 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. 

Dennis Knows Food

Episode 63 - In House Delivery

 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/2b2649bGiven 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.

Episode 62 – The Foam Ban is Coming!

 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/2b2649bGiven 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! 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. 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! 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.

Episode 61 – Grow Your Foodservice Business with Content Marketing

 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.

Episode 60 - Peer to Peer with Paul Saval

Wisdom nuggets with a twist. We're cross-pollinating podcasts in this episode! Full Comp host Josh Kopel takes the reins and joins Dennis Knows Food host Luke LaBree to discuss some of their biggest takeaways from past interviews. Episode 59 reflects on the experiences and advice of several widely different foodservice professionals. Timeless and relatable wisdom; the ideas and insights flowing in this episode will get you fired up about finding unique opportunities in your operation.Subscribe to the Podcast -  Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links relevant to this episode include www.joshkopel.com and www.dennisexpress.com.We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com.

Episode 59 – A Full Comp Crossover

A discussion about using restaurant reopening guidelines as a to-do list for marketing messages.In this episode of Dennis Knows Food host Luke LaBree talks with Cary Weston, partner at Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications. The idea at hand… What if foodservice operations used restaurant reopening checklists as a guide for marketing their businesses?Sharing your adherence to safety and sanitation practices will help build customer confidence at a time when the public seeks comfort and reassurance. Plus, adding a dash of personality and empathy to your messaging will help showcase your unique business and build an emotional connection with your customers. Episode 58 provides inspiration for capturing customer attention while reinforcing your foodservice brand during this challenging time.Subscribe to the Podcast -  Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links relevant to this episode include www.sutherlandweston.com and www.dennisexpress.com. For the CDC’s restaurant reopening guidance click HERE. For COVID-19 related information click HERE.We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!

Episode 58 – Marketing to the Checklist

The New Video Norm - Marketing During the CovidIn this special video and audio dual-edition of the Dennis Knows Food podcast, host Luke LaBree interviews Sal Marotta of SM Media Group on the creation and use of video in the foodservice industry. Video, especially social media video, is a powerful marketing tool that has become increasingly more potent and important during the coronavirus outbreak.Luke and Sal discuss how the restaurant industry can take advantage of video, tips and tactics for first timers and novices, best practices for marketing strategies and a lot more.There's a wealth of insight in this episode, which is available in video and standard podcast format. Enjoy, subscribe and share with anyone who could benefit from this information.Subscribe to the Podcast -  Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links relevant to this episode include: dennisexpress.com and the Foodservice 411 Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/foodservice411We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!

Episode 57 – Video Marketing During the Covid

Making the Most of Downtime [During the COVID-19 Crisis]The restaurant industry is in a chaotic and difficult situation due to the coronavirus outbreak. As a result many operations are seeing significantly lighter traffic, or have temporarily closed their doors, and are facing prolonged periods of downtime.In this episode podcast host Luke LaBree, and 4 other foodservice professionals share ideas and advice to help restaurant owners and operators make the most of this unfortunate situation. Topics discussed include reviewing menus to maximize profits, improving operational efficiencies, training staff, marketing and more. If you own own or operate a restaurant this episode, this advice, is for you.If you have any question or would like more ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out, email Subscribe to the Podcast -  Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) For the video version visit: dennisexpress.com/making-the-most-of-downtimeWe look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!

Special Episode - Making the Most of Downtime

The Takeout Transition [During the COVID-19 Crisis]Following the need for many operations to transition from full service, dine-in establishments, to takeout and delivery only – I joined a Zoom call with 3 other industry experts to discuss 5 important topics pertinent to restaurants and the foodservice industry during this challenging time.The Transition to Takeout & Delivery OnlyWhat to Sell / Effective Menu PlanningTakeout PackagingEffective Messaging to Your CustomersMaximizing Your Labor & ResourcesSubscribe to the Podcast -  Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) For the video version visit: dennisexpress.com/covid-takeout-transitionWe look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!

Special Episode - The Takeout Transition

In this episode of Dennis Knows Food we're sharing tips to help prepare your kitchen for the fall foodservice season. Foodservice operators take tremendous pride in their kitchens and equipment. Now that we’re through the hectic pace of the summer season now is a good time to clean equipment and ensure everything is in proper working order. And, if you’re looking for some fall-food inspiration we’ve assembled a list on our website featuring some of our favorite fall items. There’s even a section dedicated to all things pumpkin, with over a dozen different pumpkin related products. This week saw the celebration of National Coffee Day on Friday Sept. 29th – and this week’s foodie fact is inspired by coffee. The first "what" was invented at The University of Cambridge to let people know if the coffee pot was full or not. Find out what it was in this episode! Subscribe to the Podcast -  Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website - www.DennisExpress.com. And our Fall Favorites at www.dennisexpress.com/fall-favorites.We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!This weeks podcast photo comes from Chris Isherwood.

Episode 31 - Fall Kitchen Prep and a Wrap Rap

We're breaking from our usual format with this episode and pulling an unpublished segment from the archives!In this episode we're sharing an unpublished portion of our Christmas 2017 podcast that, due to time constraints and bustling activity here in the office, was just never finished. Tune in as your host, Luke LaBree, shares one of his favorite traditions - movie night - featuring seven foodie films to enjoy with your friends and family.Subscribe to the Podcast -  Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com.We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!

Episode 38 - From the Archives, The Missing Christmas Episode

Our longest episode yet offers up valuable insights for today's foodservice operators. Join us for an open-ended conversation with fellow industry professional Michael Mirarchi!A 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, branding, the power of Yelp, social media and more - don't miss this episode!This week’s foodie fact is brought to you by Original Philly - Original Philly Cheesesteak Company crafts enough raw and fully-cooked steak each day to make a cheesesteak that would stretch from South Philly to Atlantic City. We’re asking, how long was the largest cheesesteak ever made? Steve’s Prince of Steaks and Amoroso’s Bakery nabbed the record for world’s largest cheesesteak in 2015… how long was it?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 Michael Mirarchi's book - Sales Wisdom from a Toilet Paper Salesman [HERE].We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com![This episodes blog photo courtesy of @lauragrafie.]SaveSaveSaveSave

Episode 44 - Down the Rabbit Hole with a Special Guest, Author and Salesman Michael Mirarchi

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/dailyfoodieWe look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!

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Dennis Knows Food

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