Dennis Knows Food

In this episode of the Dennis Knows Food Podcast, Samantha Hammond, Marketing Coordinator at Dennis Food Service, sits down with our new Corporate Chef, Trevor Lizotte. Chef Trevor discusses his culinary journey, from starting in a small-town kitchen at the age of 15 to leading a restaurant kitchen for over a decade. He shares his excitement about joining Dennis Food Service, where he aims to use his experience to help customers by simplifying their kitchen operations, saving costs, and providing creative menu solutions.Host: Samantha Hammond, Marketing Coordinator at Dennis Food ServiceGuest: Chef Trevor Lizotte, Corporate Chef at Dennis Food ServiceKey Topics Covered:Where to find Chef Trevor:Website: DennisFoodService.com/chefSocial Media: Follow Chef Trevor on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X  @ChefDifference

In this episode of the Dennis Knows Food podcast, host Luke LaBree explores the challenges of maintaining work-life balance for restaurant owners in the digital age. LaBree presents seven simple strategies to help foodservice professionals manage their online presence without sacrificing personal time or business quality. From integrating digital tasks into daily routines to leveraging user-generated content, the episode offers realistic advice for restaurateurs looking to thrive both online and off. Whether you're a seasoned owner or new to the industry, this episode provides valuable tips for navigating the modern landscape of food service marketing and management.1. Integrate digital tasks into daily routine2. Leverage user-generated content3. Automate and schedule4. Delegate and outsource5. Prioritize high-impact activities6. Incorporate digital elements into physical space7. ....Find more valuable resources for today's foodservice operations, visit our website at www.DennisFoodService.com

Recorded live from the main stage at Maine-Stay 2023, this episode offers a front-row seat to Luke's insightful discussion on maximizing your marketing impact without breaking the bank. From traditional methods to cutting-edge digital solutions, Luke unpacks a diverse array of strategies designed to elevate your business's visibility and drive growth.Join us as Luke delves into topics such as common marketing tactics, budget-friendly technology solutions, untapped platforms, and the DIY power of "the free stuff." Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding business owner, this episode is brimming with actionable insights to reignite your enthusiasm and propel your brand to new heights.Ready to revolutionize your marketing approach and unlock untapped potential—all without emptying your pockets? Dive into episode 74 and embark on a journey to supercharge your marketing efforts, affordably!

Recorded live from the main stage at Maine-Stay 2023, this episode offers a front-row seat to Luke's insightful discussion on maximizing your marketing impact without breaking the bank. From traditional methods to cutting-edge digital solutions, Luke unpacks a diverse array of strategies designed to elevate your business's visibility and drive growth.Join us as Luke delves into topics such as common marketing tactics, budget-friendly technology solutions, untapped platforms, and the DIY power of "the free stuff." Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding business owner, this episode is brimming with actionable insights to reignite your enthusiasm and propel your brand to new heights.Ready to revolutionize your marketing approach and unlock untapped potential—all without emptying your pockets? Dive into episode 74 and embark on a journey to supercharge your marketing efforts, affordably!

Recorded live from the main stage at Maine-Stay 2023, this episode offers a front-row seat to Luke's insightful discussion on maximizing your marketing impact without breaking the bank. From traditional methods to cutting-edge digital solutions, Luke unpacks a diverse array of strategies designed to elevate your business's visibility and drive growth.Join us as Luke delves into topics such as common marketing tactics, budget-friendly technology solutions, untapped platforms, and the DIY power of "the free stuff." Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding business owner, this episode is brimming with actionable insights to reignite your enthusiasm and propel your brand to new heights.Ready to revolutionize your marketing approach and unlock untapped potential—all without emptying your pockets? Dive into episode 74 and embark on a journey to supercharge your marketing efforts, affordably!

This isn’t a how-to guide. Click here for that. This is a breakdown that incorporates real experience and dives deeper into what it means to have a podcast as a business. Discover the often-overlooked challenges of podcasting, such as finding your niche, maintaining consistency, growing and improving, and handling technical hiccups.Michael Mirarchi returns as a continually fascinating guest, and shares his excitement about the potential benefits of podcasting for your brand, expertise, and revenue. “This is great advice… I’m sure other’s would benefit from this to.” And that’s exactly what’s we’ve done, turning a meeting on podcasting, into an episode of podcast insights.It might “sound” easy but there are plenty of challenges, remember that podcasting is all about connecting with an audience and building a community around content you care about. Tune in to “Dennis Knows Food” for more interesting guest, food service insight, and small business marketing marketing tips. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.See more 👉 https://dennisfoodservice.com/episode-73-so-you-want-to-make-a-podcast

An authentic website instantly adds credibility to your business. When potential customers find your website, they are more likely to perceive your establishment as trustworthy and professional. The benefits of having a website far outweigh the costs, as it enables you to maintain better control of your brand's online narrative, attract new customers, and stay resilient in the face of digital changes. Don't let the fear of complexity or cost deter you. Embrace the power of a website–your digital storefront, seize the opportunity to showcase your business, and unlock the potential growth that comes from a well-branded digital presence.

Christine is an entrepreneur, engineer, and inventor who focuses on using technology to protect businesses and their customers from the threat of illnesses and outbreaks. Her creation, PathSpot, is a Hand Hygiene System used at thousands of restaurants, airports, schools, offices, and manufacturing facilities worldwide. In just two seconds, PathSpot scans hands and detects harmful contaminants that spread common illnesses. Simply wash, dry, and scan hands to determine your team’s handwashing frequency and effectiveness. PathSpot lands right at the intersection of technology and food service.To learn more about PathSpot, and the work that Christine and her team are doing to improve hygiene practices and processes, check out their website: www.pathspot.com

The start of a new year is always a good time for restaurants to evaluate and update menus for profitability. But, as you'll hear in this episode, given inflation and rising overhead costs, it's best to build this task into your regular workflow, helping ensure your menu consistently meets expectations and desired margins. Menu management is one of Josh's favorite parts of the job. In this episode, he draws from his years of hands-on experience consulting with restaurant operators to share key takeaways. With more and more operators working IN their restaurants lately, it's important to remember to set aside adequate time to work ON your business.For more factors to consider when adjusting menu prices in 2023, check out Luke's article "New Year, New Menu Prices."And for more about restaurant menus, marketing, and profitable strategies for your restaurant check out our blog.

In this episode Luke and Samantha go off the rails discussing how restaurants can create and use free QR codes. You’re guaranteed to leave with at least one important takeaway. This episode is also the first of our new two-person format; casual conversation that compliments, shares, and simplifies topics and trends that are valuable to independent food service businesses. Whether you were driven to QR codes by the touchless adaptations of the pandemic or attracted by the convenience, customization, and extended business engagement offered to anyone with a smartphone in their pocket—you’ve decided it’s time. You are ready to use QR codes in your restaurant. Just one question remains. What the heck is a QR code? In this fresh new take on Dennis Knows Food we’re discussing what a QR code is and what it does–to help you better understand how your establishment can effectively start using them.For more a more detailed breakdown, check out FREE QR Codes for Restaurant Menus and Online Ordering. (https://www.dennisexpress.com/qrcodes-for-restaurants/)

In her article "The Smells That Make Shoppers Spend More" Marisa discusses how smell has a strong link to emotion and, therefore, spending. How scent marketing and scent branding are complex strategies involving science and art, intended to enhance customer loyalty and spending. And how using ambient scents to make your business smell good can have other applications, such as decreasing stress and anxiety. In this episode we're connect the topic to food service to hopefully help you make more cents with your scents, if that makes sense...For more foodservice news, resources, products and business insights visit us online at www.dennisexpress.com. For the original article from Marissa Sanfilippo click here: businessnewsdaily.com/3469-smells-shoppers-spend-more.html

Do you need an agency-built website or is DIY for you? What other digital marketing opportunities should you consider? How does your social presence factor in? Why does design affect user experience? If your gears started turning following episode 67 part 1. If questions came to mind. If you’re now motivated to dive deeper… Well, you know what to, hit play on episode 67 part 2! Special thanks to the Portland Chamber of Commerce, Eaton Peabody, and Anania Bailey.For follow-up comments or questions please email us at podcast@dennisexpress.comFor more foodservice news, resources, products and business insights visit us online at www.dennisexpress.com.Subscribe to Dennis Knows Food on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Castbox, and other top platforms!  

In this 2-part episode, host Luke LaBree talks with the website development and marketing experts Peter Anania and Dustyn Bailey about what goes into a well-branded website and how that can lead to better business across the board.The best practices covered in this episode go deep and apply to your business–whether you’re a multi-million dollar operation working with an agency or a small family-owned business going the DIY route. No matter the size of your business, your brand needs to put its best foot forward on the internet. It is quite literally a digital battleground for the hearts and minds of potential customers. And as we approach the busy summer selling season in New England, now is a good time to make sure your online presence is dialed in!Part 2 of episode 67 will include answers to questions received during the live recording of this webinar. Special thanks to the Portland Chamber of Commerce, Eaton Peabody, and Anania Bailey.For more foodservice news, resources, products and business insights visit us online at www.dennisexpress.com.Subscribe to Dennis Knows Food on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Castbox, and other top platforms!  
Send questions and feedback to podcast@dennisexpress.com. 

Derek Fasset, Workforce Development Director at HospitalityMaine, recently took the reins of a multi-year workforce development plan. His top priority is building momentum by creating self-filling pools of hospitality workers across the state. As we know, these employees are essential. Whether you're a small independent business or a multi-million dollar resort, a successful season depends on your ability to fill job openings. In this episode, Derek shares how Maine's premier hospitality organization is working with its partners across the state to create a pipeline of employees. This system will be crucial to the success of Maine's hospitality-based economy for years to come.Upcoming HospitalityMaine Workforce Development Events:January 26HMEF- Maine Department of Corrections WebinarFebruary 2HMEF- Bureau of Rehabilitation Services & Maine Medical Center WebinarFebruary 15 [Updated Date]HMEF- Learning Works WebinarTo learn more about HospitalityMaine, or to become a member, visit their website at www.hospitalitymaine.comSubscribe to Dennis Knows Food on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Castbox, and other top platforms!  
Send questions and feedback to podcast@dennisexpress.com. 

Even though you couldn’t be there with us, I promise you’ll take something away from this talk. This episode has been edited down from its original length. Thank you to Chef Tim, he recorded the session on his phone. The video version includes the full discussion, minus round-table portions, and closed captioning for any parts that you might not be able to understand. To see a video recording of the session, find Dennis on YouTube at youtube.com/dennispaperfoodservice or visit dennisexpress.com/podcastSend questions and feedback to podcast@dennisexpress.com

Joining the conversation is the gang from Restauranttopia, a fun and informative podcast from Hillcrest Foodservice in Ohio. Get ready to take notes, there’s a wealth of wisdom piled into this pod! Like Dennis, Hillcrest is a member of the UniPro Foodservice cooperative. With over 850 member locations, UniPro Foodservice, Inc. is the largest food distribution cooperative in the United States. In fact, the cooperative of UniPro foodservice members is 4 billion dollars larger than the 4 “largest” national distributors COMBINED. Visit uniprofoodervice.com to learn more. In addition to greater buying power, being a UniPro member provides opportunities to collaborate with like-minded distributors around the country (as we’ve done in this episode) to discuss business-building insights that we can share with our customers and the restaurant industry at large. Subscribe to Dennis Knows Food on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Castbox, and other top platforms! [Links available here] We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com.

In this episode we’re talking about delivery – getting food from point A to point B... from your kitchen to your customers. In mid 2020, with dining rooms across the country shuttered, the question of “how to get food to customers without a dine-in option” quickly became one of the foodservice industry’s top priorities. Stepping in to address this pandemic-driven problem were platforms like GrubHub, Postmates, UberEats and DoorDash. Otherwise known as third-party delivery platforms. The attraction was almost immediate. They had the means to get food from a restaurant to someone who ordered it. All an operator needed to do was sign up. And, sure enough, it was basically that easy. After all, the convenience of existing apps and the infrastructure to deal with delivery was already in place. Closed doors turned into open takeout windows almost overnight. Then, the honeymoon period began to wear off... Subscribe to Dennis Knows Food on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Castbox and other top platforms! [Links available here] We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com.

Maine's statewide ban on disposable polystyrene containers takes effect on January 1st, 2021. UPDATE: The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is delaying its enforcement of the "foam ban" until July 1, 2021. See the news release: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDEP/bulletins/2b2649b Given that the change is right around the corner. I thought you might enjoy hearing from someone with insider info… someone with intimate knowledge of Maine's foam ban. Joining me for this episode is Greg Dugal, Director of Government Affairs for Hospitality Maine. He's an expert in his field, and an advocate for foodservice and hospitality businesses across the state of Maine. Subscribe to Dennis Knows Food on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Castbox and other top platforms! [Links available here] We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com.

The most valuable weapon you have in the battle for eyes, ears and engagement online is content. Content is as important to your digital presence and marketing efforts as the food you serve is to your dining room. It shows who you are, what you do and what you’re capable of – but most importantly – it can impact a visitor’s decision to return. Like a great meal, great content helps customers establish an affinity for your business and brand. This episode explores (what is in my opinion) the best way to be found, to be followed and to grow your foodservice business using the internet. I won’t be going into specifics on how to establish properties like your website, Facebook page and Instagram account. This is for foodservice owners and operators who already have digital properties and want to get better at using them to increase traffic. Subscribe to Dennis Knows Food on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Castbox and other top platforms! We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com.

Six figure sales swings, last minute website launches, loss mitigation, oncological humility and a philanthropic culture… Paul Saval shares how his team never backed down from the pandemic and what he hopes is on the horizon.If 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. Foodservice distributors provide the food and supplies at restaurants, delis, bars, hotels, schools and institutions… basically the nations food operations. Their contribution to America’s dining and leisure time often goes widely unnoticed by the general public. In this episode a food distribution CEO, who never really wanted to work in the industry to begin with, shares his thoughts on the business of foodservice and maintaining a positive outlook during a challenging time. Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links relevant to this episode include www.savalfoods.com and www.dennisexpress.com. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com.