Advertise on podcast: Dennis Knows Food

Listen in to discover why, as Trevor cleverly puts it, "In the cheese business, it really comes down to the culture." Craig Gile, National Food Service Sales Director with 22 years at Cabot, shares fascinating insights from his journey through the company—including his time as a professional cheese grader hand-selecting the perfect cheddars. Meanwhile, Jenni Tilton-Flood brings the farmer's perspective as a first-generation dairy farmer who married into a three-generation family operation producing 18,000 gallons of milk daily. Together, they unpack the 100+ year history of Cabot Creamery Cooperative, reveal what truly makes award-winning cheese, and discuss how sustainability practices on the farm translate to exceptional quality on the plate. From the science of cow comfort to the art of aging cheddar, this conversation offers food service professionals and culinary enthusiasts alike a deeper appreciation for the craft, care, and community behind every block of Cabot cheese. Show Notes: * Learn about Cabot's century-old cooperative model that began in 1919 * Discover how Cabot's strategic placement of processing facilities ensures the freshest products * Hear how third-party verification systems ensure quality and sustainability * Understand what makes New England cheddar distinctive with its "tangy bite" * Find out how cheese is graded and selected for different culinary applications * Explore how Cabot balances tradition with innovation through practices like using digester energy to power production facilities  

In Episode 77 of Dennis Knows Food, host Luke LaBree leads a timely discussion on restaurant staffing with Dennis Food Service team members Samantha Hammond, Teagan Anne, and Corporate Chef Trevor Lizotte. With spring hiring season approaching, this episode offers fresh perspectives for foodservice operators who've exhausted traditional recruitment methods. In this episode we’ll explore how cultivating a positive workplace culture and effectively showcasing it can attract and retain quality staff, including: * Leveraging social media to highlight workplace culture authentically * Empowering employees to create content and share their experiences * Building an environment where skill development happens naturally * Converting potential candidates by demonstrating genuine employee appreciation Whether you're struggling to find qualified candidates or looking to strengthen your existing team, this episode provides actionable insights beyond conventional hiring approaches. Perfect timing for operators planning their spring staffing strategy.

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 routine 2. Leverage user-generated content 3. Automate and schedule 4. Delegate and outsource 5. Prioritize high-impact activities 6. Incorporate digital elements into physical space 7. .... 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 [email protected] 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!  

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!  
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