Culinary Prowess with Mike Turner - Grounded Podcast: Leaders in Produce, Foodservice & Restaurant Supply Chain

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 out on this insightful conversation!

Takeaways:

• Building successful enterprises requires prioritizing relationships and viewing employees, franchisees, and vendors as integral partners. Mike underscores the importance of maintaining humility, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Global expansion demands a nuanced understanding of local culture and market conditions, as emphasized by Mike's experiences with Cheesecake Factory and Walk-On's. Key steps for success include collaborating with local players, achieving economies of scale, aligning with the local supply chain model, and safeguarding brand integrity.
• The transformative impact of technology on the foodservice industry offers increased visibility into costs, supply chains, and real-time data tracking. Modern tech solutions like AeroStream and Comtel contribute to efficient business operations, reflecting the evolving landscape.
• Mike advocates for maintaining transparent and candid relationships with all stakeholders, including vendors and franchisees, as a cornerstone of business success. Being open about pricing, logistics, forecasts, and the company's vision fosters trust and forges strong partnerships.
• Mike attributes his professional success to the invaluable role of mentorship. Acknowledging guidance from mentors at different career stages, he highlights the significance of mentor-mentee relationships in fostering professional growth.

Quote of the Show:

• “Every decision we make is going to be based on quality and integrity.” - Mike Turner
• “The answers to all of your questions lie within the teammates and staff. They will help you accomplish any goal that you need to accomplish.” - Mike Turner

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelturner3/   
• Company Website: https://walk-ons.com/   

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033
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• Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/grounded/PC:1001064441 
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• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3464024 
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5932587 
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441
• Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/grounded-ringmaster-tuPfo9prIdN/