Titans of Foodservice

This week, Nick Portillo welcomes David Garascia, General Manager of Food Service at Bell Brands, to explore how to grow a food service business within a retail-driven company. David shares strategies for building strong distribution networks, creating operator relationships, and delivering value beyond pricing. He also reveals how Bell Brands is evolving to meet shifting market demands, making this a must-listen for anyone in the food service space.

Listen to gain insider knowledge on the forward-thinking strategies Bell Brands is employing to meet changing market demands and customer preferences. 

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00:00 - Intro

This week, Nick is breaking down why so many food brokers fail early on — and what you can do to avoid the same mistakes.

It’s not about bad sales skills. The real issues come from not understanding how to run the business side of a brokerage. Drawing from real-world experience, listen as Nick unpacks the five critical mistakes that often lead to early failure in the food brokerage industry.

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00:00 - Intro

00:36 - Struggles of New Food Brokers

05:08 - The Five Biggest Mistakes Brokers Make

08:00 - Navi...

Nick explores the “force multiplier” effect—an elite military strategy—and how it applies to sales in the food service industry, this week on the Titans of Foodservice podcast. By building scalable systems, training teams, and leveraging tools like LinkedIn, sales professionals can expand their reach and grow their brands more efficiently. 

Listen for practical, high-impact strategies to help you work smarter and rise above the competition.

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00:00 - Intro

02:54 - Applying the Force Multiplier Effect to Food Service Sales

04:37 - Mindset Shift in Sales

08:02 - The Power of...

There are many ways to generate revenue in the food service industry. This week, Nick talks about the power of choosing one clear, effective strategy. Drawing from personal experience as a food broker, he shares three major missteps that stalled his growth but ultimately reshaped how he approaches business.

From the importance of strong market coverage to the importance of cultivating the right relationships, Nick sheds light on why strategic partnerships often matter more than widespread outreach.

Listen for tips to navigate the food service landscape with greater clarity, intention, and success!

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There are many reasons why so many brands struggle—and ultimately fail—in the food service industry. Spoiler: it’s not because their products aren’t good. It’s often because they underestimate two crucial factors—demand and logistics.

This week, Nick is breaking down the common misconceptions, especially among those moving from retail to food service. One of the biggest mistakes? Assuming that retail success will automatically carry over. The food service world plays by different rules, where product performance often matters more than packaging or branding.

Listen for practical strategies to help build real demand...

Nick is breaking down a core truth of selling in the food service industry: profitability is king. Buyers aren’t just looking for passion or a great product story—they’re focused on what drives their bottom line.

Listen as Nick unpacks why enthusiasm alone won’t close the deal and explores the real factors that influence purchasing decisions: profit potential, product performance, and availability. Through real-world insights and practical takeaways, he shows how aligning your pitch with these priorities can make all the difference.

If you’re ready to sharpen your sales strategy and speak the...

There is a game-changing distinction in the food service industry: the difference between brands that successfully generate demand and those that struggle to gain traction. Nick is breaking down this distinction through the lens of two hypothetical brands this week—Brand A, which takes a proactive approach by building strategic partnerships and driving demand, and Brand B, which remains passive and stagnates as a result.

By comparing these two paths, Nick highlights why simply getting into distribution isn’t enough. True success comes from actively engaging with key operators, building strong industry relationships, and consistently investing in mark...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo talks about why being adaptable in the foodservice industry is so important. He shares lessons from his 10 years as a food broker, including key strategies to stand out in a competitive market.

Nick shares how you can use tech and digital marketing—especially LinkedIn—to boost your brand and connect with the right people. Plus, he breaks down how data can help you understand what operators really want so you can target the best opportunities.

Listen as Nick highlights how strong relationships with big oper...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo dives into the many ways to make money in the food service industry—not just in theory, but through real, hands-on experience. Nick shares why true success comes from actively engaging with the key players in the field, building relationships, and staying adaptable—especially in the ever-changing post-COVID landscape.

Nick also shares why he will be shifting the podcast from a guest-driven format to a more personal storytelling approach, drawing from his own experiences as a food service broker. 

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This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Daniel Neeley, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Brown Food Service. Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Brown Food Service is a venerable establishment with a rich lineage dating back to 1942, originally serving mining communities in Appalachia. Daniel shares the intricacies of managing a multi-generational family business, emphasizing the paramount importance of trust, transparency, and steadfast family values as the bedrock of their operations. Nick and Daniel discuss the challenges and innovations that have shaped the company's trajectory, particularly in the wake of evolving...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with T. Shane Johnson, a Marine Corps veteran and the driving force behind Big Guns Coffee. T. Shane shares how he transformed a simple desire into a high-powered coffee brand inspired by his daughter's entrepreneurial spirit. Big Guns Coffee epitomizes innovation and resilience with a remarkable array of 38 coffee blends and the establishment of the first hydroponic coffee farm in North Carolina. T. Shane's narrative is one of overcoming adversity, from surviving life-threatening challenges to fostering a business that embodies motivation and community. Listen as Nick and...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Pat Phelan, CEO of Leap Companies, a distinguished entity that specializes in providing comprehensive hospitality services, including furniture and logistics for various dining establishments. Pat's entrepreneurial journey, which commenced with the acquisition of Leap in 2006, is marked by significant challenges, including the loss of a major client that nearly halved his revenue. Rather than succumb to adversity, Pat exemplified resilience by pivoting his business model and cultivating new opportunities, ultimately leading to sustained growth and innovation within the sector. Throughout the discussion, Pat shares invaluable insights...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Jeff Kyer, VP of Sales and Retail at Portillo Sales & Marketing. Nick and Jeff traverse the intricate landscape of food service and retail sales, elucidating the distinct methodologies and strategies employed within each sector. Jeff, with his extensive background in retail food brokerage and his recent ascension to Vice President of Sales at Portillo Sales and Marketing, provides invaluable insights into the operational differences and market dynamics that define these two realms. As they explore the robust food service market in California, which boasts over 90,000 restaurants...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with David Benowitz, President of Craft and Crew Hospitality. David discusses the challenges and rewards of working alongside his father, highlighting the need for open communication and the evolution of their relationship as they navigate the complexities of a family business. David elaborates on the entrepreneurial operating system (EOS) that has been pivotal in shaping their company's structure and success, illustrating how it fosters clarity and consistency in operations. David also expresses his commitment to building a legacy that not only supports their staff and families but...

This week marks our 100th episode on the Titans of Food Service podcast! Nick Portillo speaks with Joey Cioffi, the CEO and founder of the rapidly expanding Salad House chain. With a vision for healthier, fast-casual dining, Joey has successfully opened 20 locations and is set to scale even further across the Northeast and beyond. His story begins in his family's deli in New Jersey, where he learned the intricacies of the food service industry at a young age. Nick and Joey discuss the importance of community involvement, the challenges of maintaining quality in a franchise model, and the insights...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Charles Johnson, CEO of the Detroit Athletic Club, to discuss its rich history and significance in the community. With a legacy dating back to 1887, the DAC has evolved from an athletic club into a premier destination for fine dining and hospitality, showcasing Detroit's heritage and resilience. Johnson shares insights into the club's commitment to exceptional service. He also shares how employee engagement, allowing staff to voice their ideas and contribute to the club's goals, ultimately creates a culture of care for both members and colleagues. Listen...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Michael DiBeneditto, CEO of Golden Waffles. Michael shares insights into the evolution of his company and the unique all-inclusive waffle program they offer. Since its establishment in 1937, Golden Waffles has transformed from a traditional distributor to a pioneer in providing seamless service for waffle stations in hotels, restaurants, and more. Michael discusses his journey into the food service industry, highlighting the importance of community and personal connections that have shaped his career. He emphasizes the company’s commitment to customer experience and innovation, aiming to make fr...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Tim Petrillo, co-founder and CEO of The Restaurant People and Urban Street Development. Tim shares his remarkable journey in the food service industry and how he has significantly impacted South Florida's dining scene. With over 70 restaurants under his belt, Tim discusses the unique challenges and strategies involved in running a successful restaurant business, emphasizing the importance of hospitality over mere knowledge. He reflects on his early experiences, from starting as a busboy to working with renowned chefs, and how those formative years shaped his approach to...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Ralph Bauer, CEO of The Melt. Ralph shares his remarkable journey in the food service industry, highlighting how he quintupled the average revenue per unit from $700,000 to an astounding $3.5 million. With over 25 years of experience, including leadership roles at Popeyes and Domino's, Ralph emphasizes the importance of listening to team members and customers to drive success in the restaurant business. He discusses the transformative power of creating an "I love it here" experience for guests, which fosters loyalty and enhances sales. Ralph's insights into operational excellence...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Dr. Emily Williams Knight, the President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. Emily is a powerhouse advocate for the Texas food service industry, representing over 60,000 restaurants and 1.3 million employees. She shares her journey from a military upbringing to her prominent role in advocating for restaurant owners, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability. Dr. Knight discusses the unique challenges faced by the industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how her leadership has helped navigate these turbulent times. 

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(00:00) Intro

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Bill Lewis, the President and CEO of Frosty Acres Brands. They explore the critical role of independent food distributors and how Frosty Acres is leveraging data-driven insights to identify new growth opportunities in the industry. Bill shares his journey from Ohio to Georgia and his extensive experience in food distribution, highlighting the adaptability and customer intimacy that independent distributors offer compared to national broadliners. Nick and Bill also discuss the importance of technology and data analytics in enhancing relationships and driving profitability for suppliers and members...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Betsy McAtee, CEO of Dreamland Barbecue. Betsy shares the legendary history and cultural significance of barbecue in Alabama. The conversation highlights Dreamland's unique approach to barbecue, which includes cooking over an open pit and using a signature vinegar-based sauce, setting it apart from other regional styles. Betsy and Nick explore the deep connection between food and community, especially on game days when residents celebrate Alabama football with barbecue as a central element. 

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(00:02)  Introduction to Titans of Food Service

(00:29) Highlighting Al...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Elisia Flores, the CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Elisia discusses her remarkable journey with her family-owned restaurant chain, which has grown into a global brand with over 200 locations. Elisia shares her unique perspective on managing a large business while maintaining the authentic flavors that define Hawaiian cuisine. Nick and Elisia delve into the challenges and triumphs faced during the pandemic, highlighting how L&L adapted and thrived amidst the chaos.

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(00:00) Intro to Titans of Food Service

(01:37) Hawaii's Unique...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Derrick Green, former Army veteran, and Alaska’s “breakfast king”. Derrick shares his inspiring journey of transforming personal health challenges into a thriving food business, Waffles and Whatnot. After facing significant health issues within his family, including cancer diagnoses for both his wife and mother, Derek turned to food not just as sustenance but as a means of healing. His company is built on the belief that food should nourish and promote wellness, and he aims to create the largest black-owned franchise in the U.S. Nick a...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Joe Prewett, CEO of Oregon Fruit Products. Nick and Joe explore the innovative strategies driving success in the food service industry today. With a robust background in marketing, Joe discusses his journey from the Bay Area to leading a renowned fruit brand, highlighting lessons learned from his time at Tillamook. Listen as Nick and Joe discuss the significance of being bold in brand evolution and the necessity of understanding market dynamics to carve out a niche in a competitive landscape. 

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This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Tom Boucher, CEO of Great New Hampshire Restaurants. Nick and Tom discuss the importance of employee recognition and engagement within the food service industry. With over 40 years of experience, Tom emphasizes how a robust reward system has transformed his business, allowing employees to recognize each other and fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence. He shares insights into the operations of his restaurants, highlighting the significance of systems and controls to ensure consistency and quality. 

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(00:02)  Intro

(00:26) Spotlight on New Ha...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with celebrity baker Dana Herbert. With a background in both savory and pastry arts, Dana has made a name for himself not only in Delaware but also nationally, thanks to his appearances on shows like TLC's Cake Boss. Nick and Dana discuss the importance of mentorship and the unique challenges of running a bakery while maintaining high creativity and quality standards. Dana also reflects on his experiences working with celebrities and emphasizes the significance of practice, resilience, and the joy of baking, revealing how these elements have...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Michel Nischan, a four-time James Beard Award Winner and chef. Michel shares his journey from working on his grandfather's farm to becoming a celebrated chef and influential advocate for food equity and sustainability. Michel talks about co-founding Wholesome Wave and Wholesome Crave, and working with the late actor Paul Newman on the Dressing Room restaurant. Nick and Michel discuss the importance of being curious about other cultures' cuisines and Michel’s commitment to using food as a tool for positive social change. 

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This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Mike Pilkington, CEO of KEY Sparkling Water, to discuss his diverse career journey from corporate management at Sysco Foods to entrepreneurship with Death Wish Coffee and now, KEY Sparkling Water. Mike shares insights on leadership, and resisting unionization, and underlines the importance of “beginning with the end in mind”. Listen this week as Nick and Mike discuss how strategic transitions within a company can lead to significant career advancements for entrepreneurs and the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded and skilled individuals.

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This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Richard Byers, President of Cash-Wa Distributing. Richard’s unique journey from working in an Italian restaurant in Philly to leading a major food distributor highlights his resilience and dedication to continuous learning. He talks about the ups and downs of his career, the challenges of closing facilities, the impact of major industry acquisitions, and the importance of cultivating strong relationships with both customers and suppliers. Nick and Richard explore the impact of great leadership and communication, and the significance of maintaining good relationships in the food se...

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with John Miller, President and COO of Legacy Food Group. John Miller dives into the dynamics of the food service industry, discussing how he transitioned from banking into food distribution and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Nick and John discuss the significance of leveraging strong relationships, understanding geographical and customer segment fits in acquisitions and the importance of clean, detailed information during deal-making. John also offers practical advice for those looking to grow in their careers.

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This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Sean Lyons, Managing Partner of Up Hospitality Partners. Sean shares his enriching journey from a finance graduate at Purdue University to becoming a prominent name in the Tennessee restaurant scene. Sean and Nick explore the practical aspects of finding investors, structuring deals, and the significance of robust operational systems. Using his experiences working within industry-leading restaurant groups, Sean explains the benefits of surrounding oneself with experienced professionals and adopting reliable systems and processes. 

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This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Mike Bausch, Award-Winning Restaurateur & Certified Master Pizzaiolo. Mike shares his journey from law school dropout to owning twelve restaurants across seven brands. Nick and Mike discuss effective restaurant management, building a strong brand, and creating a thriving staff culture. Whether you’re a restaurateur or a business enthusiast, this episode delivers actionable advice on cultivating success in the food service industry. 

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This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo continues interviewing food service titans in his "Across America in 50 Weeks” series. Nick speaks with Chris Munz, Vice President of Growth at Voosh, a company offering data-driven tools aimed at optimizing profitability for restaurant owners. Nick and Chris explore the dynamic food scene in Maine and discuss Voosh's role in helping restaurants manage third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Chris also shares insights into the importance of data-driven decisions, handling disputes, and the future of restaurant technology. 

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In this week’s episode of the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Johnny Hughes, a veteran of Tyson Foods who has seen the company grow from $4 billion to over $50 billion in his time there. Johnny discusses his career journey from the operations floor to a senior vice president role in sales at Tyson Foods. He shares valuable insights into the benefits of understanding the manufacturing side of the business to excel in sales, how he built and maintained an extensive professional network and the importance of positivity and teamwork.

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In this week’s episode of the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Bill DePaola, President of The Lime Truck and an accomplished entrepreneur in the food service industry. Bill shares his inspiring journey from his roots in New York City to establishing a successful franchise business. With an emphasis on financial accessibility and scalability, Bill explains how The Lime Truck offers a viable pathway for first-generation Americans and aspiring entrepreneurs. He also opens up about his personal life, particularly how his wife’s battle with cancer transformed his approach to business and life, emphasizing the impo...

In this week’s episode of the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Walt Postelwait, President of Pak Group for North America. Walt shares his extensive journey in the food service industry, from his initial steps in the citrus business to rising as a prominent figure in the flavor industry. He offers advice for those aspiring to ascend in their careers, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, strategic risk-taking, and continuous learning. Listen as Nick and Walt discuss the intricacies of leading a company, the challenges of balancing strategy and implementation, and the crucial role of relationships an...

In this week’s episode of the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo invites his father John Portillo, CEO of Portillo Sales & Marketing, to celebrate nine years of Portillo Sales and Marketing. They discuss the evolution of their business, key strategies that have driven their success, and the importance of building strong relationships in the food service industry. John shares insights on visionary leadership and the future of food brokerage, emphasizing the need for strategy over tasks. Join Nick and John for an engaging father-son conversation about business growth, industry insights, and more.

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In this week’s episode of the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Chris Nisi, Founder and CEO of Nisi’s Craft Bakery. Chris shares his fascinating upbringing in an Italian-American family and how those roots influenced his career in the food service industry which now spans over 25 years. He discusses the unique processes behind creating his bakery’s high-quality frozen artisan bread, emphasizing the importance of long fermentation times and using century-old natural starters. 

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In this week’s episode of the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Eric Martin, Chief Performance Officer at Food Sales East. With an extensive career in the food service industry spanning over three decades, Eric has a wealth of experience and expertise, having navigated significant industry changes and scaled Food Sales East through pivotal expansion phases. Eric shares his strategic decisions during the industry's nationalization phase, and how Food Sales East navigated the consolidation trends of the 2010s to become a dominant regional player. Nick and Eric discuss the pivotal role of technology in modern fo...