Shows
On Foodable WeeklyWhat Makes These Food Cities Happier Than The Rest?Did you know that 71.2% of top foodie influencers cause others to visit restaurants and bars? Ever wonder which restaurants and cities foodies love the most? Foodable labs analyzed a data set of 7.3 million food influencers to figure out which foodie cities are the happiest. Of those 7.3 million influencers, Foodable Labs looked at those who dine out at least eight times a month and search exclusively for “happy terms.” Here’s what we found! San Diego - 91.56 Scottsdale, AZ 91.31 Austin, TX 91.08 Kansas City, KS 90.76 Palo Alto, CA 90.55 Sarasota, FL 90.37 Columbus, OH 89.37 Boulder, CO 89.11 Thousand...
2017-11-1001 minOn Foodable WeeklyCraft Beer Acquisitions: Sellouts or Success Stories?The craft beer sector has shown a steady growth despite many small and independent breweries being acquired by beer giants. According to the Brewers Association (BA), “in 2016, craft brewers produced 24.6 million barrels, and saw a 6 percent rise in volume on a comparable base and a 10 percent increase in retail dollar value...By adding 1.4 million barrels, craft brewer growth outpaced the 1.2 million barrels lost from the craft segment, based on purchases by large brewing companies. Microbreweries and brewpubs delivered 90 percent of the craft brewer growth.” In an effort to continue nurturing that growth, the BA decided to c...
2017-10-0201 min
Fast Casual NationBuena Onda's Scratch Kitchen Stands Out in Fast Casual Aside from earning the prestigious title of Iron Chef in 2009, Jose Garces has many other claims to fame such as his many restaurant brands in Philadelphia. Volvér, Distrito, and Amada are just a few of his successful concepts. But you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to get a taste of the chef's famed fish tacos. The Garces Group’s only fast casual concept, Buena Onda, takes Garces’ culinary excellence and serves it up at affordable prices. Take, for example, their 5-dollar margaritas available on Taco Tuesdays! The Vice Preside...
2017-09-2105 minOn Foodable WeeklyEverytable: The Oasis found in Food DesertsFoodable met up with some of the great minds in hospitality at this year’s HUB conference in Southern California. On this episode of On Foodable Weekly we hear how CEO Sam Polk started Everytable and how the company stays profitable. Everytable creates healthy grab-and-go meals and sells them for cheaper than the price of local fast food. The goal is that everyone, even those in food deserts, can afford to feed their families nourishing meals. Everytable is able to offer these meals at such low prices due to their small stor...
2017-09-0604 minOn Foodable WeeklyAre You Maximizing Your Beverage Program?In this episode of On Foodable Weekly, Foodable Network's CEO and Host, Paul Barron, sits with restaurant owner and bar expert, Vaughan Dugan, to discuss the ever shifting beverage segment. Craft beer, craft soda, and craft cocktails have all become hot topics in the beverage business. "It's really kind of exploded over the last several years; bar owners obviously see the opportunity to kind of elevate and enhance their business model," says Dugan. Craft means transparency and higher quality to most people. Beverage programs are now held to a higher standard, much like food...
2017-08-2407 minOn Foodable WeeklyThese Beverage Experts Are Pumped About Sustainable Straws and Szechuan PeppercornThis episode of On Foodable Weekly: Industry Pulse is chock-full of great beverage insights from coffee makers to bartenders and spirit distillers. Host Chelsea Keenan hears from beverage experts about consumer trends they are seeing and trends they are pushing for in the next few years. The founder of Intelligentsia Coffee, Geoff Watts, and Sourcing Director Michael Sheridan take us to the root of coffee, or more specifically— the cherry. Coffee is grown on trees in the form of cherries. These are then picked off the trees and from there the seeds can go through a variety of...
2017-08-0908 minOn Foodable WeeklyOn Foodable WeeklyOn this episode of On Foodable Weekly, our host, Paul Barron, sits down with City Winery’s National Wine Director, Rachel Speckan and Maple & Ash’s Head Sommelier and Director of Wine Imports, Daniel Pilkey. They discuss wine sale trends, consumer attitudes towards different types of wine from various regions, wine selection tips for wine directors and small restaurant concepts and other topics.
2017-08-0309 min
Front of House - Restaurant & Hospitality Marketing04. How to Build a Cost-Effective Marketing Plan: The Next Superstar BrandOn this episode of Foodable's Front of House podcast, we talk to Pincho Factory CEO, Nedal Ahmad. He explains that you don’t need a million-dollar marketing campaign to get customers through your doors. Nedal started his business manning all his social media from an iPod touch. Now, that same brand has seven locations (and more on the way) serving their cult-like following. Find out how he did it by listening and following along with the show notes below! Show Notes 1:49 - Nedal Ahmad, Pincho Factory 3:09 - Pincho Masters at Facebook, Instagram, Twi...
2017-06-3033 min
Side DishPastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine Has a Unique Role in Chicago's Food SceneOn this episode of On Foodable Side Dish, we learn about Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine a concept that focuses on small batch, high quality, hand-crafted products. There are four stores in Chicago and also two cheese-and-wine-oriented restaurants providing service in intimate settings. While in the Windy City, the Foodable team had the chance to meet up with Greg O’Neill, the co-founder & CEO of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine. O’Neill explained to us the role of Pastoral in the Chicago food scene.
2017-06-0503 min
Side DishWinemaking Sparking Consumer InterestsOn this episode of On Foodable Side Dish we learn about City Winery, a concept that emphasizes pairing culinary and cultural experiences together as imagined by its founder Michael Dorf. The space aims to create the perfect setting for people who are into music, food and wine. When the Foodable team was in Chicago, we had the chance to meet up with Rachel Speckan, the National Wine Director for City Winery. Speckan gave us the lowdown on the space and how they work to communicate with their guests to tell the brand’s story.
2017-05-3102 minOn Foodable WeeklyWashington Report: Trump Moves Into the White House — How Will This Move the Restaurant Industry?On Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump was sworn into office as the 45th President of the United States. On this episode of "On Foodable Weekly: Washington Report," we discuss the political dissent that has blanketed the country since election day, and how some policies may affect those in foodservice. As this new administration settles in, we will continue to keep you up to date on legislation affecting your business, here with On Foodable Weekly’s Washington Report. Be sure to watch and share!
2017-01-2002 minOn Foodable WeeklyWhich Foodservice Trends Will We See in 2017? What Foodable Industry Experts PredictThe new year is upon us and Foodable is beyond excited to see which trends will reign in 2017! Luckily for you, a few of Foodable’s foodservice industry experts have come to aid you in this arduous task of identifying key trends and making solid predictions. Our experts, who work as restaurant consultants themselves, are in tune with the pulse of the industry and the changing consumers attitudes in foodservice. Lets see what our experts have to say!
2017-01-1603 min
Across the BarFoodable's Best Cocktails of the Year 2016From the cool weather and cultural centers of Toronto to the sunny beaches and saucy swagger of Miami, we traveled to many different cities this year on "Across the Bar," but one thing remained the same: No matter where you go, you can always find a crisp, classic, and creative cocktail to sip on. Whether they were cocktails that made us pucker up with the refreshing, bitter bite of Aperol and grapefruit, or made us savor the sweet succulence of caramel and berries, there's no doubt that these beverages and bars are the best in the business...
2016-12-3001 min
Side DishOn Foodable Side Dish: Best of 2016“On Foodable Side Dish” aims to give you an inside look at the trending concepts, exclusive kitchens, and unique chefs in the restaurant business through the eyes of a local from different cities. The show hit major milestones this year — one of them being the first time we hit the food scene in Canada! But which were the best moments of 2016? Watch this "Best of" and find out! Watch each episode individually to learn more: Dirt Candy Emmy Squared Petite Maison
2016-12-2803 minOn Foodable WeeklyFoodable Labs Predicts Strong Sales for Del Taco and Honeygrow in 2017November showed small growth in social restaurant visits since October. On this episode of "On Foodable Weekly," Host Paul Barron dissects the numbers and predicts which brands may have strong sales in 2017. According to Foodable Labs, Facebook and Twitter conversations surrounding the top 500 restaurant brands are up this month, as are social restaurant visits. What are SRVs? Foodable Labs measures SRVs by looking at social media conversations and analyzing users’ intent to visit a restaurant, their return or referral to a restaurant, and direct actions such as Facebook Check-ins or Instagram posts about their trip to a res...
2016-12-2807 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation: Best Of 2016Fast Casual Nation acts as your guide as to what makes a successful fast casual concept. Always on the go, today’s consumer is looking for high-quality meals — with just as much speed. This year, we got the chance to see some fast casuals that have found their groove within the segment. Here are Foodable's "Best of" episodes for Fast Casual Nation in 2016. Keep an eye out for all of this year's "Best of" episodes to learn more about which industry professionals changed the game in 2016!
2016-12-2204 minOn Foodable WeeklySocial Restaurant Visits Jump Over 5 Million: What Does That Mean for the Industry?On this episode of “On Foodable Weekly,” host Paul Barron highlights the restaurants that have grown the most in the past month and what that means for the industry as a whole. We will also look at Del Taco’s brand performance and its biggest competitor: Moe’s Southwest Grill. According to Foodable Labs, the restaurant industry continues to show an increase in growth. This growth is illustrated through the analysis of real-time data signaling a brand’s visibility across social media platforms. One of the big indicators of restaurant industry health is SRV or Social Restaurant Visits. A...
2016-11-2908 minOn Foodable WeeklyOn Foodable Weekly: Technology TrendsFoodable Weekly is LIVE and talking #RestaurantTech with Jack Abraham, CEO of Zenreach. Foodable Labs Data shows that Consumer-Facing Technology Adoption is up by 87% over 2015 while Restaurant Native Mobile Apps are down 31% percent. Abraham notes the reason for this gap is that sometimes, consumers don’t want to download an another app to their phone.
2016-11-2310 minOn Foodable WeeklyWashington Report: Legislation Impacting the Restaurant IndustryIn an effort to keep you up-to-date on industry issues, Foodable has created the Washington Report, an "On Foodable Weekly" edition dedicated to discussing legislation facing restaurant owners and operators. This week, we talk about at the Affordable Care Act, the New Joint Employer Standard, and the Department of Labor’s recently updated overtime regulations. Guests Fred LeFranc and Larry Reinstein give us insights on what is being seen inside restaurants in reaction to these issues.
2016-11-0404 minOn Foodable WeeklyNews Roundup: The Grocery-Restaurant Price Gap, Meal Kit Popularity, and Del Taco All on the RiseIn this week’s episode of "On Foodable Weekly," host Paul Barron holds a round-table discussion of the latest restaurant industry news. Joined by The Restaurant Coach, Donald Burns, and speaker and consultant at Customer Service is the Bottom Line, Andrew Carlson, Paul talks about the widening grocery-restaurant price gap, the increasing popularity of meal kits, and growth shown by American-Mexican chain Del Taco. Watch the episode to learn more! And don't forget to check out all the information on Foodable.io, the can't-miss event of 2017.
2016-10-2110 minOn Foodable WeeklyCurrent High-Flyers in the Restaurant IndustryOn this episode of “On Foodable Weekly,” host Paul Barron, discusses the current state of the restaurant industry. We discuss the restaurants that have grown the most in the past month and what that means for the industry as a whole. We will also look at Jersey Mike’s brand performance and its biggest competitor: Arby’s. According to Foodable Labs, the restaurant industry is showing continued growth. This growth is illustrated through the analysis of real-time data pulled from social media platforms. One of the big indicators of restaurant industry health is SRV or Social Restaurant visits...
2016-10-1407 min
Fast Casual NationCochon Butcher Serves Up the Whole Hog, From Southern Barbecue to Italian SalumiWhat started as an attempt to bring Cajun Country inspired plates to New Orleans has grown into thriving sandwich shop, butcher shop, and wine bar Cochon Butcher. The idea to take an old-world, meat-market-esque concept into the fast casual sphere expanded from its owners', Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski, traditional, Cajun Southern establishment, Cochon Restaurant. The more casual Butcher breaks down pigs for the main Cochon Restaurant, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it lies in the shadow of its elevated dining brother. In seven years, Cochon Butcher has gone on to receive recognition in i...
2016-08-2406 minOn Foodable WeeklyHow Chef-Inspired Brand Wahlburgers Is Rising to the TopWahlburgers, a better burger concept that opened its doors back in 2011 in Hingham, Mass., has rapidly differentiated itself from the pack not only by providing a split-service model to its customers, but also by quickly rising to the No. 24 spot in the 2016 Most Loved Brands Report by Foodable Labs after just under five years of its launch. In this episode of "On Foodable Weekly," we are joined by the CFO of Wahlburgers, Patrick Reena, who discusses why he thinks the brand has ranked so high despite the adversities they face. Watch the full episode to l...
2016-08-1909 min
Side DishDuffy's and PDQ Dish Out Trends and Insights From Marketing + Operations Summit 2016Foodable was present at the Marketing + Operations Summit 2016 held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). The event served to spotlight hospitality leaders who shared industry insights, best practices, and new business trends that have helped their companies increase sales and customer satisfaction. In this “On Foodable Side Dish,” we had the chance to speak with Jason Emmett, president of Duffy’s Sports Grill, and Jeffrey Kamis, CMO for PDQ, who both shared insights on how they are keeping up with the changing times in the digitally-enhanced world that w...
2016-08-1603 min
Side DishHow the Foraged Menu at The Willows Inn Reflects Lummi IslandThe Willows Inn on Lummi Island is an experience unlike any other, calm and peaceful, separated from a busy bustling life, and so special that guests have to take a ferry ride in order to take a seat at the restaurant. What makes this restaurant even more unique? The ingredients are foraged, and if they're not found in the forests surrounding the concept, they are grown in a private culinary farm (where no produce is sold — all of it goes to the restaurant), or caught in the sea in which the island lives. The Willows Inn is a truly su...
2016-07-2704 min
Side DishKorean and Italian Cuisine ‘Blossoming’ at Modern-American Restaurant PioraOn this “On Foodable Side Dish,” we join Foodable video correspondent Agnes Chung, as she takes us to West Village to explore the Michelin-starred restaurant Piora, a concept brought to life between the collaboration of proprietor Simon Kim and Chef Christopher Cipollone. What makes this upscale and intimate restaurant unique? It pays homage to both of their Korean and Italian heritages. In the kitchen, Agnes Chung joins the chef as he prepares two dishes. One is a madai plate that is beautifully arranged with avocado puree, flower salt from Spain, spring flowers, and cereal-puff-like but savor...
2016-07-2007 minOn Foodable WeeklyOn Foodable Insight Series: Groceraunts — How Mariano’s Provides a Restaurant Experience at the GroceryIn this On Foodable Insight Series episode, we catch up with Mariano’s Amanda Puck, director of strategic brand development, and Gary Zickel, manager of foodservice operations, to find out how Mariano’s keeps up with consumer demand for a restaurant experience at the grocery store. Part of the restaurant experience provided by Mariano’s is the Café, where customers can sit down to enjoy coffee, bakery, and an array of prepared foods; the Grill Station where meats and seafoods picked up in store can be prepared on site at no charge; a wine bar; an onsite dietici...
2016-07-1106 minOn Foodable WeeklyOn Foodable Insight Series: Fast Casual Phenoms 2Fast casual has already made its mark on the industry as a game-changing segment — and the fastest-growing one the industry has ever seen — as the all-in-one answer to the consumer need for speed and better-for-you ingredients. In a previous episode of "On Foodable Insight Series," Foodable discussed the innovation of fast casual phenoms, but how does fast casual continue to evolve? Is it becoming higher class? Moving from a simple step above quick-service restaurants to upscale fast casuals, to now chef-inspired fast casuals, there's no denying that this segment continues to defy the odds. Paul Barron sits down...
2016-06-1508 minOn Foodable WeeklyOn Foodable Insight Series: What's Bubbling in the Beverage IndustryCurious about the state of the beverage industry? Craving more insights on trends? Quench your thirst for knowledge in this "On Foodable Insight Series" episode. Joining host Bill Bender are Nick Fosberg, senior manager for Program Compliance at the National Restaurant Association, and Rachel Speckan, the national wine director of City Winery. Fosberg is known as one of the highest-paid marketing and promotional consultants in the bar and restaurant industry, unintentionally becoming a marketing junkie while he was simply discovering new ways to advertise his own bar and get customers through the doors. Speckan has trav...
2016-06-1407 minOn Foodable WeeklyOn Foodable Insight Series: Chefs Putting a Fresh Spin on SustainabilityUrban Farm & Eatery, the world's first fully sustainable restaurant that can grow all of its food — farmed, brewed, crafted, or baked within the premises — is aiming to open this year and has a goal to serve with a minimal ecological footprint. At the forefront of this movement is chef and entrepreneur Jaime Guerrero, a multi-talented chef who focuses on the need for wholesome food and sustainable farming practices. Guerrero is also the co-founder of the Schurz Food Science Lab, a one-of-a-kind food science program in Chicago's Schurz High School that makes it a mission to raise the next g...
2016-06-1306 minOn Foodable WeeklyOn Foodable Insight Series: Marketing Tips From Cici's Pizza and Tijuana FlatsThere's more to restaurant success than the ingredients behind a menu. Marketing is the voice of a brand and content marketing, brand development, digital trends, social media strategies, public relations, and local store marketing are all a part of the perfect marketing recipe. Need a little help cooking up some great ideas? In this "On Foodable Insight Series" episode, join Foodable's Director of Marketing, Chelsea Keenan, as she sits down with two marketing mavens: Chief Marketing Officer of Cici's Pizza, Sarah McAloon, who also formerly served as CMO for Sbarro and Media Director for Pizza Hut, and...
2016-06-1007 minOn Foodable WeeklyOn Foodable Insight Series: Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine Talks TechThe last few years have brought revolutionary technological advancements. From LDC monitor signage and location-based beacons, to tablet-based POS systems and inventory control systems that update as soon as a chef takes ingredients from the stock, to mobile apps to new, energy-saving equipment, foodservice is delving deeper into the digital landscape. Irvine has even seen brands in Canada that pay their servers through credit card, putting their tip amounts into those card accounts, and while making it possible for the government to track those expenses, also allows servers the ability to spend that money immediately. Although electronic...
2016-06-0804 minOn Foodable WeeklyOn Foodable Insight Series: How Do Fast Casual Phenoms Stand Out?Fast casual is undisputedly the poster child of growth within the restaurant industry. Five years ago, the segment had barely begun to thrive, with only a handful of concepts making their names, but now more fast casual champions are entering the playing field. In fact, just two years ago, fast casual sales were reported to have skyrocketed 600 percent since 1999. With this rapid expansion and with the influx of concepts, why have consumers embraced this segment and how do operators stand out? In this "On Foodable Insight Series" episode, industry experts explore that while the segment was initially k...
2016-06-0707 minOn Foodable WeeklyNRA Special Report: Industry Advocacy through The Kitchen Cabinet Restaurants nationwide already have strong partnerships with charities and others already provide workforce opportunity and training for their teams, but what is the best way those in the industry can make an impact? In this NRA Special Report, as part of “On Foodable Weekly” and Foodable’s exclusive coverage of the 2016 National Restaurant Association Show - NRA Show, meet the National Restaurant Association Director of Political Advocacy and Grassroots, Jon Simons.
2016-05-2307 min
Side DishCHEF ILAN HALL REFINES HIS CULINARY VOICE WITH ‘ESH'In this “On Foodable Side Dish,” Foodable video correspondent Agnes Chung takes us into Chef Ilan Hall’s new concept in Williamsburg, called Esh, a recent transition from his first New American restaurant, The Gorbals, which had locations in first L.A. and then New York. The “Top Chef” Season 2 winner switched to an Israeli barbecue slant, with “esh” fittingly translating to “fire” in Hebrew.
2016-03-2806 minOn Foodable WeeklyThe State of the Restaurant Industry in CanadaIn late 2015, Foodable Network branched into the Canadian market and began to cover industry news and trends in major culinary destinations like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. This quarter, we officially kick off our expansion of original Canada-based content, including a Top 25 Restaurants ranking and a ton of original video content. In sync with this rollout, we are also excited to announce a new media partnership between Foodable and Restaurants Canada and the annual Restaurants Canada Show, a three-day event that recently gathered about 15,000 attendees this year.
In this “On Foodable Weekly” episode, host Paul Barron sits down with...
2016-03-0810 minOn Foodable WeeklyHow Chick-fil-A Shook the ‘Fast Food’ StereotypeFor the past several years, the fast-casual segment has given the quick-service industry a run for its money, quite literally. Fast food operators have undoubtedly realized that their quick-serve restaurants (QSRs) would need to improve on quality and value from both a culinary and operational standpoint in order to stand up to the competition. And thus, a new, hybrid category — QSR-Plus — was born.
“What we’re seeing now with QSR-Plus and this elevation of quick-serve restaurant menus is clearly shifting the landscape,” says Paul Barron, founder and CEO at Foodable. “Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen a small but su...
2016-02-0509 min
Side DishDirt Candy: Changing the Way Diners Eat (and Think About) VegetablesOn this “On Foodable Side Dish,” Foodable video correspondent Agnes Chung takes us to the lower east side of Manhattan, where the highly acclaimed, veg-centric restaurant Dirt Candy has replanted itself to a new, larger location.
With Chef Amanda Cohen at the helm, Dirt Candy moves vegetables from a side dish to the main course, and it’s receiving praise along the way.
“This has been a work in progress, and we did open Dirt Candy — the original one — about seven years ago,” says Cohen. “I’d been working in the city for years and years, and I finall...
2016-01-2906 minOn Foodable WeeklyFrom Small to Large Brands, How to Handle a PR CrisisOnce the darling of fast casual for its efficient format and Food With Integrity branding, Chipotle Mexican Grill has been in quite the firestorm as of late.
“Chipotle, of course, is taking some of the biggest hits they’ve taken in their history as a brand,” says Paul Barron, Foodable founder, CEO and author of “The Chipotle Effect.”
In this “On Foodable Weekly” episode, Barron is joined by Hunter Frederick, president at Frederick & Associates, a crisis management and public relations firm whose clients include non-profits, celebrities, and entertainment companies.
2016-01-1509 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation: The Best Footage of 2015The fast-casual segment has become a force to be reckoned with in the restaurant space, and even more so in the past 12 months as more chefs merge into these concepts. Chef-driven fast casuals not only exude heightened flavor on menus but also frequently use carefully selected products and ingredients that diners are comfortable consuming. For those not yet familiar, “Fast Casual Nation,” is a WebTV show where host Paul Barron (Foodable founder, CEO, executive producer, and author of “The Chipotle Effect”) takes viewers into emerging, innovative and successful fast casuals across the country. And in this season, we explo...
2016-01-0606 minOn Foodable WeeklyOn Foodable Weekly: Female Leadership in FoodserviceThis year, we saw the words “female” and “women” in a lot of descriptors: “female chefs,” “women CEOs” — you get the idea. And while it does mark a great achievement in equalizing the business playing field, we still have a long way to go. Perhaps then, those two words won’t need to be specified.
Helping to close this gap is Hattie Hill, president and CEO at the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF), the largest women’s leadership development organization serving the foodservice industry. The WFF has been helping women achieve leadership roles in the industry — management positions and above — for nea...
2015-12-3108 min
Side DishThe Best Footage of 2015The Foodable WebTV Network’s “On Foodable Side Dish” is a WebTV show that takes viewers inside the restaurant business in different cities through the eyes of local pros. Hosted by Foodable Stars, “Side Dish” hones in on news and trends from all corners of the world — from London to Los Angeles, and from Ireland to New York.
In this 2015 compilation video, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we bring viewers back into some of the most compelling stories from around the world this year. We kick things off in a London street food market with The Rib...
2015-12-1805 min
Side DishOn Foodable Side Dish: How Project Juice Stays Ahead of the Competition in a Newly Health-Obsessed WorldWhat began as a personal passion for a lifestyle of health and wellness blossomed into a full business venture for Project Juice co-founders. Started by Devon Briger, Marra St. Clair, Lori Kenyon Farley, and husband-and-wife duo Rachel and Greg Malsin, Project Juice started making waves in San Francisco after it was made apparent that no such company existed in the Bay Area. It was January 2010, and the now popular juicing movement and good-for-you, health-focused concepts had not yet exploded as it did in thriving cities like New York City and Los Angeles. Fast forward five years, and times have...
2015-12-0704 min
Side DishOn Foodable Side Dish: How Classically French-Trained Leah Cohen Found Her Niche in Southeast Asian CuisineChef Leah Cohen of Pig & Khao in Manhattan’s East Village may have become a household name after competing on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 5, but now she’s making waves of her own, one pork dish at a time.
In this “On Foodable Side Dish” episode, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Foodable Video Correspondent Agnes Chung gets to the bottom of why Cohen decided on Southeast Asian cuisine, a dramatic shift from her background of being classically trained in French cuisine, and even working up the ranks in notable restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park...
2015-11-3005 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP42: Wildflower Bread CompanyHow does a brand withstand the test of time? Wildflower Bread Company may know best, considering its menu staple has had selling success for 19 years. Menu innovation makes or breaks the business, and in this episode of "Fast Casual Nation," brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, discover how Wildflower Bread Company is rising to the top as an upscale fast casual. Join Paul Barron as President and CEO Louis Bastile walks through Wildflower's creative process. What goes behind the perfect recipes and supplies? How do you establish the most refined procedures and plating? Tune in f...
2015-11-2709 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP41: SliderzWith a flood of competition in the fast-casual space, especially when it comes to categories like the burger segment, innovation is key for success. But how does one stand out? For new fast-casual concept Sliderz, which recently opened units in South Florida, it’s innovative touch points, personal style and design, consistent branding, efficient technology and systems, and an inviting space. In this episode of “Fast Casual Nation,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network and Simplot, we get a first look at Sliderz. Owner and serial entrepreneur Buzzy Sklar (the man behind Burger & Beer Joint) joins...
2015-11-2408 minOn Foodable WeeklyFOOD-X Helps Food Entrepreneurs Reach Their Full PotentialFrom apps to agriculture, the rise of new business in the food space has grown at a rapid pace within the past five years. According to CB Insights data, in 2013 alone, a total of $1.38 billion was invested in the U.S. for food & beverage funding. Vehicles supporting these early-stage food startups are typically found in food incubators, like Manhattan-based FOOD-X, reportedly the first international business accelerator program “focused on launching food-related ventures with a $250 million multi-stage fund.”
In this episode of “On Foodable Weekly,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, host Paul Barron is joined by FOOD-X...
2015-11-2306 min
Side DishThis London Street Food Vendor Offers Only One Ingredient on His MenuWith so many options, choosing what to eat or where to dine can be a challenge. In London, amidst the many food stalls with menus of international influence and culinary creations aplenty, is a man serving up only one ingredient on his menu.
Enter The Rib Man.
The Rib Man, more formally known as Mark Gevaux, is a butcher-turned-vendor who made his passion for ribs into a business after an unfortunate physical injury took him out of the butchering game. His two-item menu consists of Rib Meat Rolls (£7.00) and Racks (from £8.00).
In this ep...
2015-11-1705 minOn Foodable WeeklyOn Foodable Weekly: Dr. Dickson Despommier Explains the Future of Food and the Importance of Vertical FarmingAn increase in awareness when it comes to sustainable practices has sped up the pace of the farm-to-table movement. Once an innovative concept, chefs all around the world — from fine-dine and independents to fast-casual concepts — have adopted this route, and it’s obvious that consumers demand nothing less. Farmers could very well become the new rockstars, and today, we’re diving in deeper to discuss vertical farming.
In this episode of “On Foodable Weekly,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we are joined by Dr. Dickson Despommier, microbiologist and ecologist, who has been advocating for vertical far...
2015-11-1610 min
Side DishGet to Know Some of the Vendors at the Year-Round Boston Public MarketWith an official opening in Summer 2015, Boston Public Market marks the first year-round farmers market for the northeastern city. And just like your typical farmers market, this one comes stocked with all local goods and products, pulled from 38 vendors, including Boston Honey Company, Appleton Farms, Noodle Lab, Hopsters Alley, and a lot more.
In this “On Foodable Side Dish” episode, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Boston Video Correspondent Jacqueline Church takes us into the Market, where she is joined by Tiffany Emig, market manager at Boston Public Market Association. Here, we explore what a few...
2015-11-1208 min
Side DishTech & Marketing Insight From Global Restaurant Brand LeadersIn this “On Foodable Side Dish,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Foodable Managing Editor Jessica Bryant sits down with two restaurant executives to discuss tech and marketing.
Up first, we are joined by Chris Demery, Group Vice President, Customer Experience Technology at Bloomin’ Brands, at the NRA’s Restaurant Innovation Summit in San Diego. With global brands in its portfolio, including Outback Steakhouse, we learn which technologies the group has adopted over the past year, the timeline used to determine whether it’s a success, and how brands of this size — with international presence especially —...
2015-11-1108 minOn Foodable WeeklyLabor Issues in the Restaurant BusinessBetween an industry gap in the shortage of cooks and unequal pay in the back of house, the topic of labor has been one of concern in the restaurant industry. In this episode of “On Foodable Weekly,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, host Paul Barron is joined by Hudson Riehle, VP of NRA Research & Knowledge Group, to talk about labor topics.
Watch the full episode to learn how sentiment around workforce in the restaurant industry has changed in the past quarter, upcoming labor challenges for multi-unit operators, and outliers that could impact the industry in t...
2015-11-0908 min
Side DishLA Farmers Feeding the Local Restaurant SceneIn the past 10 years, the number of farmers markets in the U.S. has grown significantly — from 3,706 in 2004 to nearly 8,300 in 2014, according to the USDA. Of course, this rise comes from consumers’ increasing demand of accessibility to local products. Because the nature of the fare is dependent on regional conditions and availability, it’s not uncommon for farmers’ markets to vary greatly in selection from the northeast to the midwest to the west coast.In this “On Foodable Side Dish,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we explore the Mar Vista Farmers Market in Mar Vista, Calif...
2015-11-0303 minOn Foodable WeeklyPutting UberEats and On-Demand Delivery to the TestOn-demand delivery has become a major focus point in today’s restaurant industry. Consumers don’t just want something — they want it now. While there are a few major players in this market specifically catering to food delivery, other companies, like Uber, are hopping on board to help drive the movement forward.
In this episode of “On Foodable Weekly,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we bring you in-the-field coverage from New York City as we test out UberEats firsthand. We also flip sides and dig into how restaurants are using UberEats. The UberEats model boasts a lim...
2015-11-0209 min
Side DishHow Hakkasan Is Driving Dessert SalesIn this “On Foodable Side Dish,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, NYC video correspondent Colleen Hagerty takes us into the world of Cantonese cuisine, made sexy by world famous restaurant Hakkasan.
While most don’t equate going out for an Asian dinner with dessert, Hakkasan’s executive pastry chef, Rory MacDonald, has found a way to balance the two in an authentic way (read: not fusion) while playing off of traditional Asian flavors.
Watch the full episode to learn how Hakkasan plans its dessert menu and where inspiration is pulled from, and what the b...
2015-10-3005 minOn Foodable WeeklyThe Inner-Workings of Firehouse Subs’ International ExpansionFranchising is a scalable route that many chains take to grow a brand. Firehouse Subs, a fast-casual, made-to-order sandwich concept that Foodable has worked with extensively, is one of them. Recently, Firehouse Subs made an international move to Canada, with the first unit launching last week. So naturally, we sent a film team to get a close-up of the inner-workings of their unique route to expansion.
In this “On Foodable Weekly” episode, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we introduce you to Greg Delks, VP of franchise development for Firehouse Subs. Why did the brand deci...
2015-10-2605 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP40: Bun MeeEthnic fast-casual concepts have an advantage in today’s market. Consumers are now, more than ever, willing to discover new foods and flavor combinations, especially ones that are travel-influenced. Also, niches within the ethnic category are less likely to be oversaturated on a market-by-market basis compared to, say, better burger concepts. In this episode of “Fast Casual Nation,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we visit Bun Mee, a southeast Asia-influenced fast-casual based in San Francisco highlighting — what else? — the banh mi. Joined by Bun Mee founder Denise Tran, host Paul Barron explores what inspired Tran’s jum...
2015-10-2207 min
Side DishTop Takeout Food Trends in the UKNo matter your lunch preference or style, there’s no denying that this daypart is big opportunity for restaurant operators. This fact has not been lost on the British food industry.
In this “On Foodable Side Dish,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Foodable video correspondent and London local Helen Hokin takes us to lunch. Not that kind of lunch — Lunch!, a food exhibition in north London for contemporary food to-go.
From Burts Crips, the fastest selling snack in the UK, to Tuk In, a new way to eat the “nation’s favorite dish,” accordin...
2015-10-1607 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP39: Honey Butter Fried ChickenSometimes, the best ideas come to us serendipitously. Such was the case for Christine Cikowski and Joshua Kulp, the head honchos at Honey Butter Fried Chicken in Chicago and both chefs by trade. The two developed their fried chicken recipe over the years at their community dining club, Sunday Dinner Club. In this episode of “Fast Casual Nation,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we visit the much-talked-about fast-casual to discover the chefs’ take on fried chicken, how an “accidental” encounter resulted in the honey butter component of the concept, and how the duo came up with it...
2015-10-1409 minOn Foodable WeeklyInside The James Beard House for Lamb Jam 2015The James Beard House in New York City is a monumental institution rooted in history that beams culinary charm, talent, and greatness. Given the opportunity to cook here is often a mark of success and honor, and is not soon to be forgotten. In this episode of “On Foodable Weekly,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network and the American Lamb Board, we welcome viewers into The James Beard House for this year’s annual American Lamb Jam. The competitive event challenges chefs to create new dishes with this alternative protein, and with a rule nixing the use of rac...
2015-10-1310 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP38: Whole FoodsFast casual has found its way into some unsuspecting places these days — food trucks, airports, malls, and now, grocery stores. Whole Foods, to be exact. A chain that prides itself on supporting local communities and giving consumers access to an array of smaller scale, health-conscious brands, Whole Foods and Millennials go together like a perfect pairing. The Watering Hole, an in-house bar at a South Florida Whole Foods in Pompano, has a Western theme and is custom to this store location. Each Whole Foods store with an in-house bar includes a different concept theme. All of them offer local cr...
2015-10-0900 minOn Foodable WeeklyTop 5 Mobile Brands & the Future of Mobile MarketingOn this week’s “On Foodable Weekly,” brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, host Paul Barron talks mobile masters and Google trends with guest Brandon Hull, founder and editor at NextRestaurants.com and vice president at Main Path Marketing. In this episode, we break down the Top 5 mobile brands of last quarter and ask the tough questions about the future of mobile and technology as it relates to dining.
What about the No. 1 mobile brand makes it so successful? Will consumers continue to embrace brands that engage them from a mobile-first perspective, like Instagram contests and ga...
2015-10-0610 min
Side DishBrooklyn Brewery Builds Loyalty Through EducationBrooklyn Brewery was created by two unsuspecting men — a former international correspondent for the Associated Press and a banker — who had taken up a love for homebrewing. That was nearly 30 years ago. Today, Brooklyn Brewery is more than a brewery, and includes an in-house chef, a myriad of events (from beer dinners to festivals), and a James Beard Award winning brewmaster.
In this On Foodable Side Dish, Foodable video correspondent Kristen Hess takes us inside the highly acclaimed brewing hub where the magic happens. Watch the full episode as Gabe Barry, the beer education and community ambassador at B...
2015-09-2904 minOn Foodable WeeklyA Lawsuit Against Chipotle & What the Acquisition of Technomic Means for Big Data in FoodserviceOn Foodable Weekly: Chipotle’s Lawsuit & What Technomic’s Acquisition Means for Big Data in Foodservice Chipotle gets hit with a class-action lawsuit for GMO marketing and Technomic gets acquired by Winsight Media. We cover these topics in this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network. How might this lawsuit affect Chipotle, its brand message, and restaurant visits? Bill Bender, industry consultant and co-host of “Rock My Restaurant,” joins host Paul Barron to discuss.
Also making a guest appearance in this episode is Jessica Bryant, the managing editor at Foodable, to discuss...
2015-09-2812 min
Side DishNYC’s Secret Summer Popup — Farm-to-Bar Meets Urban JungleThere’s no better way to close out the summer than with a party. In Long Island City, that’s just what happened — but with a more exclusive (and spirited) twist. Secret Summer is a popup event boasting farm-to-table food and cocktails. And today, we open the doors for you, our plus-one. In this On Foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Foodable NYC video correspondent, Colleen Hagerty, is joined by mixologist Andrew Maturana, who explains the development of the event’s farm-to-bar beverage program and what in-season ingredients he is most excited about. On the othe...
2015-09-1505 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP36: &Pizza Which fast-casual concept will be the next Chipotle? According to some industry insiders, including Foodable’s own Paul Barron, it’s somewhere in the fast-casual pizza category. In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Barron visits &pizza in Washington, D.C. to get a taste of innovation. “Concepts with simple design and simple foods made in a way that ‘wow’ you are ones that will always prevail,” he says. Barron sits with &pizza founder Michael Lastoria, who tells us why he chose the pizza space as his fourth startup business (and first restau...
2015-09-0808 minOn Foodable WeeklyWeekly: Inside the National Restaurant Association Headquarters With Phil KafarakisIn this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Host Paul Barron is in Washington, D.C. at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) headquarters’ test kitchen with Phil Kafarakis, Chief Innovation & Member Advancement Officer at the NRA. What does Kafarakis’ role entail? What three pillars guide the work of the NRA? How does the long-standing association integrate and prop up innovation? What can operators look forward to in the industry in terms of advocacy and change? Find out all this and more in the full episode above.
2015-08-2808 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP35: Farm BurgerMillennial consumers on social media, according to Foodable Labs, are gobbling down fast casual “better burgers” at a rate of 3.2 burgers per month, 2.4 burgers per month by Gen Xers, and 1.7 burgers per month by Baby Boomers. The better burger business has been booming, but according to Foodable Founder & CEO Paul Barron, there are more concepts trying to jump on the bandwagon than are true innovators of the subsegment. To stay ahead of the game in a competitive market like this, brand stories have become vital. Atlanta-based Farm Burger knows what’s up. Sustainable burgers on the menu, reclai...
2015-08-2708 min
Side DishFarm-to-Fork — Exploring Boston’s Rooftop FarmsFive tons. That’s how much food Boston’s Higher Ground, a rooftop farm, supplied to local restaurants in the past two years to feed the ever-growing consumer demand of eating local. This “supporting local” trend is not one that’s going away, and Boston restaurants are well prepared, teaming up with nearby producers and farms, including these rooftop farms right in the city.In this On Foodable Side Dish, Foodable video correspondent Jacqueline Church takes us high up to explore the city’s local bounty with John Stoddard and Courtney Hennessey, founding farmers at Higher Groun...
2015-08-2706 min
Side DishLe District’s Executive Culinary Director Takes Us on a Food Tour of the Manhattan French Food EmporiumIn this On Foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Foodable NYC Video Correspondent Colleen Hagerty takes us into Le District, the much-buzzed-about French food emporium in lower Manhattan. Joining her is Executive Culinary Director Jordi Valles, who takes us through each “district,” revealing some background details about each one, and connecting the dots of how this space provides one of the most unique food experiences we’ve seen.
Watch the full episode to explore this food-porn extravaganza, complete with 225 kinds of cheeses, 17 types of breads, a wine-pairing program, fresh produce, and more!
2015-08-2107 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP34: Uncle Maddio’s Pizza JointFast-casual pizza is heating up fast beside the better-burger segment. With consumers' preference for customization, what was once known to be a traditional American staple is now more stylish and flexible than ever. In this episode of Fast Casual Nation brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Host Paul Barron visits Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint in Atlanta, where he sits down with Matt Andrew, founder and chief pizza maker, and former president and co-founder of Moe’s Southwest Grill. As one of the first contenders in the fast-casual pizza space, Andrew tells us why he m...
2015-08-2008 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP33: The Little BeetWe’re back with another episode of Fast Casual Nation, and today we are in the Big Apple! In this episode, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, host Paul Barron explores The Little Beet, a good-for-you, fast farm-to-table concept located in Midtown Manhattan. We are joined by Operating Partner Andy Huddleston, who fills up in on how the concept got started and where he sees the future of fast casual going, and lays out some of the concept’s most popular dishes. Watch the full episode to get a taste...
2015-06-2507 min
Side DishNYC Cider Bar Wassail — Exploring America’s Fastest Growing Alcoholic BeverageOn this On Foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, NYC video correspondent Colleen Hagerty takes us to Wassail, a comprehensive cider bar — housing 95 varieties — located in Manhattan’s lower east side.Why did Wassail co-owners Ben Sandler & Jennifer Lim decide to showcase cider throughout its seasonal food menu (including the bread)? How do winter cider-maker karma rituals play a part in Wassail’s decor? Watch the full episode as Colleen explores the Wassail concept further — from the kitchen to a FOH tasting — and dives into a bigger topic: What is it about cid...
2015-06-1208 min
Side DishHow to Maximize Your Restaurant Brand's Digital Marketing EffortsOn this On Foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, video correspondent Yareli Quintana sits down with Ron Cates, Director of Digital Marketing Education for Constant Contact, at the Nightclub & Bar Show.Watch the full episode to discover which marketing mistake almost all small businesses make, two things you must keep in mind to enhance customer engagement on social, when a brand should be (and shouldn’t be) promotional, and more!
2015-05-0809 minSide DishTeamwork & Storytelling With Marine-Turned-Mixologist Steve SchneiderOn this On Foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we are joined by Employees Only mixologist & JBFA nominee Steve Schneider, who was also named “Bartender of the Year” by the Nightclub & Bar Show.
A marine-turned-mixologist, Schneider shares the importance of teamwork behind the bar and storytelling, and shares some stories of his own with Foodable video correspondent Yareli Quintana.
2015-05-0109 minSide DishBartending Tools for SuccessOn this On Foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Foodable video correspondent Yareli Quintana sits down with Dave Nepove, who is both Director of Mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits of Northern California and the National President for the United States Bartenders' Guild.
A self-described “produce pusher,” Nepove says he "turns on light switches for a living," training bartenders who have not been properly trained before, and providing them with the tools for success. How does Nepove execute this? How are bartenders customizing traditional cocktails? What advice does he have for bartender education? And...
2015-04-2709 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP32: Burger Taco Whiskey On this episode of Fast Casual Nation, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network and Avocados From Mexico, we are bringing you into Miami’s new upscale casual concept, Burger Taco Whiskey. Created by 50 Eggs Restaurant Group, with John Kunkel of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill fame at the helm, Burger Taco Whiskey (also known as BTW) shows us how concepts innovate around ingredients to create differentiation in the market. Watch the full episode as Kunkel taps into the biggest challenge in this market right now, why this upscale casual model is great for operators in a to...
2015-04-2408 minOn Foodable WeeklyWeekly: Cocktail & Bar Trends and Why Most Great Bars FailOn this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, H. Joseph Ehrmann, proprietor of Cocktail Ambassadors and Elixir Saloon, joins host Paul Barron at the Nightclub & Bar Show.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, H. dives into the ebb and flow of cocktail and bar trends throughout the past few decades, as well as current trends moving the industry forward, and tells us why most great bars fail.
2015-04-2211 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP31: Caffé Nero On this episode of Fast Casual Nation, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Host Paul Barron explores Italian coffee company Caffé Nero, a brand that is upgrading the coffeehouse experience in America one location at a time. Caffé Nero's USA Director, Jay Gentile, joins us on this episode to discuss the importance of the brand’s consistently authentic European design, and how each detail translates to creating the best atmosphere possible for the guest experience. Watch the full episode to discover how Caffé Nero’s service line is set up differently than most, how prime real es...
2015-04-2009 minOn Foodable WeeklySolving Challenges & Staying On Trend With the “Bar Rescue” CrewOn this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we are at the Nightclub & Bar Show with some of the experts behind “Bar Rescue.” Cocktail Engineer Mia Mastroianni, Chef Nick Liberato and Mixology Master Phil Wills join us to discuss how they grew to become notable experts in the field; the first thing they each look for when faced with a challenging (struggling) bar or restaurant operation; and what chefs, mixologists and operators should be doing now to stay on trend.
2015-04-1713 minSide DishCraft Beer Trends & Developments with Andy Sparhawk of the Brewer's AssociationOn this On Foodable Side Dish, we are at the 2015 Nightclub & Bar Show with Andy Sparhawk, Craft Beer Program Coordinator at the Brewer’s Association.
Watch the full episode as Foodable host Kerry Finsand and Sparhawk discuss craft beer trends, hops, and the continuous growth of craft beer, including how this segment is breaking into larger markets.
2015-04-1307 minSide DishCocktail Crawl — Refining the Classics in Cocktail CultureOn this On Foodable Side Dish, Foodable video correspondent Yareli Quintana takes us around the Nightclub & Bar Show floor in Las Vegas on a “cocktail crawl.” Yareli sits down with different brand owners and representatives to discuss flavor profiles, production techniques and history.
Watch the full episode to get a deeper look into some of the high-quality spirits that are refining the classics in cocktail culture.
2015-04-1007 minSide DishBartenders Without Experience the New Experience at 55 South
In this On Foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, Foodable Correspondent Yareli Quintana hits the heart of Downtown San Jose to sip on the the creative concoctions of cocktail bar and lounge 55 South. Its inviting, warm, intimate atmosphere is complete with handmade leather couches and urban-chic, floor-to-ceiling windows. Aside from the shelves usually jam-packed with more than 300 bottles of spirits, there is another interesting tidbit added to the recipe of 55 South’s success — the bartenders never usually had experience prior to their time behind the bar. Co-owners Paul Chun and Eric Nielsen, bartenders themselves, believ...
2015-04-0307 minOn Foodable WeeklyWine Trends and How Consumers Make their Beverage SelectionsOn this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by Foodable WebTV Network, Paul Barron speaks to two wine experts– Joseph Phillips, Master Sommelier and Francesco LaFranconi, Executive Director of Mixology & Spirits Education both from Southern Wine & Spirits about the recent developments in the cocktail scene. Consumers, specifically millennials have become more educated and passionate about wine which is driving the consumer to these beverages more than ever.
Watch the episode to see if the new popularity of wine and spirits will lead to an upcoming rise of celebrity sommeliers, mixologists, and bartenders- like how this ha...
2015-03-2710 minOn Foodable WeeklyDiscussing Industry Trends at the NAFEM 2015 ShowIn this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, host Paul Barron heads to the NAFEM Show to speak to not one, not two, but three industry experts to uncover and share the latest tips and tricks for operators around the world. The guests include: President of MAFSI, Joe Ferri; president of CFESA, Paul Toukatly and FCSI Chair William Taunton!
Watch the full episode to learn more about industry trends in operations today.
2015-03-2009 minOn Foodable WeeklyCan Quick-Service Brands Make the Shift into Fast Casual?In this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, show host Paul Barron and QSR Magazine editor, Sam Oches, chime in on the attempts of quick-service chain restaurants to enter the fast casual sphere. What are these big guys doing right and what are they doing wrong? Is it even possible for QSRs to make the jump or will they plummet into profitless pits?“It’s an interesting move. I think in the last couple of years, a lot of QSR concepts have been exploring that idea of upgrading to fast casu...
2015-03-1314 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP30: Veggie Grill In this episode of Fast Casual Nation brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network , host Paul Barron talks to Greg Dollarhyde, Chief Energizing Officer at Veggie Grill about this veggie centric fast casual concept. Veggie Grill caters to a range of consumers, who all want the same thing– great tasting food that is still good for them. Watch the full episode to learn more about how this concept's style matches the trendy Hollywood location and the creative menu that mimics diner's favorites, but with healthy ingredients and less calories.
2015-03-1110 minOn Foodable WeeklyMake the Most Out of the Nightclub & Bar ShowIn this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, host Paul Barron and top-notch bar operator Stephanie Richardson pour over the highly anticipated 2015 Nightclub & Bar Show. Richardson, who is also an advisory board member for the event, gives some insight on how first-timers should make the most of their visit. From more than 70 conference sessions, 50 panel experts, 700 floor exhibitions and two different back-of-the-house tours at number one resorts who will show guests how they run the bar and kitchen right down to their glassware, show attendees who can take this knowledge back to...
2015-03-0610 min
Fast Casual NationFast Casual Nation - EP29: Twisted RootIn this episode of Fast Casual Nation brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network , Host Paul Barron speaks with Jason Boso, owner of the Texas fast casual concept Twisted Root that was one of first "better burger" joints to pop up around 9 years ago. Started by two unlikely friends, the restaurant's story is as compelling as the food. Watch the full episode to see how Twisted Root still delivers a creatively named menu with higher end products, while still having an approachable atmosphere and price point.
2015-02-2510 minOn Foodable WeeklyHow to Hire, Create and Keep Rockstar Staff in the Restaurant IndustryIn this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, host Paul Barron discusses with Rudy Miick, Founder and President of The Miick Companies about one of the recurring challenges in the industry– staffing. Hiring, keeping and training staff are consistently major issues in this industry. The restaurant industry turn over rate is consistently 25 – 30% higher than others.
Watch the full episode to learn why that is and how to hire those employee "rockstars" and how to mold staff into these A players.
2015-02-2015 minOn Foodable WeeklyAre Mobile Food Concepts Still On the Rise?In this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, host Paul Barron discusses the trends and studies evolving around mobile concepts– including food trucks, food carts and pop-ups with AJ Barker, Concept Developer at Think Tank Hospitality Group. Learn why there is still a huge consumer demand for mobile food and how these units are continuing to be used as a launching pad for a brick and mortar, while also being added as a supplement to existing ones.
Watch the video to also see how brands within all industries are using th...
2015-02-0612 minOn Foodable WeeklyWhy Gluten-Free and Grain-Free Trends Continue to Spread in the Restaurant SpaceIn this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, host Paul Barron speaks to Dr. William Davis, Author of Wheat Belly Total Health & Cardiologist, about the recent gluten-free and grain-free lifestyles that consumers are now adopting and how to properly incorporate them onto restaurant menus.
Watch the full episode to some of the health benefits that have been attributed to embracing these dietary habits.
2015-01-2313 minOn Foodable WeeklyHow to Market Concepts to the Millennial GenerationIn this episode of On Foodable Weekly, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, host Paul Barron speaks to Jeff Fromm, President of FutureCast and Co-author of Marketing to Millennials, about how to attract the millennial generation to restaurants and the new trends in millennial consumer dining habits.
Watch the full episode to learn more about how to market to this demographic by creating compelling shareable content that will inform, inspire and engage this segment of consumers to create content for you.
2015-01-1612 minSide DishTech Startup Equity Eats Helps to Launch Restaurant ConceptsIn this On Foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, guest host Ross Perkins speaks with a veteran of tech startups, Johann Moonesing about his new startup endeavor. Equity Eats connects restaurant investors with chefs and provides software solutions to chefs so they can manage their restaurants and their investors can get real-time analytics about their investments' performances.
Watch the full episode above to how one of the restaurant concepts is being developed with the help of start up.
2014-12-2207 min
Side DishThe 411 on the Miami Craft Brew SceneIn this On Foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we bring you to the South Florida Brew Fest. Guest host, Paula Echevarria gets the inside scoop from local Miami breweries about the evolution of craft beer. Adam Fine, from Native Brewing discusses what makes craft beer so appealing to today's consumer.
Watch the full episode to see what has contributed to the growth of these beverages.
2014-12-0407 minSide DishSecret Garden Dining ExperienceIn this On Foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we bring you to a private dinner in Apartment A in Los Angeles hosted by the owner and chef of Taste Of Pace. Here, guests are transported into an indoor garden to enjoy a specially prepared meal. Chef Pace Webb gives us some insight to the unique format of the supper club and the dishes she will be serving.
Watch the full episode to see how this dining experience is unlike any other — from the aesthetics to the food flavors!
2014-08-2208 minSide DishLa Urbana is Spicing Things Up in San FranciscoIn this On Foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, we’re spicing things up in San Francisco! Foodable correspondent Yareli takes us into the eclectic La Urbana in the Divisadero Corridor, where Executive Chef Julio Aguilera and Bar Manager Trent Simpson give us some insight on how La Urbana is differentiating itself in such a vast food city.
Watch the full episode to see how La Urbana pushes forward, and as we dig into some of the restaurant’s dishes and cocktails!
2014-08-0807 minSide DishCafé Momentum - Reformed Youth turned ChefsOn this segment of On Foodable Weekly: Sidedish, brought to you by Foodable WebTV Network, guest host Rebecca Combs travels to Dallas,Texas to learn more about Cafe Momentum, an organization which helps young juvenille men who have recently been detained or released by teaching them about the restaurant industry through the use of "pop-up dinners," like the one here at Wolfgang Puck's Five Sixty restaurant.
Tune in to see how Cafe Momentum has the Dallas community talking! To learn more about this inspirational organization, please visit http://cafemomentum.org.
2014-08-0108 minSide DishL.A. Mixologists Face Off, Iron Chef Style, at the 2nd Annual May Mix-Off CompetitionIn this On foodable Side Dish, brought to you by the Foodable WebTV Network, L.A. Foodable Correspondent Lanee Lee brings us inside the JW Marriott in DTLA for the 2nd Annual May Mix-Off Competition.Watch the full episode as Lanee gets inside the minds of the four remaining mixologists — Christine Wiseman of La Descarga and No Vacancy; Joshua Lucas of Honeycut; Cari Hah; and Éva Pelczer representing Honeycut and Allumette.
What unique spin did they each put into their cocktails to get them into the final round? What will they bring to the Iron Chef-style showdown? The...
2014-06-2708 minSide DishGolden State of CocktailsIn this On foodable Side Dish, we attend the first annual Golden State of Cocktails in Los Angeles, an event that brings industry insiders together for one sole purpose: the art of designing a delicious drink. Watch the full episode as Foodable L.A. video correspondent Lanee Lee takes us on a drink tour of different spirits and gains insight on cocktail inspiration, aging processes and new brand variations (like a caviar vodka line) from different vendors and personalities in the Golden State cocktail game. Bottoms up!
2014-03-0507 min