Maine’s statewide ban on disposable polystyrene containers takes effect on January 1st, 2021. Joining me to share his thoughts and some insight on the new law is Greg Dugal, Director of Government Affairs for Hospitality Maine.
Episode 61 – Grow Your Foodservice Business with Content Marketing
November 19, 2020This episode explores the best way to be found, to be followed and to grow your foodservice business using the internet. That’s content creation, and it’s as important to your digital presence as the food you serve is to your dining room.
Episode 60 – Peer to Peer with Paul Saval
September 17, 2020If you work in the food industry, provide distribution services, conduct sales calls or are at all curious about the chaotic world and persevering positivity of an independent businesses over the past several months, this episode is a can’t miss.
Episode 59 – A Full Comp Crossover
August 3, 2020This episode brings timeless and relatable wisdom to the forefront of foodservice in a back and forth conversation between two podcast hosts reflecting on the ideas and advice shared by past guests.
Episode 58 – Marketing to the Checklist
June 8, 2020The idea at hand… What if foodservice operations used restaurant reopening checklists as a guide for marketing their businesses?
Episode 57 – Video Marketing During the Covid
April 18, 2020In this special video and audio dual-edition of the Dennis Knows Food podcast, host Luke LaBree interviews Sal Marotta of SM Media Group on the creation and use of video in the foodservice industry.
Special Episode – Making the Most of Downtime
April 1, 2020Podcast host Luke LaBree, and 4 other foodservice professionals share ideas and advice to help restaurant owners and operators make the most of their unexpected downtime.
Special Episode – The Takeout Transition
March 30, 2020A group discussion of 5 important topics for foodservice operations to consider during the coronavirus outbreak.
Episode 56 – Teamwork Makes the Dream Work, with Chef Tim
November 26, 2019In this episode Chef Tim shares one of the very first lessons he learned in foodservice. A story about teamwork from the unteachable point of view of a dish-pit newbie.
Episode 55 – Everyone Leaves Happy, Restaurateur Joshua Kopel
September 16, 2019Hospitality has always been where his heart is, but it hasn’t always been easy or fun. In this episode Joshua shares his thoughts on growth, overcoming challenges, management and leadership, sustainability and the importance of culture in foodservice.
Episode 54 – The Secret Social Sauce
July 19, 2019Social media has exponentially increased the opportunity for people to develop an emotional connection with your brand. The Secret Social Sauce is a strategy that will help you identify your brand’s unique marketable attributes for digital content and social media…
Episode 53 – The Great Pepperoni Debate
July 10, 2019Pepperonis with edges that curl and crisp when cooked, leaving delectable pools of grease at the center, have several names but are most commonly referred to as cup-and-char. These grease-chalices have been making a big comeback…
Episode 52 – Dennis Invests in Foodservice & Tina Talks Dough
November 12, 2018Our team has been working downright diligently over the past few months to bring the Dennis Difference to more customers, in more places. Part of those pursuits includes the addition of new employees; team members who will help support our mission and our customer’s businesses. We’ll share a few updates on our recent efforts in this episode. Also in this episode, Tina Parker of The Dough Co. joins us to talk pizza dough, and about a big change they’ve made!
Episode 51 – A “Hospitality” Convo with Steve Hewins
October 1, 2018Steve Hewins, President & CEO of the Maine Restaurant Association and the Maine Inn Keepers Association has some big news. In this episode we’re getting details on the merger of these two organizations; a big focus at the Maine Hospitality Summit on October, 29th in Bangor, Maine. Listen in as Steve shares his thoughts on […]
Episode 50 – Looking Like a Pro on Camera, with Brad LaBree
September 10, 2018If you get nervous even thinking about talking on camera this episode is for you! Video and cameras are an increasing part of our daily lives, and a great tool for getting in front of customers. But, what happens when you clam up on camera, and the words just won’t come out? The future of marketing is video, and the power to compete is in the palm of your hand. So, let’s get over the nerves and get you recording with a few tips and strategies for foodservice operators looking to do more with video.
Episode 49 – Restaurant Marketing Deep-Dive, Larry Geaghan & Lisa Sturgeon
August 30, 2018In this episode you’re going to hear how a foodservice operation has been harnessing the power of their team to market business and broadcast their brand to the world using social media.
Episode 48 – News from the IFDA & Tips for a Smooth-Running Kitchen
August 21, 2018In this week’s episode we’re sharing some stats from a new report published by the IFDA and we’ve got a few tips to help keep your kitchen running smooth. Plus, your business with Dennis supports other Maine and New England companies. You’ll hear more about how the foodservice industry contributes to our economy in this episode!
Episode 47 – The Learning Never Stops, Foodservice Tech Trends, Plus – Kelly & Kelli on School Food Programs
August 1, 2018The school of life is the greatest education of all, and in it the learning never stops. Life in foodservice is no exception. As we go about our daily duties, it’s important to stop every so often and assess what’s coming on the horizon. For example, one of the next big foodservice disruptions will absolutely be… find out what it is, along with 5 recent foodservice tech trends and more in this episode!
Episode 46 – Cold Coffee, Hot Pizza and New Edible Emoji!
July 23, 2018Just how popular is cold brew coffee? We’ve got the stats. What makes cold brew different? We’ll help you understand the steep. What’s the biggest hurdle for foodservice operators? We’ll tell you and share the solution in this episode! If you’ve been pondering how to prepare better pizzas with quality ingredients, how to expand your menu with new flavors and combinations — and most importantly – how to produce more profit from your pies you need to tune into this episode!
Episode 45 – Spotless Tabletops & Chemical Programs with Jesse Landry
July 3, 2018Cleanliness throughout an entire operation is an extremely important part of foodservice management. For help with training new employees, or as a reminder to experienced staff, we’re sharing steps to help your team maintain an immaculate environment and reputation. Plus,17 year Dennis Paper & Food Service veteran Jesse Landry joins us for a discussion on chemical programs in foodservice.
Episode 44 – Down the Rabbit Hole with a Special Guest, Author and Salesman Michael Mirarchi
June 18, 2018A departure from our usual format – Episode 44 takes on a life of its own as Dennis Knows Food host Luke LaBree, and special guest Michael Mirarchi, share their thoughts on a number of trending industry topics – paper straws, eco-friendly packaging, the power of Yelp, social media and more – don’t miss this episode!
Episode 43 – Discovering Your Brand Message and Protein Questions with Chris Caler
June 10, 2018In this extra-long episode we’re talking about how to create the perfect brand message for your business, and we talk meat with our Protein Category manager Chris Caler!
Episode 42 – It Pays to Have Well Trained Servers, Memorial Day Facts & New Products
May 25, 2018In this week’s episode we’re talking about how well-trained servers can help your business grow, things to know about Memorial Day and this week’s new inventory additions…
Episode 41 – BBQ Season & Google My Business
April 23, 2018In this episode there’s info about our inventory additions for the week, Google advice to grow your business, and we’ve got BBQ on the brain! Joining us for our discussion on how you can use Google to help grow traffic to your restaurant we’ve got a special guest, foodservice operator and social media guru, Katrina Petersen. National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day was April 20th. For this week’s foodie fact, we’re asking – When was Pineapple Upside-Down cake first popularized in American culture? The answer at the end of the podcast…
Episode 40 – Tips for Outdoor Dining Spaces
April 6, 2018Get your outdoor dining space ready for hungry patrons looking to take advantage of al fresco dining opportunities. In this week’s episode we’ve got tips to help keep your outdoor dining space pest free, an update on our 2018 food show, this week’s new products and foodie headlines.