The Flavor Forecast
After three fantastic seasons of our first podcast, "Behind the Counter," Christine and Keith are excited to introduce you to the "Flavor Forecast Podcast." Our journey through the early days of COVID, discussing industry best practices, was truly rewarding. Now, we're thrilled to bring you "Flavor Forecast," featuring a lineup of impressive guests and focusing on the most pressing topics in hospitality today. Get ready for deep dives into the current pulse of the industry, all from your new spot at the Flavor Forecast Podcast.
Episodes
In this episode of The Flavor Forecast, Keith and I are thrilled to sit down with the visionary behind Flutter Butter Bakery, Sabrina Persaud. A Celiac diagnosis in her mid-20s led Sabrina to rethink her approach to baking, sparking the creation of her gluten-free bakery based in NYC. With a passion for inclusivity and flavor, she’s bringing joy to the city’s tables with her delicious gluten-free treats made in a dedicated gluten-f...
In Episode 16 of The Flavor Forecast, Christine and Keith venture into the often chaotic and unpredictable Our World of Recruitment. In this episode, they dive deep into the relationships between candidates and clients, breaking down the quirks, challenges, and surprising moments that come with recruitment in 2024. From ghosting and gaslighting to the latest buzzwords shaking up the industry, they share real-life stories and trends...
In this episode of The Flavor Forecast, Christine & Keith examine the recent U.S. longshoremen strike and its effects on the restaurant industry. The strike has disrupted the supply chain, delaying key imports like seafood and produce, which could lead to shortages and rising costs. Restaurants, already dealing with inflation, face additional challenges, particularly small businesses with limited resources.
In Episode 17 of The Flavor Forecast, Christine and Keith turn up the heat as they explore the fiery world of hot chicken in "Cluckin' Good Times: The Scorching Hot Chicken Chronicles." From its blazing origins in Nashville to its nationwide takeover, they dive into what makes hot chicken such a spicy sensation. Hear the story of how a lover’s revenge became a culinary tradition and why people just can’t seem to resis...
Episode Summary:
In Episode 15 of The Flavor Forecast, Christine and Keith pull back the curtain on the high-pressure world of big-box restaurant recruiters. Drawing from their own experiences as both clients and candidates, they reveal the secrets behind the "churn and burn" mentality that dominates many large recruitment agencies. From impersonal processes to high turnover rates, Christine and Keith expose why so man...
Episode Summary:
In Episode 14 of The Flavor Forecast, hosts Christine and Keith dive deep into the escalating prices in the fast food world. As inflation bites, the value meals and combo deals we once knew are starting to feel like a thing of the past. How are fast food chains adapting, and what does it mean for customers who are cutting back? From price hikes at McDonald's to value wars between top chains, we break down w...
In this episode of The Flavor Forecast, Christine takes us on a flavorful journey that starts with a cup of Fire Department Coffee she discovered on TikTok.
Learn how buying this coffee helps support the brave first responders and veterans who keep us safe every day. The conversation then shifts to the world of iconic 80’s movies, where nostalgia and caffeine collide.
We also dive into the big news of Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol mak...
Join hosts Christine DeVita and Keith Hancock in Episode 12 of “Flavor Forecast,” titled “It was Unthinkable that this Fish was Sinkable.” This episode dives into the surprising decline of once-thriving casual chain restaurants, with a special focus on the challenges faced by iconic brands like Red Lobster.
Key Topics:
• The unexpected closure of Red Lobster locations and what it means for the casual dining industry.
• Shifting c...
In this episode of “Big Balls Serving Big Bowls,” hosts Christine DeVita and Keith Hancock delve into the intricacies of portion control in the restaurant industry. Titled “Big Balls to Make Small Bowls: The Balancing Act for Profit,” this episode explores how restaurants can achieve profitability while ensuring customer satisfaction through strategic portion management.
Special Highlight: Christine and Keith touch on politics...
Join us on The Flavor Forecast as we delve into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the restaurant industry. In this episode, “AI Mc Drive By,” we explore how AI is revolutionizing every aspect of dining, from streamlining kitchen operations to enhancing customer interactions. Discover how AI-powered kiosks can personalize your dining experience, robots assist in meal preparation, and voice recognition tech...
Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Frank Kasper, the visionary founder of FTK Hospitality. Frank shares his extensive experience and insights into the world of hospitality recruiting, management, and industry trends. Learn about the strategies that have helped propel careers and shaped successful restaurant brands. Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a restaurant owner, or just passionate about the culinary world...
The restaurant industry offers tremendous potential for profit, yet many owners overlook critical factors that could transform losses into gains. In this episode of Flavor Forecast, we dive deep into the financial strategies that can ensure your restaurant not only thrives but remains successful for years to come. Discover 10 essential tips, from mastering operational costs and sourcing fresh, local ingredients to defining your rol...
Join hosts Christine DeVita and Keith Hancock as they delve into the world of restaurant marketing in Episode 6, "Marketing Majesty or Catastrophe." Discover how effective marketing strategies can transform everyday promotions into grand holidays, and learn from the triumphs and failures that define the industry. Featuring expert insights and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for restaurant owners and mar...
Are you gearing up to launch a restaurant venture or looking to elevate your existing one? Tune into this episode of 'The Flavor Forecast,' where Christine & Keith explore key strategies to help you thrive in the competitive world of restaurant ownership. From understanding your market and crafting a comprehensive business plan to selecting the perfect location and curating an inviting menu, The Flavor Forecast covers i...
In this episode, Christine DeVita and Keith Hancock report on the Chipotle scandal of 2024, highlighting the social media comments from both the current and former CEOs. For those unaware, discover how customers are filming their orders being made and walking out if they aren't comfortable with the portion sizes. Join us as we explore the impact of this controversy on Chipotle's reputation and the broader food service indus...
Dive into the vibrant world of breakfast with "TGIF: Cracking Eggs and Making Omelettes," the latest episode of The Flavor Forecast. Join hosts Christine DeVita and Keith Hancock as they explore how breakfast service is transforming the restaurant industry. From the fast-paced innovations at major fast food outlets to the serene environments of sit-down brunch spots, this episode covers the full spectrum of morning dining...
Dive into the dynamic world of small business ownership in the restaurant industry with Pina Caliendo, who has navigated the ebbs and flows of the culinary world through her stewardship of Prince Umberto. This episode sheds light on the evolving challenges and triumphs of running a restaurant, reflecting on significant changes over the years, and offering invaluable advice for new entrepreneurs. We explore the transformative impact...
In this episode, Christine DeVita and Keith Hancock tackle the turbulent changes shaking the foundations of old school casual dining. As once-beloved chains face decline and even bankruptcy, the hosts dive deep into the reasons behind the fading allure of these dining staples. With a landscape overcrowded with options and changing consumer tastes, the traditional casual dining experience seems to be splitting at the seams. What doe...
Join hosts Christine DeVita and Keith Hancock in the inaugural episode of The Flavor Forecast Podcast as they delve into the hot topic of Artificial Intelligence in the restaurant industry. In this episode titled "AI... WTF!!!! Tell Me A Y", Christine and Keith explore the transformative impact of AI on restaurant operations, customer experiences, and overall industry trends.
Discover how AI is revolutionizing everything ...
Join hosts Christine DeVita and Keith Hancock as they dive into the latest trends and innovations shaping the restaurant industry. Get ready for an engaging and informative discussion packed with expert insights and lively banter.
Listen now and stay tuned for more episodes of The Flavor Forecast!
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