Seat Yourself

This week's episode features Roger Least, Director of Dining Services for Brightview Senior Living. Drawn to his current company by their culture, in our conversation Roger explains why that culture is so important in the senior living segment and what it especially meant during the pandemic.   And, since we have tabletop in our DNA, we asked Roger his view of how the role that tabletop plays in the senior dining experience and just why the dining experience is so important in this growing sector. After our conversation it is easy to understand why Brightview is a regional leader in this all important segment and why they continue to attract top talent at all levels.

This week's episode features marketing veteran Marc Broccoli. Marc has been helping start-up and established brands grow for the past 20+ years by combining proven marketing strategies and tactics with both traditional and leading-edge methods. Recently, Marc has turned his attention to marketing within the foodservice sector.  So, in today's conversation, we discuss with this veteran marketer how he views marketing versus sales and where he feels the future of marketing in foodservice is headed.   Marc's experience includes working with companies of all sizes in both consumer and the B2B channels. To add to his marketing expertise, Marc started his business career in operations and, in addition, he has also spent time on the agency side of the brand building equation.   With a background of such wide – and deep – experiences, we were excited to sit with Marc Broccoli and get his take the future of marketing, in general…. and what he sees as the future role of brands in foodservice.    And like any great marketer, Marc has his own website: mbroccoli.com

This week's episode has us sitting with Ed Grocholski, Sr. Vice President – Brand at the Junior Achievement organization. Recruiting employees and future leaders for the restaurant and hospitality industry currently is a real and present issue. We're fortunate to have Ed join us to discuss how his organization is working to develop top young talent that will hopefully be a source now and in the future for our industry!   If you're interested in having young people learn and join our industry, you'll want to check out what Ed has to say! And, like me, I think you'll be amazed at both the scope – and the impact – of the Junior Achievement organization.

In this week's episode, friend of the show Greg Kirrish returns to recap his just completed culinary sojourn to the Grand Canyon State of Arizona. Curious adventurer that he is, Greg gives us his food & beverage insights into the dining out goings-on in Tucson and Scottsdale, along with his encounters in the remote outposts of Sedona and Flagstaff.   And – bonus – Greg offers up the location for the best tacos he's had ever! You'll definitely want to hear of the discoveries that our wandering gourmand has made on his latest trip.

This week, we bring a tech touch to Seat Yourself when we are joined by John Kelly, CEO of Zenreach. Zenreach is a software and information company that helps restaurant operators connect the physical and digital journey for their customers. With customer acquisition and retention as their primary targets, Zenreach offers operators digital marketing that can be measured with in-store results.   With our industry’s return from the pandemic, we cannot think of a more important topic than new customer acquisition and retaining those most loyal pre-pandemic customers. What John has to say will be something that every operator – and supplier – will want to hear.

This week, we head back to one of our favorite cities – Edinburgh, Scotland – to speak to founder and creative entrepreneur Nikki Gibson about her start up company Swurf.This talented hospitality veteran seized the opportunity during the current pandemic to create a start to help both hotel properties and those who continue to work from home. Nikki will explain why her company Swurf is of great benefit to both the hoteliers and here Swurfer community, even after the pandemic is over.   In addition, Nikki will tell us why she feels challenging times are often the best time to begin something new and what some of her thoughts – and challenges – are in being an entrepreneur. Anybody considering a startup will want to hear what Nikki has to say.

This week, friend of the podcast Zander Lauritzen Hansen returns to talk #tiki! We could not be more excited to have this cocktail savant return to give us his thoughts on this fun concept that will no doubt be riding the returning wave as the hospitality industry begins its comeback. The tiki cocktail, and really the entire tiki concept, is associated with fun and the world could use a bit more of that these days, for sure. We’ll talk about the history of tiki, what are some of the current trends and why it can be a profitable addition to almost any type of restaurant or bar. Plus, you can get a few ideas from Zander’s company - Scandic Bar – by using the catalog link on the Seat Yourself website, just to right of this summary posting.

In this week’s episode, Dave discusses the #coretrait of being true to yourself and your dreams. And, he does it by discussing the future possibilities that lay in front for TabletopJournal as it approaches its 10th anniversary. Ambiguity and uncertainty are always a part of our future and Dave’s personal approach in this week’s episode brings it home with candor, personality and, as always, without varnish.

In this week’s episode, Jay Allie, friend, co-host of our other podcast Every Other Thursday - and Sr. VP of Sales & Marketing for Stolzle Glassware - comes on to discuss his lengthy sales and marketing career, the current state of the foodservice and hospitality industry. Jay also offers up his take on our Every Other Thursday podcast and how it differs a bit from this podcast. For those of you familiar with Jay, you know there’s never a shortage of stories so you’ll definitely want to tune into this episode.

This week, we are joined by England’s Matt Inwood. Matt is well known in British culinary circles for his creative storytelling and his packaging of chefs, restaurants and their associated stories. In the more recent times, Matt has also become known for his extraordinary phone photography skills. In fact, he is so well regarded in that area he has turned to conducting workshops on helping others to improve their storytelling with images taken from our smartphones. Matt’s workshops and his 3 elements for success form the core of this week’s episode. We also touch on Matt’s other creative talents, including his thoughtful and reflective writing. Matt takes us through his writings and his thoughts on being kind to others and why that is particularly important in these current times. Matt Inwood is a man of depth and many creative talents. Our conversation will allow you insights into who he is, what motivates him and what he knows that can be of help to all of us.

In this week’s episode, Greg Kirrish returns to talk about our Every Other Thursday Podcast - where he is a co-host - and what really differentiates our other podcast. Along with that, Greg weighs in with his unique perspective on the #foodservice and #hospitality industry – and, its tradeshow’s – recovery trajectory.   Finally, we close out this episode by learning what destinations are on Greg’s developing travel agenda as the ability to move around our country continues to become easier and easier.

In this week’s episode, we discuss our building anticipation of the real beginning of the re-opening of the hospitality sector. Amidst the excitement, there is also the realization that our industry’s recovery will likely not be linear and straightforward. With a patchwork and often erratic recovery, it will take a great deal of positivity to continue to see our way forward. So, this week, we offer up a few simple and easy tips for keeping our individual positivity at a high level and why its important that do that. #positivity   Four quick tips, plus a couple of bonus tips – all within our own individual control and best of all, at no cost. Staying positive is always a choice. Make it yours.

In this week’s episode, we sit with sales entrepreneur extraordinaire Bill Flannery. Based in the Washington – Baltimore marketplace Bill has been on all sides of the supply chain to the foodservice and hospitality industry. Using humor as his calling card, Bill discusses his philosophy for staying in touch with his customers, how he has evolved during the past year and much, much more.   If you currently know Bill, this episode will help you know him better – and differently. If you’re not familiar yet with Bill, you definitely will want to understand both who he is – and, how he differentiates himself in the crowded field of sales to the foodservice and hospitality sectors.

In this week’s episode, we turn the conversation back to a core belief that, throughout life, there will always be struggles. And, those struggles can be a great source of our strength and help us make decisions that we may have avoided otherwise. Let us all hope to see the many blessings that come from the struggles that life inevitably brings to us.   As Helen Keller taught us - “The struggle of life is one of our greatest blessings.” After all, how could you get stronger without overcoming a struggle?

This week, our episode has a couple of distinct differences. First of all, we have 2 guests – Josh Callahan and Jason Wange, from Cal-Mil.   And, secondly, in our opening segment, we will learn from these two top execs all about Cal-Mil which was started more than 50 years ago by Josh’s grandfather. And, then, in our second segment, we are going to learn about the Foodservice Powerplant Network that Jason has started as a support resource within the foodservice and hospitality industry.   What we were most curious about is Cal-Mil’s strong support of the FSPN and exactly where this new FB support group fits into the company’s larger overall purpose and culture. In this episode you’ll hear from both Josh and Jason how these two organizations fit together and, perhaps, it may have just been a bit of destiny that it has all come together so well.

This week, Zander Lauritzen Hansen returns to give us his take on the trends that he sees continuing with us into the future now that the pandemic horizon is – possibly - finally starting to show itself. Much has changed in the past 12 months and there are many new avenues that both operators and spirits companies are traveling to reach their target markets.   Copenhagen-based and a global leader in the bartending & mixology scene and owner of bar supply company Scandic Bar, Zander brings us the latest on the trends that he feels have the staying power to be with us for the long-term.

In this week’s episode, we return to a conversation on gratefulness, but with a special perspective on being grateful in the face of great challenge. This past year has seen nearly all of us face challenges both big and small. Both personal and professional. And, while it has been a tough time for everyone, in particular, it’s been difficult for those throughout the hospitality industry.   In this year-ending episode, we take a new look at why it is important to know our “Why” and what remaining grateful in the face of great challenge can mean to us and our organization. And, we even get a bit personal along the way.

In our next installment of keeping-things-simple leadership, this episode of our Seat Yourself podcast focuses on the concept of PURPOSE and its heightened importance during complicated and stressful times. Purpose, whether it's our own individual purpose or the purpose of our organization, can offer a guiding pathway through uncertain and often turbulent times.   What is purpose? Why is it important? And, finally, how do we find our purpose?   All important questions and we address each of them in this latest episode of our Seat Yourself podcast.

This week, friend of the podcast and cocktail & spirits guru Zander Lauritzen Hansen returns to continue the conversation about cocktails and mixology. This episode focuses all on the issue of sustainability. What it means, why its important and what, specifically, bar and restaurant operators can do to up their sustainability game.   Zander always brings his passion and energy when joining us and this episode is no different. He also offers us several great takeaways for improving sustainability in the areas of Purchasing, Operations, and Marketing/Storytelling.   And, finally as we close out this episode, Zander shares with listeners a great new surprise… all in this episode of Seat Yourself.

This week, we’re honored to be celebrating our 100 th episode with one of our most passionate guests – London’s Paulo De Tarso. Having climbed the ranks and worked with some of the world’s best, Paulo is a noted restaurateur, founder of London's Margot Restaurant and now is preparing his next great adventure.   A master of the front of the house dining experience, Paulo knows that often it is the little things that make all the difference. In our conversation, Paulo shares his wisdom and his passion for the hospitality industry while giving insights into just what is required to exceed guests' expectations and to create those very special, very memorable dining experiences.     Come listen to our conversation with Paulo and feel the energy of his spirit of hospitality on this very special episode of Seat Yourself.

With a return of the COVID-10 pandemic impacting many regions of the world, many in the #foodservice & #hospitality industry are returning to a tighter lockdown situation. Leaders at all levels far beyond just the C-suite are being stretched in ways never dreamed of before we all became far too familiar with the word pandemic.   So, this week begins a “keeping-things-simple” series on leadership in complicated times. This occasionally appearing series will focus on the cornerstones of Simple Leadership and our first episode is on Trust.

This week, we interview #tabletop expert Simon Whitney from just outside of Stoke-On-Trent in the UK. After a very successful and lengthy career as UK hospitality Sales Executive for the well-known Villeroy & Boch brand, Simon found his position being made redundant. Now, during the current COVID-19 pandemic, Simon Whitney has just started his own sales agency representing V&B and others after the life-changing event that was no fault of his own. Add to those challenges, the UK has just now gone back into intense lockdown mode. So, we’ve been looking forward to catching up with Simon to talk about what life is like after redundancy and to learn more about his thoughts as he made his decision to start his agency. And, finally and most importantly, we want to learn about his plans for his agency and the brands he represents.

If you’re feeling extra stressed these days, its small wonder why. With stricter lockdowns returning in regions all around the world, the chaos of the American elections and the Thanksgiving holiday all playing into our psyches, it’s little wonder why there is so much confusion, distrust and depression in the world. That’s why I thought it might be helpful to us remember and to reflect on some of the great moments we all have in our lives – what they are and why they’re so important.   Being grateful for all we have – and understanding what the hospitality industry does to strengthen our cultural fabric – are the central themes for this episode of Seat Yourself.     Cheers, Dave

With the foodservice and hospitality industry undergoing global transformational change, many of us are reflecting on our positions and considering if now is the time to make a few changes.   This week, we offer up considerations to ponder before undertaking our journeys of change – whether they be personal or professional. And, we discuss what the rewards can when we achieve our desired destinations.

This week, we offer up 7 quick steps on how to improve and elevate communications both internally and externally. In times of crisis such as COVID-19, communication becomes very critical to how organizations navigate their way through the turbulence. Both employees and customers want to know what a company or organization’s plans are, even as those plans are evolving. So, leaders need to be sure the correct message is being conveyed. In this episode, we discuss 7 quick steps from the American Psychological Association for doing just that.

This week, cocktail & spirits guru Zander Lauritzen Hansen returns to continue the conversation about the psychology that glassware brings to the overall hospitality guest experience. This time, however, we dig deeper discussing specific spirits and drinks such as whisky and tiki-drinks. Then, Zander gives us his take on the psychological importance of glassware to the wine and beer guest. We finish up with a lively discussion about sustainability and open the door to future episodes with a conversation on low and no-alcohol beverages. All in one single episode!

This week, we sit with Seth Iadarola, the new Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing for THERMA-TEK and Dade Coolers. As a former hospitality tabletop sales executive, Seth talks about his time in the tabletop sector and how it prepared him for his current role. He also shares insights on why he is excited to bring his talents to his new organziation. In segment two of this podcast, we ask Seth to share his take on the current state of the foodservice and hospitality industry, along with his advice to those who seek to stay within the hospitality tabletop category.

After receiving notes from a number of listeners wondering where we’ve been for 2 weeks and worrying about our team’s wellbeing, it made me think about who in our industry that I worry about. So, in this episode of Seat Yourself, I detail the three people I worry about and why. I also offer up a few suggestions for all three on how to deal with our current industry struggles. And, for the record, both myself and our team are fine. In fact, we are working diligently on several 2021 projects that we think you will like very much in the coming year. I thank everyone who sent notes but all is well on the TabletopJournal front.

This week, friend of the podcast & cocktail conversationalist Zander Lauritzen Hansen joins us again. This week our focus will not be specifically on cocktails, however. This week, we will turn attention to the glassware used in serving cocktails and why the glassware you choose for your cocktails matters so much. Copenhagen-based and a global leader in the bartending scene, Zander will also cover current trends in both cocktails and cocktail glassware, along with how you can capitalize on those trends.

This week, in our last Seat Yourself of August, we take on a couple of the key issues confronting many of us within the foodservice and hospitality industry around the world. There have been so many challenges from the COVID pandemic crisis – but none more deeply and with such long-lasting effect than that of the loss of #identity and #purpose for so many of us within our industry. This week, we will attempt to put a bit of perspective around it all and help us to turn back towards having meaningful purpose no matter how our professional story may play out. In addition, in our Introduction, we will pay tributes to a couple of hospitality tabletop industry greats that we have recently lost.

This week, Seat Yourself friend Greg Kirrish joins us again - this time to discuss the notion that perhaps the comeback of the foodservice & hospitality industry may already be underway, but just not easily visible to everyone just yet. There’s some specific evidence that there just may be reasons for optimism….but as usual, our conversation doesn’t run from the realities of our current situation. In the discussion, we also talk about the keys that companies of all types – operator, supply chain, and manufacturer/supplier – all need to focus on for success as we think about coming out of COVID-19 lockdown.

This week, when our scheduled guest had an emergency and could not make it, we had an opportunity to test our agility and quickly pivot to re-write our planned podcast. Keeping with our original idea of maintaining good mental health and the various support groups available to us during these trying times, we have tried to focus our attention on the needs of our colleagues within the global hospitality and foodservice industry. Practicing self-care and self compassion could never be more important than during the current COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to those two critical elements, we all will need the support of others at some point and sometimes we will need the help of a group of others. This week’s episode has thoughts on all of that to help ourselves or others that we may know.

This week, in our latest Creative Spectrum episode, we sit with hospitality tabletop veteran Bob Thomson for a different kind of conversation. However, today’s conversation won’t be about tabletop and we think you may find a side of Bob that many are not likely aware of. As you probably know by now, each of our conversations in our Creative Spectrum series are meant to influence, impact and inspire. As Bob describes his own “2nd Chance” journey with his new venture Bobby T’s Up In Smoke, we think he scores direct hits on all three of those. And, if you listen closely, you may even be able to “hear” the smile in Bob’s voice as he describes both the how and the why behind SW Florida’s hottest new brand–Bobby T’s Up In Smoke.

In this week’s episode, we switch back to our focus on beverages – specifically, cocktails-to-go, except that this time we add in some great content on mocktails as Copenhagen’s Zander Lauritzen Hansen returns to Seat Yourself. Zander is CEO of Mixology International. Additionally, Zander gives us his take on how restaurants and bars can take their sustainability efforts to the next level and a few reasons for doing so that you may not have considered. All this under a new banner we are calling the Beverage Bar.

In this week’s episode of our new series The Creative Spectrum, we could not be more excited to sit with this week’s guest. In what might be our most anticipated interview to date, the very talented – and very creative - Jason Wange from Cal-Mil Products joins us. Jason has recently started a new position as Sr. Director of Sales for the Western Region Sales for Cal-Mil and you may be wondering… “Why? "- in a series called “The Creative Spectrum”, would we would have a foodservice sales manager on our podcast? Let’s just call it Jason’s strong message of creative “compassionate thinking” and “creative product/company cultures”. Listen to our episode and we’re guessing you’ll understand our “why” on this week’s episode.

In this week’s episode of our new series The Creative Spectrum, we are extremely excited to welcome designer-creator Yvette Craddock. Yvette is a designer-creator whose talents extend into many areas of design and creativity – whether they be when she designs spaces or experiences, or the products that Yvette designs. Based in America’s southwest region, Yvette’s projects  - and the positive influence generated by them – can be felt all across America. We are extremely excited to have Yvette Craddock join us and discuss her views on great design and what that means, along with her thoughts and opinions on how all of us are positively impacted by design each and every day.

In this next episode of our new series The Creative Spectrum, we are very excited to have Sahar Madanat join us. Sahar is Founder of Twelve° - a growing and award-winning multidisciplinary team of designers and engineers based in Amman, Jordan Sahar has been working with both national and international clients for the past twenty years. And while Sahar is an industrial designer by her training – she is an entrepreneur and design advocate by heart. One of the most award-winning designers in the Middle East, Sahar’s design work ranges from medical devices to new concept furniture. We are extremely excited to have Sahar Madanat join us and discuss her philosophy towards creating, her design process and the influence and inspiration she hopes to bring to others with the creations that she and her teammates at Twelve° bring forward.

In the launch of our new series The Creative Spectrum we are very excited to have as our first guest London’s Maham Anjum.  A graduate of the Royal College of Art and Central St Martins, Maham’s creative dinnerware designs have been used extensively in the hospitality industry as well as creating ranges for international manufacturers. Maham Anjum joins us to discuss what inspires and drives her creativity, along giving us a glimpse in the creative life of a true global ceramic artisan.

In this episode of our Seat Yourself podcast, we start with the exciting announcement of our new series The Creative Spectrum. As we look towards the future, we tell you the “why” behind this very exciting new series and the thought process behind its development. This week’s episode of Seat Yourself also includes a timely commentary on how can use the current coronavirus situation to our advantage and become a stronger – and better – self.

In this episode of our Seat Yourself podcast, Zander Lauritzen Hansen returns for a deeper dive into the growing trend of Cocktails-To-Go. With specific topics such as menu recommendations, why certain spirits work better for cocktails to go and even suggestions on how to partner with vendors, Hansen speaks directly to operators of all types. And, of course, Copenhagen-based Zander Lauritzen Hansen is the head of the Danish Bartender Association and is CEO of Scandic Bar and Mixology International.

In this week’s episode of Seat Yourself podcast and our mini-series On The Frontlines, we once again adjust to conditions-of-the-moment when we get back together again with Greg Kirrish. Originally, we had planned on discussing with Greg the various updates on the re-opening of our beloved hospitality and foodservice industry – both here in the U.S. and abroad. However, events of the past few days brought this past weekend’s protests across America to the top of our discussion pile. And, while we realize that there are other parts of the world who remain focused on their restaurants and bars re-opening, we do address a number of the challenges and issues that operators will be facing as they begin their re-opening process. But, certainly, you cannot be speaking about the hospitality industry in America without addressing the impact of the protests that have taken place and continue as we speak. In this week’s episode, we take on both of these challenging and difficult issues.

In this week’s episode of Seat Yourself and our mini-series On The Frontlines, we circle back around to catch up with David Otto from Tovari BV to get an update on the Dutch & Belgium hospitality markets and where they stand as things begin to open up. Additionally, we discuss with David the projects that Tovari has been working on during the lockdown period, including a gorgeous new catalog, a brand-new Amsterdam showroom and a concept that David is calling "100% European-Made" While the hospitality business has been quiet these past 2-3 months, the team at Tovari has been very active and we are not at all surprised.

In this week’s episode of Seat Yourself and our mini-series On The Frontlines, our host Dave shows his agility after some last minute schedule changes forces him to fly solo for this episode. This unique opportunity gives Dave a chance to recap some of the key learnings of the previous 9 weeks of On The Frontlines and to offer up his ideas on timelines for what the future will bring for the tabletop category and hospitality sector. Dave also talks about the 2 principle areas of focus for companies to concentrate as we find our way through the remainder of this year. He finishes up with the main ingredients that will be necessary for success in the both the near-term and beyond.

In this Special Edition episode of our Seat Yourself podcast, we sit with Zander Lauritzen Hansen once again, this time to discuss increasing operator sales and profits through a vibrant Cocktails To Go program to accompany the operator’s takeaway/carryout food menu. In their conversation, Dave and Zander talk about not only the reasons of why cocktails, wine and beer should be an integral part of your takeaway & carryout program, but they also offer up specific ideas on improving the logistics for your program and increasing your program’s awareness with your target market. Copenhagen-based Zander Lauritzen Hansen is the head of the Danish Bartender Association and is CEO of Scandic Bar and Mixology International.

In this week’s episode of our Seat Yourself podcast and our mini-series On The Frontlines, we catch up with Michael Butler, the Zurich based F&B expert with Hyatt Hotels. Butler started in food & beverage in the UK and his area of responsibility with Hyatt spans the European continent and into India. In our conversation, Michael talks about making sure we keep the concept of hospitality and the guest experience top of mind as we begin to re-open foodservice and hospitality, even while promoting a safety-first approach. Michael Butler also has recently launched a new LinkedIn group devoted to the entire area of hospitality Food & Beverage and we get into what that is all about and what his plans are for the future for this fast-growing group.

In this week’s episode of Seat Yourself and our mini-series On The Frontlines, we travel out to the west coast of the U.S. to have a conversation with manufacturers’ sales representative Josh Blitstein. Armed with a portfolio of world-class tabletop, buffetware products and top-quality cookware, Blitstein and his company – The Action Group - are a leading conduit to business of mid-luxury operators of all types in Northern California, Hawaii, and Northern Nevada. In our conversation, Josh outlines the current state of the COVID-19 coronavirus in his sales area, along with what both his customers and the manufacturers that he represents are doing to prepare for the coming opening of the dining-in business. Along with a good dose of reality, Blitstein reiterates throughout our conversation his strong belief in the resilience and creativity of our foodservice and hospitality industry to not only survive but to eventually thrive.

In this week’s episode of Seat Yourself and our mini-series On The Frontlines, Chicago-based Greg Kirrish returns for a different type of discussion. Some listeners may recall that Greg joined us approximately a month ago to talk about what was happening on the street in hospitality in the greater Chicago area. This week, we asked Greg to join us to talk about the various restaurant re-opening protocols being discussed as cities around the world begin to open or consider when they will reopen for business. There are lots of considerations and none of them will be either easy or fast. Then, in our second segment, we take on the issue of mom-and-pop restaurants and their possibilities for survival versus the chains. Can these individual restaurants regain success and, if so, how will the dining out experience differ from large regional and even national chains be?

This week, we head north to Canada as we catch up with and have a conversation with Canadian foodservice expert Brian Wood. For the past 30+ years, Brian has been fully engaged in the Canadian hospitality sector from a wide variety of perspectives, now as CEO of his own foodservice agency selling to dealers from coast to coast. Knowing the market from the ground up, Brian is closely tied to both dealers and operators throughout Canada and he fills us in on the current situation there. He also sheds light on issues importers can be having with their global supply chain. As always, our intention in each of our On The Frontlines conversations is to get expert commentary and thoughts on what is happening in a particular market or region of the world. And we also want to understand what these thought-leaders like Brian Wood and his colleagues at Rabco Foodservice are doing now to prepare for their eventual return to normal business conditions. Along with that…. more and more we are also discussing what that “new normal” may look like. Throughout each and every one of these conversations, it seems quite apparent that – in hospitality, whether you are a supplier, a supply chain player or an operator…we all are realizing we’re all in this situation together. That idea of #inthistogether is fast become one of the things that we love most about this challenging situation. As the world begins to pivot towards re-opening, we’d now also add passion to the common themes we have mentioned earlier of resilience, creativity and optimism that remain fully embedded with the frontline “warriors” we have been speaking to. Thank you for joining our podcast this week on Seat Yourself’s “On The Frontlines” mini-series, featuring this week’s guest – Brian Wood, CEO of Canada’s Rabco Foodservice.

This week, we stay in Europe as we catch up with Copenhagen’s Zander Lauritzen Hansen from his business Scandic Bar. Zander is closely tied to the bar and restaurant sector throughout the Scandinavian region and fills us in on the current situation there. As always, our intention in each of our On The Frontlines conversations is to get expert commentary and thoughts on what is happening in a particular market or region of the world. And we also want to understand what these thought-leaders are doing now to prepare for their eventual return to normal business conditions. Along with that…. more and more we are also discussing what that “new normal” may look like. Our conversations from our On The Frontlines mini-series continue to point out that, no matter where we are in this world, our situations within the hospitality sector remain similar. And, it seems quite apparent that – in hospitality, whether you are a supplier, a supply chain player or an operator - we are realizing the we’re all in this situation together. That’s part of the greatness of the hospitality industry. Resilience, creativity and optimism remain common themes which are great to see in our conversations, as well. Thank you for joining our podcast this week on Seat Yourself’s “On The Frontlines” mini-series, featuring this week’s guest – Zander Lauritzen Hansen.

This week, we travel to Europe as we speak with David Otto from Holland’s Tovari company. In our conversation with David, we discuss the current COVID-19 situation in Holland and the surrounding European countries, along with what David and his colleagues at Tovari are doing to prepare for when the HoReCa business returns. You may recognize David and Tovari from our interview that we did last year with him and Tovari owner Ivar van Riel. Their company represents some of the very best hospitality tabletop products and does an especially great job at merchandising in both their own catalogs and brochures, along with their showrooms and trade fair stands. Once again, our intention in each of our On The Frontlines conversations is to get expert commentary on what is happening in a particular market or region of the world. And we also want to understand what leaders are doing now to prepare for their eventual return to normal business conditions – whatever “normal” may mean then. The reason we’re sharing ideas on actions others are taking is so that we can all learn from each other. After all, we are ALL in this together. That’s the greatness of the hospitality industry. Now, more than ever, we continue to stand together. Thank you for joining our podcast this week on Seat Yourself’s “On The Frontlines” mini-series, featuring this week’s guest – David Otto.

This week, we move to the great city of Chicago and catch up with Greg Kirrish to discuss life on the front lines of the hospitality industry. You may recognize Greg’s name from our other podcast Every Other Thursday and we are excited to have Greg bring his perspective as to what is happening on the streets in the Windy City region of the USA. Greg’s wide-ranging background makes him uniquely qualified to discuss the COVID-19 virus situation in foodservice & hospitality from nearly all angles. You’ll particularly appreciate his “think small” approach for what operators – and salespeople - can do during these unprecedented times. Greg’s experience working for the NRA Show also allows him to weigh-in on the future of that show – and trade shows, in general – so you won’t want to miss that conversation. Once again, our intention in each of our On The Frontlines conversations is to get the view of what’s happening in a particular region or sector, but we also want to learn what can be done and is being done as operators and sellers as we all fight our way through this current COVID-19 situation. And, we’re sharing what ideas on actions others are taking so that we can all learn from each other. After all, we are ALL in this together. That’s the greatness of the hospitality industry. Now, more than ever, we are standing together. Thanks for joining our podcast this week on Seat Yourself’s “On The Frontlines” mini-series, featuring this week’s guest – Greg Kirrish.