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 ..read more

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 c ..read more

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. T ..read more

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 rememb ..read more

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 ..read more

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 scent can make your business smell good and has 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 busin ..read more

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.com For more foodservice news, resources, products and b ..read more

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 m ..read more

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 w ..read more

In this special unedited episode of Dennis Knows Food we're talking about convenience foodservice and freshness to-go. 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. October 1st saw the celebration of National Pumpkin Spice Day, so naturally, our foodie ..read more