Step into a conversation about people-first leadership, operational balance, and fostering growth in every direction. Amy Hom, Chief Operating Officer at Barcelona Wine Bar, shares how her servant leadership style, commitment to team well-being, and thoughtful tech integration are creating a stronger, more human hospitality experience. In this episode, Amy discusses how investing in employee development reduces turnover, why the guest experience starts with a healthy team, and how adaptability a...
Jul 22, 2025•41 min•Ep. 27
Discover how thoughtful leadership, operational consistency, and authentic brand values come together to create a standout dining experience. Anthony Valletta, CEO and President of bartaco, shares how he’s growing the brand while staying true to its people-first philosophy. In this episode, Anthony dives into his leadership principles, bartaco’s focus on sensory-driven hospitality, and how building credibility starts with listening to your team. From pricing strategy to philanthropy, he reveals ...
Jul 15, 2025•46 min•Ep. 26
Take a deep dive into how heritage, innovation, and collaboration shape a resilient and forward-thinking supply chain. Jeff Burrus, Vice President of Supply Chain at El Pollo Loco, shares how he honors the brand’s legacy while driving operational efficiency, technological integration, and strategic sourcing. In this episode, Jeff explores what it means to lead with empathy, manage complexity through real-time data, and balance innovation with tradition. From rebranding initiatives to AI forecast...
Jul 08, 2025•41 min•Ep. 25
Get an inside look at how simplicity, authenticity, and operations-first thinking can shape a powerful restaurant brand. Jonathan Weathington, CEO of Shuckin’ Shack, shares how he leads with clarity, fosters community engagement, and builds a guest experience rooted in listening and trust. In this episode, Jonathan breaks down how great operations double as great marketing, why choosing the right franchise partners is critical, and how flexible sourcing and technology should always serve, not re...
Jul 01, 2025•45 min•Ep. 24
Explore how culture-first leadership, guest-centered service, and sustainable growth strategies can elevate a restaurant brand from the inside out. Chris Gannon, Founder and CEO of Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen, shares how lessons from family, sports, and entrepreneurship shaped the company’s purpose and success. In this energizing episode, Chris opens up about building a team that loves what they do, leveraging technology without losing the human touch, and how operational excellence powers every ph...
Jun 24, 2025•39 min•Ep. 23
Take a deep dive into how visionary leadership, operational simplicity, and a people-first culture can fuel explosive business growth. Cameron McNie, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill shares how he scaled the chain to over 66 locations using AI, strategic planning, and strong core values. In this inspiring episode, Cameron unpacks the role of culture in building resilient teams, how to lead with integrity, and why focusing on a few things, done exceptionally well, c...
Jun 17, 2025•35 min•Ep. 22
Please welcome today’s guest, Jeff Burrus, Chief Supply Chain Officer at FAT Brands Inc. Jeff engages with Lauren Mitchell as they discuss the importance of strategic partnerships in supply chain management, the need for improving operational efficiency while maintaining quality in the food industry, and navigating challenges in the franchising model. Jeff also shares insights into the role of technology in supply chain enhancement, the importance of fostering solid team dynamics, and the future...
Jan 24, 2024•38 min•Ep. 21
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 enter...
Jan 10, 2024•35 min•Ep. 20
Embark on a journey with us this week as host Lauren Mitchell, takes a captivating look back at the highlights of Season One on Grounded. Lauren sets the stage by unveiling the essence of the show and delving into the challenges, expertise, and compelling experiences of distinguished professionals and innovators within the food service industry. This episode serves as a masterful compilation, showcasing some of the most memorable guests from the past year. Lauren warmly extends her gratitude to ...
Dec 27, 2023•25 min•Ep. 19
Today’s guest is someone who has been highly active in speaking, presenting, and educating within the foodservice industry for over 30 years! Please welcome John Barone, the Founder and President of Market Vision. John sits down with Lauren Mitchell to discuss maintaining a deep understanding of economic factors, nurturing strong relationships within the industry, and staying adaptable in the face of new challenges. John also shares personal anecdotes and experiences, touching on aspects of prof...
Dec 13, 2023•57 min•Ep. 18
Join us in welcoming our esteemed guest, Sam Polk, Founder & CEO of Everytable, for an enlightening conversation with Lauren Mitchell! Together, they delve into the critical issue of health disparities in underserved neighborhoods and explore Everytable's mission to create a more equitable world. Sam provides valuable insights into the company's commitment to accessibility and profitability, making this conversation an inspiring and impactful exploration of the transformative work happening ...
Nov 29, 2023•36 min•Ep. 17
Welcome to another episode of Grounded! Joining us today, we have two special guests from the Buyers Edge Platform Fresh Division: Betsy Handelman, the Director of Food Safety and Compliance, and Chris Rheault, the Executive Vice President. Betsy and Chris join host Lauren Mitchell to provide insights around the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA 204) and food safety in general. Learn with Lauren about the need for consumers to understand the roots of their food, how to comply with regulations,...
Nov 15, 2023•26 min•Ep. 16
Please welcome today’s guest, Jared Cannon, Founder & CEO of Simply Good Jars. Jared engages with Lauren Mitchell as they discuss what inspired Jared to create Simply Good Jars, how he overcame challenges, and his adoption of the direct-to-consumer model. Jared also shares insights on the incredible team that helped him grow the company. Don't miss out on the inspiring conversation! Takeaways: Simply Good Jars was founded in 2017 after Jared noticed problems with food waste while he was a ch...
Nov 01, 2023•48 min•Ep. 15
Please welcome today’s guest, Gabe Romero, Salesperson at The Nunes Company! Gabe engages with Lauren Mitchell as they discuss his personal vision on enhancing customer education, a shrinking workforce, and optimization strategies in his region. Gabe also shares insights into his diverse experience and how that enhances his relationship with Nunes. Don't miss out on this exciting conversation! Takeaways: Gabe’s vision was to enhance customer education beyond emails and photos. Researching food s...
Oct 18, 2023•37 min•Ep. 14
Please welcome today’s guest, Byron Theodore, Vice President and Quality Assurance at Inspire Brands! Byron engages with Lauren Mitchell as they discuss the principles that have made him, and the entire team at Inspire Brands so successful and positioned for growth! Byron also shares insights on prioritizing supplier collaboration and the importance of quality standards. Don't miss out on the inspiring conversation! Takeaways: Inspire Brands focuses on a preferred supplier list when thinking abo...
Oct 04, 2023•34 min•Ep. 13
Please welcome today’s guest, Kevin Quandt, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain & Sustainability at True Food Kitchen. Kevin engages with Lauren Mitchell as they discuss True Food’s production methods, how to source with integrity, and obtain sustainability status. Kevin shares insights on how his company uses unique ingredients that will make a positive impact on the planet. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation! Takeaways: Kevin valued his family business, but recognized it wasn'...
Sep 13, 2023•53 min•Ep. 12
Welcome to the latest installment of Grounded! Join our guest, Tim Cunniff, Co-Founder of Little Leaf Farms, LLC. In this episode, Tim engages with Lauren Mitchell and shares the intricacies of understanding plant biology and physiology. Be prepared to gain valuable insights from Tim as he sheds light on the art of expanding more efficient plant fields to effectively scale your business! Takeaways: Little Leaf Farms starts by establishing its company systems and structure. Once these are in plac...
Aug 30, 2023•43 min•Ep. 11
Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Please welcome our guest, Michael Koziol, Chief Strategy Officer, CMO, and Advisor at AmplifiedAg, Inc. Michael engages with Lauren Mitchell as they delve into navigating through supply chains and the ever-evolving tapestry of the food industry. Michael shares insights into the world of horizontal greenhouses and vertical farms. Don't miss out on the extraordinary wisdom Michael has to offer! Takeaways: Michael understands maintaining a constant grasp o...
Aug 16, 2023•48 min•Ep. 10
Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Please welcome our guest, Kimberly Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Copia and Board Member at Sunsar Maya. Kimberly joins host Lauren Mitchell to talk about how Copia guarantees that every business that donates surplus food will minimize food waste and maximize the positive impact on communities. She shares about the increased social consciousness surrounding issues of hunger and food insecurity. Companies are stepping up and embracing their corporate ...
Aug 02, 2023•49 min•Ep. 9
Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Today’s guest is an Alumni of Darden Restaurants, RSI, the Cooperative for Burger King, and RSCS, a Cooperative for YUM brands. Please welcome our guest, David Cox, Founder and CEO at Cox Supply Chain Management Advisors. David joins host Lauren Mitchell to talk about the importance of empathy and consideration, urging everyone to reflect upon the impact of our actions on others. He shares some advice on diligently maintaining records in a backup system...
Jul 19, 2023•47 min•Ep. 8
Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Today’s guest has a genuine enthusiasm for the food service industry and has spent over 50 years in businesses like Red Lobster, Aramark, Fazoli’s, Long John Silvers, and Applebee’s. Please welcome our guest, Charlie Lousignont, previously the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Brinker International. Charlie joins host Lauren Mitchell to talk about visibility to the supply chain and how to pick your produce items. He shares some advice ...
Jul 03, 2023•51 min•Ep. 7
Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Today’s guest is a master at identifying tasks and He has generated millions of dollars for a string of globally recognized brands, including McDonald’s, Burger King, Yum!, P.F. Chang’s, and Applebee’s. Please welcome our guest, Mark Avery, Global Head of Partnerships and Supply Chain Strategy at Fatbrands Inc. and President at Mark Avery Consulting, Inc. Mark joins host Lauren Mitchell to talk about how he created a new way of processing in restaurants...
Jun 21, 2023•44 min•Ep. 6
Welcome to the newest episode of Grounded! Join us as we hear from top-tier producers in the food service industry to hear their perspectives from all links throughout the supply chain. Each guest will discuss their brand development, company culture, global supply chain strategy, culinary innovation, and leadership. Please welcome our guest, Matthew Runkle, Vice President of Supply Chain at Pei Wei. Matthew shares the principles that Pei Wei meticulously follows ensuring their culinary delights...
Jun 07, 2023•29 min•Ep. 5
Welcome to the second episode of Grounded! Join us as we hear from top-tier producers in the food service industry to hear their perspectives from all links throughout the supply chain. Each guest will discuss their brand development, company culture, global supply chain strategy, culinary innovation, and leadership. Please welcome our guest, Stephen Crouch, Senior Vice President of Purchasing at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. Stephen has spent 18 years in a wide variety of purchasing positions so ...
May 24, 2023•34 min•Ep. 4
Welcome to the recent episode of Grounded! Join us as we hear from top-tier producers in the food service industry to hear their perspectives from all links throughout the supply chain. Each guest will discuss their brand development, company culture, global supply chain strategy, culinary innovation, and leadership. Please welcome our guest, Jacquelyn Howard! Jacquelyn was previously the Vice President and Direct Sourcing Global Supply Chain at Starbucks. Jacquelyn was voted in 2020 for the 100...
May 10, 2023•43 min•Ep. 3
Welcome to the recent episode of Grounded! Join us as we hear from top-tier producers in the food service industry to hear their perspectives from all links throughout the supply chain. Each guest will discuss their brand development, company culture, global supply chain strategy, culinary innovation, and leadership. Please welcome our guest, Kristi Kingery! Kristi Kingery is the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Kristi is an ambitious leader who constantly strives...
Apr 26, 2023•44 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to the first episode of Grounded! Join us as we hear from top-tier producers in the food service industry to hear their perspectives from all links throughout the supply chain. Each guest will discuss their brand development, company culture, global supply chain strategy, culinary innovation, and leadership. Please welcome our first guest, Josh Hoyt! Josh Hoyt is the Director of Procurement at Salata Salad Kitchen. Hoyt manages the supply chain for Salata's 93 restaurants across five sta...
Apr 12, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 1
Join us as we engage with top tier producers in the foodservice industry to hear their perspective from all links throughout the supply chain. Here, we discuss brand development, company culture, global supply chain strategy, culinary innovation and leadership from folks who founded, operate or manage multi-unit restaurant chains. Each show is tailored around the guest to dig deep into their unique journey and how it shapes their current procurement strategy in order to aggregate the best insigh...
Apr 04, 2023•37 sec
