Titans of Foodservice

Hosted by Nick Portillo

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

130

Latest episode

Dec 2025

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About the show

Nick Portillo shares with you the things he has learned on his own journey of building a successful business in the food service industry.

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60 recent

December 17, 202530 min

What It Takes to Operate 127 QSR Restaurants with Cody Wong, CEO of CW Management Services

This week, Nick Portillo catches up with Cody Wong, CEO of CW Management Services. With oversight of more than 120 franchise locations, Cody breaks down the operational strategies that fuel scalable growth, emphasizing the importance of strong systems, smart technology, and disciplined execution.He shares firsthand insights into managing the complexities of human resources, accounting, and regulatory compliance, particularly in light of recent legislative changes that have driven up labor costs. They also discuss the critical balance between operational efficiency and creating a positive workplace culture, one that empowers teams to deliver exceptional customer service.Listen for strategies that support sustainable growth in the fast-casual dining space.RESOURCESPortillo SalesCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

December 5, 202536 min

The Modern Playbook for Foodservice Brands to Master Media with Kate Finley, Founder of Belle Communication

Foodservice operators are embracing fresh, innovative marketing strategies that are essential for staying relevant and successful in today’s consumer landscape.This week, Nick Portillo sits down with Kate Finley,  Founder of Belle Communication, to uncover the wide-ranging opportunities for financial growth in the foodservice industry. Kate shares how strategic storytelling and authentic brand communication can set companies apart in an increasingly crowded market. She shares insights from her extensive experience helping food brands build genuine connections with their audiences and explains why transparency and trust matter more than ever.Listen as Nick and Kate explore the rapid evolution of marketing in the rise of digital platforms.RESOURCESPortillo SalesBelle CommunicationsCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

November 28, 202533 min

Operational Excellence with David Youngberg, CEO of Stonefire Grill

In this episode, host Nick Portillo speaks with David Youngberg, CEO of Stonefire Grill, for an insightful conversation about the vast opportunities in the food service industry. Drawing on a career that spans more than 40 years, Youngberg shares how a commitment to operational excellence has been the cornerstone of his success. He reflects on his early days as a grill cook at McDonald’s, where he first developed a deep understanding of restaurant operations.Together, Nick and David explore the evolving food service landscape, highlighting both time-tested practices and innovative strategies that are key to thriving in today’s market. RESOURCESPortillo SalesCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

October 22, 202534 min

The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership in Foodservice with Alison Patt, President & CEO of Thomas Cuisine

This week, Nick sits down with Alison Patt, President and CEO of Thomas Cuisine, to explore how food can be a powerful catalyst for both personal and professional transformation.Alison shares her inspiring journey through the food service industry, a career rooted in real food, genuine hospitality, and a passion for improving lives through nutrition. From her early experiences in luxury hotels to leading one of the nation’s most respected dining service companies, she reveals how her leadership blends strategic vision with heartfelt service.Listen as Nick and Alison discuss the intersection of health, leadership, and purpose in the food industry.RESOURCESPortillo SalesCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

October 15, 202532 min

The Michelin Standard of Leadership with Chef Franck Desplechin, CEO of Incrementum

This week, join us as we explore the culinary and leadership journey of Chef Franck, shaped by Brittany roots and Michelin-starred mentorship. From top kitchens to luxury hotel boardrooms, he shares insights on resilience, teamwork, and intentional growth. Nick and Franck explore his transformative path, from bustling kitchens of prestigious restaurants to the strategic boardrooms of luxury hotels, uncovering how his roots and experiences inform his unique approach to leadership. Chef Franck’s story goes beyond culinary success; it’s a testament to resilience, intentional growth, and the art of fostering teamwork and organizational culture.RESOURCESPortillo SalesCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

October 1, 202537 min

Why Quantity + Consistency + Speed = Quality in Storytelling and Building Your Brand, with Shawn Walchef, CEO of Cali BBQ Media

This week, Nick explores the diverse paths to financial success in the food service industry, emphasizing that the key lies in identifying a single, effective approach. His guest, Shawn Walchef, a leading voice in restaurant storytelling and digital hospitality, shares insights shaped by years of experience. We examine the power of narrative in building authentic connections, highlighting Shawn’s innovative “smartphone storytelling” method, which has helped numerous leaders boost their visibility and influence. Tracing his evolution from restaurateur to media creator, Shawn shares the strategies that have allowed him to go beyond traditional marketing. RESOURCESPortillo SalesCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

September 24, 202529 min

Using Debt to Grow a Successful CPG Business with Emily Reeves, Vice President of Capital Solutions at Bridge

In this episode of Titans of Foodservice, host Nick Portillo sits down with Emily Reeves, Vice President of Capital Solutions at Bridge, to unpack the financial strategies every foodservice founder needs to know.Emily shares how she has helped founders secure more than $300 million in growth capital in 2025, breaking down complex loan structures into practical, actionable insights. Together, Nick and Emily explore smart ways to leverage debt without giving up equity, overlooked financing opportunities, and proven negotiation tactics that empower founders to scale on their own terms.RESOURCESPortillo SalesCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

September 17, 202535 min

Solving the Labor Retention Problem in Restaurants with Harri’s Founder & CEO, Luke Fryer

In this episode, Nick Portillo dives into one of the industry’s toughest challenges: staffing and employee retention. He is joined by Luke Fryer, founder and CEO of Harri, a platform built to tackle these exact issues. With a career that spans decades in hospitality, including launching the very first Burger King in Australia, Luke brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective on how to rethink workforce management. They explore why talent has become the ultimate competitive advantage in foodservice and how technology can transform scheduling and compliance from pain points into opportunities. Luke also shares practical strategies that operators of all sizes can use to improve retention.RESOURCESPortillo SalesCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

September 10, 202534 min

One of the First Pioneers Who Brought Mexican Avocados to the U.S., Michael Spinner, VP of Global Frozen Foods

In this episode, Nick Portillo welcomes Michael Spinner, VP of Global Frozen Foods for a discussion on the diverse revenue streams within the food service industry. A trailblazer in the produce sector, Michael shares his extraordinary journey, including his pivotal role in introducing Mexican avocados to the U.S. market amidst significant legal and logistical hurdles. He offers valuable insights from his extensive experience, highlighting the critical role of innovation and adaptability in staying competitive. Listen as Nick and Michael take a deeper look into what it takes to succeed in this dynamic industry.RESOURCESPortillo SalesCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

September 3, 202534 min

Ozempic, AI & the Future of Restaurants with Oli Ostertag, General Manager of PAR Technology’s Operator Cloud

In this episode, Nick Portillo welcomes Oli Ostertag, General Manager at PAR Technologies Operator Cloud. Together, they dive into one of the biggest shifts shaking up the industry: the rise of appetite-suppressing drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. With more than a quarter of Americans considering these medications, dining habits are changing fast, and restaurants are being forced to adapt.Ollie shares how quick-service brands can turn this disruption into opportunity by offering smaller portions, lower-sugar options, and smarter menus, without sacrificing profitability.TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro00:44 - The Impact of Appetite-Suppressing Drugs on Food Service06:59 - The Impact of Consumer Behavior on Food Service Trends19:44 - The Impact of AI on Customer Experience in Food Service22:23 - Optimizing Customer Engagement through Data29:47 - Future Innovations and Product StrategiesRESOURCESPortillo SalesCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com