Grounded

Steve Moody

Join us as we engage with top tier producers in the foodservice industry to hear their perspective from all links throughout the supply chain. Here, we discuss brand development, company culture, global supply chain strategy, culinary innovation and leadership from folks who founded, operate or manage multi-unit restaurant chains. Each show is tailored around the guest to dig deep into their unique journey and how it shapes their current procurement strategy in order to aggregate the best insights toward the future of foodservice.

  1. Everyone Eats: Billy Itule on Produce, People & Partnership #57

    1D AGO

    Everyone Eats: Billy Itule on Produce, People & Partnership #57

    Episode Overview In this episode of Grounded, Lauren Mitchell sits down with Billy Itule, CEO of Willie Itule Produce, for an inside look at the fast-moving world of produce distribution, food safety, cold chain logistics, and restaurant supply chains. From operating in Arizona’s extreme desert climate to managing sourcing relationships with growers in Mexico, Billy shares what it really takes to keep fresh produce moving efficiently and safely. Billy Itule is the CEO of Willie Itule Produce, a Phoenix-based produce distribution company serving restaurants, hospitality groups, and foodservice operators across Arizona. He also serves as a committee member with the IFPA, helping shape conversations around the future of produce distribution and supply chains nationwide. Together, Lauren and Billy discuss traceability, technology investments, labor challenges, restaurant trends, forecasting for major events, and why communication between distributors and operators matters more than ever. 🔑 5 Key Takeaways Cold chain compliance is critical in extreme climates. Billy explains how Willie Itule Produce operates a 100% climate-controlled supply chain to protect product integrity in Arizona’s 120-degree heat, including real-time temperature monitoring across facilities and trucks.Produce distribution depends heavily on long-term grower relationships. Mexico plays a major role in feeding the U.S. produce market year-round, and Billy shares why trusted partnerships with growers and shippers are essential for consistency, contingency planning, and supply stability.Technology is transforming food distribution beyond traceability. From paperless delivery systems to real-time inventory management and electronic food safety monitoring, Billy discusses how distributors are increasingly becoming tech-driven operations.Communication between operators and distributors can prevent costly mistakes. Billy emphasizes that involving distributors earlier in menu planning and LTO discussions can help operators avoid sourcing issues, poor seasonal quality, or unexpected cost increases.Hospitality and leadership start at the top. As a family-run company, Willie Itule Produce prioritizes transparency, accountability, and respectful service culture. Billy explains why owning mistakes and treating employees and customers like family is central to their success.💬 Quote of the Episode “If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. Find a different room.” — Billy Itule, CEO, Willie Itule Produce 🔗 Connect with the Guest(s) Billy Itule — CEO, Willie Itule ProduceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyitule/Website: https://ituleproduce.com/about-us🎧 Ways to Tune In Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast

    45 min
  2. Inside the Produce Pipeline: Planning for the Unpredictable Episode #56

    APR 14

    Inside the Produce Pipeline: Planning for the Unpredictable Episode #56

    In this episode of Grounded, host Lauren Mitchell brings together voices from across the produce supply chain to pull back the curtain on how sourcing really works—from forecasting and contracts to weather risk, communication, and collaboration. The conversation highlights the complexity behind everyday items like lettuce and broccoli and what national brands need to understand about volatility, planning, and partnership. Stephanie Fyle is the President of Fresh Alliance, Ava Walker is a Contract Coordinator at Fresh Alliance, and Thomas Wheelus is the Director of Food Service at Tanimura & An Growers, bringing the grower, procurement, and contracting perspectives together at one table. 🔑5 Key Takeaways Clear communication and accurate forecasting are the foundation of successful sourcing. Growers rely heavily on customer projections to plan planting cycles that can range from 65 to 80 days, making early and accurate volume planning essential. Contracts help stabilize pricing—but they also share risk. Fixed-price contracts with escalation clauses allow restaurants to forecast menu pricing while protecting growers when weather or yield disruptions drive costs higher. Weather and supply chain volatility require constant coordination and contingency planning. Growers use diversified growing regions and nursery strategies to buy time and maintain supply when fields are impacted by rain or other disruptions. Strong partnerships are built on transparency and solutions—not just information. Procurement teams aim to communicate industry challenges quickly, but they prioritize bringing actionable alternatives to clients whenever possible. Technology and traceability will shape the future of sourcing. From automation to full supply chain visibility, the industry is moving toward greater transparency, faster communication, and more collaborative decision-making. Connect with the Guests Stephanie Fyle — President, Fresh Alliance  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-williams-fyle-889134104/ Website: https://www.freshalliance.com/Ava Walker Davis — Contract Coordinator, Fresh Alliance  Website: https://www.freshalliance.com/Thomas Wheelus — Director of Food Service, Tanimura & Antle  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-wheelus-70863a51/ Website: https://www.taproduce.com/Ways to Tune In Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast

    39 min
  3. The Value Trap: Why Great Restaurants Still Win with Danny Klein Episode #55

    MAR 31

    The Value Trap: Why Great Restaurants Still Win with Danny Klein Episode #55

    Episode Overview What does it take to win in today’s restaurant landscape—and what mistakes are brands making along the way? In this episode of Grounded, the conversation dives deep into the realities shaping foodservice in 2026, from the “value frenzy” and shifting consumer behavior to the critical role of hospitality, technology, and brand identity. Danny Klein, Vice President and Editorial Director at WTWH Media, joins the show to share frontline insights from years covering the restaurant industry and launching major events like the QSR Evolution Conference. He’s joined by Caitlin Webster, Director of National Accounts at Fresh Concepts, who brings a supplier-side perspective and asks the practical questions operators and vendors are facing every day. Together, they explore what separates thriving brands from struggling ones—and what leaders should focus on next. 5 Key Takeaways Restaurants are competing in a “value frenzy,” but price alone won’t win. Consumers may be dining out less frequently, so brands must deliver both strong value and a memorable experience to stay relevant. Technology should solve real problems—not just follow trends. Many brands rushed into kiosks and digital tools after COVID, but the winners are those using tech to support hospitality, not replace it. Menu simplification is becoming a survival strategy. Rising costs are pushing operators to focus on core items they execute well, rather than maintaining large, complex menus. Losing loyal customers is an early warning sign. If regular guests stop visiting, leaders should investigate immediately—often the issue is a drift from the brand’s original value proposition. The most successful brands know exactly who they are. Companies like Texas Roadhouse and Chick-fil-A thrive because they stay consistent, protect their identity, and deliver reliably on the fundamentals. 💬 Quote of the Episode “Any brand that tries to trade off convenience and speed for quality is going to lose because there's too much parity in the marketplace.” — Danny Klein, Vice President and Editorial Director, WTWH Media🔗 Connect with the Guest(s)  Danny Klein — Vice President and Editorial Director, WTWH Media  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyklein14/ Website: https://www.wtwhmedia.com/🎧 Ways to Tune In Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast

    57 min
  4. How Great Restaurant Cultures Are Actually Built with Tara O'Neill #54

    MAR 17

    How Great Restaurant Cultures Are Actually Built with Tara O'Neill #54

    How Great Restaurant Cultures Are Actually Built In this episode of Grounded, host Lauren Mitchell sits down with Tara O'Neill to explore what it really takes to build a people-first culture in the restaurant industry. Tara shares how her background in counseling psychology shaped her leadership philosophy and how she applies it to hospitality—focusing on culture, career growth, burnout prevention, and the future of people leadership in a tech-driven world. Tara O'Neill is a people leader and helps shape culture and leadership development for the Fresh Kitchen brand, where she focuses on creating environments where teams can grow, thrive, and build meaningful careers in hospitality. 5 Key Takeaways Culture only works when it’s operationalized. Fresh Kitchen defines specific behaviors for each of its six core values so team members—from hourly staff to executives—share a clear understanding of what those values look like in action.Career paths must be visible and documented. The company maps out competencies for each role level so employees clearly understand what it takes to grow from hourly team member to leadership positions.Burnout prevention is a company responsibility. Tara believes organizations must design realistic schedules, supportive policies, and stable work environments—not just offer stress management tools.Team stability is a critical people metric. Fresh Kitchen tracks leadership tenure and management team consistency to create stronger restaurant teams capable of handling constant industry change.Technology is increasing the importance of human skills. As digital tools and AI become more common, Tara sees hospitality leaders doubling down on connection, eye contact, and authentic human interaction.Quote of the Episode “People will always be the number one strategy because nothing would exist without them.” — Tara O'Neill, Ciccio Restaurant Group / Fresh Kitchen Connect with the Guest(s)Tara O'Neill — People Leader, Ciccio Restaurant Group / Fresh Kitchen  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-o-neill-a1967b134/ Website: https://www.eatfreshkitchen.com/?_ga=2.4292019.1835062062.1773161342-756918199.1773161342  Ways to Tune In   Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast

    32 min
  5. The Hidden Economics of Produce Buying with Dustin White Episode #53

    MAR 3

    The Hidden Economics of Produce Buying with Dustin White Episode #53

    Episode Overview In this episode of Grounded, Lauren Mitchell sits down with Dustin White to demystify produce pricing, contracts, and quality management in foodservice. From a single case of lettuce to national supply chain strategy, Dustin breaks down how product moves from the field to the restaurant—and where costs, quality risks, and pricing volatility come into play. Dustin White is part of the Fresh Division at Buyers Edge Platform, where he helps operators understand pricing transparency, contract structures, and supply chain optimization. This episode is a masterclass for anyone new to purchasing—or anyone who wants more control, clarity, and confidence in their produce program. 5 Key Takeaways Know the full path of your product. From the field to inbound freight to distributor slotting and final mile delivery, every step adds cost—and potential quality risk.Storage matters more than you think. “Cooler geography” can directly impact yields and shelf life (and yes, tomatoes don’t belong in the cooler).Contracts aren’t always fully fixed. A fixed-with-trigger contract provides protection during volatile markets while still offering pricing discipline and supply security.Volume drives leverage. Label selection, distributor relationships, and buying power all impact turn rates, freshness, and fill rates.Transparency is everything. Operators should demand clear breakouts of FOB, freight, markup, and contract triggers—visibility is the first step to true cost control.Quote of the Episode “You can't treat produce the same way that you treat napkins.” — Dustin White, Fresh Division, Buyers Edge PlatformConnect with the Guest(s) Dustin White — Fresh Division, Buyers Edge PlatformLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-a-white/Website: https://buyersedgeplatform.com/fresh/🎧 Ways to Tune In Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast

    38 min
  6. An Appetite for Risk: Billy Loesch Founder/CEO Baya Bar

    FEB 17

    An Appetite for Risk: Billy Loesch Founder/CEO Baya Bar

    In this episode of Grounded, Lauren Mitchell sits down with Billy Loesch to explore the mindset, risk tolerance, and systems required to scale a modern food brand. Billy shares his journey from Wall Street to founding Baya Bar in 2016, and how he grew the concept from a single Brooklyn location to 41 locations with more in development. Billy Loesch is the Founder and CEO of Baya Bar, one of the fastest-growing smoothie and açaí concepts in the U.S., featured in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500. 🔑 5 Key Takeaways Billy’s early entrepreneurial mindset showed up long before Baya Bar, from selling trinkets as a kid to viewing every opportunity through a risk-and-reward lens.Wall Street taught him relentless sales discipline and negotiation—skills he later applied directly to franchising, leasing, and brand growth.Scaling required unlearning the “do it yourself” mentality and replacing it with trust, delegation, and repeatable systems.Baya Bar’s customer experience is highly intentional, from bowl design and music playlists to loyalty technology and ingredient sourcing.One of the biggest blind spots in food & beverage today is bad leases—unsustainable rent can sink even great concepts before they hit their stride.💬 Quote of the Episode “Entrepreneurs are not made, they’re born.” — Billy Loesch, Founder & CEO, Baya Bar🔗 Connect with the Guest(s) Billy Loesch — Founder & CEO, Baya BarLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-loesch-956704122/Website: https://bayabar.com/Book Recommendation: Traction by Gino Wickman - Get a Grip on Your Business Podcast Recommendation: The Game   🎧 Ways to Tune In Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast

    51 min
  7. Authentic Hospitality at Scale: Inside Hopdoddy’s Growth Story with CEO Jeff Chandler- Grounded #51

    FEB 2

    Authentic Hospitality at Scale: Inside Hopdoddy’s Growth Story with CEO Jeff Chandler- Grounded #51

    Hopdoddy Burger Bar President & CEO Jeff Chandler joins Lauren Mitchell to break down what it takes to scale a fast-casual brand without losing what makes it special. Jeff shares leadership lessons from his University of Washington football days, how Hopdoddy approaches authentic hospitality, and why quality-driven sourcing and true vendor partnerships matter—especially after COVID. If you’re building culture, driving growth, or navigating menu innovation, this episode is packed with practical insights you can steal today. Jeff Chandler is the President & CEO of Hopdoddy Burger Bar, with more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry.  5 Key Takeaways Precision and accountability can be taught—and enforced. Jeff shares Coach Don James’ “Timex” lesson: being “on time” meant being early, and if you missed the bus, it left without you.Hopdoddy focuses on unscripted, authentic hospitality. Instead of scripting greetings, they hire for attitude and personality—then tell team members to “just be yourself.”Variety and quality are core differentiators—not marketing fluff. Beyond beef, Hopdoddy offers bison, turkey, chicken, a veggie patty (“sole patty”), and a sashimi-grade ahi tuna burger that’s ground and seared to avoid the “dry filet” experience.Supplier relationships are built for the long haul, not annual price shopping. Jeff describes “true partnerships,” shaped by who showed up during COVID, and annual supplier meetings where both sides share how to be better partners.Growth and innovation require guardrails to protect operators. Hopdoddy balances trend-spotting (especially via social media) with operational mastery by making intentional menu updates three times a year—and measuring brand health heavily through retention and turnover.💬 Quote of the Episode “We don't script our team on how to greet people, what to say. We just want them to be themselves.” — Jeff Chandler, President & CEO, Hopdoddy Burger Bar🔗 Connect with the Guest(s) Jeff Chandler — President & CEO, Hopdoddy Burger BarLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-chandler-02881545/Website: https://www.hopdoddy.com/🎧 Ways to Tune In Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast

    36 min
  8. From Barstool to Boss: James Bonanno on Building Upstream Hospitality Group

    JAN 20

    From Barstool to Boss: James Bonanno on Building Upstream Hospitality Group

    Episode Overview In this episode of Grounded, host Lauren Mitchell sits down with James Bonanno, Founder & CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group, to unpack how a kitchen dream turned into a fast-growing hospitality portfolio across Long Island—and beyond. James shares the “two weeks to open” origin story behind Tap Room, what it really takes to scale from one location to 20+, and how culture, character, and tech have helped Upstream become a Top Workplace of 2025. James Bonanno is the Founder & CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group, whose brands include Tap Room, Bingo Bowls, and iconic seasonal waterfront venues like Salt Shack—all united by a mission to “go upstream” through originality and pushing boundaries. 5 Key Takeaways Action beats perfection—especially early on. James explains how Tap Room came together fast: a vacant space, an opportunity, and the decision to jump in before feeling “ready.”Scaling requires shifting from reactive to professional operations. Moving past “firefighting” meant building systems, getting visibility into numbers, and running the business like an organization—not a one-location hustle.Know your numbers in near real-time. Upstream leaned into operational tech so food and liquor costs aren’t a month late—they’re visible quickly enough to actually manage.Culture can scale when values are clear and lived. James highlights values like “saying yes” and quality, with examples like honoring life events and creating a great guest experience even in a parking lot during COVID.Technology is a leadership advantage when it saves time and sharpens focus. James shares how ClickUp’s AI-powered executive dashboard gives him a quick snapshot of what’s on track, behind, and ahead across the leadership team. Connect with the Guest(s) James Bonanno — Founder & CEO, Upstream Hospitality Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-bonanno-a5a665103/ Website: https://upstreamhospitality.com/ 🎧 Ways to Tune In Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

Join us as we engage with top tier producers in the foodservice industry to hear their perspective from all links throughout the supply chain. Here, we discuss brand development, company culture, global supply chain strategy, culinary innovation and leadership from folks who founded, operate or manage multi-unit restaurant chains. Each show is tailored around the guest to dig deep into their unique journey and how it shapes their current procurement strategy in order to aggregate the best insights toward the future of foodservice.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Moody
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Steve Moody
  • Show Website
    Grounded