Heroes & Headwinds

The Culinary Edge

5.0 (5)
FOOD
UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Heros and Headwinds is a podcast brought to you by the team at The Culinary Edge, the USA’s leading food and beverage innovation consultancy. Each episode brings you into the conversations that we have with our heroes in the industry, discussing how to brave the headwinds of an ever-changing & increasingly challenging F&B landscape.

08/12/2025

Jarrett Whitlow, SVP Beverage Strategy at Botrista

From “old school” operations to leading tech-driven beverage innovation—Jarrett Whitlow has seen it all. In this episode of Heroes & Headwinds, the SVP Beverage Strategy at Botrista talks industry shifts, navigating today’s headwinds, and what’s next for the beverage sector. He even shares his take on Red Lobster’s future and hard-earned advice for thriving through change.

29 min
07/24/2025

Darden Coors & Jenn Ruppert, MAD Greens

In this episode of Heroes & Headwinds, we sit down with Darden Coors and Jenn Ruppert—CEO and VP of Marketing at Salad Collective—for an inside look at the launch of their bold new MAD Greens menu. Beyond the food, they share candid stories from their dynamic careers, offering insight into leadership, creativity, and what it takes to build a brand with purpose. It’s a thoughtful, energizing conversation you won’t want to miss.

27 min
10/08/2024

Mindy Armstrong, VP of Menu Innovation at Ascent Hospitality

Mindy Armstrong has been a thought leader in the foodservice industry for nearly two decades, specializing in strategy, the creative process, and culinary leadership. Mindy has had a rich career in consulting and corporate leadership, and today, serves as VP of Menu Innovation for Ascent Hospitality, including the Perkins Amercian Food Company, and Huddle House. Mindy is a prominent industry contributor on trends and innovation, and is an advisory board member for Women in Restaurant Leadership. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Mindy as much as we did.

26 min
08/26/2024

Maisie Ganzler, F&B Advisor, Author, & Speaker

Today's guest on Heroes & Headwinds is Maisie Ganzler. Author, speaker, and corporate advisor, Maisie is an expert on how companies can make positive change in supply chains and other systems. For two decades, Maisie drove strategy for Bon Appétit Management Company and she positioned the company as a leader in sustainable purchasing. She is also the author of You Can’t Market Manure at Lunchtime: and Other Lessons from the Food Industry for Creating a More Sustainable Company. She joins us today

31 min
04/24/2024

Anne Mejia, Senior VP of Brand Development at Mellow Mushroom

On this episode of Heroes & Headwinds, you’ll meet Anne Mejia, Senior VP of Brand Development at Mellow Mushroom. Before her tenure at this famed pizza joint, Anne has been an integral part of the marketing teams of notable franchises such as Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jack in the Box, Carl’s Jr., and most recently Frisch’s Big Boy Restaurants. Since joining Mellow Mushroom in 2018, Anne has helped breathe new life into the stone-baked industry titan and is guiding the company through its largest brand refresh in 50 years of business. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

26 min
02/21/2024

Annica Conrad, Chief Brand Officer of City BBQ

Today you’ll be hearing from Annica Conrad, Chief Brand Officer of City BBQ. Prior to this role, she’s held marketing leadership positions at numerous restaurants including Mellow Mushroom, Moe’s Southwest Grill and McAlister’s Deli. She later became the Chief Marketing Officer at both FAT Brands and Global Franchise Group. There is not a single doubt that you’ve been knowingly or unknowingly inspired by Annica’s work. Enjoy her interview with TCE’s Michael Parlapiano.

30 min
12/18/2023

Erica Spector Wishnow, Co-CEO of Southpaw

This week, we're dropping a recent interview with Erica Spector Wishnow, Co-CEO of Southpaw, a major franchisee of Taco Bell and Dunkin', and one of the advisors behind Greenlane, a drive-thru salad concept that just launched in Tampa, Florida. Erica is a leader with a powerful personal story that's driven her to blaze a unique and innovative trail in food and beverage.

28 min
10/27/2023

Dan Anfinson, President of Slapfish

Dan Anfison is the dynamic visionary force behind Slapfish, a renowned seafood-centric restaurant chain known for its innovative and sustainable approach to dining. Dan is also the COO of Mac Haik Restaurant Group. Well known by many for his prowess in restaurant operations, only a few of us know that he moonlights as a lead vocalist and guitarist.

28 min

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

Heros and Headwinds is a podcast brought to you by the team at The Culinary Edge, the USA’s leading food and beverage innovation consultancy. Each episode brings you into the conversations that we have with our heroes in the industry, discussing how to brave the headwinds of an ever-changing & increasingly challenging F&B landscape.

Creator

The Culinary Edge
Years Active

2022 - 2025
Episodes

20
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© The Culinary Edge
Show Website

Heroes & Headwinds