MENU Unplugged

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we had the honour of featuring Anna Pham, Director of Content & Programming at Restaurants Canada, a formidable presence in the Canadian foodservice industry. Anna shared her personal journey, deeply interwoven with her Vietnamese heritage and the entrepreneurial spirit passed down from her grandparents and parents. From her early days folding pizza boxes in her father's pizza shop to her current role at Restaurants Canada, Anna's life has been a testament to the passion, resilience, and innovation required to succeed in the dynamic world of food service.This conversation shed light on Anna's professional experiences and her dedication to making a positive impact in the industry, especially in the realms of sustainability and supporting women. Anna's stories are not just narratives of personal achievement; they are lessons in leadership, commitment to community, and the power of heritage.Join us as we dive into a discussion that promises to enlighten and inspire, highlighting Anna Pham's significant contributions to the food service industry in Canada. Brought to you by:Restaurants Canada & Sysco Canadawww.restaurantscanada.orgwww.sysco.caWith support from:American Express Canadawww.americanexpress.com/en-ca/

In our recent conversation, Richard Alexander from Restaurants Canada discusses how the restaurant industry connects with government affairs. With a mix of dedication and strategy, Richard explains the challenges our industry faces, like inflation and labour shortages, and the efforts to make the industry more sustainable. He shares stories of working with board members and making progress in shaping government policies, highlighting his passion for supporting our vibrant and thriving industry.The discussion then shifts to the impact of automation and immigration policies giving listeners a full picture of what changes are underway and to come. We also celebrate the value of face-to-face interactions in the restaurant industry, recognizing the personal touches in every meal. Join us in honouring the heroes advocating for the restaurant industry; one policy, one person, and one meal at a time. Brought to you by:Restaurants Canada & Sysco Canadawww.restaurantscanada.orgwww.sysco.caWith support from:American Express Canadawww.americanexpress.com/en-ca/

Pull up a seat at the kitchen table where Trevor Lui spices up our conversation with a mix of family traditions and his love for the industry. Revel in the comfort of North American Chinese food from the past where culture and cuisine dance a tango of taste and memory. This chat isn't just about food; it's a window into how recipes like ginger beef weave through the fabric of our diverse dining tapestry, creating a flavour-filled narrative that's uniquely Canadian.If you've ever wondered how the dining room table can become a forum for civil discourse, we get into the meat of it, examining how culinary creations can soften hearts and open minds to meaningful conversations. Our episode serves up a feast of thought-provoking insights as we simmer down the historical essence of these dishes and unwrap their stories—which are as layered as the finest pastry.With Lunar New Year – marking the Year of the Dragon – on the horizon, Trevor offers insights into the delicate balance between preserving cultural authenticity and commercialization in festive traditions. He also shares reflections on his family's journey from Hong Kong to entrepreneurship, highlighting the persistent challenges immigrants encounter in the hospitality industry. Brought to you by:Restaurants Canada & Sysco Canadawww.restaurantscanada.orgwww.sysco.caWith support from:American Express Canadawww.americanexpress.com/en-ca/

From a young immigrant with a passion for hospitality to an internationally recognized cocktail virtuoso, Evelyn Chick's journey is as captivating as her drinks. In our recent conversation with the author of "For the Love of Cocktails," Evelyn opened up about her transition from the art world to mixology, leading her to create some of the most exceptional drinks we've ever tasted. Her story is a blend of ambition and creativity, inspiring bartenders and enthusiasts to pursue their dreams.The resilience of the bar industry showcases the adaptability and creativity of those who work in it. "For the Love of Cocktails" is more than just a book—it's a crusade to promote cocktail culture and educate people about the intricate art of mixology. It demonstrates that a great drink is not just a beverage, but a complete experience.In the foodservice industry, where culinary and mixological arts come together, we discuss the resurgence of nostalgic drinks and the evolution of sophisticated cocktail menus. We also give a sneak peek of what Evelyn will be doing at the upcoming RC Show and chat about her upcoming West Coast book tour. Grab a drink and join us for a conversation that will delight your taste buds and might even inspire your next bar creation. Cheers to that! Brought to you by:Restaurants Canada & Sysco Canadawww.restaurantscanada.orgwww.sysco.caWith support from:American Express Canadawww.americanexpress.com/en-ca/

Join our conversation with Dylan Erlendson, Notch's Vice President of Sales. Notch is a company at the forefront of revolutionizing financial processes for the restaurant and hospitality sector. With his background as a restaurant operator, Dylan brings a wealth of understanding to the challenges many businesses face. At Notch, he's spearheading a mission to eliminate paper invoices, transforming accounts payable and receivable into a hassle-free experience.This episode goes beyond just invoicing. We dive into strategies for enhancing efficiency and profitability in your business. Discover how incorporating technology like OCR scanners for accurate invoice processing and real-time inventory management can give you an edge over competitors. We also explore the impact of strategic menu pricing on your profits.In this digital era, menus are going digital too. We discuss the advantages of this trend, including instant updates and easy integration with popular delivery platforms. Concerned about losing the appeal of traditional menus? We'll address that too. Plus, we reveal Notch's innovative dual sync feature, designed to streamline coordination between your finance and kitchen staff. Transitioning to a new system? Dylan reassures that it's straightforward, especially with special pricing for Restaurants Canada members. Tune in to learn how Notch can elevate your business to new heights. Brought to you by:Restaurants Canada & Sysco Canadawww.restaurantscanada.orgwww.sysco.caWith support from:American Express Canadawww.americanexpress.com/en-ca/

Get ready for a deep dive into the 2023 Foodservice Facts report with our esteemed guest, Chris Elliott from Restaurants Canada. We've meticulously analyzed the latest trends, from changing consumer preferences to the surprising shift towards smaller restaurant spaces. As we unpack the report, you'll gain firsthand insights into the current realities of the foodservice industry, including the growing popularity of off-premise dining and the transformation of restaurant layouts. This session promises to shed light on how the pandemic has reshaped the way consumers interact with dining establishments.Our discussion takes an intriguing technological twist as we examine the role of AI in revolutionizing the foodservice sector. Discover how AI is boosting efficiency and altering marketing approaches across different demographics. Dining out is evolving into an experience that's mindful of both consumer satisfaction and environmental impact.Prepare to navigate from the present challenges facing the food industry to its bright prospects. We address the tough terrain restaurant operators are currently facing and explore how AI can assist in making informed data-driven choices. Chris brings his unique perspective on the critical need for continuous innovation in this rapidly changing landscape. And for a bit of comfort – we conclude with a heartening forecast: in economically challenging times, there's an anticipated surge in demand for comfort foods like soup.So, gear up for an engaging, enlightening, and thought-provoking journey as we traverse the dynamic world of the foodservice industry. This is an event you don't want to miss, offering a glimpse into the future of dining! Brought to you by:Restaurants Canada & Sysco Canadawww.restaurantscanada.orgwww.sysco.caWith support from:American Express Canadawww.americanexpress.com/en-ca/

Every morning, Sonia Mondino awakens with an unquenchable passion for health and wellness, a fire that has not only reshaped her life but has inspired countless others. Having immersed herself in the culinary world as a chef for 14 years, Sonia's profound connection with food took on a transformative twist. Recognizing the profound link between the meals she crafted and overall well-being, Sonia decided to transition into becoming an Integrated Nutrition Health Coach. But her philosophy of health extends far beyond the plate. While culinary arts remain central to her, Sonia underscores the importance of often-neglected wellness facets: the calming cadence of our breath, the rejuvenating embrace of sleep, and the unseen yet deeply felt energy that permeates our surroundings. Her teachings challenge mainstream notions, spotlighting the rejuvenating benefits of Himalayan sea salt and alerting about the potential pitfalls of caffeine overreliance. In her quest to equip others with tools for holistic well-being, Sonia emphasizes the recuperative power of sleep and shares practical tips to ward off burnout.For anyone in the hospitality industry standing at the crossroads of lifestyle choices or those merely wishing to sprinkle a bit more wellness into their daily routine, Sonia Mondino's rich tapestry of experiences offers profound insights. As Sonia articulates, the essence of true affluence lies in our health and well-being. Brought to you by:Restaurants Canada & Sysco Canadawww.restaurantscanada.orgwww.sysco.caWith support from:American Express Canadawww.americanexpress.com/en-ca/

Get ready to dive into the local food movement in this captivating conversation with The Hon. Lisa M. Thompson of Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Minister Thompson provides invaluable insights into the transformative role that local foods play in today's restaurant industry. She delves into the ever-evolving landscape of the food service sector in Ontario, influenced by discerning consumers who prioritize both sustainability and quality.Minister Thompson also discusses the financial ramifications of our dietary selections, emphasizing that the local food wave isn't merely a passing trend but a viable, economically rewarding strategy. If you've ever wondered how to effectively convey the narrative of your restaurant's locally procured ingredients - we touch on that too, and so much more.What are you waiting for? Hit that play button!Brought to you by:Restaurants Canada & Sysco Canadawww.restaurantscanada.orgwww.sysco.caWith support from:American Express Canadawww.americanexpress.com/en-ca/

Welcome to our first episode of MENU Unplugged, a podcast brought to you by Restaurants Canada in partnership with Sysco Canada. In this compelling conversation, we have the honour of hosting a heartfelt chat with the renowned Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada.Kelly, a key leader in the restaurant industry, walks us through the challenges that the foodservice industry continues to face post-pandemic. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience that defines the vibrant restaurant community.Our conversation starts off by learning why the restaurant industry stole her heart and how her career shifted into advocacy. We then take a deep dive into the state of our industry today, the challenges being faced post-pandemic, RC Show 2024, and the significance of the newly released 2023 Foodservice Facts report—an indispensable tool that empowers the industry with the knowledge for stability and trend awareness. As our conversation continues to unfold, we touch on the urgent call for young talent to return to the industry and the incredible benefits it can bring to their lives. Tune in to this enlightening first episode of MENU Unplugged and get ready for a deep dive into the heart of the restaurant industry's resilience and revival as they prepare to Level Up for 2024. Brought to you by:Restaurants Canada & Sysco Canadawww.restaurantscanada.orgwww.sysco.caWith support from:American Express Canadawww.americanexpress.com/en-ca/