Heroes & Headwinds

From “old school” operations to leading tech-driven beverage innovation—Jarrett Whitlow has seen it all. In this episode of Heroes & Headwinds, the SVP Beverage Strategy at Botrista talks industry shifts, navigating today’s headwinds, and what’s next for the beverage sector. He even shares his take on Red Lobster’s future and hard-earned advice for thriving through change.

In this episode of Heroes & Headwinds, we sit down with Darden Coors and Jenn Ruppert—CEO and VP of Marketing at Salad Collective—for an inside look at the launch of their bold new MAD Greens menu. Beyond the food, they share candid stories from their dynamic careers, offering insight into leadership, creativity, and what it takes to build a brand with purpose. It’s a thoughtful, energizing conversation you won’t want to miss.

Mindy Armstrong has been a thought leader in the foodservice industry for nearly two decades, specializing in strategy, the creative process, and culinary leadership. Mindy has had a rich career in consulting and corporate leadership, and today, serves as VP of Menu Innovation for Ascent Hospitality, including the Perkins Amercian Food Company, and Huddle House. Mindy is a prominent industry contributor on trends and innovation, and is an advisory board member for Women in Restaurant Leadership. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Mindy as much as we did.

Today's guest on Heroes & Headwinds is Maisie Ganzler. Author, speaker, and corporate advisor, Maisie is an expert on how companies can make positive change in supply chains and other systems. For two decades, Maisie drove strategy for Bon Appétit Management Company and she positioned the company as a leader in sustainable purchasing. She is also the author of You Can’t Market Manure at Lunchtime: and Other Lessons from the Food Industry for Creating a More Sustainable Company. She joins us today

On this episode of Heroes & Headwinds, you’ll meet Anne Mejia, Senior VP of Brand Development at Mellow Mushroom. Before her tenure at this famed pizza joint, Anne has been an integral part of the marketing teams of notable franchises such as Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jack in the Box, Carl’s Jr., and most recently Frisch’s Big Boy Restaurants. Since joining Mellow Mushroom in 2018, Anne has helped breathe new life into the stone-baked industry titan and is guiding the company through its largest brand refresh in 50 years of business. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Today you’ll be hearing from Annica Conrad, Chief Brand Officer of City BBQ. Prior to this role, she’s held marketing leadership positions at numerous restaurants including Mellow Mushroom, Moe’s Southwest Grill and McAlister’s Deli. She later became the Chief Marketing Officer at both FAT Brands and Global Franchise Group. There is not a single doubt that you’ve been knowingly or unknowingly inspired by Annica’s work. Enjoy her interview with TCE’s Michael Parlapiano.

This week, we're dropping a recent interview with Erica Spector Wishnow, Co-CEO of Southpaw, a major franchisee of Taco Bell and Dunkin', and one of the advisors behind Greenlane, a drive-thru salad concept that just launched in Tampa, Florida. Erica is a leader with a powerful personal story that's driven her to blaze a unique and innovative trail in food and beverage.

Dan Anfison is the dynamic visionary force behind Slapfish, a renowned seafood-centric restaurant chain known for its innovative and sustainable approach to dining. Dan is also the COO of Mac Haik Restaurant Group. Well known by many for his prowess in restaurant operations, only a few of us know that he moonlights as a lead vocalist and guitarist.

Greg Dollarhyde is a four-decade, serial entrepreneur in the restaurant industry who has led companies to realizations totaling more than a billion dollars over that time. As an early pioneer in the fast casual segment of the industry, he originally led the buyout of early-stage Baja Fresh in the late 90’s, and sold it to Wendy’s four years later as a national chain. Greg was also the former Executive Chairman & CEO of NYSE-listed Zoes Kitchen and, he has recently led investor groups into Blaze Pizza and Starbird Chicken, where he is a director on those company’s boards. 

Dollarhyde has received the honor of “Mentor of the Year” from industry icon, Elliot Associates, and has been recognized in the “POWER 50” of the restaurant industry for two years in a row by Nation’s Restaurant News. 

As the former Chief “Energizing Officer” of VeggieGrill, Dollarhyde helped revolutionize the perception of sustainable, plant-based cuisine, and with his visionary approach, continues to inspire the culinary and investment community in helping to shape the future of conscious and fast-casual dining. 

Greg’s personal goal is to visit and explore 100 countries, while encouraging people to “Live it UP!” along their life’s path.

Katie Ayoub is an award-winning writer and Managing Editor of Flavor & The Menu, with more than 20 years dedicated to foodservice publishing. If you’ve read the industry trades, you’ve certainly read Katie’s work. She also runs Flavor Forward Events, a boutique consultancy that works to elevate food and beverage menus with trend-forward ideas and immersive experiences. Additionally, Katie is the Content Director of the Flavor Experience, an annual conference geared toward high-volume menu developers. What would this seasoned food writer title her own memoire? You’ll have to listen to find out.