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Dennis Knows Food

Dennis Knows Food

Hosted by Luke LaBree

BusinessMarketingTechnologyArtsFoodInterviews guestsExplicit

Episodes

83

Latest episode

May 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to THE podcast for independent food service professionals, restaurant operators, and anyone who lives-and-loves the world of food! From fast to fine, casual and convenient Dennis Knows Food serves up industry news, insightful conversations, marketing strategies and more - join host Luke LaBree on a journey to "put the foodie back in foodservice!"

Listen to episodes

60 recent
May 6, 202515 min

A Casual Conversation with Craig & Jenni from Cabot Creamery Cooperative

Listen in to discover why, as Trevor cleverly puts it, "In the cheese business, it really comes down to the culture."Craig Gile, National Food Service Sales Director with 22 years at Cabot, shares fascinating insights from his journey through the company—including his time as a professional cheese grader hand-selecting the perfect cheddars. Meanwhile, Jenni Tilton-Flood brings the farmer's perspective as a first-generation dairy farmer who married into a three-generation family operation producing 18,000 gallons of milk daily.Together, they unpack the 100+ year history of Cabot Creamery Cooperative, reveal what truly makes award-winning cheese, and discuss how sustainability practices on the farm translate to exceptional quality on the plate. From the science of cow comfort to the art of aging cheddar, this conversation offers food service professionals and culinary enthusiasts alike a deeper appreciation for the craft, care, and community behind every block of Cabot cheese.Show Notes:* Learn about Cabot's century-old cooperative model that began in 1919* Discover how Cabot's strategic placement of processing facilities ensures the freshest products* Hear how third-party verification systems ensure quality and sustainability* Understand what makes New England cheddar distinctive with its "tangy bite"* Find out how cheese is graded and selected for different culinary applications* Explore how Cabot balances tradition with innovation through practices like using digester energy to power production facilities

January 31, 202528 min

Help Wanted Signs

In Episode 77 of Dennis Knows Food, host Luke LaBree leads a timely discussion on restaurant staffing with Dennis Food Service team members Samantha Hammond, Teagan Anne, and Corporate Chef Trevor Lizotte. With spring hiring season approaching, this episode offers fresh perspectives for foodservice operators who've exhausted traditional recruitment methods.In this episode we’ll explore how cultivating a positive workplace culture and effectively showcasing it can attract and retain quality staff, including:* Leveraging social media to highlight workplace culture authentically* Empowering employees to create content and share their experiences* Building an environment where skill development happens naturally* Converting potential candidates by demonstrating genuine employee appreciationWhether you're struggling to find qualified candidates or looking to strengthen your existing team, this episode provides actionable insights beyond conventional hiring approaches. Perfect timing for operators planning their spring staffing strategy.

September 4, 202413 min

Meet Chef Trevor

In this episode of the Dennis Knows Food Podcast, Samantha Hammond, Marketing Coordinator at Dennis Food Service, sits down with our new Corporate Chef, Trevor Lizotte. Chef Trevor discusses his culinary journey, from starting in a small-town kitchen at the age of 15 to leading a restaurant kitchen for over a decade. He shares his excitement about joining Dennis Food Service, where he aims to use his experience to help customers by simplifying their kitchen operations, saving costs, and providing creative menu solutions.Host: Samantha Hammond, Marketing Coordinator at Dennis Food ServiceGuest: Chef Trevor Lizotte, Corporate Chef at Dennis Food ServiceKey Topics Covered:Where to find Chef Trevor:Website: DennisFoodService.com/chefSocial Media: Follow Chef Trevor on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X  @ChefDifference

July 12, 20246 min

Plates and Pixels: Work-Life Balance in the Digital Restaurant Era

In this episode of the Dennis Knows Food podcast, host Luke LaBree explores the challenges of maintaining work-life balance for restaurant owners in the digital age. LaBree presents seven simple strategies to help foodservice professionals manage their online presence without sacrificing personal time or business quality. From integrating digital tasks into daily routines to leveraging user-generated content, the episode offers realistic advice for restaurateurs looking to thrive both online and off. Whether you're a seasoned owner or new to the industry, this episode provides valuable tips for navigating the modern landscape of food service marketing and management.1. Integrate digital tasks into daily routine2. Leverage user-generated content3. Automate and schedule4. Delegate and outsource5. Prioritize high-impact activities6. Incorporate digital elements into physical space7. ....Find more valuable resources for today's foodservice operations, visit our website at www.DennisFoodService.com

April 17, 202417 min

Do the Free Stuff First: Part 3

Recorded live from the main stage at Maine-Stay 2023, this episode offers a front-row seat to Luke's insightful discussion on maximizing your marketing impact without breaking the bank. From traditional methods to cutting-edge digital solutions, Luke unpacks a diverse array of strategies designed to elevate your business's visibility and drive growth.Join us as Luke delves into topics such as common marketing tactics, budget-friendly technology solutions, untapped platforms, and the DIY power of "the free stuff." Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding business owner, this episode is brimming with actionable insights to reignite your enthusiasm and propel your brand to new heights.Ready to revolutionize your marketing approach and unlock untapped potential—all without emptying your pockets? Dive into episode 74 and embark on a journey to supercharge your marketing efforts, affordably!

April 17, 202418 min

Do the Free Stuff First: Part 2

Recorded live from the main stage at Maine-Stay 2023, this episode offers a front-row seat to Luke's insightful discussion on maximizing your marketing impact without breaking the bank. From traditional methods to cutting-edge digital solutions, Luke unpacks a diverse array of strategies designed to elevate your business's visibility and drive growth.Join us as Luke delves into topics such as common marketing tactics, budget-friendly technology solutions, untapped platforms, and the DIY power of "the free stuff." Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding business owner, this episode is brimming with actionable insights to reignite your enthusiasm and propel your brand to new heights.Ready to revolutionize your marketing approach and unlock untapped potential—all without emptying your pockets? Dive into episode 74 and embark on a journey to supercharge your marketing efforts, affordably!

April 17, 202417 min

Do the Free Stuff First: Part 1

Recorded live from the main stage at Maine-Stay 2023, this episode offers a front-row seat to Luke's insightful discussion on maximizing your marketing impact without breaking the bank. From traditional methods to cutting-edge digital solutions, Luke unpacks a diverse array of strategies designed to elevate your business's visibility and drive growth.Join us as Luke delves into topics such as common marketing tactics, budget-friendly technology solutions, untapped platforms, and the DIY power of "the free stuff." Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding business owner, this episode is brimming with actionable insights to reignite your enthusiasm and propel your brand to new heights.Ready to revolutionize your marketing approach and unlock untapped potential—all without emptying your pockets? Dive into episode 74 and embark on a journey to supercharge your marketing efforts, affordably!

November 24, 202331 min

So You Want to Make a Podcast?

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 we’ve done, turning a meeting on podcasting, into an episode of podcast insights.It might “sound” easy but there are plenty of challenges, remember that podcasting is all about connecting with an audience and building a community around content you care about. Tune in to “Dennis Knows Food” for more interesting guest, food service insight, and small business marketing marketing tips. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.See more 👉 https://dennisfoodservice.com/episode-73-so-you-want-to-make-a-podcast

July 17, 202312 min

Why Every Restaurant Needs a Website

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 comes from a well-branded digital presence.

February 17, 202330 min

High Tech Hand Hygiene with Christine Schindler

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.To learn more about PathSpot, and the work that Christine and her team are doing to improve hygiene practices and processes, check out their website: www.pathspot.com

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