Podcaster
Episoden
06.10.2023
50 Minuten
In today's world of fast-paced culinary innovations, there's a
classic treat that remains timeless and universally loved: the
cookie. Recent trends have shown a surge in gourmet cookie shops,
with a particular emphasis on unique flavors and high-quality
ingredients. Studies by the National Bakers Association help show
how popular gourmet cookie shops continue to be among all
generation of consumers. So what drives this renewed passion for
a traditional dessert, and how do entrepreneurs navigate the
competitive cookie landscape?
On this episode of The Main Course, host by Barbara Castiglia
digs into the world of cookies and gourmet cookie shops with
Courtney Cowan, the Founder & Owner of Milk Jar Cookies.
Together they explore the journey of turning a childhood passion
into a thriving business, the science behind the perfect cookie,
and the future of cookie franchising. Topics covered in this
discussion include...
- The origin story of Milk Jar Cookies and Courtney's self-taught
baking journey.
- The importance of understanding the science behind baking and
how a simple ingredient like baking soda can make or break a
cookie.
- The evolution of Milk Jar Cookies from a one-bedroom apartment
venture to a renowned storefront on Wilshire Boulevard.
Courtney Cowan is the Founder & Owner of Milk Jar Cookies. A
self-taught baker, Courtney's love for cookies began in her
childhood, with her mother introducing her to the basics of
baking. Over the years, she developed her unique cookie recipes,
which became a hit among friends and colleagues. With a
background in English education and a stint in the television
industry, Courtney combined her passion for baking and her
entrepreneurial spirit to establish Milk Jar Cookies in 2013.
Today, her brand stands as a testament to the potential of
gourmet cookie shops.
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29.09.2023
27 Minuten
In an age where convenience is king, the drive-thru model has
become an integral part of the food and beverage industry. With
the rise of on-the-go lifestyles and the need for quick service,
drive-thrus have evolved from mere transactional points to hubs
of customer interaction. Recent data suggests that over 60% to
70% of all fast-food sales in the U.S. are made at drive-thrus,
emphasizing their significance in today's market. But how can
businesses ensure that the drive-thru experience remains personal
and customer-centric, rather than just another transaction?
On this episode of The Main Course, host Barbara Castiglia delves
into the world of drive-thru coffee with Darren Spicer,
Co-Founder and CEO of Clutch Coffee Bar. Together, they discuss
the nuances of creating a unique drive-thru experience that
prioritizes customer connection. Topics covered in this episode
include...
- The journey of Clutch Coffee from its West Coast origins to its
rapid expansion in the Carolinas.
- The evolution of the drive-thru model and the importance of
face-to-face interactions.
- The role of technology in enhancing the drive-thru experience
while maintaining a personal touch.
Darren Spicer, a West Coast native with a deep-rooted passion for
coffee, began his journey in the industry back in 2004. Over the
years, he transitioned from part-time jobs in coffee shops to
roles in sports marketing and medical device sales. However, his
love for coffee and building relationships pulled him back,
leading to the inception of Clutch Coffee Bar. With a
customer-centric focus and a unique concept, Darren aims to
redefine the drive-thru experience for coffee lovers.
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25.09.2023
36 Minuten
When people go to a restaurant, personalizing the dining
experience is a critical factor in making an impact that keeps
customers returning. What better way to capitalize on that
experience than through music?
In recent years, the restaurant industry has seen a significant
shift towards personalizing the dining experience for guests. As
the industry transitioned through 2020 and welcomed guests back
into dining establishments, the emphasis on creating a unique and
memorable experience for each patron became paramount. A crucial
element in this transformation is music. According to the
Colorado Restaurant Association, 86% percent of people who
participated in a recent BMI study said music can enhance their
dining experience, making it an essential tool for restaurateurs.
So, how does music play a role in personalizing the dining
experience, and how can restaurant owners leverage it to create
ambiance for their patrons?
Welcome to The Main Course, hosted by Barbara Castiglia. In this
episode, Castiglia examines music and its impact on the dining
experience with guest Ross Honey, President and CEO at
TouchTunes.
Key Discussion Points:
• The evolution of the restaurant jukebox and its transition into
the digital age
• The significance of music in enhancing the ambiance of a
restaurant
• How TouchTunes is revolutionizing the music experience in
dining establishments
Ross Honey is the dynamic force behind TouchTunes, leading the
company as its President and CEO. With a rich background in
digital entertainment, Honey spent a decade at Microsoft,
primarily focusing on the Xbox business. His journey with
TouchTunes began seven and a half years ago. Under his
leadership, TouchTunes has expanded its reach to over 65,000
locations across North America and the UK, providing a
personalized music experience for patrons. Honey’s dedication to
enhancing the dining experience through music has made TouchTunes
a game-changer in the industry.
Mehr
15.09.2023
39 Minuten
In recent years, there’s been a vibrant resurgence in celebrating
and preserving cultural heritage. As the world becomes more
interconnected, there's a wonderful opportunity to share and
relish the diverse traditions that make each culture unique. One
such tradition is the rich tapestry of Jewish culinary
traditions, which, much like the Rosh Hashanah celebrations, is a
blend of stories, memories, history, and the hope for a sweet and
bountiful future. According to a study by the Pew Research
Center, 72% of Jewish Americans engage in cultural activities
like cooking Jewish food.
How can society ensure that these culinary traditions, deeply
rooted in storytelling and family, continue to thrive for future
generations?
Welcome to The Main Course, where host Barbara Castiglia engages
in a delightful conversation with Amanda Dell, the Program
Director of The Jewish Food Society. This episode promises a
journey into the beautiful intersection of food, storytelling,
and Jewish culture.
Key discussion points include:
• The role of food in celebrating Jewish culinary traditions and
culture
• Amanda Dell's journey from the world of hospitality to The
Jewish Food Society
• The mission and initiatives of The Jewish Food Society,
especially during recent global challenges
As the Program Director of The Jewish Food Society and the
podcast host of “Schmaltzy,” Amanda Dell brings a wealth of
knowledge and passion. With a background in the restaurant
industry, including time at the renowned Gramercy Tavern,
Amanda's dedication to preserving culinary heritage shines
through. The Jewish Food Society's efforts to archive family
recipes, histories, and stories ensure these treasures remain
vibrant and accessible.
Mehr
11.09.2023
36 Minuten
Creating generational wealth is a goal for many, yet it seems
increasingly unobtainable in recent years. One path still open to
make those goals a reality is in the world of franchising.
Contrary to expectations, the pandemic did not deter individuals
from seeing the potential of owning and operating a restaurant
franchise. The desire to establish a sustainable business and
create generational wealth has only intensified. According to
industry insights, there’s been a notable increase in franchise
inquiries since the onset of COVID-19, with franchise job and
unit growth outpacing pre-pandemic levels.
But what drives someone to dive into the world of franchising,
especially when they have little to no prior experience in the
field?
Welcome to The Main Course, hosted by Barbara Castiglia. In this
episode, Castiglia looks at the allure and promise of franchising
with her guest, Tarji Carter, Founder and President of The
Franchise Player.
Castiglia and Tarji discuss the following during their
conversation:
• The increasing appeal of franchising as a career and investment
opportunity
• Tarji’s unexpected journey from the hotel industry to becoming
a pivotal figure in restaurant franchising
• The mission and vision behind The Franchise Player’s aims to
educate and empower underserved communities about franchising
opportunities
Tarji Carter, a seasoned professional in the franchising space,
began her journey in the hotel industry. Her serendipitous
encounter with the president of Citibank led her to Focus Brands,
where she rapidly climbed the ranks, eventually overseeing
franchise sales for Carvel ice cream on a national scale.
Recognizing the lack of representation in franchising, Tarji
founded The Franchise Player. Her organization aims to provide
education, opportunities, and resources about franchising,
particularly to the Black community. With over fifteen years of
experience selling franchises for globally recognized brands,
Tarji is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping
others realize the potential of franchising to create
generational wealth.
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Über diesen Podcast
Food is serious business. Now, on The Main Course, host Barbara
Castiglia will invite insiders on the front lines of food to share
their expertise, strategies, and forecasts for navigating the
ever-changing restaurant industry.
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