In this week's episode we've 13 new products, a report about c-store predictions for the future and sound advice from a toilet paper salesman.
For this week’s foodie fact, revealing the source of our inspiration would give the answer away... Do you think you know what popular dessert first came about as a savory dish in an 18th century France. You'll find the answer in this episode. Also in this episode, our new Dessert of the month page is mentioned. Featuring seasonally inspired items in limited quantities. To learn more about our Dessert of the Month page you can jump directly to it on our website here: www.dennisexpress.com/dessert-of-the-month Subscribe to the Podcast -Subscribe Now(Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com. The C-Store report from King-Casey here. And the link to order a copy of Michael Mirarchi's book "Sales Wisdom from a Toilet Paper Salesman." We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!
In this Thanksgiving episode of Dennis Knows Food we're talking with a special guest about olfactory senses, the power of pies and more.
This week we're going unscripted with a reminder about new products, our foodie fact for the week and new developments in "local" social media exposure from Facebook. Plus, a special guest with extensive small business, foodservice experience, joins the podcast to talk about tactics for driving sales during Thanksgiving and the holiday season. This week many of us will gather around a table with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving. Naturally or foodie fact for the week is inspired by one of America's favorite foodie holidays… What 1950's convenient-food-innovation was directly inspired by Thanksgiving? The Answer at the end of the podcast. Subscribe to the Podcast -Subscribe Now(Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com. Our Pie Case page with information on RTB pies and related products here: https://www.dennisexpress.com/products/pie. And the download links for the new Facebook Local App. iOS (Apple) https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/facebook-local/id1153443320?mt=8 Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.Socal&hl=en We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!
In this episode of Dennis Knows Food we've got Maine food news, national coffee news and influences for restaurants in the coming year.
Restaurant Business Online just published an article that discusses what restaurants can expect to see as influences in 2018. We're going to discuss some of the insights they've shared, and we've provided a link to the full article below. We're also taking a look at a couple items making headlines recently, wild Maine blueberries and everyone's favorite caffeinated beverage - coffee! We've got those topics and a slew of recent inventory additions to share with you in this week's podcast! This week saw the celebration of Halloween! So, for this week’s foodie fact we’re taking inspiration from candy… What was the first individually wrapped penny candy in America? The Answer at the end of the podcast. Subscribe to the Podcast -Subscribe Now(Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com. The article about wild Maine Blueberries: http://bit.ly/2h8pfmo And the article from Restaurant Business Online: http://bit.ly/2hCyuIC We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!
In this episode of Dennis Knows Food the IFDA is taking us into the minds of independent operators!
This week the IFDA released an in-depth 194 page report, prepared by industry research partner Technomic, about independent restaurant operators. It details market trends, challenges, economic outlooks, changing formats and a whole lot more. We're sharing just a few of the many insights from it in this episode. Members of the IFDA can download the report from their website - www.ifdaonline.org. We've also got this week's new products, including a new fresh soup from Blount Fine Foods, which you won't want to miss! October 13th saw the celebration of National M&Ms day. This week's foodie fact asks - What do the two 'M's in M&Ms stand for? The answer at the end of the podcast! Subscribe to the Podcast -Subscribe Now(Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com, and the IFDA website, linked above.
We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!
In this special unedited episode of Dennis Knows Food we're talking about convenience foodservice and freshness to-go.
When it comes to food from "c-stores" - even with convenience foodservice sales exceeding $34 billion dollars a year - negative consumer perceptions still exist around the category. Recent research has shown that there is plenty of room for continued innovation when it comes to foodservice in c-stores, and that putting quality first in certain areas can have a positive impact on food sales. October 1st saw the celebration of National Pumpkin Spice Day, so naturally, our foodie fact for the week is inspired by pumpkins! The first pumpkin pies were not as we know them today. Discover their humble pie beginning in this episode! Subscribe to the Podcast -Subscribe Now(Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website: www.DennisExpress.com. The article about algae as a food source [LINK] and the article about wild blueberry health benefits [LINK]. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com! SaveSave
In this episode of Dennis Knows Food we're sharing tips to help prepare your kitchen for the fall foodservice season.
Foodservice operators take tremendous pride in their kitchens and equipment. Now that we’re through the hectic pace of the summer season now is a good time to clean equipment and ensure everything is in proper working order. And, if you’re looking for some fall-food inspiration we’ve assembled a list on our website featuring some of our favorite fall items. There’s even a section dedicated to all things pumpkin, with over a dozen different pumpkin related products. This week saw the celebration of National Coffee Day on Friday Sept. 29th – and this week’s foodie fact is inspired by coffee. The first "what" was invented at The University of Cambridge to let people know if the coffee pot was full or not. Find out what it was in this episode! Subscribe to the Podcast -Subscribe Now(Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website - www.DennisExpress.com. And our Fall Favorites at www.dennisexpress.com/fall-favorites. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com! This weeks podcast photo comes from Chris Isherwood.
In this episode of Dennis Knows Food, hungry diners want to know "What's new?"
For operators, raising the awareness of new items through any available channel -- website, social media, in-house advertising or on the phone with customers -- can have several benefits; including satisfying regulars who want to try something new, add-on sale opportunities, and attracting new customers. If a customer wants to know what's new at your establishment, how available have you made that information for them? In this episode we're going straight to the source to discuss "what's new?" in foodservice. This week saw the celebration of National Cheeseburger Day, so for this week’s foodie fact, we’re asking… If all the burgers eaten by Americans in a single year were arranged in a straight line, how many times would it circle the Earth? Find out in this episode! Subscribe to the Podcast -Subscribe Now(Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website - www.DennisExpress.com. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!
In this episode of Dennis Knows Food, we're cozying up to comfort!
The foliage will soon start to change, and with that will come consumer cravings for comfort food. Creating signature dishes inspired by comfort food has been gaining momentum in recent years, and with autumn on the horizon it's the perfect time to start thinking about your unique comfort-inspired cuisine. On that same note, if you’re looking to add warmth and rich flavor to your menu, soups are a great way to do it. We're ladling up the latest on our soup lineup. This week saw the celebration of National Date-Nut Bread Day, and for this week’s foodie fact we’re asking – What’s a date? We most often use them in their dried form, but could you explain what dates are and where they come from? Find out in this episode! Subscribe to the Podcast -Subscribe Now(Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website - www.DennisExpress.com. And our line-up of soups at www.DennisExpress.com/soup. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!
Sometimes all it takes to be an innovator in small business is a willingness to not give up.
In this inspirational episode of Dennis Knows Food, we're sharing the story of a country store operator who kept her business running, growing and adapting - one small innovation at a time - despite all of the changes and challenges that were thrown at it. You won't want to miss this one! So, connect your bluetooth devices, plug in your headphones and turn up the volume - it's story time! This week saw the celebration of National Trail Mix Day, and our foodie fact for the week is inspired by trail mix. What is trail mix called in Australia? Find out in this episode! Subscribe to the Podcast -Subscribe Now(Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website - www.DennisExpress.com. We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!
This week saw the celebration of National Peach Pie Day, and our foodie fact for the week is inspired by peaches. We're doing something a little different with this week's fact, tune in to find out! In this episode we're discussing tips for success in your next marketing campaign. We'll explain why focusing on your target audience, using the right language, engaging potential customers at the right time - and in the right place can have an impact on the results you see. Australian researchers have made a potential breakthrough in the fight against deadly peanut allergies. And Google now has a computer capable of making the perfect chocolate chip cookie. These topics and more in this week's podcast! Ten new items have been added to our inventory this week. We'll share one that comes in several bakery-fresh varieties. You can always find more information our newest products on our website, including their item number, brand and pack size through the links below. Subscribe to the Podcast -Subscribe Now(Subscribe with iTunes) Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website - www.DennisExpress.com. This weeks new products - 8/23/17. And Shaun Buck's article on Inc.com - "7 Ways to Foolproof Your Next Marketing Campaign." We look forward to your feedback, send an email to podcast@dennisexpress.com!
It's Thursday, August 17th, and today is National Vanilla Custard Day!
Our foodie fact is not inspired by vanilla custard, but rather by one of this week's new product additions, calamari. Find out where the word calamari comes from in this episode!
In episode 26 of our podcast we'll be discussing five ways to boost fall sales. Autumn is a favorite time of year for many folks, and it's an ideal time to adjust your menu to capture new sales opportunities. We're also going to talk calamari, you'll find out where the name came from, how it's eaten around the world and learn about a sauce that pairs perfectly with it. The sauce we're talking about is "tarator," not to be confused with tartar sauce. Follow the link below to our Pinterest page to see the recipe. And on a humorous note we've got a short punny story to share with you.
Fourteen new items have been added to our inventory this week. We'll share more about those in this episode. You can also find more information on these items, including their item number, brand and pack size through the link below. Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website - www.DennisExpress.com, and this weeks new products - https://www.dennisexpress.com/new-products-81617. Tarator Recipe: Tarator sauce is perfect for meats, and even better on pita sandwiches like shawarma. It is a universal sauce and can be used on veggies, seafood, beef, chicken, and lamb. https://www.pinterest.com/dennisknowsfood/lets-get-saucy/ Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes)
It's Thursday, August 3rd, and today is National Watermelon Day!
Our foodie fact is inspired by this Summer favorite. The United States is the world’s 4th largest producer of watermelon. How many pounds of watermelon are grown in the US each year?
In this week’s podcast we’re picking up the phone – well, your customers are anyway. We’ll touch on the growing impact of smart phones on foodservice. We’re also taking a closer look at the psychology behind good menu design. There’s actual science behind getting customers to order and spend more. For example, did you know that alluding to past time periods can trigger happy memories of family, tradition, and nationalism?” One study says, “Customers sometimes like the feeling of tasting something wholesome and traditional.” Connecting emotionally with your food can draw out these happy and nostalgic memories resulting in more satisfied customers.
Lastly, a slew of new items have been added to our inventory - sixteen to be exact, more about those in this week’s episode. You can also find more information on these items, including their item number and pack size through the link below. Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website - www.DennisExpress.com. This weeks new products - https://www.dennisexpress.com/new-products-8217. Our recipe for Smoked Pork Belly Sliders - https://www.dennisexpress.com/recipe-pork-belly-sliders. Blog Bonus:Perfect Pairings Drive Profits Two tastes are better than one. Suggesting food and beverage pairings can satisfy the 60% of consumers who are interested in pairings when dining out... Continue reading here: https://www.dennisexpress.com/perfect-pairings-drive-profits
It's Friday, July 28th, and this is episode 24 of Dennis Knows Food!
Our foodie fact is inspired by one of our new products additions this week. This week we have a 2-part question: Jennie-O was founded in what year, and today they produce how many different products? The answers at the end of this episode. Three new products have been added to our inventory this week. We’ve added fresh Tender Browned Turkey Breast from Jennie-O. In beef we’ve added Flat Iron Steaks from South Shore Meats. From McCain, Heavy-Battered French Fries feature a crispy textured batter with puffy and buttery potato insides. These fries serve up great taste with an unforgettable audible crunch. In this weeks episode we're diving into insights about how the demands of consumers are impacting menu development. We'll share how trends across multiple generations are shaping the direction of dining. We're also talking about a tender cut of beef. The second most tender in fact, Flat Iron steaks. We've posted a new recipe featuring flat iron steaks, which you access through the link below. Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website at www.DennisExpress.com. Our recipe for Flat Iron Steak with Peanut Sauce - https://www.dennisexpress.com/flat-iron-steaks-peanut-sauce/. Blog Bonus:A Guide for Beef Cuts in Foodservice https://www.dennisexpress.com/guide-beef-cuts-foodservice/. Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes)
It's Friday, July 21st, and today is National Creme Brûlée Day!
We're taking the theme for this week's foodie fact from Creme Brûlée - What was the estimated calorie count for the world's largest Creme Brûlée? The answer in this episode! This week we’ve added 6 new items to our inventory. Now in for produce we’ve added a premium Asian style stir fry medley. From the artisan bakery experts at Turano comes a new Brioche Burger Roll. We're adding more options to our line of Burger Maker beef patties with fresh 5/16″ thick 2.7oz patties. Lastly, in non-foods we’ve added 3 sizes of blue Nitrile gloves from Royal. In this podcast episode we're focusing on growing your takeout business. Earlier in the week I was on the road attending the IFDA Smart conference. There I was met, networked with and shared ideas among our industry partners and peers. Presenting were two keynote speakers who's messages had a important message in common - more about that in the podcast! I also met an individual who shared with me some tips he'd written for restaurants looking to "ramp up" their takeout business, those tips are at the heart of this week's episode. We've posted a blog inspired by those tips on our website, link below. Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website at www.DennisExpress.com. 7 Tactics for Takeout Sales Growth here - https://www.dennisexpress.com/7-takeout-tactics. And we've got a delicious burger recipe highlighting a great idea featuring our new Turano brioche rolls here - https://www.dennisexpress.com/pub-burger-brioche Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes)
It's Thursday, July 13th, and today is National French Fry Day!
Every July 13th, the nation joins in celebration of an culinary staple, French fries! That means our foodie fact for the week is inspired by French fries! During WWI, which army influenced the coining of the term "French fries" among US soldiers; the Russian, Belgian, or French army? The answer in this episode! This week we’ve added nine new items to our inventory. From the world of pizza comes a new dough option, 16″ presheeted pizza dough from It’ll Be. From Kellogg’s we’ve added Eggo brand heat-n-serve 3″ buttermilk pancakes. We’ve added an epic new low fat gelato from Honey Hill, Candy Bar Crunch. Lastly, from Juicy Juice we’ve added six new individual serving juice flavors. These come as a pack of 40, 4.3oz juice boxes. In this weeks episode we're talking coffee, with recent news on the health benefits of coffee giving frequent consumers reason to celebrate. Plus, there's hot news for cold brew, the math is in and there's opportunity and profit with this on-trend coffee item. We've also got fries, and every imaginable type of potato product! The team at Dennis is ready to find just the right one to your business needs. So, grab your ketchup and dive into episode 22 of Dennis Knows Food! Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website at www.DennisExpress.com. Our National French Fry Day page at www.dennisexpress.com/national-french-fry-day. And, our cold brew coffee page at www.dennisexpress.com/nescafe-cold-brew. This weeks image comes from T.Tseng. Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes)
It's Thursday, July 6th, and today is National Fried Chicken Day!
That means our foodie fact for the week is inspired by chickens! What is the greatest height an unprotected egg has been dropped to earth without breaking? The answer in this episode! Three new items have been brought in to our inventory this week. We’re adding to our impressive selection of beef products with two of them. First up are mouth-watering steak tenders from South Shore Meats. We’ve also added a fresh 7oz Angus beef patty to our lineup of Burger Maker steakburgers. New in dairy products this week we’ve added Strawberry Gogurt from Yoplait which come in a pack of 96/2oz tubes. In this weeks episode we're giving a shout out to the cheese makers at Great Lakes Cheese Company. We share insights on how to engage with Millennial diners. Plus, there's a BBQ contest going on right now that could take you and your smoked-turkey recipe to Austin, Texas! Production Note: We've refreshed our podcast artwork! If all goes according to plan it should be showing up in your podcast feed over the next few days. We've also been trying to improve our audio quality and overall volume level, this is a work in progress. Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website at www.DennisExpress.com. Our Social Media 101 guide at www.dennisexpress.com/social101. Our interactive map of local New England brands at www.dennisexpress.com/newengland. The How America BBQ's contest page at www.howamericabbqs.com. Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes)
It's Thursday, June 29th, and this is Episode 20 of the Dennis Knows Food Podcast!
Today is National Almond Buttercrunch Day! This week's almond-inspired foodie fact asks "What conditions do almond trees need to produce almonds?" The answer in this episode! This is a rare week where we do not have any recently added inventory products to discuss, we'll explain more about what that means in this episode. Instead, we're taking the opportunity to discuss how the strong relationships between our team, our Account Executives and our customers can lead to delicious and profitable results. In this unique episode of Dennis Knows Food we're heading to the coast of Maine to talk business strategies and fresh lobster meat with a couple of special guests - a Dennis Account Executive and a seasonal businesses operator with saltwater in his veins! Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website at www.DennisExpress.com. And the lobster products page of our website at www.DennisExpress.com/lobster. Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes)
It's Thursday, June 22nd, and this is Episode 19 of the Dennis Knows Food Podcast!
Today is National Onion Ring day! This week's onion-inspired foodie fact asks "What was the fastest recorded time to peel 50 pounds of onions?" The answer in this episode! We've added 9 items to our inventory this week covering new products as well as some seasonal favorites that are now back in stock! This week's additions include a new specialty Mandarin Orange Sesame Ginger dressing. Frozen chicken leg quarters that have been ice glazed to maximize freshness. An expertly smoked pre-sliced turkey breast. 4 bakery-fresh items; a hearth baked bulkie roll, a potato burger roll, a country style burger roll, and a soft bulkie roll. In for the season in seafood; premium crab meat and our extremely popular fresh “tail-claw-knuckle” lobster meat. In this week's episode we revisit the conversation on dressing-up your dishes for extra appeal. Applying the strategy to other menu areas it's amazing what a specialty dressing or glaze can do to add a unique twist to new or classic menu items. Riding that good-flavors vibe we've got a recipe for Tomato Butter to share with you, the link to access that is below. We cover an important business-capturing strategy that you should be doing online; helping to put your best foot forward with potential customers. If you haven't "claimed your business" yet, and quite possibly have no idea what that means, pay attention to this segment! Lastly, we've got some fantastic beef purchasing opportunities coming that you're definitely going to want to take advantage of while you can. Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website at www.DennisExpress.com. The article/recipe for Tomato Butter from Food Republic at http://www.foodrepublic.com/2017/06/19/make-tomato-butter/ Subscribe to the Podcast - Subscribe Now (Subscribe with iTunes)
It's Thursday, June 15th, and this is Episode 18 of the Dennis Knows Food Podcast!
In this weeks episode of Dennis Knows Food we focus some of the spotlight on New England, with 3 of our 12 latest inventory additions coming from right here in Maine. We're also putting some emphasis on produce, with Chris Webster, one of our Dennis Account Executives joining us for a discussion on "veggie perceptions." This week we’ve added a dozen new items to our inventory. In for the season we have fresh cooked lobster meat and 10-20 fresh scallops. We’ve added cooked bacon bits and unbreaded cooked chicken wings. Golden Velvet Yellow Cheese Sauce. New England style sliced hotdog rolls. 3 varieties of coffee cake, complete with plain craft windowed boxes and labels. In non-foods we’ve added a 21oz clear plastic, 2 compartment, tamper evident package and a 5 pack 200CT option of the C2 hybrid synthetic gloves in size medium. Scorching its way into our inventory is a hot new item, Blueberry Habanero Hot Sauce from Maine Man Flavors. This is a great product with fantastic potential applications, and in this episode I'll share a couple of the ways in which I've been able to try it. Also in this episode we revisit cold brew coffee, but this time there's alcohol involved. Our Foodie Fun Fact takes inspiration from a seasonal favorite, strawberry shortcake. Do you know how many pounds of strawberries were used to make the worlds largest strawberry shortcake? The answer at the end of our podcast. Links and product information mentioned in this episode include our website at www.DennisExpress.com. The article about cold brew cocktails at http://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/menu/beverage-trends/cold-brew-coffee-can-wake-cocktail-sales#page=0. The article on Mastronardi's acquisition of Back Yard Farms at http://producenews.com/the-produce-news-today-s-headlines/21595-mastronardi-produce-acquires-backyard-farms and how to find us on social media at www.DennisKnowsFood.com.
