TabletopJournal

In today's episode of Every Other Thursday, we launch a series called RECAST where we will occasionally take one of our past great guest conversations and offer it again for those who may have missed it on the first go round or perhaps are new to our Every Other Thursday Podcast. In this first RECAST, we bring to you our conversation with one our most fascinating guests – Philip Preston.   Philip Preston is a true entrepreneur and storyteller, whose entire life seems to be built around innovation and problem solving. Listen as Philip tells his story about the “how” and the “why” he brought these life skills to the world of foodservice and hospitality through his company PolyScience.

In today's episode of Every Other Thursday, our rescheduled guest is “in the house” as Restaurant Manager Jason Craul joins us to talk about his journey out of the kitchen and into overall general management. Jason talks about the challenges, the opportunities, and why it was the right move for him. You'll also learn a bit about his current company, a chain leader in an often-overlooked segment of the foodservice and hospitality world.   And, of course, we couldn't let Jason join us without getting his take on current trends and the state of hospitality as we come out of the pandemic and into a time of financial change.

Gang of 3: Wrapping Up The 2022 NRA Show by TabletopJournal

In today's episode of Every Other Thursday, our Gang of 3 give their wrap up of the just-completed NRA Show. Greg, Jay and Dave give their overall thoughts on the show after a 3-year absence, along with what impressed them, along with a few of the disappointments and what they thought were missed opportunities.   Covering more than just the tabletop sector, in this episode the Gang of 3 comment on food trends they saw, the overall show itself and much more in this episode. And, as always, the conversations is lively and unvarnished. Be sure to check out this episode of our Every Other Thursday Podcast and see if you agree – or disagree – with the comments from these experienced foodservice and tradeshow experts.

In today's episode of our Every Other Thursday Podcast, marketing and brand expert Larry Deutsch joins us. Having spent his entire career driving business outcomes for brands both big and small, Larry Deutsch has an uncanny ability to take the complex and make it simple & straightforward. Currently, CEO & Co-Founder of Chicago-based DVK Marketing, Larry is a real-world marketer who also believes that great marketing does not always have to come from big budgets.   You will want to hear how Larry's views on what makes a brand and where they are created, along with what he'll be looking for at the upcoming National Restaurant Show.   You can learn more about Larry and his company by visiting 

In this episode of Every Other Thursday, foodservice and hospitality expert Marsha Diamond joins us. Marsha has a uniquely diverse background that spans the full range of foodservice from operations to sales/marketing, to being a Professor in the International School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, to business developments and solution selling, and to executive management of a national association. With a Masters in Foodservice Business Administration from New York University, a Bachelor of Arts in Food and Nutritional Science from Queens College, a Registered Dietitian and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, it is little wonder that Marsha is in demand to work with foodservice operators of all types.   Today, Marsha gives us her perspective on the current state of our industry, the latest trends in menu development and the overall future – both short and long-term - of hospitality.

Coming of a well-deserved break, the Gang of 3 is back with a quick re-introductory episode of Every Other Thursday where they tell listeners who they are, what they've been up to and give a peek into where the podcast is headed in this new Version 2.0.   As always, you'll hear the uncut skinny on what these foodservice and hospitality experts think of the current industry state of affairs, along with trends and a bit about other thought leaders that they'll be bringing in on future episodes.

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.

In this week's Every Other Thursday episode host Greg Kirrish welcomes Janet Ady. Janet is an experienced economic development and site selection consultant, author, and speaker who focuses on helping both communities and companies meet their growth and diversification goals. Her knowledge and experience of the foodservice & hospitality sectors, along with multiple other industries, allows her to provide value to individual businesses as well as communities and regions targeting specific sectors.   Among the topics they discuss, Greg and Janet talk about how important foodservice is when it comes to creating great economic development success stories. After all, as Janet says “People want to live in cool places and cool places have great restaurants.”   President and CEO of her own company -  - for the past 17 years, anyone who is interested in foodservice and economic growth, in general, will definitely want to listen to what Janet Ady has to say.

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.

This week's episode has us sitting with Ed Grocholski, Sr. Vice President – Brand at the 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 can’t 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.

On this week’s podcast, our “other” nomadic co-host Jay Allie heads back to The Sunshine State to work the St. Augustine Food & Wine event. Jay gives his insights to how people were reacting at event and, in general, as the re-opening of the hospitality industry continues.   And, of course, by now everyone knows that with Jay you can always expect a few updates and opinions on glassware trends and more. So, check out what our glassware expert has been up to  besides working on his tan in sunny Florida!

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 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.

On this week’s podcast, our nomadic co-host Greg Kirrish gives us the skinny on his just-back-from trip to Austin, Texas. From culinary adventures to his musical impressions of Texas’ Capitol City, Greg tells it as he saw – and experienced - it. And, a bonus segment from Greg – we’ll also hear about his experience at recent Every Other Thursday guest Eileen Garcia’s award-winning Italian Chicago restaurant - Buona Terra. Not to be outdone, we’ve got Jay checking in from a road trip on his way to Saint Augustine, Florida for a wine & food event. And, of course, we’ll have the usual commentary and regular “not-to-be-missed” bs.

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 thought on this fun concept that will no doubt be riding the returning wave as the hospitality industry begins its comeback. The Tiki cocktail, and 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 - – 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 and co-host of our other podcast Every Other Thursday 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 travel to Europe as we speak with David Otto from Holland’s 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.

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including a recap of , our take on the Corona Virus, , ’s new non-profit foundation and much much more!! In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Shannon talks about mixology and bartender tool trends In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about how happy employees make for happy customers. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news on the topics of the week including the Corona Virus, , , and much much more! In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, as he usually does, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week, Dave and Shannon talk about this year’s trends in glassware and why glassware is such a nimble category. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about increasing your personal productivity. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out www.TabletopJournal.com or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

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 – - 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.

This week, we stay in Europe as we catch up with Copenhagen’s from his business . 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.

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including , , , Italy's and much more. In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sits down as usual with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Shannon and Dave talk about stainless steel flatware quality trends. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about creating trust in the recruiting process and why its important. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

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 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.

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?

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including , 's Claude Peiffer and . In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave and Shannon sat down and talk about the trend of supplier companies merging and aligning. In the discussion - and something you won't want to miss - Shannon offers up some very cautionary advice for suppliers who might be considering such an action. Of course, Shannon Tallon is the Category Manager for both tabletop and buffetware for Chicago's .  In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave explains once again how critical Trust is - and how it can be re-built after it has been lost. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including , y, and much more! In our weekly 60 Seconds with Shannon segment, Dave and Shannon discuss what makes a particular product, or a particular company, attractive to partner with. Of course, Shannon is tabletop and buffetware Category Manager Shannon Tallon of Chicago-based .  In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave discusses the power of connection and offers tips on ways to strengthen our B2B connections. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. In this episode Dave starts off with the Stat of the Week. This week’s stat is the number 50. The National Restaurant Association revealed that 50% of U.S. millennials are more likely to order restaurant food and have it delivered to them than they were just two years ago. This week’s re-cap on the latest industry news and companies include Edward Don & Company, BHS Tabletop, NY Restaurant Show (featuring the Communications Manager, Amy Riemer), and Hollowick (featuring the Director of Marketing, Joel Nye). Our feature segment is 60 Seconds with Shannon of Edward Don & Company. In this segment, Dave asks the question of the week in relation to the tabletop industry. This week, Shannon Tallon talks about whether sales people sell their customers the right product or are they influenced by the relationship that they have with them. The final segment is a commentary piece. This week Dave addresses company culture and why it is an important component to having a successful company. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out www.TabletopJournal.com or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including , , , , and much more! In our, 60 Seconds with Shannon segment, as he usually does Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Shannon talks about how vendors should be handling the Coronavirus. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about Stay Interviews...what they are and why you should be doing them.  For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including, ’s Management Top 250 hospitality related companies, an update and ’s new website. This week, we also present to you a new and creative hospitality tabletop resource from Tarrytown, NY. In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Shannon talks about what makes a great vendor. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about building a better experience for your customer. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

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.

This week, we want to welcome you to a very different format for Seat Yourself. Given the very difficult and uncertain times everyone in our industry is going through, it really didn’t seem appropriate at this time to continue on with our standard format for our weekly podcast. So, beginning with this week’s episode of Seat Yourself, we are starting a mini-series that we’re titling “On The Frontlines” In our new On The Frontlines series, we’ll be speaking with people from all corners of our audience and with people who are, indeed, on the frontlines of the foodservice and hospitality industry. And, like all of us, they’re fighting for survival. Our intention in these conversations with these frontline warriors will be to get their views of what’s happening in their particular region but also we want to learn what are they doing to fight their way through this current situation for themselves, their teams and perhaps, most especially – their customers. Along with ideas for keeping their own teams together and remaining positive, we’ll also be sharing what ideas they have for helping others. After all, we are ALL in this together. That’s the greatness of the hospitality industry. Now, more than ever, we are standing together. Our first On The Frontlines conversation is with Bunny Johnson. Bunny is a top manufacturer’s representative who, along with her teammates at her company Hospitality Dining Solutions is on the frontlines in the Washington DC/Virginia/Maryland area of the United States.

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including , and more coverage from Ambiente 2020, including companies and . In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Shannon talks about banquet china and whether the upscale trend will continue or not. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about clarity and why we need to practice it regularly. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including , , Germany's and launches new 2020 catalog. In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, as he always does, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week, Dave and Shannon talk about what it takes to be a great glassware supplier. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about what a company’s purpose is why it's often more important than paycheck for employees.   For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including , and a restaurant sales update. In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sits down again with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week, Dave & Shannon talk about trends in melamine for 2020. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about bringing your “A” game every day - and why its so important for leaders to do just that. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including , and an announcement from . In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Dave and Shannon talk about the trends with import tariffs on tabletop and buffetware products into the United States. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about celebrating success and why it’s so very important. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Welcome to a Special Edition of our SEAT YOURSELF podcast. As followers of SEAT YOURSELF know, this episode will be a different format than our regular weekly edition. In this special edition, our host, Dave Turner, is at 2020. You will here updates and interviews from several different people and companies straight from the show room floor. This episode runs approximately 20 minutes. You can find all episodes of SEAT YOURSELF at And, finally, we want to thank the for sponsoring in-part this Special Edition of SEAT YOURSELF. Edward Don & Company. Everything but the food for nearly 100 years. Always remember - #TabletopMatters

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including , the Color of the Year, and much more!! In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Shannon talks about the surprises of 2019 in both tabletop and buffetware. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about gratefulness and self-compassion. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Welcome to a Special Edition of SEAT YOURSELF. As followers of SEAT YOURSELF know, this episode will be a different format than our regular weekly edition and it will feature a single guest. In this Special Edition episode, our host, Dave Turner, is with Shannon Tallon of  live from the show floor in Milan, Italy from the 2019 and 41st edition of the HostMilano show. This episode runs approximately 30 minutes and is sponsored in part by the Edward Don & Company. Edward Don - Everything but the food for nearly 100 years. You can find all episodes of SEAT YOURSELF at Always remember - #TabletopMatters

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, people and companies including , , , FER Mag, , and much more. In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down once again with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Shannon talks about trends in flatware. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about playing outside your comfort zone and the benefits of being ok with being uncomfortable. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news on the current state of restaurants in America and how millennials & Gen Xers view their career paths. This week Dave also talks to glassware French designer  about her products and her collaboration with . Then, we've got an update from one our favorite "not so small" brands - glassware. In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sits down again with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of  and this week Shannon and Dave talk about trends in tabletop accessories. Finally, in his Commentary segment, Dave talks about the freedom that trust brings to organizations. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

In this special edition, our host, Dave Turner, will be having a conversation with David Haber. David is the former President & CEO of D.W. Haber & Son, which was acquired earlier this year by . In the conversation, Dave talks to David about the journey that he went through leading up to the sale of his family-owned company after more than 100 years of being in business. This episode is sponsored in part by the . Everything but the food for nearly 100 years.

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, people and companies including a Recap, 's new website, the launching of our new podcast , featuring a moment with , along with product news from , and much more! There's even a Durobor update! In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week, Shannon talks about trends in cocktail glassware. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about leadership. Specifically, that it all starts at the intersection of trust and caring, and why that intersection is important to being a good leader. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people such as; , ’s Zach Zucker and Laurent Turmes from the booth at this years Host in Milano, Italy. In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Shannon talks about simplifying your wine glass selection process. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, people and companies including , , and . In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Shannon talks about the dinnerware shapes and sizes that she would design for the marketplace if she were a tabletop designer. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave asks the question, "What have we done for ourselves lately?" For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, people and companies including the show, and . In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week, Shannon talks about tumbler trends. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave reminds us about the business that we’re REALLY in. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Welcome to a Special Edition of SEAT YOURSELF. As followers of SEAT YOURSELF know, this episode will be a different format than our regular weekly edition and it will feature a single guest. In this special edition, our host, Dave Turner, will be having a conversation with Thomas Kastl, Director of Dining products for the Trade Fair held every February in Frankfurt, Germany. In the conversation, Dave and Thomas give us an update on the HoReCa focus for the upcoming Ambiente Show. You can find all episodes of SEAT YOURSELF at And, finally, we want to thank the for sponsoring in-part this Special Edition of SEAT YOURSELF. Edward Don & Company. Everything but the food for nearly 100 years. Always remember - #TabletopMatters

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, and people including, , NYC's Manhattan West, and the consulting firm and much more. In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Shannon talks about sales rep business models. In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about being the leader that you seek. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com

Seat Yourself delivers the latest news and information on the hospitality tabletop industry. This week’s episode features the latest industry news, topics, people and companies including , , , and . In our segment, 60 Seconds with Shannon, Dave sat down with Category Manager Shannon Tallon of . This week Shannon talks about localizing buffetware and serveware for your events.  In this week’s Commentary segment, Dave talks about trust and gives 12 things organizations should avoid doing if they are trying to build trust. For more information and insights on the hospitality tabletop industry, be sure to check out or email Dave at dt@tabletopjournal.com