Food Fighters: Food for Thought in the Fight for Food

Jul 28 2021 26 ep. 31 mins 75
Food Fighters: Food for Thought in the Fight for Food Podcast artwork

The restaurant industry is evolving rapidly — from third-party delivery and ghost kitchens to minimum wage hikes and fake meat. Join Zach Goldstein — by day the CEO of Thanx, and by night a fanatical student of the business of restaurants — as he interviews the leading industry trailblazers about their most exciting ideas, challenging moments, and hard-fought learnings. Enjoy food for thought in the fight for food.

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Biscuitville: Interview with Kathie Niven, Chief Executive Officer

Jul 28 2021 25 mins  
In this episode, we chat with Kathie Niven, CEO of Biscuitville. Tune in to hear why Kathie and her team bucked industry trends and decided to forego third-party delivery. Kathie shares how she led Biscuitville through a complete refresh of their brand and optimized her locations for a growing drive-thru channel.

Burgerville: Interview with Jill Taylor, Chief Executive Officer

Jul 06 2021 23 mins  
In this episode, we chat with Jill Taylor, CEO of Burgerville. Tune in to hear how Jill and her team have been facing the restaurant labor shortage head-on by investing in the development and safety of their team members. Jill shares how her restaurants have fine-tuned operations to support a 5000% increase in digital orders as well as her vision of making the Pacific Northwest the

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams: Interview with Jeni Britton Bauer, Founder and Chief Creative Officer

Jun 14 2021 28 mins  
In this episode, we chat with Jeni Britton Bauer, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Tune in to hear how Jeni and her team navigated COVID-19, managing everything from production changes to scoop shop safety for team members and customers alike. Zach and Jeni discuss what it takes to run a successful omnichannel brand and the essential aspects of entr

Reef Technology: Interview with Chief Creative Officer Alan Philips

Jun 11 2021 20 mins  
In this episode, we chat with Alan Philips, Chief Creative Officer of REEF Technology. Tune in to hear Alan share how REEF is transforming urban areas into neighborhood hubs that connect people to locally curated goods, services, and experiences. Zach and Alan discuss the impact of emerging technology such as ghost kitchens and virtual brands on the restaurant industry - from expan

Virtual Dining Concepts: Interview with Food Network Chef Eric Greenspan

May 21 2021 33 mins  
In this episode, we chat with Chef Eric Greenspan, a celebrated chef whose resume boasts tenure at some of the most prominent fine dining establishments in Los Angeles. Chef Greenspan shares the foresight into virtual brands that prompted him to invest in the concept as early as 2018. Zach and Chef Greenspan chat about the proliferation of ghost kitchens and what it takes to operat

Yum! Brands: Interview with Former CEO Greg Creed

May 19 2021 32 mins  
In this episode, we chat with Greg Creed, former CEO of Taco Bell and Yum! Brands. Greg shares his marketing philosophies and how he has applied them while leading some of the most iconic marketing campaigns in QSR to date. Zach and Greg discuss changing customer behaviors post-COVID, fostering diversity throughout an organization, and minimum wage impacts on the restaurant industr

Patachou Restaurants: Interview with Owner and President Martha Hoover

May 12 2021 41 mins  
Season 4 of Food Fighters kicks off with Martha Hoover, the Founder and President of Patachou, a collective of 12 eateries in the Indianapolis area. In this episode, Martha shares how her restaurants have navigated the pandemic and why her brand has embraced company culture and unique employee benefits. Martha and Zach also discuss how technology can enhance the art of service. Lea

Barcelona Wine Bar: Interview with CEO, Adam Halberg

Sep 30 2020 36 mins  
In this episode, we chat with Adam Halberg, long-time chef, culinary director, and now CEO of Barcelona Wine Bar. Tune in to hear Adam talk about prioritizing long-term customer relationships and lifetime value over short-term upsells, and how Barcelona commits to creating personalized guest experiences despite a challenging COVID-19 environment. Adam also discusses the importance

Curry Up Now and SAJJ Mediterranean: Interview with Founders Akash Kapoor and Zaid Ayoub

Sep 23 2020 41 mins  
In this episode, we chat with Akash Kapoor and Zaid Ayoub, restaurant industry innovators and respective founders of Curry Up Now and SAJJ Mediterranean. Tune in to hear Akash and Zaid talk about how they launched digitally-integrated loyalty just in time to engage with customers during COVID, and how they’ve explored new ways of attracting and delighting their customers - includ

Firehouse Subs: Interview with CEO Don Fox

Sep 16 2020 45 mins  
In this episode, we talk to Don Fox, hospitality industry veteran and CEO of Firehouse Subs. Tune in to hear Don talk about how Firehouse Subs anticipated trends in off-premise dining pre-COVID and planned accordingly, positioning the brand to serve customers across channels and need states. Don also shares his team’s focus on day-by-day improvements, and the encouraging growth i