Hospitality with Purpose

Chef Ken is the leader of JWU's dining services and spearheaded a dining hall revolution over the summer on the Providence Campus. Nick & Dean kick off the season getting to know the man behind the plan focused on improving the dining experience for students across campus. In addition to getting the scoop on how the improvements went from idea to reality, the boys discuss proper usage of the term "Chef" and JWU's commitment to leveling up the food and beverage options for students...after all, food not only feeds the stomach, but it feeds the soul. Chef Ken may also spill the secret recipe for their famous pizza sauce...  This is the start of some great conversations with Chef Ken around innovations in the non-commercial food space. Thanks Chef!

Guy Hanuka, owner of Navad Bakers dropped into the studio to tell the story of his journey to owning one of the best bakeries in Rhode Island. In addition to bringing along babka that literally left Nick, Dean, and Bryan speechless, Guy shares his passion for baking along with an incredible entrepreneurial story that aligns the right place, at the right time, combined with an incredible amount of skill and desire. As the boys wrap up season 3, the show closes with a great game of Foodie Fight and a little preview of the summer plans for Nick and Dean. Thats a wrap on season 3 of Hospitable with Nick & Dean...and for real, get to Navad Bakers and enjoy some INCREDIBLE products sooner rather than later!

Nick and Dean welcome back Matt Samel, PhD to talk private clubs and the impact that this industry segment has on the students here at JWU. Private Clubs are like no other segment in the Hospitality Industry and Matt is the resident expert on the topic here at JWU. In addition to talking business, Dean reviews some listener feedback and almost immediately puts the commentary into action, and we answer the long-awaited question when Matt is a guest...will his parking be validated?  Be sure to subscribe to the Hospitality with Purpose Podcast channel for ALL the episodes of Hospitality and for more information about the private club industry log onto www.CMAA.org

In this week's episode Dean is flying solo for a second interview with Prof. Brian Warrener, the Director of the Center for Beverage Innovation here at JWU. Don't worry though, Producer Bryan Lavin stepped into the co-host chair to keep things flowing and Dean on track. Brian recaps some of the trending happenings in the beverage industry, recaps the experience from two major industry conferences, and looks into the crystal ball for some future insights in the world of Beverage. In keeping with tradition the boys sample some product and give their honest feedback of Guiness 0. 

Jason Evans, Dean of the College of Food Innovation & Technology drops by the studio for another conversation with Nick & Dean. This episode is centered around getting to know Jason, his journey, and some incredible insights on what it means to be a leader. Executive Producer Bryan Lavin and Nick cut out a bit early due to a prior engagement and miss a poignant conversation about the importance of father figures and how hard it is to say goodbye to a loved one. They also spend some time recapping the 50th anniversary gala for CFIT and have a great "who the hell are you" session...wait for the last question!!Like, subscribe, and make sure to listen all the episodes of Hospitable with Nick & Dean!

Restaunteur Jim Harris joins Nick and Dean all the way from the West Coast to talk about the restaurant industry, opening an establishment, and how to make it in the industry. Jim found his way through the industry starting at the bottom at one of RI's most iconic restaurants, the Red Rooster. Through a series of smart decisions, lessons learned, and things breaking the right way Jim is now managing a small restaurant empire here in the Ocean State from gorgeous California. The guys reminisce about the importance of Chef Norman Leclere, break down the complexities of partnerships in ownership, and Jim shares a TON of insights into the industry. This episode ends with a quick round of "Who The Hell Are You?" For all the episodes of Hospitable with Nick and Dean, be sure to subscribe to the HwP series and check out all the past interviews.

The IT Guru, Prof. Ron Blum, joins the guys in studio to talk about trends that are emerging in the F&B IT segment. JWU is hosting the first ever Technology Symposium on Feb. 21st highlighting some of the latest and greatest impacts of technology on the Food & Beverage industry - this episode serves as a preview highlighting topics and guests...and there are already plans in the works for a post-symposium breakdown of information. Not only that, but we get to know Ron's background a bit more, reflect on the importance of the team atmosphere here at JWU, and listen to Ron and Dean absolutely bomb in Foodie Fight. If you know what Umami is, please give this episode and download and don't forget to subscribe for all the latest HwP episodes!

In this wide-ranging conversation, Nick and Dean learn from resident cannabis expert Dr. Bud! The cannabis industry carries several stigmas and misconceptions and Dr. Bud helps to dispel many of them. This conversation ranged from religious beliefs, to social injustice, to moss paint and so much more. JWU is a pioneer in cannabis entrepreneurship and as a founder member Dr. Bud offers incredible insights from the industry perspective. This episode ends with a wild game of Foodie Fight!  

Michael Sabitoni, Professor and Department Chair for Food and Beverage studies, is back in the studio chatting with the guys about all things Beverage. Spirit free is a movement that is here to stay and Michael brings us all up to speed on the latest industry statistics, current trends, and insights into the future of the beverage industry...plus, Nick and Dean pepper him with some great questions to get to know the man behind the data!

On this episode of HwP, Lavin sits down with the Owner and Founder of Sated Ventures, Karolina Guilcapi for an awesome conversation on the travel industry. As a proud JWU alumni, Karolina has applied her training at the COHM to an adventurous career in the travel industry. Join us as we talk travel trends, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and what it's like to build a boutique custom tour operator during a global pandemic! For more information on Sated Ventures, visit www.satedventures.com and be sure to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or Tik Tok!

Bella Noche, the Long Island Mermaid, joins Nick and Dean for an awesome and entertaining conversation about inclusivity in hospitality. Bella brings an awesome perspective to the table regarding drag brunches, drag story times, and what it is like to be a performer in the industry. The boys get educated on terminology surrounding drag performers and discuss how the hospitality industry truly is a welcoming and inclusive place for all, thanks in part to professionals like Bella! Stick around the Foodie Fight at the end of the episode where things get a little wild. Become a Guppie and give Bella a follow at BellaNocheNYC on Instagram and be sure to subscribe to Hospitality with Purpose for all the latest episodes.  

This week the boys welcome food safety expert Patricia Bowman to the studio. Patty is a Professor at Johnson & Wales University and some might call her the Overlord of Food Safety! Patty breaks down the standards we all should be using for food safety both at home and in the industry, gives us her top "red flags" when going out to eat, and drives home the point that safe handling of food has to be the number 1 priority in any dining establishment. Stick around for 20 questions with Patty and a special Coffee "TEDtalk" with the show's Producer, Bryan Lavin. There is so much to talk about in this episode that Patty will be back soon for Part 2!

Nick and Dean welcome John "The Pizza King" Sapienza to the studio for a fun and authentic conversation about the Pizza Business. John is a former restauranter who owned and operated The Pizza King in crime free South Lawrence, MA for over 30 years. John walks us through his journey in the owning a restaurant, the challenges of taking over a family business, and let's us know just how many pizzas he's made and sold over the years...you guessed it, it's A LOT! This is a really fun conversation about food, community, and running your own business!  For more stories and episodes give us a follow on Instagram @nickanddeanpodcast

This week Nick and Dean reach across the aisle of JWU and welcome the Dean of the College of Food Innovation and Technology Jason Evans to the show. Jason walks us through his background and discusses the truly comprehensive experience that students immerse themselves in with a degree from JWU. Of course, his knowledge is put to the test in Foodie Fight and the crew acknowledges the 50th Anniversary of Culinary Arts Education here at the University! ...and don't forget, let us know what you think of the new intro & outro music, @NickandDeanPodcast on instagram. 

Brian Warrener, Director for the Center of Beverage Innovation and Education joined the boys in studio to talk about this new initiative from Johnson & Wales University. In a fun, free flowing conversation Nick, Dean, and Brian cover their pathways to becoming educators and industry experts, trends happening in the Beverage world, how the CBIE can support students, and so much more! They also sample a fun, new NA beer and end with a round of Foodie Fight! Hit up the hosts with comments and ideas at NickandDeanPodcast on IG!

Nick and Dean are back in the studio to kick-off season 3 of Hospitable! This episode is a free flowing conversation hitting the highlights of trends in the industry, the COVID recovery, what's here to stay, and what isn't. The episode ends with a Hosp or Not segment from a situation over the summer. To weigh in on Hosp or Not or suggest a suture topic of discussion, email Nick & Dean at nickanddeanhospitable@gmail.com or follow on IG @nickanddeanpodcast

Season 2, Episode 6! Nick and Dean welcome Dr. Magnus Thorsson, founding member of the Cannabis Entrepreneurship program here at JWU. This free-flowing primer conversation talks about how Magnus got involved with Cannabis, the academic field in terms of Cannabis Industry development, and how JWU's program is leading the field in preparing students to dive into this competitive industry with the knowledge of both the business side and the agricultural side. There is a clear path in this new and growing field for Hospitality operators to develop cannabis related experiences which Dr. Thorsson believes to be an important future area of growth. This is a great conversation for anyone interested in the cannabis industry to gain some fundamental knowledge...and test their skills at Foodie Fight during the last segment. For more information about Cannabis Entrepreneurship here at JWU, follow this link: Cannabis Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Degree | Providence | Johnson & Wales University (jwu.edu)

On this episode of HwP LIVE we'll listen in to the recent panel hosted NSMH Student Club here at the COHM on bringing DE&I practices to the forefront of the hospitality business. This panel feature some incredible perspectives from COHM Alumni and industry experts Pearl Farquharson '12, Nicole Lau '12, Serena Sheffer '17, Thara Alleyne, Maferly Reyes '15, and Jackie Dacany. This panel was moderated by two current COHM students and leaders within the NSMH Club, Hannah Bernard and Melody Huang '24. Thank you to all of the panelists for sharing some incredible perspective and a huge shout out to NSMH here at JWU for helping to turn this panel into an episode of HwP Live!

Nick and Dean are back in the studio with Private Club Management expert Matthew Samel, PhD. Mat is a professor here at the College of Hospitality Management at JWU and is the faculty advisor for the student chapter of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA). Mat drops some serious knowledge about a sub-set of hospitality that not many people know about...but once they do, they are hooked! This episode ends with a double dose of Foodie Fight AND Hosp or Not. It's a great conversation for anyone considering a career in Hospitality and a fun look at a very interesting field! Thanks to Mat for joining in on the cast and get ready for next week's episode when Nick & Dean mix some spirit free cocktails live in the air! 

Nick and Dean are back in the studio for a fun conversation about the top takeaways from the recent VIBE conference. Additionally, the boys revisit the NA beverage topic with a new understanding of where they may have gone wrong in the tasting episode! This is a fun episode that covers a lot of ground. Look for episode 6 coming soon where Nick and Dean welcome Mat Samel to discuss the world of Private Club Management and explore a sub-set of the hospitality industry that deserves some serious recognition! For feedback, topic suggestions, and questions hit them up on Instagram @nickanddeanpodcast

Our first ever HwP LIVE episode features a panel discussion that recently took place on campus in partnership with the team at the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Three industry experts joined us to discuss the importance of destination stewardship in everything that we do in tourism and travel, from Marketing to Management. Panelists included Steve Lima from G Adventures, Tracy Michaud from the University of Southern Maine, and Heather Heverling from Audley Travel. Listen in for a really fun conversation that addresses some of the critical elements tourism managers should consider as we move into a new era of travel!

"No, Nope, NO...I'm sorry guys"... This week Nick and Dean continue their exploration of the Spirit Free beverage world by sampling some NA products during the cast. With very little experience in this space, they start off by tasting a non-alcoholic IPA then dive into the spirit world with a Bourbon substitute (American Malt...more on that in the cast!) and a spiced rum. Really fun episode and worth listening if you're interested in the spirit free beverage world and sober curious lifestyle! This episode ends with a trivia challenge as well...lots of fun and very eye opening!

Nick and Dean have a personal chat about the world of Non-Spirited beverages. This is a huge topic that will span several episodes and this conversation is a great level set. Great thoughts from all perspectives in terms of what is driving this new trend and the boys settle on a tasting experience for the next episode! Listen in and join us next episode for live reactions to some of the most popular NA beverages on the market!

Nick and Dean sit down with Professor Michael Sabitoni, Department Chair at Johnson & Wales University and beverage expect to discuss the trends facing the beverage industry today. With a huge focus on non-alcoholic beverages, the industry is an exciting place to build and grow new products. Along with the focus on the industry, JWU has recently launch a Center for Beverage Innovation in collaboration with the College of Hospitality Management and College of Food Innovation & Technology. Really exciting stuff in this episode and a great topic that will be explored throughout this season!

Annie is the Director of Talent Programs at Great Wolf Lodge and joined the HwP Podcast to talk about career paths, growth with GWL, and how to better position yourself for success as you begin to plan out your own career path. Hospitality is all about the non-linear career path and Annie walks us through how to navigate hospitality, having an end goal in mind, and using each step of the journey to build to a successful (and really fun!) career! Bust out your wolf ears and enjoy this episode!  

On Episode 2 we welcome Ian Wallis, Sales and Marketing Manager for Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism! On this episode we talk non-linear career paths, Louisiana Tourism, how DMO's impact the community in ways we'd never expect as well as an incredible international partnership celebrating Cajun Heritage! It's been a wild ride for Ian but one that has been incredibly fulfilling as well! Enjoy the episode and a great story!

In the second part of the recording from Greece, Nick and Dean discuss the typical food & beverage experiences in the Greek way of life. Tipping, as it turns out isn't universal and provides a great stage for a heated "Hosp & Not" at the end!  Enjoy!!

In Episode 5 Nick and Dean explore the differences between Greek culture and American culture. Nick recorded this episode LIVE from Greece and offers some amazing insights into different ways of life. 

Welcome to the inaugural run of the Hospitality with Purpose podcast! In this first episode Craig Sculos is in studio from Bally's Twin River Hotel & Casino and we discuss a lot about the ever changing and dynamic world of gaming. In this episode we cover topics like getting started in the industry, the growth of Bally's as a major player in the gaming world, the extension of gaming into digital spaces, and how the gaming industry is shifting to become a hub of economic activity. This is a jam packed 30 minutes with LOTS of references to classic rock, old (but awesome) movies, and a few laughs along the way. For more information about Bally's please visit www.ballys.com and give JWU CoHM a follow on IG @JWUPVDHOSP

And away we go!!  Welcome to the maiden voyage of Hospitable w. Nick & Dean! This series is part of the Hospitality with Purpose Podcast from the College of Hospitality Management at Johnson & Wales University!  This week met Nick & Dean and listen in as they discuss the changing dynamic of the relationship between front and back of house in the food service field. Also, stay locked in for Hosp or Not where Nick & Dean breakdown a recent incident involving a cookie.Keep it locked here for more episodes, expert interviews, trending topics in hospitality and so much more!  Also, don't forget to follow the College of Hospitality Management at JWU on Instagram @JWUPVDHOSP

In this episode of Hospitable w. Nick & Dean they tack the current state of affairs in the restaurant industry. Coming out of the pandemic, as restrictions get lifted, restaurant owners and managers are faced with tons of new challenges from pent up demand, to staff shortages, to rising food costs. Nick & Dean cover them all and offer some pro tips on creative menu construction and how to still offer quality while avoiding passing the costs on to the customer. Can't miss listen for new perspective for the next time you go out to eat! 

Episode 3 of Hospitable w. Nick & Dean! In this episode Professors Makris & Mistretta tackle some common complaints from the restaurant industry, discuss the importance of training, and offer some great perspective on the customer always being right. Enjoy the conversation and let us know what you think about this episode's "Hosp or Not"!  Tune in to other episodes of HwP for all the latest insights from the Hospitality industry, expert interviews, and happenings at JWU's College of Hospitality Management.