The proper strategy for a successful health inspection is to be ready at all times. To stay ahead of the game, managers can conduct weekly, in-house inspections. Here are nine tips to help your team prepare…
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!
10 Tips for Managing Seasonal Menus
October 17, 2018Seasonal ingredients and menu items have become more popular along with the local food movement, which goes right to the heart of the kind of sustainability commitment that today’s customers are looking for.
Welcome Chef Tim Labonte
October 16, 2018Award-winning chef Tim Labonte has joined Dennis Paper & Food Service in the newly established position of Corporate Chef. Previously, Tim was Regional Executive Chef for Maine Properties in charge of all culinary departments at the Portland Harbor Hotel, Inn at Diamond Cove and the Diamonds Edge Restaurant. Tim earned his culinary arts degree from Johnson & Wales University in 1999 before beginning his career as a sous chef at the Key West Hilton Resort & Marina in Key West, Florida…
5 Tips for Improving Communication in Your Restaurant
October 9, 2018Usually, restaurant customers believe the restaurants they frequent run flawlessly. They place their orders and their meal arrives a few minutes later, well prepared and properly served. But behind the scenes, in the back-of-the-house, any semblance of flawless efficiency is hard to come by. For those who have never worked in a restaurant kitchen, the “dance” that goes on in the back-of-the-house likely will appear startlingly chaotic.
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 […]
4 Ways to Appeal to Your Target Market
September 28, 2018To identify a target market, operators often look to specific generations. Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z customers all have different food and dining attitudes, habits, and preferences. What we’re finding now is that many macro trends are shared across generations. They might just manifest in different ways in terms of specific needs and operational executions, but the trends are very applicable across almost all demographics. Once operators have a grasp on overarching themes, they can develop their menus, strategize, and market more effectively. Continue reading…
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 – Interview with Larry Geaghan & Lisa Sturgeon | Restaurant Marketing Deep-Dive
August 30, 2018Subscribers to our podcast know that we discuss a wide variety of topics designed to help you grow and improve your business. In this episode, rather than just hear advice on how you can harness the power of your team, market through social media or think like an innovator… you’re going to hear how an actual foodservice operation has been successfully putting these tactics to use to grow their business and broadcast their brand to the world through 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!
Go Big on Breakfast
June 7, 2018Breakfast is the fastest-growing meal of the day! In fact, breakfast visits increased 4% for the year ending in May 2015, according to NPD, while lunch and dinner visits were flat. Despite that, Technomic data indicate that it’s also the most skipped meal, due to consumer issues of time, desire for lighter options and affordability. Addressing those concerns and doing it better than the competition means more opportunity to build sales and satisfy patrons.
Five Ways to Boost Summer Sales
June 7, 2018Longer days and warmer weather can mean new sales opportunities. After months of cold weather, people are eager to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. From al fresco dining to special summer menus, here are five ways you can take advantage of the changing season and drive sales this summer.
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…
Ten Easy Ways Waitstaff Can Add $10 to Every Check
May 24, 2018Adding $10 to the check can put another $3 or more of profit in your register—and when you multiply that by all the tables served during a shift, it can add up! Here are 10 different ways to add $10 to every check….
5 Ways to Improve Your Restaurant’s Curb Appeal
May 16, 2018The curb appeal of any business is often the first impression that people have when driving or walking by. In a sense, your exterior serves as a 24/7 surrogate billboard that conveys many messages. And that’s where the process of enhancing your message should begin: What do you want people to think, feel, and expect when they see your establishment from the outside?
Top Restaurant Industry Trends to Watch in 2018
May 14, 2018Despite industry wide growth for several years, restaurant operators face significant challenges keeping pace in an environment that is changing at a much faster rate than ever before. Evolving consumer tastes and preferences, work force constraints and intense competition will continue in 2018…
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.
Are Your Restaurant’s Checklists Up to the Task?
October 11, 2017It’s going to be a busy Friday at your restaurant. There’s the annual sports event in town and you’re going to be slammed. As a manager, you’re in the back early to make sure the team is ready for the volume that’s coming in. But as you walk through the door, you instantly start to worry…
800 Days of Safety First!
September 26, 2017From our drivers who deal with all sorts of weather conditions, ramps and heavy freight, and are in and out of the trucks all day; to our Account Executives with slippery sidewalks and long hours spent driving throughout their territories; to our operations team working with heavy machinery and heavy freight in their work areas; to all the office staff that deal with repetitive motion all day long.