When it comes to desserts, cookies are a sure bet—they’re one thing that most consumers reach for on a frequent basis. See the full Infographic here…
Episode 33 – Inside the Mind of the Independent Restaurant Operator
October 13, 2017This weeks the IFDA released an in-depth 194 page report, prepared by industry research partner Technomic, about independent restaurant operators. It details market trends, challenges, economic outlooks, changing formats and a whole lot more. We’re sharing just a few of the many insights from it in this episode. We’ve also got this week’s new products, including a new fresh soup from Blount Fine Foods, which you won’t want to miss!
5 Lessons Millennials Taught Foodservice Marketers
October 11, 2017What is the big whoop about Millennials? Well, they are the largest generation in America for starters…
Episode 32 – C-Store Foodservice, Food News and New Products!
October 5, 2017When it comes to food from “c-stores” – even with convenience foodservice sales exceeding $34 billion dollars a year – negative consumer perceptions still exist around the category. Recent research has shown that there is plenty of room for continued innovation when it comes to foodservice in c-stores, and that putting quality first in certain areas can have a positive impact on food sales.
Episode 31 – Fall Kitchen Prep and a Wrap Rap
September 29, 2017Foodservice 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.
Episode 30 – “What’s new?”
September 22, 2017For operators, raising the awareness of new items through any available channel — website, social media, in-house advertising or on the phone with customers — can have several benefits; including satisfying regulars who want to try something new, add-on sale opportunities, and attracting new customers. If a customer wants to know what’s new at your establishment, how available have you made that information for them? In this episode we’re going straight to the source to discuss “what’s new?” in foodservice.
“Loaded” Dishes Trending Up, Start Piling on the Flavor
September 11, 2017The “loaded” trend is making its way across menu items, from classic dishes to unqiue concepts that wow customers.
Episode 29 – Comfort Food with a Signature Twist & The Soups On!
September 8, 2017The foliage will soon start to change, and with that will come consumer cravings for comfort food. Creating signature dishes inspired by comfort food has been gaining momentum in recent years, and with autumn on the horizon it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your unique comfort-inspired cuisine. On that same note, if you’re looking to add warmth and rich flavor to your menu, soups are a great way to do it. We’re ladling up the latest on our soup lineup.
Episode 28 – The Story of Deb the Innovator
September 1, 2017In this inspirational episode of Dennis Knows Food, we’re sharing the story of a small town foodservice innovator who kept her business running, growing and adapting through all of the changes and challenges that were thrown at it. You won’t want to miss this one – so, connect your bluetooth devices, plug in your headphones and turn up the volume – it’s story time!
Episode 27 – Tips for Marketing Campaigns, Peanut Allergies & AI Cookies
August 25, 2017In Episode 27 of Dennis Knows Food we’re discussing tips for success in your next marketing campaign. Australian researchers have made a potential breakthrough in the fight against deadly peanut allergies. And Google now has a computer capable of making the perfect chocolate chip cookie. These topics and more in this week’s podcast!
Episode 26 – Five Ways to Boost Fall Sales, Calamari, Tarator Sauce and New Products
August 17, 2017In episode 26 of our podcast we’ll be discussing five ways to boost fall sales. Autumn is a favorite time of year for many folks, and it’s an ideal time to adjust your menu to capture new sales opportunities. We’re also going to talk calamari, you’ll find out where the name came from, how it’s eaten around the world and learn about a sauce that pairs perfectly with it. The sauce we’re talking about is “tarator,” not to be confused with tartar sauce. And on a humorous note we’ve got a short punny story to share with you.
Episode 25 – Guests & Their Cell Phones, Menu Psychology and New Products
August 4, 2017In this week’s podcast we’re picking up the phone – well, your customers are anyway. We’ll touch on the growing impact of smart phones on foodservice. We’re also taking a closer look at the psychology behind good menu design. There’s actual science behind getting customers to order and spend more
Episode 24 – Consumer Impact on Menu Development, Flat Iron Steaks and New Products
July 28, 2017In this weeks podcast we’re focusing on growing your takeout business. I met an individual earlier in the week who shared with me some tips he’d written for restaurants looking to “ramp up” their takeout business, those tips are at the heart of this week’s episode. Hungry? How about digging into the world’s largest Creme Brûlée? This week’s foodie fact – What was the estimated calorie count for the world’s largest Creme Brûlée?
Beef Cuts for Foodservice
July 27, 2017See all the various cuts of beef, where they come from and their different characteristics in this handy guide.
Episode 23 – New Products, Creme Brûlée and Tactics for Takeout
July 21, 2017In this weeks podcast we’re focusing on growing your takeout business. I met an individual earlier in the week who shared with me some tips he’d written for restaurants looking to “ramp up” their takeout business, those tips are at the heart of this week’s episode. Hungry? How about digging into the world’s largest Creme Brûlée? This week’s foodie fact – What was the estimated calorie count for the world’s largest Creme Brûlée?
7 Tactics for Takeout Sales Growth
July 19, 2017Developing a strong takeout program – from products, to packaging to employee training is an effective way to generate additional profit. Here are 7 surefire ways to boost your sales and profits by increasing focus on your takeout business.
Episode 22 – National French Fry Day, Coffee Health Benefits, Cold Brew Profits, and New Products!
July 13, 2017In this weeks episode we’re talking coffee, with recent news on the health benefits of coffee giving frequent consumers reason to celebrate. Plus, there’s hot news for cold brew, the math is in and there’s opportunity and profit with this on-trend coffee item. We’ve also got fries, and every imaginable type of potato product! The team at Dennis is ready to find just the right one to your business needs! So, grab your ketchup and dive into episode 22 of Dennis Knows Food.
National French Fry Day
July 13, 2017At Dennis Paper & Food Service we carry every type of French fry, and fry-able potato product imaginable. Everything from classic skin on steak fries to sweet potato fries. With options for batter, clear coat, chopped and formed, extra long and fancy and more! Ask your Account Executive for more information on the over 60 SKUs of French fries and potato products we have available.
Episode 21 – New Products, A Shout-Out for Cheese Makers, Engaging Millennial Diners, and the How America BBQs Contest
July 6, 2017In this weeks episode we’ve got three new products to share. We’re giving a shout out to the cheese makers at Great Lakes Cheese Company. We share insights on how to engage with Millennial diners. Plus, there’s a BBQ contest going on right now that could take you and your smoked-turkey recipe to Austin, Texas!
Easy Ways to Boost Customer Traffic
July 5, 2017While good food, attentive service, value and convenience will always be important today’s consumer is looking for more than just quality food and service…
3 Ways to Get More from Your Menu
July 5, 2017An effective menu can be one of your strongest marketing tools. Here are three factors that can help take your menu to the next level.
Simple Tips for a DIY Photoshoot
July 5, 2017When potential customers see your food online, on a sign or in a menu the quality of the photography makes a huge difference in whether or not they choose your establishment.
Episode 20 – Seasonal Business Tips and Fresh Lobster Meat with Two Special Guests
June 29, 2017In this unique episode of Dennis Knows Food we’re heading to the coast of Maine to talk business strategies and fresh lobster meat with a couple of special guests – a Dennis Account Executive and a seasonal businesses operator with saltwater in his veins!
Episode 19 – New Products, Glaze can Amaze, Tomato Butter, Claim your Business, and Beefy Opportunities!
June 22, 2017In this week’s episode we revisit the conversation on dressing-up your dishes for extra appeal. Riding that good-flavors vibe we’ve got a recipe for Tomato Butter to share with you. We cover an important business-capturing strategy that you should be doing online. And we’ve got some fantastic beef purchasing opportunities coming that you’re definitely going to want to take advantage of while you can.
Episode 18 – 12 New Products, New England Produce News, Veggie Perceptions, There’s Coffee in the Cocktails, and More!
June 15, 2017In this weeks episode of Dennis Knows Food we focus some of the spotlight on New England, with 3 of our 12 latest inventory additions coming from right here in Maine. We’re also putting some emphasis on produce, with Chris Webster, one of our Dennis Account Executives joining us for a discussion on “veggie perceptions.” Heating up alcohol sales with cold brew coffee and more!