Dennis Knows Food

Constructive criticism is not a personal attack.In 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. Having worked in foodservice for over 31 years, Chef Tim Labonte has done it all and seen it all in professional kitchens... but, everyone starts somewhere. Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links relevant to this episode include: dennisexpress.com/dailyfoodie We look forward to your feedback, send an email to [email protected]!

"If you're not making enough money, it's because you're not making enough money."Joshua Kopel is an entrepreneur, restaurateur and environmental advocate from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During his 20-plus year career he's managed everything from dive bars to fine dining establishments. Today he runs two successful foodservice ventures in Los Angles, and has recently started broadening into the consulting and services side of the industry. Hospitality 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. For listeners that would like to ask Joshua more questions, or request his breakdown on strategies to grow business, his email address is: [email protected] Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links relevant to this episode include: preuxandproper.com, southcityfriedchicken.com, justcallflo.com, thepineapplepost.org and joshkopel.com We look forward to your feedback, send an email to [email protected]!

Creating valuable content that will help build your brand, and inspiration for how to use it.Social 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. Using the sauce will increase your creativity, improve your content and help your followers establish a deeper connection to your business. Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com For more on the Great Pepperoni Debate, check out Hormel's blog. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to [email protected]!

Two pepperoni experts join us to share their thoughts on the lay-flat vs. cup-and-char debate raging in America's pizzerias.Pepperonis with edges that curl and crisp when cooked, leaving delectable pools of grease at the center, are most commonly referred to as cup-and-char. Lay-flat has been the dominant pepperoni among pizza purveyors for decades, but the grease-chalices challenging the lay-flat throne are making a big comeback! Brody Swedberg and Anthony Panichelli of Hormel Foodservice share their thoughts on why the popularity of this old-world pizza topping is on the rise. Plus, they drop some news about pizza topping innovations coming in the very near future. Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com For more on the Great Pepperoni Debate, check out Hormel's blog. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to [email protected]!

After a whirlwind month we're back in the podcast studio, joined by Tina Parker of The Dough Co!Our 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! We've also got a fresh Foodie Fact! This week's fact is brought to you by Island Made Ocean Clams. Hear a clam question and a clam answer in this episode! Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com and The Dough Co. website at www.thedough-co.com. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to [email protected]!

Steve 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 one of Maine's largest industries and gives us a glimpse at what the future holds for supporting its businesses. Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com. The article the Maine Restaurant Association website [LINK], the Maine Inn Keepers Association website [LINK], and the Maine Hospitality Summit website [LINK]. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to [email protected]!

In this episode we're sharing tips for looking like a pro on camera with special guest Brad LaBree. If you get nervous even thinking about talking on camera this episode is for you! Video and cameras are playing an increasingly impactful role in our daily lives; they're also 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. Plus, this week's foodie fact! We're asking, before the invention of the automated bagel machine, bagel making typically required a team of how many people? Find out at the end of the podcast. Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com. The article [Tips to Look Like a Pro on Camera] by Brad LaBree. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to [email protected]!

If you own or operate a foodservice establishment, you don't want to miss this epic, self-aware restaurant marketing deep-dive with two strategic thinkers from Geaghan's Pub & Craft Brewery.Subscribers 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! Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com. To learn more about Geaghan's and to follow them on social media, visit their website [here]. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to [email protected]!

In 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.From the locally sourced products we proudly distribute, to the construction crews we’ve hired to expand our warehouse – twice now – in order to hold thousands of products, to the diesel we put in our trucks and the uniforms we put on our backs; 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! This week’s foodie fact is a two-part’er, we’re asking... how large and how old can lobsters get? We’ll have the answer for you at the end of the podcast. Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com, and the report from the IFDA [LINK]. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to [email protected]!