Titans of Foodservice

Nick Portillo
  • 4.8 (9)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Titans of Foodservice

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

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Minnesota: Lessons in Leadership from a Father-Son Dynamic with Craft & Crew Hospitality President, David Benowitz

    This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with David Benowitz, President of Craft and Crew Hospitality. David discusses the challenges and rewards of working alongside his father, highlighting the need for open communication and the evolution of their relationship as they navigate the complexities of a family business. David elaborates on the entrepreneurial operating system (EOS) that has been pivotal in shaping their company's structure and success, illustrating how it fosters clarity and consistency in operations. David also expresses his commitment to building a legacy that not only supports their staff and families but also prepares the next generation for potential leadership in the business. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Intro (02:06) Exploring Minnesota's Food Service Scene (06:16) The Journey into Hospitality (19:23) The Importance of Networking and Leadership in Business (21:42) Navigating Family Dynamics in Business (32:56) Decisions That Shape Our Business Journey (36:35) Navigating Family and Business Dynamics RESOURCES Portillo Sales CONTACT  Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

    43 min

  2. JAN 22

    New Jersey: The American Dream Served Fresh with The Salad House CEO & Founder, Joey Cioffi

    This week marks our 100th episode on the Titans of Food Service podcast! Nick Portillo speaks with Joey Cioffi, the CEO and founder of the rapidly expanding Salad House chain. With a vision for healthier, fast-casual dining, Joey has successfully opened 20 locations and is set to scale even further across the Northeast and beyond. His story begins in his family's deli in New Jersey, where he learned the intricacies of the food service industry at a young age. Nick and Joey discuss the importance of community involvement, the challenges of maintaining quality in a franchise model, and the insights gained from both successes and setbacks in business. As they explore the dynamics of the food service landscape, Joey shares his passion for creating a brand that resonates with customers seeking convenient yet nutritious options. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Intro (03:40) Joey Cioffi's Background (11:04) The Salad House Journey (15:33) Franchise Growth and Community Involvement (27:30) The Future of the Brand Expansion RESOURCES Portillo Sales CONTACT  Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

    30 min

  3. JAN 15

    Michigan: Blending History and Hospitality at the Country's #1 Athletic Club with Charles Johnson, Executive Manager/CEO at the Detroit Athletic Club

    This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Charles Johnson, CEO of the Detroit Athletic Club, to discuss its rich history and significance in the community. With a legacy dating back to 1887, the DAC has evolved from an athletic club into a premier destination for fine dining and hospitality, showcasing Detroit's heritage and resilience. Johnson shares insights into the club's commitment to exceptional service. He also shares how employee engagement, allowing staff to voice their ideas and contribute to the club's goals, ultimately creates a culture of care for both members and colleagues. Listen as Charles reflects on the vibrant food service scene in Michigan and its impact on the local community. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction to the Titans of Food Service Podcast (06:34) Charles Johnson's Journey in Hospitality (07:56) The Evolution of Hospitality Careers (21:22) The Legacy and Influence of the DAC (24:28) Empowering Employee Voices (30:20) The Importance of Taking Care RESOURCES Portillo Sales CONTACT  Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

    35 min

  4. JAN 8

    Pennsylvania: Golden Waffles CEO, Michael DiBeneditto on Building a Golden Foodservice Business

    This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Michael DiBeneditto, CEO of Golden Waffles. Michael shares insights into the evolution of his company and the unique all-inclusive waffle program they offer. Since its establishment in 1937, Golden Waffles has transformed from a traditional distributor to a pioneer in providing seamless service for waffle stations in hotels, restaurants, and more. Michael discusses his journey into the food service industry, highlighting the importance of community and personal connections that have shaped his career. He emphasizes the company’s commitment to customer experience and innovation, aiming to make fresh waffles accessible across various segments, including quick-service restaurants.  TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Intro to the Titans of Foodservice (03:33) Michael DiBenedetto's Journey in the Food Industry (11:26) The Golden Waffles Opportunity (23:02) The Evolution of Golden Waffles (26:53) Building Brands and Partnerships in Food Service RESOURCES Portillo Sales CONTACT  Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

    32 min

  5. 12/18/2024

    Florida: Urban Development Meets South Florida Restaurant Empire with The Restaurant People CEO, Tim Petrillo

    This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Tim Petrillo, co-founder and CEO of The Restaurant People and Urban Street Development. Tim shares his remarkable journey in the food service industry and how he has significantly impacted South Florida's dining scene. With over 70 restaurants under his belt, Tim discusses the unique challenges and strategies involved in running a successful restaurant business, emphasizing the importance of hospitality over mere knowledge. He reflects on his early experiences, from starting as a busboy to working with renowned chefs, and how those formative years shaped his approach to restaurant operations and management.  TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Intro (02:30) Introduction to Tim Petrillo (12:20) Building a Restaurant Empire: Lessons Learned (22:42) Transitioning Areas and Mixed-Use Projects (28:06) Navigating the Challenges of the Restaurant Business RESOURCES Portillo Sales CONTACT  Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

    31 min

  6. 12/11/2024

    Arizona: How Delivering an "I Love it Here" Experience Can Quintuple Revenue with The Melt CEO, Ralph Bower

    This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Ralph Bauer, CEO of The Melt. Ralph shares his remarkable journey in the food service industry, highlighting how he quintupled the average revenue per unit from $700,000 to an astounding $3.5 million. With over 25 years of experience, including leadership roles at Popeyes and Domino's, Ralph emphasizes the importance of listening to team members and customers to drive success in the restaurant business. He discusses the transformative power of creating an "I love it here" experience for guests, which fosters loyalty and enhances sales. Ralph's insights into operational excellence and team alignment reveal the key factors behind his impressive achievements in a highly competitive industry. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction  (00:26) Ralph Bauer's Journey in Food Service (12:14) The Power of Listening in Leadership (18:25) Navigating Challenges: The Impact of COVID-19 on Business (29:05) Fostering Loyalty (35:08) Delivering the 'I Love It Here' Experience RESOURCES Portillo Sales CONTACT  Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

    40 min

  7. 12/04/2024

    Texas: Supporting Texas’ 50K Restaurants with Texas Restaurant Association President & CEO, Dr. Emily Williams Knight

    This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Dr. Emily Williams Knight, the President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. Emily is a powerhouse advocate for the Texas food service industry, representing over 60,000 restaurants and 1.3 million employees. She shares her journey from a military upbringing to her prominent role in advocating for restaurant owners, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability. Dr. Knight discusses the unique challenges faced by the industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how her leadership has helped navigate these turbulent times.  TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Intro (03:18) Introduction to Dr. Emily Williams Knight (09:38) The Impact of a Military Upbringing (15:02) The Journey to Dallas: A Career Transformation (23:34) Understanding the Landscape of Restaurant Advocacy (30:33) Navigating the Restaurant Industry's Future (34:00) Reflections on the Restaurant Industry RESOURCES Portillo Sales CONTACT  Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

    36 min

  8. 11/27/2024

    Georgia: Bill Lewis, CEO of Frosty Acres Brands on the Power of Data-Driven Growth in Foodservice

    This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Bill Lewis, the President and CEO of Frosty Acres Brands. They explore the critical role of independent food distributors and how Frosty Acres is leveraging data-driven insights to identify new growth opportunities in the industry. Bill shares his journey from Ohio to Georgia and his extensive experience in food distribution, highlighting the adaptability and customer intimacy that independent distributors offer compared to national broadliners. Nick and Bill also discuss the importance of technology and data analytics in enhancing relationships and driving profitability for suppliers and members alike.  TIMESTAMPS (00:15) Introduction to the Titans of Food Service (02:25) Welcoming Bill Lewis to the Podcast (07:20) The Evolution of a Cooperative (22:05) Leveraging Data for Competitive Advantage (24:47) The Role of AI in Business Growth (32:09) A Journey Towards More RESOURCES Portillo Sales CONTACT  Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Portillo
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Nick Portillo
  • Show Website
    Titans of Foodservice

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