This 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!
When 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.
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.
For 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.
The 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.
In 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!
In 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!
In 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.
In 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
In 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?
In 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?
In 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.
In 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!
In 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!
In 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.
In 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!
Here we are with another Thursday edition of our Podcast which is a day later than our usual Wednesday schedule. This made me reflect on how, even with schedules and planning, the unexpected can cause a hiccup in our regular routines. We have 8 new items to share with you that were just added to our inventory. We revisit the discussion on burgers from last week’s episode with an interesting condiment, and everyone is looking forward to getting into our new Test Kitchen and Learning center. That and more in this episode of Dennis Knows Food.
Our podcast is protein packed this week as we put the spotlight on creating new opportunities and dishes for your menu. Burgers are big and getting bigger, we discuss the customer-keeping-power of crafting unique signature burgers. The record breaking popularity of bacon means customers are hungry for more pork menu options.
In this weeks episode we share 10 new products that were just added to our inventory. We talk about the return of a fresh seafood favorite, and cover some recent Maine-seafood headlines. We’re setting up a future “all beef” episode of Dennis Knows Food and there’s a great device for your kitchen that you’re going to want to hear about!
In this episode of Dennis Knows Food I’ve got a fishing/cooking story to share with you. Also in this episode we talk about the latest items added to our inventory, discuss new soups from UniPro, spend a few minutes highlighting the value of utilizing your expertise, and more! We’ve also got an update on our expansion… Spoiler alert! It’s nearly complete!
In this week’s podcast we share new products just added to our inventory. Keith Durrah our Director of Risk Management drops in to talk safety. We cover some of this weeks food industry headlines. Don’t forget Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday. Visit our website for great Mother’s Day menu ideas!
This week’s podcast is a little longer than our previous, and that’s because we had a guest join us today! We have 9 new items that were just added to our inventory, we talk about this weeks James Beard Awards, and share a new study that independent owner-operators are sure to appreciate!
It’s been a busy week! We’re doing our Podcast a day later than normal to allow for a little catch-up after our Food Show on Tuesday. This week we’ve got 5 new items to share, we revisit the discussion on sports drinks from last weeks podcast, highlight a new study on frozen vegetables and more.
Ten weeks have gone by since we shared our first podcast, but it really only feels like 10 days. Thank you to our listeners for the great feedback; your thoughts, ideas and support have helped us improve our podcasting efforts.
Here we are on National Grilled Cheese Day, in the middle of National Grilled Cheese Month, and we’ve got a couple of yummy GC related ideas for you in this episode of Dennis Knows Food!
