres Brands. They explore the critical role of independent food distributors and how Frosty Acres is leveraging data-driven insights to identify new growth opportunities in the industry. Bill shares his journey from Ohio to Georgia and his extensive experience in food distribution, highlighting the adaptability and customer intimacy that independent distributors offer compared to national broadliners. Nick and Bill also discuss the importance of technology and data analytics in enhancing relationships and driving profitability for suppliers and members alike.

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Betsy McAtee, CEO of Dreamland Barbecue. Betsy shares the legendary history and cultural significance of barbecue in Alabama. The conversation highlights Dreamland’s unique approach to barbecue, which includes cooking over an open pit and using a signature vinegar-based sauce, setting it apart from other regional styles. Betsy and Nick explore the deep connection between food and community, especially on game days when residents celebrate Alabama football with barbecue as a central element.

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Elisia Flores, the CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Elisia discusses her remarkable journey of her family-owned restaurant chain, which has grown into a global brand with over 200 locations. Elisia shares her unique perspective on managing a large business while maintaining the authentic flavors that define Hawaiian cuisine. Nick and Elisia delve into the challenges and triumphs faced during the pandemic, highlighting how L&L adapted and even thrived amidst the chaos.

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Joe Prewett, CEO of Oregon Fruit Products. Nick and Joe explore the innovative strategies driving success in the food service industry today. With a robust background in marketing, Joe discusses his journey from the Bay Area to leading a renowned fruit brand, highlighting lessons learned from his time at Tillamook. Listen as Nick and Joe discuss the significance of being bold in brand evolution and the necessity of understanding market dynamics to carve out a niche in a competitive landscape.

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Tom Boucher, CEO of Great New Hampshire Restaurants. Nick and Tom discuss the importance of employee recognition and engagement within the food service industry. With over 40 years of experience, Tom emphasizes how a robust reward system has transformed his business, allowing employees to recognize each other and fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence. He shares insights into the operations of his restaurants, highlighting the significance of systems and controls to ensure consistency and quality.

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with celebrity baker Dana Herbert. With a background in both savory and pastry arts, Dana has made a name for himself not only in Delaware but also nationally, thanks to his appearances on shows like TLC’s Cake Boss. Nick and Dana discuss the importance of mentorship and the unique challenges of running a bakery while maintaining high creativity and quality standards. Dana also reflects on his experiences working with celebrities and emphasizes the significance of practice, resilience, and the joy of baking, revealing how these elements have contributed to his success in the competitive food service industry.

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Michel Nischan, a four-time James Beard Award Winner and chef. Michel shares his journey from working on his grandfather’s farm to becoming a celebrated chef and influential advocate for food equity and sustainability. Michel talks about co-founding Wholesome Wave and Wholesome Crave and working with the late actor Paul Newman on the Dressing Room restaurant. Nick and Michel discuss the importance of being curious about other cultures’ cuisines and Michel’s commitment to using food as a tool for positive social change.

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Mike Pilkington, CEO of KEY Sparkling Water, to discuss his diverse career journey from corporate management at Cisco Foods to entrepreneurship with Death Wish Coffee and now, KEY Sparkling Water. Mike shares insights on leadership, and resisting unionization, and underlines the importance of “beginning with the end in mind”. Listen this week as Nick and Mike discuss how strategic transitions within a company can lead to significant career advancements for entrepreneurs and the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded and skilled individuals.