Food Fighters: Food for Thought in the Fight for Food

In this episode, we chat with Kathie Niven, CEO of Biscuitville. Tune in to hear why Kathie and her team bucked industry trends and decided to forego third-party delivery. Kathie shares how she led Biscuitville through a complete refresh of their brand and optimized her locations for a growing drive-thru channel.

In this episode, we chat with Jill Taylor, CEO of Burgerville. Tune in to hear how Jill and her team have been facing the restaurant labor shortage head-on by investing in the development and safety of their team members. Jill shares how her restaurants have fine-tuned operations to support a 5000% increase in digital orders as well as her vision of making the Pacific Northwest the healthiest region in the country. 

In this episode, we chat with Jeni Britton Bauer, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Tune in to hear how Jeni and her team navigated COVID-19, managing everything from production changes to scoop shop safety for team members and customers alike. Zach and Jeni discuss what it takes to run a successful omnichannel brand and the essential aspects of entrepreneurship. 

In this episode, we chat with Alan Philips, Chief Creative Officer of REEF Technology. Tune in to hear Alan share how REEF is transforming urban areas into neighborhood hubs that connect people to locally curated goods, services, and experiences. Zach and Alan discuss the impact of emerging technology such as ghost kitchens and virtual brands on the restaurant industry - from expanding delivery perimeters to introducing new revenue streams. 

In this episode, we chat with Chef Eric Greenspan, a celebrated chef whose resume boasts tenure at some of the most prominent fine dining establishments in Los Angeles. Chef Greenspan shares the foresight into virtual brands that prompted him to invest in the concept as early as 2018. Zach and Chef Greenspan chat about the proliferation of ghost kitchens and what it takes to operate a successful virtual brand - from marketing to margin control. Tune in to this episode to learn the ins and outs of delivery in the virtual space and how Chef Eric and his team at Virtual Dining Concepts have launched some of the most iconic national virtual brands to date.

In this episode, we chat with Greg Creed, former CEO of Taco Bell and Yum! Brands. Greg shares his marketing philosophies and how he has applied them while leading some of the most iconic marketing campaigns in QSR to date. Zach and Greg discuss changing customer behaviors post-COVID, fostering diversity throughout an organization, and minimum wage impacts on the restaurant industry. Tune in to get a sneak peek of Greg's Book, R.E.D. Marketing: The Three Ingredients of Leading Brands.

Season 4 of Food Fighters kicks off with Martha Hoover, the Founder and President of Patachou, a collective of 12 eateries in the Indianapolis area. In this episode, Martha shares how her restaurants have navigated the pandemic and why her brand has embraced company culture and unique employee benefits. Martha and Zach also discuss how technology can enhance the art of service. Learn more about Martha's unique definition of sustainability for her restaurants and how that impacts every facet of her business in this latest episode of Food Fighters! 

In this episode, we chat with Adam Halberg, long-time chef, culinary director, and now CEO of Barcelona Wine Bar. Tune in to hear Adam talk about prioritizing long-term customer relationships and lifetime value over short-term upsells, and how Barcelona commits to creating personalized guest experiences despite a challenging COVID-19 environment. Adam also discusses the importance of curating a team and culture that embrace altruistic hospitality, and shares how he helps the company focus on the core values that matter, even amidst turbulent times. Learn more about building the strong foundations of a truly guest-oriented brand in this latest episode of Food Fighters!

In this episode, we chat with Akash Kapoor and Zaid Ayoub, restaurant industry innovators and respective founders of Curry Up Now and SAJJ Mediterranean. Tune in to hear Akash and Zaid talk about how they launched digitally-integrated loyalty just in time to engage with customers during COVID, and how they’ve explored new ways of attracting and delighting their customers - including online markets, secret menus, and more. They also discuss the impactful roles that restaurant culture and data play in creating a healthy and sustainable business. Learn more about opportunities for innovation during COVID in this latest episode of Food Fighters!

In this episode, we talk to Don Fox, hospitality industry veteran and CEO of Firehouse Subs. Tune in to hear Don talk about how Firehouse Subs anticipated trends in off-premise dining pre-COVID and planned accordingly, positioning the brand to serve customers across channels and need states. Don also shares his team’s focus on day-by-day improvements, and the encouraging growth in sales - which are now outperforming previous years. Learn more about how a growth mindset can help restaurants navigate unprecedented challenges in this latest episode of Food Fighters!