Grounded

Take a deep dive into how visionary leadership, operational simplicity, and a people-first culture can fuel explosive business growth. Cameron McNie, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill shares how he scaled the chain to over 66 locations using AI, strategic planning, and strong core values. 

In this inspiring episode, Cameron unpacks the role of culture in building resilient teams, how to lea...

Please welcome today’s guest, Jeff Burrus, Chief Supply Chain Officer at FAT Brands Inc. Jeff engages with Lauren Mitchell as they discuss the importance of strategic partnerships in supply chain management, the need for improving operational efficiency while maintaining quality in the food industry, and navigating challenges in the franchising model. Jeff also shares insights into the role of technology in supply chain en...

Please welcome today’s guest, Mike Turner, Senior Vice President of Culinary & Supply Chain at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. Mike engages with Lauren Mitchell as they discuss insights into restaurant growth strategies, the challenges of going global, and the importance of relationships in the food service industry. Mike shares insights to better their operations, relationship management, and growth strategies. Don't miss...

Embark on a journey with us this week as host Lauren Mitchell, takes a captivating look back at the highlights of Season One on Grounded. Lauren sets the stage by unveiling the essence of the show and delving into the challenges, expertise, and compelling experiences of distinguished professionals and innovators within the food service industry. This episode serves as a masterful compilation, showcasing some of the most me...

Today’s guest is someone who has been highly active in speaking, presenting, and educating within the foodservice industry for over 30 years! Please welcome John Barone, the Founder and President of Market Vision. John sits down with Lauren Mitchell to discuss maintaining a deep understanding of economic factors, nurturing strong relationships within the industry, and staying adaptable in the face of new challenges. John a...

Join us in welcoming our esteemed guest, Sam Polk, Founder & CEO of Everytable, for an enlightening conversation with Lauren Mitchell! Together, they delve into the critical issue of health disparities in underserved neighborhoods and explore Everytable's mission to create a more equitable world. Sam provides valuable insights into the company's commitment to accessibility and profitability, making this conversation an...

Welcome to another episode of Grounded! Joining us today, we have two special guests from the Buyers Edge Platform Fresh Division: Betsy Handelman, the Director of Food Safety and Compliance, and Chris Rheault, the Executive Vice President. Betsy and Chris join host Lauren Mitchell to provide insights around the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA 204) and food safety in general. Learn with Lauren about the need for consum...

Please welcome today’s guest, Jared Cannon, Founder & CEO of Simply Good Jars. Jared engages with Lauren Mitchell as they discuss what inspired Jared to create Simply Good Jars, how he overcame challenges, and his adoption of the direct-to-consumer model. Jared also shares insights on the incredible team that helped him grow the company. Don't miss out on the inspiring conversation!

Takeaways:

• Simply Good Jars was fo...

Please welcome today’s guest, Gabe Romero, Salesperson at The Nunes Company! Gabe engages with Lauren Mitchell as they discuss his personal vision on enhancing customer education, a shrinking workforce, and optimization strategies in his region. Gabe also shares insights into his diverse experience and how that enhances his relationship with Nunes. Don't miss out on this exciting conversation!

Takeaways:

• Gabe’s vision wa...

Please welcome today’s guest, Byron Theodore, Vice President and Quality Assurance at Inspire Brands! Byron engages with Lauren Mitchell as they discuss the principles that have made him, and the entire team at Inspire Brands so successful and positioned for growth! Byron also shares insights on prioritizing supplier collaboration and the importance of quality standards. Don't miss out on the inspiring conversation!

Tak...

Please welcome today’s guest, Kevin Quandt, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain & Sustainability at True Food Kitchen. Kevin engages with Lauren Mitchell as they discuss True Food’s production methods, how to source with integrity, and obtain sustainability status. Kevin shares insights on how his company uses unique ingredients that will make a positive impact on the planet. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversa...

Welcome to the latest installment of Grounded! Join our guest, Tim Cunniff, Co-Founder of Little Leaf Farms, LLC. In this episode, Tim engages with Lauren Mitchell and shares the intricacies of understanding plant biology and physiology. Be prepared to gain valuable insights from Tim as he sheds light on the art of expanding more efficient plant fields to effectively scale your business!

Takeaways:

• Little Leaf Farms star...

Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Please welcome our guest, Michael Koziol, Chief Strategy Officer, CMO, and Advisor at AmplifiedAg, Inc. Michael engages with Lauren Mitchell as they delve into navigating through supply chains and the ever-evolving tapestry of the food industry. Michael shares insights into the world of horizontal greenhouses and vertical farms. Don't miss out on the extraordinary wisdom Michael h...

Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Please welcome our guest, Kimberly Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Copia and Board Member at Sunsar Maya. Kimberly joins host Lauren Mitchell to talk about how Copia guarantees that every business that donates surplus food will minimize food waste and maximize the positive impact on communities. She shares about the increased social consciousness surrounding issues of hunger and...

Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Today’s guest is an Alumni of Darden Restaurants, RSI, the Cooperative for Burger King, and RSCS, a Cooperative for YUM brands. Please welcome our guest, David Cox, Founder and CEO at Cox Supply Chain Management Advisors. David joins host Lauren Mitchell to talk about the importance of empathy and consideration, urging everyone to reflect upon the impact of our actions on others. ...

Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Today’s guest has a genuine enthusiasm for the food service industry and has spent over 50 years in businesses like Red Lobster, Aramark, Fazoli’s, Long John Silvers, and Applebee’s. Please welcome our guest, Charlie Lousignont, previously the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Brinker International. Charlie joins host Lauren Mitchell to talk about visibility to t...

Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Today’s guest is a master at identifying tasks and He has generated millions of dollars for a string of globally recognized brands, including McDonald’s, Burger King, Yum!, P.F. Chang’s, and Applebee’s. Please welcome our guest, Mark Avery, Global Head of Partnerships and Supply Chain Strategy at Fatbrands Inc. and President at Mark Avery Consulting, Inc. Mark joins host Lauren Mi...

Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Join us as we hear from top-tier producers in the food service industry to hear their perspectives from all links throughout the supply chain. Each guest will discuss their brand development, company culture, global supply chain strategy, culinary innovation, and leadership. Please welcome our guest, Matthew Runkle, Vice President of Supply Chain at Pei Wei. Matthew shares the pri...

Welcome to the second episode of Grounded! Join us as we hear from top-tier producers in the food service industry to hear their perspectives from all links throughout the supply chain. Each guest will discuss their brand development, company culture, global supply chain strategy, culinary innovation, and leadership. Please welcome our guest, Stephen Crouch, Senior Vice President of Purchasing at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill...