POPULARITY
Categories
29 episodes with nonalcoholic
49 episodes with nonalcoholic
11 episodes with nonalcoholic
11 episodes with nonalcoholic
33 episodes with nonalcoholic
8 episodes with nonalcoholic
15 episodes with nonalcoholic
5 episodes with nonalcoholic
6 episodes with nonalcoholic
5 episodes with nonalcoholic
4 episodes with nonalcoholic
12 episodes with nonalcoholic
5 episodes with nonalcoholic
5 episodes with nonalcoholic
10 episodes with nonalcoholic
4 episodes with nonalcoholic
6 episodes with nonalcoholic
4 episodes with nonalcoholic
6 episodes with nonalcoholic
3 episodes with nonalcoholic
5 episodes with nonalcoholic
3 episodes with nonalcoholic
6 episodes with nonalcoholic
5 episodes with nonalcoholic
4 episodes with nonalcoholic
3 episodes with nonalcoholic
5 episodes with nonalcoholic
4 episodes with nonalcoholic
5 episodes with nonalcoholic
3 episodes with nonalcoholic
5 episodes with nonalcoholic
3 episodes with nonalcoholic
3 episodes with nonalcoholic
6 episodes with nonalcoholic
2 episodes with nonalcoholic
2 episodes with nonalcoholic
In this episode, the editors of Food & Beverage Magazine dive into the fast-moving trends and strategy shifts reshaping the global culinary, retail, and hospitality landscapes. From the rise of functional, GLP-1-friendly menu options like bio-hacked lentils and protein-packed beverages to the growing influence of "drop culture" in big-box retail endcaps, this episode breaks down how brands are reinventing product discovery and consumer engagement.The conversation explores how food and beverage marketers are leveraging seasonal LTOs and "social media theater"—from Halloween ghost-pepper concepts to viral flavor collaborations—to capture finite consumer attention. Additionally, the hosts examine major corporate expansion deals, franchise growth across QSR and fast-casual sectors, and critical industry benchmarks, including sustainability standards like illy caffè's B Corp recertification and key findings from national restaurant workforce studies. Whether you operate restaurants, manage CPG brands, or lead hospitality strategy, this episode provides essential insider intelligence for navigating today's competitive market.
The Adult Non-Alcoholic (ANA) Market & Evolving Consumer Behavior Shifts. Today, we are cracking open the data behind one of the most explosive shifts in modern beverage history…the meteoric rise of the adult non-alcoholic market. No longer a niche corner of the grocery store, adult non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits have officially crossed the staggering milestone of $1 billion in U.S. retail sales. But if you think this boom is being driven entirely by a sudden wave of absolute sobriety, think again. The real story is far more fascinating. In fact, 94% of non-alcoholic beverage buyers are still actively purchasing alcohol. We are living in the era of the "both-and" consumer…where a generation of drinkers are rewriting the rules of brand loyalty, focusing on mindful moderation, and anchoring consumption to intentional, occasion-based choices. Joining me to dissect these underlying behavioral shifts is Kaleigh Theriault, the Director of Beverage Alcohol Thought Leadership at NielsenIQ. Kaleigh is the BevAlc industry's premier guide on how cultural and category signals translate into business reality. And she'll help us unpack concepts like "zebra striping," along with how Gen Z's social rituals (and wellness habits) are reshaping the total beverage economy.
Food & Beverage Magazine founder and publisher Michael Politz examines the economic disconnect at the heart of modern public relations, where every vendor in the PR supply chain receives compensation while media outlets are expected to contribute their hard-won audiences for free. Driven by AI automation and mass media databases, journalists now face a staggering influx of daily pitches, creating an environment where content supply has exploded while reader attention remains strictly finite. Politz addresses common industry misconceptions surrounding pay-to-play claims, emphasizing the crucial ethical difference between secretly paying to sway independent news reporting and purchasing transparent, clearly labeled advertising or sponsored distribution. Rather than expecting publishers to act as unpaid fulfillment partners for PR agency retainers, the discussion outlines how brands can strategically align earned PR for genuinely newsworthy stories with paid amplification for routine corporate updates.
In this special episode produced in partnership with Scott Labs, we focus on beer spoilers and how to protect your beer from them. Today's rapid growth in low- and no-alcohol craft beer and beverages presents quite a challenge for brewers because alcohol itself is one of the best ways to prevent microorganisms from turning the beautiful beverage you crafted into something less delicious or less healthy. Through the course of this conversation, we talk about what some of those common spoilers are, how they function, and what you can do as a brewer and beverage maker to minimize their impact in the brewing and blending process through to packaged product. And we discuss how Nagardo, available from Scott Labs, can fit into a robust and multifaceted program to provide persistent protection from microbes that might spoil your beer. Joining in the conversation are: Jessica Just, director of industry services, Oregon State University Department of Food Science & Technology Glenn Allen, head brewer and chief product officer, Pilot Project Brewing (Milwaukee and Chicago) Nate Armbrust, technical sales, Scott Labs Scott Laboratories is a leader in the North American wine and specialty-beverage industry, with a wide range of solutions that span fermentation, barrel-alternatives, filtration, specialized equipment, corks and closures, microbial control, and more. They offer a wide range of solutions for modern beverage makers at scottlab.com.
Welcome to this episode of the Food and Beverage Magazine Podcast, your essential briefing on the latest developments across food, beverage, CPG, and hospitality.In this edition, we break down major infrastructure and manufacturing investments, including Kikkoman opening its 560 million dollar facility in Wisconsin, Anheuser-Busch investing 23 million dollars into its Fort Collins brewery, and Juanita's Foods acquiring a 120,000-square-foot plant in Southern California.We also examine fall football and game day promotions from Long John Silver's, 7-Eleven, Crimson Coward, and Garage Beer's campaign with Jason Kelce. Plus, we explore key retail tech innovations and brand moves, from Instacart launching real-time shelf intelligence for grocers to Gong Cha expanding on college campuses, Non-UPF Verified topping 300 certified products, and The Farmer's Dog completing its first acquisition by buying Woof.
Athletic Brewing Is Changing the Game. What happens when NFL quarterbacks stop just drinking the beer and start owning the company? Dak Prescott and Drake Maye recently became athlete-owners of Athletic Brewing, one of the biggest names in the non-alcoholic beer movement. And their involvement raises a much bigger question: Are we watching a major shift in sports culture? For decades, beer and professional sports were practically inseparable. The old-school NFL quarterback was the guy crushing beers after the game. Today, elite athletes are talking about recovery, sleep, performance, longevity, and what they put in their bodies. And now some of those same athletes are putting their names, platforms, and money behind non-alcoholic beer. Shane Ramer takes a curious, funny, and sometimes skeptical look at Athletic Brewing, Dak Prescott, Drake Maye, non-alcoholic beer, masculinity, performance culture, and the rapidly changing relationship between athletes and alcohol. Is non-alcoholic beer actually cool? Is it just fake beer for people who don't want to admit they're drinking? Why does someone else's beverage seem to bother people so much? And could “I want to feel good tomorrow” become the new flex? Shane also gets personal about his own relationship with alcohol and why he believes the bigger conversation isn't simply about being “sober.” It's about becoming more intentional about what helps you perform, connect, celebrate, recover, and actually enjoy your life. Because maybe the future isn't about whether you drink or don't drink. Maybe it's about whether you're getting everything you want out of your life. This is a conversation about beer. But it's really about where sports, culture, business, and performance are headed next. Join “The Victory Circle”, our FREE Sober Guy Mens Community at https://www.thatsoberguy.com/offers/SvjjuEQ2/checkout Want to go 30 Days Alcohol Free? Try our 30-Day Sober Performance Challenge — https://www.thatsoberguy.com/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-30-days Sober Executive Performance Reset: A 12 Week Private Coaching Experience - APPLY HERE https://www.thatsoberguy.com/coaching Shanes New Book, Sober Guy How Do I - https://a.co/d/81ZIgtE Invite Shane to Speak - https://www.thatsoberguy.com/speaking For More Resources go to http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ramer-7534bb257/ Follow us on Instagram @ThatSoberGuyPodcast Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thatsoberguypodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nonalcoholic beverages remain growing a category within the industry. Hudson Dry, a nonalcoholic bottle shop focused on beer, wine and spirits, opened last month in upstate New York. We speak with Owner Ryan Curran on operating a nonalc bottle shop, and what he sees as the future of the category, and how other retailers can better market and sell these products.
Welcome to this episode of the Food and Beverage Magazine Podcast, your monthly industry digest covering the biggest developments, product launches, and strategic shifts across food, beverage, and hospitality.In this September 2026 edition, we dive into:Seasonal LTOs and Menu Innovations: Gregorys Coffee celebrates its 20th anniversary with a Banana Foster platform and high-protein breakfast lineup; Hardee's rolls out its S'mores and Bacon Beast platforms across 1,400 units; Slim Chickens debuts a Dr Pepper Dry Rub LTO; and Insomnia Cookies hosts its 8th annual PJ Party promo across 360-plus locations.High-Impact Brand Collaborations and Pop Culture Tie-Ins: Paris Baguette partners with Dancing with the Stars for Mirrorball-themed croissants and drinks; Jollibee teams up with DreamWorks on Forgotten Island meal bundles featuring Calamansi Lemonade; Checkers and Rally's celebrates 40 years alongside Yung Gravy; and SPAM partners with Win Son Bakery on a Hot Honey LTO while becoming the official hot dog of U.S. Bank Stadium.CPG Growth and Major Retail Rollouts: Once Upon a Coconut lands full distribution across 2,200 Albertsons stores nationwide; Gorgie debuts its Berry Burst clean-label energy drink exclusively at Target; Grimaldi's Pizzeria launches its pasta sauce line at Walmart; and De La Calle rolls out a Dia de los Muertos tepache LTO across 8,000 doors.Operations, Supply Chain, and Leadership Moves: Holly Poultry opens a massive 80,000-square-foot retail plant in Maryland adding 140 jobs; Giving Kitchen appoints Carmen Jackson as Chief Operating Officer; and GoTo Foods restructures leadership across its 7,500-unit portfolio, tapping former McDonald's executive Lucy Brady to lead Jamba.Tune in for insider analysis and strategic takeaways driving the industry forward this season.
In this episode of the Food & Beverage Magazine Podcast, the editors dive into the September 2026 Visionary Horizons issue. Feature stories include cover star Kristin Cavallari on launching Fizzen to redefine the functional protein beverage market, alongside Manischewitz and Kosher.com exploring how traditional Jewish foods and recipes are connecting with a new generation. The conversation also covers Bulletproof's new Brain Octane C8 MCT Powder format, Cuss Worthy Cafe's model for experiential hospitality and community investments , EcoBev by DHL's sustainable solutions for unsaleable product recovery , Dan Abrams' Drinks with Benefits non-alcoholic trade summit, and Cray Protected's drink safety kits for nightlife venues. Plus, the hosts highlight Editor's Top Picks in artisan spirits, specialty foods, and restaurant technology.Visit fbmagazine.com for full articles and industry insights, and explore our network syndication at foodservice.media
We're back in the studio with our good friend and Pizza Brews Super Fan, Tom Stellingwerf. He knows our podcast better than we do. Can we stump him in podcast trivia? We crack open some fresh Non-Alcoholic beers (a pizza brews first!) and put Tom's knowledge to the test! It's Episode 71! This Episodes Pizza is from Prontos Pizzeria in Hackettstown, NJBe sure to Like and Subscribe for more content! Official Podcast Merch: ✅ https://pizzabrews2dudes.square.site/Follow us on Instagram: ✅ https://www.instagram.com/pizzabrews2dudes/
Welcome to the latest episode of the Food and Beverage Magazine Podcast, hosted by the Editors of Food and Beverage Magazine. In this week's episode, we explore major distribution deals, international franchise agreements, and the technology and consumer trends reshaping the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors. We kick off with major business and distribution updates, starting with Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors expanding its reach into the Southeast through a strategic partnership with Inland Foods. We also discuss Red Robin's massive ninety-six million dollar refranchising push with the sale of one hundred and sixteen restaurants, TGI Fridays entering the Balkans with a new ten-unit franchise deal, and WOWorks expanding its footprint to two hundred and forty units with dozens of active locations in its development pipeline.Next, we look at seasonal flavor rollouts and products capturing consumer attention as we transition into the autumn months. We discuss the return of Jersey Mike's Hot Italian sub for the NFL season and PrimoHoagies bringing back its PrimoPilgrim limited-time offer, alongside Chocolove introducing an apple cider SKU to its fall lineup and Culture Pop launching a sparkling probiotic apple soda. On the CPG and grocery shelves, we cover Mars launching Cheez-It and Club crackers in convenient resealable canisters, Applegate's regenerative beef hot dogs posting a unique Omega fatty acid ratio, and Power Crunch relaunching under Ferrero with a refined protein formulation.Finally, we highlight operational milestones and major hospitality updates. We cover Chipotle expanding its global footprint by opening its first East Asian location in Seoul's Gangnam district, while luxury travelers look to Augustus Resort's new dining concept, Bistrot Villa Agnelli in Versilia. We also address critical supply chain developments, including food service operational costs surging as the ISM prices index hits a four-year high, and a massive consumer shift as GLP-1 medication users drive high demand for protein-rich frozen and refrigerated foods.For full articles on these stories, exclusive insights, and daily industry news, visit fbmagazine.com. Be sure to also check out our network syndication at foodservice.media, which gives brands, buyers, and operators a direct path to the categories that matter most. Thank you for listening, and remember to subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss the latest trends.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Food and Beverage Magazine Podcast, hosted by the Editors of Food and Beverage Magazine. In this week's episode, we highlight the intersection of local culinary favorites, national seasonal rollouts, and major leadership updates across the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors. We kick off in sports and stadium concessions with the exciting news that the legendary Shakespeare's Pizza is joining the local food lineup at Mizzou Stadium to elevate the game-day dining experience for Missouri fans. We also cover business changes as premium syrup and honey maker Runamok appoints a new CEO and CMO, paving the way for its founders to step back from daily operations while continuing their vision.Next, we look at the seasonal sweet treats and bold marketing campaigns capturing consumers as we head into autumn. We discuss the return of BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse's popular Spooky Pizookie, Tillamook's eye-catching giant cheddar loaf installation along historic Route 66, and Zaxby's rolling out its colorful Nerds Strawberry Milkshake across all one thousand locations. In addition, we unpack major menu collaborations, including Burger King launching a massive Dragon Ball Super limited-time offer across nineteen thousand units and Duke Cannon partnering with Mountain Dew for a Walmart-exclusive grooming collaboration.Finally, we explore regional expansion and concept innovations driving industry growth. We spotlight the Michelin-recommended Nan Xiang opening its newest soup dumpling location on Staten Island, Colony Grill planning units in Newington and South Windsor, and Traveler's Table bringing global cuisine to Fort Thomas. We also look at brand loyalty strategies, discussing Original ChopShop's push into the dinner daypart and Uno Pizzeria relaunching its Pizza Pass to reward dedicated diners.For full articles on these stories, exclusive insights, and daily industry news, visit fbmagazine.com. Be sure to also check out our network syndication at foodservice.media, which gives brands, buyers, and operators a direct path to the categories that matter most. Thank you for listening, and remember to subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss the latest trends.
HOUR 2- Non Alcoholic Drinks, Ally's ticket and MORE full 1892 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:41:00 +0000 q3ybLBWe72dw9CWjlbk1VPqZvYA0v9Z9 society & culture Klein/Ally Show: The Podcast society & culture HOUR 2- Non Alcoholic Drinks, Ally's ticket and MORE Klein.Ally.Show on KROQ is more than just a "dynamic, irreverent morning radio show that mixes humor, pop culture, and unpredictable conversation with a heavy dose of realness." (but thanks for that quote anyway). Hosted by Klein, Ally, and a cast of weirdos (both on the team and from their audience), the show is known for its raw, offbeat style, offering a mix of sarcastic banter, candid interviews, and an unfiltered take on everything from culture to the chaos of everyday life. With a loyal, engaged fanbase and an addiction for pushing boundaries, the show delivers the perfect blend of humor and insight, all while keeping things fun, fresh, and sometimes a little bit illegal. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Society & Culture https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?fee
Dr. Damien Wilson from the Sonoma State University Wine Business Institute joins Dan Berger and Daedalus Howell on California Wine Country. This is his first time on the show. The pr0moter of the International Canned Wine Competition was our guest on this episode, in 2021. Dan Berger will mention this during the show. Before the show, they were talking about what’s new in the wine business and they landed on new packaging and marketing ideas. The subject of wine in cans keeps coming back. Dan has heard of a French Beaujolais that came in cans, on the east coast of the US, in the early 1950s. It wasn’t very good because the liners in the cans were no good. Dr. Wilson explains that the new liners today are superb. There has been a canned wine competition in Mendocino for about the last 10 years. It’s the one on this CWC episode from 5 years ago. Dan Berger will be running it this year, on December 9, in Santa Rosa. Look for California Wine Country to be on the site. Even From A Can, into a Glass The most amazing thing about this is that canned wine and pre-mixed cocktails are hot as a pistol. They are selling very well. Up to about 2 years ago, the process of canning wine properly wasn’t well known. Wine is a very special product. The best selling canned wine is called Maker. Meg Maker, the owner, hired a special person only to handle the product for the canning process. Special practices have resulted in best product results. Dan suggests that a canned wine should be poured into a glass, otherwise you can’t smell it very much in the can. Dan has even seen wine in an aluminum pouch, in Australia. Non-Alcoholic wines are also a new market. Oceano Wines produces wines with the alcohol removed. They are tasting a Sauvignon Blanc in a can, that snaps open, from Foursight, where Joe Webb is the winemaker. Dan says it has the exact bouquet that you want from a Sauvignon Blanc. There are two glasses of wine in each can. Dr. Wilson suggests this is a way to get people back into drinking wine. It is so convenient. It is also easy to chill. They would sell very well in any convenience store near the beach.
My Opinion on Non-Alcoholic Sober Bars and Kava Bars Sober bars, alcohol-free nightlife, and kava bars are becoming more common—but are they actually helpful for people in recovery? Today I'm going to share my opinion on these spaces: what I think they may offer, what concerns me about them, and whether recreating the atmosphere of a bar without alcohol supports recovery or keeps us connected to an environment we were trying to leave behind. This is not about telling anybody where they can or cannot go. It is about looking honestly at what we are seeking, what the environment provides, and whether it strengthens or complicates our recovery. #TheDailyTrudge #SoberBars #KavaBars #AlcoholFree #Recovery #Sobriety #AlcoholicsAnonymous #SoberLiving
Welcome to the latest episode of the Food and Beverage Magazine Podcast, hosted by the Editors of Food and Beverage Magazine. In this week's episode, we explore major mergers, seasonal menu launches, and technology platforms shaping the future of food, beverage, and hospitality. We kick off with major business moves, discussing Ferrero's strategic acquisition of the better-for-you brand Purely Elizabeth to deepen its breakfast footprint. We also explore massive franchise expansions and retail milestones, including Big Chicken opening its second Massachusetts location, Paris Baguette's aggressive goal of hitting one thousand US units by 2030, and Cousins Maine Lobster introducing its mobile concept to Des Moines.Next, we look at the seasonal product launches and flavor innovations driving consumer engagement this autumn. We spotlight Peet's Coffee bringing back its thirty-day Cold Brew Pass alongside its fall lineup, Philz Coffee's new Apple Cinnamon Roll and Pecan Pie cold brews, and Einstein Bros Bagels launching its pumpkin-infused menu. In the snacking and beverage aisles, we cover the limited-edition Reese's Peanut Butter Latte collaboration with The Nitro Bar, Hershey's expansion of its Halloween portfolio to twenty SKUs, and Waterloo Sparkling Water's eye-catching packaging refresh.Finally, we dive into the technology and logistics transformations redefining restaurant operations. We examine how Yanolja Cloud Solution is launching its AI concierge globally, Coco robots managing last-mile pizza runs for Little Caesars, and how POS systems are integrating directly with back-of-house intelligence platforms to cut down on missed QSR calls. We also travel to the high seas to highlight how Four Seasons Yachts is bringing premium wellness and longevity programming onboard with Lanserhof.For full articles on these stories, exclusive insights, and daily industry news, visit fbmagazine.com. Be sure to also check out our network syndication at foodservice.media, which gives brands, buyers, and operators a direct path to the categories that matter most. Thank you for listening, and remember to subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss the latest trends.
Can you drink non alcoholic beer at work?
The fastest growing sector of craft beer is not exactly what we expected. Non-alcoholic beer is popping up all over, with some of the biggest and best breweries joining in on the action. In this episode we share our thoughts on this trend, taste some examples, and discuss multiple NA brewing techniques. Join us to see how much fun we are in an entirely sober episode!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
And the conversation takes a turn!
Scott Rizzuto has apparently reached the stage of adulthood where there's a 75% chance that if you contact him between 4 and 5 p.m., he's peeling garlic. Not relaxing. Not enjoying a hobby. Peeling garlic. Meanwhile, Lern accidentally ordered enough garlic to make her house legally inaccessible to vampires, which sends the crew into garlic oil, home remedies and other advice nobody should blindly follow just because five people with microphones said it confidently.And somehow, that's one of the more normal conversations in this comedy podcast.King Scott's baby is getting CLOSE, which means it's time to dig up the official baby pool and see who predicted the date, time and weight correctly. Scott says he's about 60% ready, the go-bag exists somewhere, and the car seat installation is still hanging out on the to-do list. So basically, fatherhood is proceeding exactly according to plan.That turns into kid birthday party etiquette, whether “NO GIFTS” actually means no gifts, and the worst possible present you could give a five-year-old if your real goal is making sure the parents never invite you anywhere again. Drum set? Puppy? Gold bars? The Rizz Show remains committed to providing absolutely terrible parenting resources free of charge.Then school season arrives and brings back memories of first-day outfits, high school parking spaces, Scott spray-painting his initials onto school property like a criminal mastermind who also signed the evidence, college costs, and the crew trying to understand why Illinois keeps catching strays.But eventually we arrive at the question that could divide America:Can you drink a non-alcoholic beer at work?More specifically, what happens if your SURGEON walks into the room before your operation holding one?Technically, it's non-alcoholic. Emotionally? Your brain has already requested another doctor.The crew runs the experiment through surgeons, pilots, school bus drivers, air traffic controllers and other professions where “don't worry, it's an NA” probably isn't the comforting sentence you were hoping to hear. Then Rafe introduces an equally troubling alternative: your heart surgeon walking in with a Capri Sun and struggling to get the straw into the pouch.Choose your fighter.From there, today's comedy podcast tackles low-key addictions, Rafe's mint supply, bad-breath paranoia, online shopping, Amazon delivery drivers asking customers to stop ordering cases of bottled water, and whether water baking in a brutally hot delivery truck makes that expensive alkaline stuff slightly less impressive.Then we get into homeowner association insanity, because apparently owning your house doesn't necessarily mean you're allowed to sit wherever the hell you want on it. One homeowner gets accused of doing “porch-type activity” while sitting in his garage — yes, that's apparently a category now — while another woman deals with HOA fines over a dead bush by simply spray-painting the thing green.Problem solved. Botanists hate this one simple trick.It's another comedy podcast packed with daily humor, weird news, St. Louis stories, ridiculous arguments, parenting panic and the sort of pop culture commentary that starts with a reasonable question and ends with five adults debating whether they'd trust a surgeon holding a Capri Sun.So, another productive morning at The Rizzuto Show.Follow The Rizzuto Show → linktr.ee/rizzshow for more from your favorite daily comedy show.Connect with The Rizzuto Show Comedy Podcast online → 1057thepoint.com/RizzShow.Hear The Rizz Show daily on the radio at 105.7 The Point | Hubbard Radio in St. Louis, MO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Irina Voronina Gets Real About Russia, Hollywood, The Playboy Murders & Comedy This week on Drinking During Business Hours, Sarah Halstead and Richard Chassler sit down with Irina Voronina for a funny, candid, and surprisingly emotional conversation about her journey from Russia to Milan to Los Angeles, her rise as a Playboy Playmate and working actress, and how stand-up comedy became the next chapter of her life. Along the way, Irina opens up about growing up in Soviet Russia, leaving home at 19, adapting to America, and finding her own authentic voice in comedy instead of becoming a stereotype. The episode also gets into the realities of show business, aging in Hollywood, getting typecast, the transition from modeling to comedy, producing shows at Bar Lubitsch, working at Comedy Chateau, and Irina's appearance in The Playboy Murders. Sarah, Rich, and Irina keep it loose and hilarious throughout with a full non-alcoholic beer tasting featuring Beck's Non-Alcoholic, Heineken 0.0, and O'Doul's, making this one equal parts heartfelt, insightful, and absurdly fun.
Welcome to this week's episode of the Food & Beverage Magazine Podcast! Join the Editors of Food & Beverage Magazine as we break down the major restaurant expansions, corporate acquisitions, and menu innovations reshaping the hospitality industry.Here is what we are covering on today's program:Massive Mergers & Corporate Moves: First up, the Editors of Food & Beverage Magazine analyze Ferrero's strategic acquisition of better-for-you breakfast brand Purely Elizabeth to deepen its U.S. breakfast footprint. We also dive into Chicken Salad Chick appointing GoTo Foods veteran Drew Travis as CFO during its aggressive expansion push, Chipotle's international milestone with its first restaurant opening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Red Robin's major $96 million refranchising strategy involving 116 of its locations.Menu & Retail Innovations: Discover how brands are winning back budget-conscious consumers. We discuss Red Lobster reviving its legendary Endless Shrimp deal with five fall flavors, Saladworks rolling out promotional "$6.99 Tuesdays", and Cracker Barrel launching its value-driven $9.99 fall chicken deals. On grocery shelves, we look at Sun-Maid wrapping its classic raisin six-packs in a Pokémon Pikachu design and the retail reunion of Club Crackers and Butter Wines for an exclusive co-promotion.Sustainability & Hospitality Tech: We round out the episode with a look at back-of-house advancements, including Power Knot relaunching its BCG Shredder line to streamline kitchen food waste processing. Plus, we explore how Galaxy Macau has partnered with Ant Bank to launch an innovative resort fintech services station, setting a new bar for digital guest convenience.As the Editors of Food & Beverage Magazine, we are committed to bringing you the actionable insights and trends driving the global B2B culinary market. Catch the full coverage of all these stories by visiting us at fbmagazine.com. For more daily news updates and operator resources, make sure your team is bookmarked at fbmagazine.com. To subscribe to our newsletter and keep up with what's next, head over to fbmagazine.com.
Cara’s viral video questioning a R72 bill for three soft drinks opened up a much bigger debate about the cost of going out in Cape Town. While Cara said the price felt steep, she also acknowledged that restaurants have significant overheads and that there is nuance to the debate. So what happens when more customers choose soft drinks, mocktails and other non-alcoholic options instead of alcohol? Dylan Da Silva, Head of Food & Beverage at Neighbourgood and Nice, joins Lester Kiewit to explain the economics behind drinks pricing and whether the growing number of non-alcoholic drinkers is changing the way bars and restaurants price and sell beverages. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to this week's episode of the Food & Beverage Magazine Podcast! Join the Food & Beverage Magazine Editors as they take you behind the scenes of our blockbuster August 2026 issue. In this episode, we explore the trailblazing innovators, brands, and culinary concepts that are raising the standard of the hospitality industry. For the full stories and profiles featured in today's discussion, visit us at fbmagazine.com.Here is what we are covering on this week's program:The New Standard for Spirited Wellness: The Food & Beverage Magazine Editors sit down to discuss our visionary cover star, Meagan Good, and her organic partnership with founder Keith Davis for Nebula9 Spirits. Discover how this ready-to-drink brand is crafting premium potato vodka infused with organic apple cider vinegar to appeal to today's wellness-minded consumer.Vision, Grit, and Hot Chicken: We dive into the remarkable hot chicken empire of David Mkhitaryan. Hear the story of the high school dropout who built Angry Chickz into a $100M-plus restaurant powerhouse based on passion, obsession, and unapologetic heat.Purpose-Driven Craft Brewing: We highlight Paskenta Mad River Brewing, one of the nation's few Indigenous-owned breweries. Owned by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, they are carving out a distinct space in the craft beer scene by focusing on stewardship, community, and food-friendly ales.Pop Culture Partnerships & Indulgent Launches: Learn how Zevia is teaming up with GRAMMY-winner Cardi B for their "Real Talk Interpreter" campaign. Plus, we explore Black Tap NY's decadent new tower of CrazySundaes and Tender Crush's "5 Boroughs of Flavors" lineup celebrating National Chicken Tender Day.Experiential Dining and Elite Hospitality: From sbe's exclusive Katsuya Brentwood dinner honoring NBA All-Star Kawhi Leonard to the grand opening of The Addison in Midtown Manhattan, and the legendary waterfront views of The Boathouse on Naples Bay, we break down the venues setting the benchmark for guest experiences.As always, the Food & Beverage Magazine Editors are committed to bringing you the people, brands, and operational ideas shaping what's next in food, beverage, and hospitality. For more operator guides and trade secrets—including Michael Politz's Guide to Restaurant Success—be sure to visit fbmagazine.com. Catch the latest insights and read the complete coverage of all these stories at fbmagazine.com.
As the Food & Beverage Magazine Editors, we present the ultimate B2B industry digest tracking the major corporate realignments, retail expansions, and experiential hospitality trends currently driving the market. To stay competitive and access in-depth analysis on these breaking stories, industry leaders can visit fbmagazine.com.Corporate Turnarounds, Acquisitions, and Retail RestructuringWendy's Turnaround Strategy Underway: The fast-food landscape is shifting as Wendy's initiates a major turnaround plan under its new CEO. This restructuring comes as Wendy's Q2 U.S. same-store sales dropped by 7.0%, resulting in a projected shrinkage of its overall system by 245 units.Yum China's Billion-Dollar Pizza Hut Acquisition: In a massive international move, Yum China has acquired the Pizza Hut brand in China for $1.2 billion, consolidatng its market share and footprint.Haribo Enters U.S. Retail Market: Gummy giant Haribo has appointed a new CEO and officially opened its very first physical retail stores in the United States, marking a major milestone for its North American CPG expansion.Wine Industry Mergers & Acquisitions: Consolidation in the premium beverage market continues with the Northlight Wine Collective completing the acquisition of two BC wine labels.Our team of Food & Beverage Magazine Editors notes that these high-stakes financial maneuvers signal an aggressive realignment of corporate restaurant and retail strategies to combat cooling consumer spending. Read our complete editorial breakdowns of these corporate moves at fbmagazine.com.Hospitality Innovation and Experiential Dining ConceptsRooftop Hospitality in West Hollywood: Elevating the urban dining experience, Sun Rose West Hollywood has launched two new upscale rooftop concepts—featuring a coastal Pacific concept and an omakase dining experience—delivered in partnership with Saga.Big Chicken Expands Standalone Footprint: Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken brand is accelerating its regional growth with the opening of its first standalone Maryland location in Gambrills. This launch pushes the rapidly growing system past the 40-unit milestone and kicks off a dedicated DMV (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) expansion plan.Resort Fintech Integration in Macau: Bridging hospitality and financial technology, Galaxy Macau has partnered with Ant Bank to launch a specialized resort fintech services station, streamlining luxury guest transactions.Agricultural Innovations and Sustainability TrendsGlobal Dairy Sustainability Forum: Dairy leader Yili Group hosted its Global Dairy Sustainability Forum at the World Dairy Summit in Hohhot, focusing on industry-wide environmental strategies ahead of the critical 2030 sustainability transition.Pivot Bio's State Fair Showcase: Highlighting breakthroughs in sustainable agriculture, Pivot Bio's Grati tractor is hitting the road, rolling into several Midwest state fairs to connect directly with the agricultural community.European Berry Quality Wins Consumer Trust: The latest European Berry Swing survey reveals that European berries are increasingly winning over consumer market share, scoring exceptionally high on metrics of quality and trust.As Food & Beverage Magazine Editors, we remain dedicated to providing the actionable insights, market forecasting, and operator guides that hospitality executives need to navigate a rapidly evolving industry. For daily news updates, industry trend reports, and deep-dive executive interviews, be sure to bookmark fbmagazine.com.
This is a Vintage episode from 2006.Why This Episode MattersWhy guests who are not drinking deserve a beverage experience equal to the food, not simply still or sparkling water.How sommeliers can build non-alcoholic pairings using the same principles as wine: weight, acidity, texture and flavor.Why thoughtful glassware and presentation communicate that every guest matters.How one memorable beverage program can turn the non-drinker into the person who chooses the restaurant for the entire table.The ConversationMark Pascal and Francis Schott are joined by Master Sommelier Paul Roberts, then director of wine and beverages for Thomas Keller's restaurants, including The French Laundry, Per Se and Bouchon.Paul explains how a lunch at The French Laundry changed his thinking about non-alcoholic beverages. When a knowledgeable 12-year-old diner was offered little beyond water, Paul improvised a beverage pairing and began developing a program for children and anyone who simply preferred not to drink alcohol.The conversation explores house-made tonic, teas, infusions, grape juices and less-sweet sodas. Paul explains why non-alcoholic pairings should be approached like wine pairings, matching the weight and flavors of a beverage to the dish. He also shares one of the program's more unexpected combinations: artisanal root beer with foie gras.They discuss the importance of ingredients, glassware and presentation, along with the business case for taking non-drinkers seriously. A single guest who feels genuinely considered may be the person who brings the entire party back.It is a remarkably current conversation about hospitality, inclusion and the rise of sophisticated non-alcoholic drinking recorded years before the modern no- and low-alcohol movement took hold.Guest BioPaul Roberts was the director of wine and beverages for Thomas Keller's restaurant group, overseeing programs at The French Laundry, Per Se and Bouchon, as well as a team of 14 full-time sommeliers. A Master Sommelier, Paul became known not only for world-class wine service but also for pioneering thoughtful non-alcoholic beverage pairings.Timestamps00:00 Paul Roberts and the origins of the non-alcoholic pairing program07:35 House-made tonic and treating cocktails like serious cuisine10:20 Teas, infusions, grape juices and foie gras with root beer17:25 Why glassware matters for guests who are not drinking19:25 The non-drinker who may choose the restaurant for the whole table23:00 Dry sodas, quality over sweetness and becoming “the soda sommelier”27:00 Last recommendation for non-alc pairing with lobsterInfoBeverages and producers mentioned: Navarro Vineyards grape juice, Boylan's, Sprecher root beer Grown Up Soda https://drinkgus.com/Dry Soda https://drinkdry.com/Elderflower syrup https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/food/Nikolaihof-Hollunderbluten-Sirup-No-Alcohol-w4694002sySubscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.com
Send us Fan MailIn this episode we dive head-first into another NA beer tasting. This plethora of beers comes from craft breweries all throughout the U.S. Listen in to hear our thoughts, ratings and recommendations.
The MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast is a leading drinks business podcast, listened to in 120 countries worldwide with 125+ episodes. Honest conversations about how the industry actually works, from the bar and what it means for the boardroom.This Episode is hosted by Chris Maffeo and brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS.This episode is a working session on how to build a non-alcoholic brand that does not announce its own absence. Steven Grasse, the brand-builder behind Hendrick's, Sailor Jerry, and Quaker City Mercantile, breaks down Pathfinder: a hemp-and-root-distilled, amaro-style non-alcoholic spirit that entered every Total Wine and Whole Foods without a trial.The conversation covers why non-alcoholic brands must not be “stupid,” the comparison trap of positioning as a replacement, brand mysticism as a method that transcends category, the four pillars of brand creation, launching on-premise first, designing a liquid versatile enough to be a “bartender's ketchup,” the discipline of owning a home turf before the hot cities, and the regulatory freedom that lets a non-alcoholic brand be weirder than any spirit.It is a masterclass in building a great brand that just happens to not have alcohol.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Pathfinder00:49 The Origin Story of Pathfinder02:14 Crafting the Unique Flavor Profile04:38 Marketing Strategy and Brand Positioning11:26 Launching Pathfinder in Seattle15:43 The Mystical and Historical Elements18:40 Pathfinder's Market Success and Future25:11 Final Thoughts and Conclusion Wanna know what the conversation above means for your team? It's in the paid section.For €100 a year you get access to Maffeo Confidential (Private Podcast) and get this analysis and access to the full archive of 125 episodes, each one translated from industry conversation into the commercial decisions underneath it. Find out more at maffeodrinks.com
Non-alcoholic spirits versus mocktail mixers—which creates the ultimate alcohol-free cocktail? Discover flavor profiles, health benefits, and how to choose the right option for sophisticated, mindful drinking experiences. LibertyBlume Health City: Castro Valley Address: 4116 Nichandros St Website: https://libertyblumehealth.com/ Email: info@libertyblumehealth.com
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monica Cornitcher. Entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Medase Cocktails, and the realities of launching, funding, and scaling a premium nonalcoholic spirits brand in a highly competitive market. Purpose of the Conversation The purpose of the episode is to: Educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a differentiated consumer brand Demonstrate the importance of storytelling, market clarity, and operational discipline Highlight the growth of the nonalcoholic / zero‑proof beverage movement Inspire founders—especially founders of color—to own their niche, seek capital strategically, and scale intentionally. Key Takeaways 1. Business Built from Personal Need and Purpose Medase Cocktails was co‑founded by Monica and her lifelong friend during her friend’s battle with breast cancer, a time when alcohol was no longer an option—but celebration still mattered. The brand was created to allow people to celebrate authentically without alcohol It carries emotional depth rooted in friendship, gratitude, and loss Monica continues the mission after her co‑founder passed away in 2024 Lesson: Purpose-driven businesses create deeper emotional connection and long-term brand equity. 2. Differentiation Is Everything Monica deliberately rejected the “sparkling water with flavor” model common in nonalcoholic drinks. Her differentiators include: Authentic cocktail taste (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule) Organic juices, not artificial flavors Bold packaging that stands out on shelves Drinks designed to smell, taste, and feel like real cocktails Lesson: Competing on authenticity—not cost—is how you carve out market share in crowded spaces. 3. Brand Names and Stories Matter The name “Medase” means “thank you” and reflects gratitude, friendship, and emotional support. Monica emphasizes: Every flavor name, color, and product decision has a story A strong brand narrative creates curiosity, loyalty, and investor interest Lesson: People invest in brands they feel—emotionally, not just intellectually. 4. Venture Capital Is Not Just About Numbers While financials matter, Monica stresses that VCs also invest in founders and stories. What helped her secure venture capital: A compelling personal story Relevant founder skill sets (M&A, law, operations) Clear understanding of the market opportunity Lesson: Early-stage funding often depends on who you are and why you’re building, not just revenue. 5. Research, Planning, and Discipline Before Launch Unlike many food startups, Medase did not begin in a kitchen. They: Conducted a feasibility study Built a formal business plan Worked with a Black female food scientist Set strict personal funding limits before seeking capital Lesson: Preparation reduces risk and builds long-term sustainability. 6. Scaling Requires Operational Maturity As sales increased—especially on Amazon—Monica emphasized the need to move from “hustle mode” to operational excellence. Key scaling principles: Understand unit economics Track ROI for events and activations Adjust pricing as volume increases Build strategy across marketing, operations, and distribution Lesson: Hustle starts the business; operations grow it. 7. Niche First, Expansion Later Medase does not try to be “everything to everyone.” Core customers include: People seeking a break from alcohol Health-conscious consumers Black men looking for alcohol replacements Consumers wanting cocktail taste without hangovers Lesson: Strong niches create loyal advocates who fuel organic growth. 8. Smart Distribution Strategy Rather than rushing into retail, Monica prioritized direct-to-consumer channels: Amazon (top-performing channel) Brand website TikTok Shop Only after 6–7 months of traction did retail expansion become viable. Lesson: Control your margins and demand before entering expensive retail environments. Memorable Quotes “I wanted an authentic cocktail without compromise.” “Everything we do has a story behind it.” “Sometimes it’s not about the financials—it’s about the founder and the story.” “Don’t be everything to everybody. Find your market and stick with your market.” “Hustle starts the business, but operations give you scale.” “If it tastes too much like alcohol and you gave me a one-star review—thank you. That means I did my job.” Overall Message This episode is a real-world entrepreneurial blueprint showing how clarity of vision, emotional authenticity, disciplined planning, and niche focus can turn a personal idea into a scalable national brand. Monica Cornitcher exemplifies the modern founder:visionary, data-aware, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically authentic. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monica Cornitcher. Entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Medase Cocktails, and the realities of launching, funding, and scaling a premium nonalcoholic spirits brand in a highly competitive market. Purpose of the Conversation The purpose of the episode is to: Educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a differentiated consumer brand Demonstrate the importance of storytelling, market clarity, and operational discipline Highlight the growth of the nonalcoholic / zero‑proof beverage movement Inspire founders—especially founders of color—to own their niche, seek capital strategically, and scale intentionally. Key Takeaways 1. Business Built from Personal Need and Purpose Medase Cocktails was co‑founded by Monica and her lifelong friend during her friend’s battle with breast cancer, a time when alcohol was no longer an option—but celebration still mattered. The brand was created to allow people to celebrate authentically without alcohol It carries emotional depth rooted in friendship, gratitude, and loss Monica continues the mission after her co‑founder passed away in 2024 Lesson: Purpose-driven businesses create deeper emotional connection and long-term brand equity. 2. Differentiation Is Everything Monica deliberately rejected the “sparkling water with flavor” model common in nonalcoholic drinks. Her differentiators include: Authentic cocktail taste (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule) Organic juices, not artificial flavors Bold packaging that stands out on shelves Drinks designed to smell, taste, and feel like real cocktails Lesson: Competing on authenticity—not cost—is how you carve out market share in crowded spaces. 3. Brand Names and Stories Matter The name “Medase” means “thank you” and reflects gratitude, friendship, and emotional support. Monica emphasizes: Every flavor name, color, and product decision has a story A strong brand narrative creates curiosity, loyalty, and investor interest Lesson: People invest in brands they feel—emotionally, not just intellectually. 4. Venture Capital Is Not Just About Numbers While financials matter, Monica stresses that VCs also invest in founders and stories. What helped her secure venture capital: A compelling personal story Relevant founder skill sets (M&A, law, operations) Clear understanding of the market opportunity Lesson: Early-stage funding often depends on who you are and why you’re building, not just revenue. 5. Research, Planning, and Discipline Before Launch Unlike many food startups, Medase did not begin in a kitchen. They: Conducted a feasibility study Built a formal business plan Worked with a Black female food scientist Set strict personal funding limits before seeking capital Lesson: Preparation reduces risk and builds long-term sustainability. 6. Scaling Requires Operational Maturity As sales increased—especially on Amazon—Monica emphasized the need to move from “hustle mode” to operational excellence. Key scaling principles: Understand unit economics Track ROI for events and activations Adjust pricing as volume increases Build strategy across marketing, operations, and distribution Lesson: Hustle starts the business; operations grow it. 7. Niche First, Expansion Later Medase does not try to be “everything to everyone.” Core customers include: People seeking a break from alcohol Health-conscious consumers Black men looking for alcohol replacements Consumers wanting cocktail taste without hangovers Lesson: Strong niches create loyal advocates who fuel organic growth. 8. Smart Distribution Strategy Rather than rushing into retail, Monica prioritized direct-to-consumer channels: Amazon (top-performing channel) Brand website TikTok Shop Only after 6–7 months of traction did retail expansion become viable. Lesson: Control your margins and demand before entering expensive retail environments. Memorable Quotes “I wanted an authentic cocktail without compromise.” “Everything we do has a story behind it.” “Sometimes it’s not about the financials—it’s about the founder and the story.” “Don’t be everything to everybody. Find your market and stick with your market.” “Hustle starts the business, but operations give you scale.” “If it tastes too much like alcohol and you gave me a one-star review—thank you. That means I did my job.” Overall Message This episode is a real-world entrepreneurial blueprint showing how clarity of vision, emotional authenticity, disciplined planning, and niche focus can turn a personal idea into a scalable national brand. Monica Cornitcher exemplifies the modern founder:visionary, data-aware, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically authentic. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The New York Knicks are 1 game away from the NBA Title and we talk about the craziest comeback in NBA Finals history and an unreal night in NYC on Wednesday. Wemby and DeAron Fox falling short, Memes and Zac gearing up for Game 5 in San Antonio and Hater Hank out in full force (00:00:00-00:44:52). We talk Stanley Cup Final and the Knights might have a Carter Hart problem plus World Cup Day 1 (00:44:52-00:58:34). Spencer Hawes joins us in studio to talk about Game 5 which he attended, what the Spurs can do to get back in the series, what a team talks about after a loss like that and more (00:58:34-01:25:37). Illini Head Coach Bret Bielema joins the show to talk football, Chili's and Pig Farming (01:25:37-02:03:51). Preseason Mt Rushmore with Hanks dad as we do the Mt Rushmore of Non Alcoholic drinks plus Fyre Fest of the week.You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Netflix. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/pardon-my-take
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monica Cornitcher. Entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Medase Cocktails, and the realities of launching, funding, and scaling a premium nonalcoholic spirits brand in a highly competitive market. Purpose of the Conversation The purpose of the episode is to: Educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a differentiated consumer brand Demonstrate the importance of storytelling, market clarity, and operational discipline Highlight the growth of the nonalcoholic / zero‑proof beverage movement Inspire founders—especially founders of color—to own their niche, seek capital strategically, and scale intentionally. Key Takeaways 1. Business Built from Personal Need and Purpose Medase Cocktails was co‑founded by Monica and her lifelong friend during her friend’s battle with breast cancer, a time when alcohol was no longer an option—but celebration still mattered. The brand was created to allow people to celebrate authentically without alcohol It carries emotional depth rooted in friendship, gratitude, and loss Monica continues the mission after her co‑founder passed away in 2024 Lesson: Purpose-driven businesses create deeper emotional connection and long-term brand equity. 2. Differentiation Is Everything Monica deliberately rejected the “sparkling water with flavor” model common in nonalcoholic drinks. Her differentiators include: Authentic cocktail taste (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule) Organic juices, not artificial flavors Bold packaging that stands out on shelves Drinks designed to smell, taste, and feel like real cocktails Lesson: Competing on authenticity—not cost—is how you carve out market share in crowded spaces. 3. Brand Names and Stories Matter The name “Medase” means “thank you” and reflects gratitude, friendship, and emotional support. Monica emphasizes: Every flavor name, color, and product decision has a story A strong brand narrative creates curiosity, loyalty, and investor interest Lesson: People invest in brands they feel—emotionally, not just intellectually. 4. Venture Capital Is Not Just About Numbers While financials matter, Monica stresses that VCs also invest in founders and stories. What helped her secure venture capital: A compelling personal story Relevant founder skill sets (M&A, law, operations) Clear understanding of the market opportunity Lesson: Early-stage funding often depends on who you are and why you’re building, not just revenue. 5. Research, Planning, and Discipline Before Launch Unlike many food startups, Medase did not begin in a kitchen. They: Conducted a feasibility study Built a formal business plan Worked with a Black female food scientist Set strict personal funding limits before seeking capital Lesson: Preparation reduces risk and builds long-term sustainability. 6. Scaling Requires Operational Maturity As sales increased—especially on Amazon—Monica emphasized the need to move from “hustle mode” to operational excellence. Key scaling principles: Understand unit economics Track ROI for events and activations Adjust pricing as volume increases Build strategy across marketing, operations, and distribution Lesson: Hustle starts the business; operations grow it. 7. Niche First, Expansion Later Medase does not try to be “everything to everyone.” Core customers include: People seeking a break from alcohol Health-conscious consumers Black men looking for alcohol replacements Consumers wanting cocktail taste without hangovers Lesson: Strong niches create loyal advocates who fuel organic growth. 8. Smart Distribution Strategy Rather than rushing into retail, Monica prioritized direct-to-consumer channels: Amazon (top-performing channel) Brand website TikTok Shop Only after 6–7 months of traction did retail expansion become viable. Lesson: Control your margins and demand before entering expensive retail environments. Memorable Quotes “I wanted an authentic cocktail without compromise.” “Everything we do has a story behind it.” “Sometimes it’s not about the financials—it’s about the founder and the story.” “Don’t be everything to everybody. Find your market and stick with your market.” “Hustle starts the business, but operations give you scale.” “If it tastes too much like alcohol and you gave me a one-star review—thank you. That means I did my job.” Overall Message This episode is a real-world entrepreneurial blueprint showing how clarity of vision, emotional authenticity, disciplined planning, and niche focus can turn a personal idea into a scalable national brand. Monica Cornitcher exemplifies the modern founder:visionary, data-aware, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically authentic. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monica Cornitcher. Entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Medase Cocktails, and the realities of launching, funding, and scaling a premium nonalcoholic spirits brand in a highly competitive market. Purpose of the Conversation The purpose of the episode is to: Educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a differentiated consumer brand Demonstrate the importance of storytelling, market clarity, and operational discipline Highlight the growth of the nonalcoholic / zero‑proof beverage movement Inspire founders—especially founders of color—to own their niche, seek capital strategically, and scale intentionally. Key Takeaways 1. Business Built from Personal Need and Purpose Medase Cocktails was co‑founded by Monica and her lifelong friend during her friend’s battle with breast cancer, a time when alcohol was no longer an option—but celebration still mattered. The brand was created to allow people to celebrate authentically without alcohol It carries emotional depth rooted in friendship, gratitude, and loss Monica continues the mission after her co‑founder passed away in 2024 Lesson: Purpose-driven businesses create deeper emotional connection and long-term brand equity. 2. Differentiation Is Everything Monica deliberately rejected the “sparkling water with flavor” model common in nonalcoholic drinks. Her differentiators include: Authentic cocktail taste (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule) Organic juices, not artificial flavors Bold packaging that stands out on shelves Drinks designed to smell, taste, and feel like real cocktails Lesson: Competing on authenticity—not cost—is how you carve out market share in crowded spaces. 3. Brand Names and Stories Matter The name “Medase” means “thank you” and reflects gratitude, friendship, and emotional support. Monica emphasizes: Every flavor name, color, and product decision has a story A strong brand narrative creates curiosity, loyalty, and investor interest Lesson: People invest in brands they feel—emotionally, not just intellectually. 4. Venture Capital Is Not Just About Numbers While financials matter, Monica stresses that VCs also invest in founders and stories. What helped her secure venture capital: A compelling personal story Relevant founder skill sets (M&A, law, operations) Clear understanding of the market opportunity Lesson: Early-stage funding often depends on who you are and why you’re building, not just revenue. 5. Research, Planning, and Discipline Before Launch Unlike many food startups, Medase did not begin in a kitchen. They: Conducted a feasibility study Built a formal business plan Worked with a Black female food scientist Set strict personal funding limits before seeking capital Lesson: Preparation reduces risk and builds long-term sustainability. 6. Scaling Requires Operational Maturity As sales increased—especially on Amazon—Monica emphasized the need to move from “hustle mode” to operational excellence. Key scaling principles: Understand unit economics Track ROI for events and activations Adjust pricing as volume increases Build strategy across marketing, operations, and distribution Lesson: Hustle starts the business; operations grow it. 7. Niche First, Expansion Later Medase does not try to be “everything to everyone.” Core customers include: People seeking a break from alcohol Health-conscious consumers Black men looking for alcohol replacements Consumers wanting cocktail taste without hangovers Lesson: Strong niches create loyal advocates who fuel organic growth. 8. Smart Distribution Strategy Rather than rushing into retail, Monica prioritized direct-to-consumer channels: Amazon (top-performing channel) Brand website TikTok Shop Only after 6–7 months of traction did retail expansion become viable. Lesson: Control your margins and demand before entering expensive retail environments. Memorable Quotes “I wanted an authentic cocktail without compromise.” “Everything we do has a story behind it.” “Sometimes it’s not about the financials—it’s about the founder and the story.” “Don’t be everything to everybody. Find your market and stick with your market.” “Hustle starts the business, but operations give you scale.” “If it tastes too much like alcohol and you gave me a one-star review—thank you. That means I did my job.” Overall Message This episode is a real-world entrepreneurial blueprint showing how clarity of vision, emotional authenticity, disciplined planning, and niche focus can turn a personal idea into a scalable national brand. Monica Cornitcher exemplifies the modern founder:visionary, data-aware, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically authentic. #SHMS #BEST #STRAW #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monica Cornitcher. Entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Medase Cocktails, and the realities of launching, funding, and scaling a premium nonalcoholic spirits brand in a highly competitive market. Purpose of the Conversation The purpose of the episode is to: Educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a differentiated consumer brand Demonstrate the importance of storytelling, market clarity, and operational discipline Highlight the growth of the nonalcoholic / zero‑proof beverage movement Inspire founders—especially founders of color—to own their niche, seek capital strategically, and scale intentionally. Key Takeaways 1. Business Built from Personal Need and Purpose Medase Cocktails was co‑founded by Monica and her lifelong friend during her friend’s battle with breast cancer, a time when alcohol was no longer an option—but celebration still mattered. The brand was created to allow people to celebrate authentically without alcohol It carries emotional depth rooted in friendship, gratitude, and loss Monica continues the mission after her co‑founder passed away in 2024 Lesson: Purpose-driven businesses create deeper emotional connection and long-term brand equity. 2. Differentiation Is Everything Monica deliberately rejected the “sparkling water with flavor” model common in nonalcoholic drinks. Her differentiators include: Authentic cocktail taste (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule) Organic juices, not artificial flavors Bold packaging that stands out on shelves Drinks designed to smell, taste, and feel like real cocktails Lesson: Competing on authenticity—not cost—is how you carve out market share in crowded spaces. 3. Brand Names and Stories Matter The name “Medase” means “thank you” and reflects gratitude, friendship, and emotional support. Monica emphasizes: Every flavor name, color, and product decision has a story A strong brand narrative creates curiosity, loyalty, and investor interest Lesson: People invest in brands they feel—emotionally, not just intellectually. 4. Venture Capital Is Not Just About Numbers While financials matter, Monica stresses that VCs also invest in founders and stories. What helped her secure venture capital: A compelling personal story Relevant founder skill sets (M&A, law, operations) Clear understanding of the market opportunity Lesson: Early-stage funding often depends on who you are and why you’re building, not just revenue. 5. Research, Planning, and Discipline Before Launch Unlike many food startups, Medase did not begin in a kitchen. They: Conducted a feasibility study Built a formal business plan Worked with a Black female food scientist Set strict personal funding limits before seeking capital Lesson: Preparation reduces risk and builds long-term sustainability. 6. Scaling Requires Operational Maturity As sales increased—especially on Amazon—Monica emphasized the need to move from “hustle mode” to operational excellence. Key scaling principles: Understand unit economics Track ROI for events and activations Adjust pricing as volume increases Build strategy across marketing, operations, and distribution Lesson: Hustle starts the business; operations grow it. 7. Niche First, Expansion Later Medase does not try to be “everything to everyone.” Core customers include: People seeking a break from alcohol Health-conscious consumers Black men looking for alcohol replacements Consumers wanting cocktail taste without hangovers Lesson: Strong niches create loyal advocates who fuel organic growth. 8. Smart Distribution Strategy Rather than rushing into retail, Monica prioritized direct-to-consumer channels: Amazon (top-performing channel) Brand website TikTok Shop Only after 6–7 months of traction did retail expansion become viable. Lesson: Control your margins and demand before entering expensive retail environments. Memorable Quotes “I wanted an authentic cocktail without compromise.” “Everything we do has a story behind it.” “Sometimes it’s not about the financials—it’s about the founder and the story.” “Don’t be everything to everybody. Find your market and stick with your market.” “Hustle starts the business, but operations give you scale.” “If it tastes too much like alcohol and you gave me a one-star review—thank you. That means I did my job.” Overall Message This episode is a real-world entrepreneurial blueprint showing how clarity of vision, emotional authenticity, disciplined planning, and niche focus can turn a personal idea into a scalable national brand. Monica Cornitcher exemplifies the modern founder:visionary, data-aware, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically authentic. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monica Cornitcher. Entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Medase Cocktails, and the realities of launching, funding, and scaling a premium nonalcoholic spirits brand in a highly competitive market. Purpose of the Conversation The purpose of the episode is to: Educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a differentiated consumer brand Demonstrate the importance of storytelling, market clarity, and operational discipline Highlight the growth of the nonalcoholic / zero‑proof beverage movement Inspire founders—especially founders of color—to own their niche, seek capital strategically, and scale intentionally. Key Takeaways 1. Business Built from Personal Need and Purpose Medase Cocktails was co‑founded by Monica and her lifelong friend during her friend’s battle with breast cancer, a time when alcohol was no longer an option—but celebration still mattered. The brand was created to allow people to celebrate authentically without alcohol It carries emotional depth rooted in friendship, gratitude, and loss Monica continues the mission after her co‑founder passed away in 2024 Lesson: Purpose-driven businesses create deeper emotional connection and long-term brand equity. 2. Differentiation Is Everything Monica deliberately rejected the “sparkling water with flavor” model common in nonalcoholic drinks. Her differentiators include: Authentic cocktail taste (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule) Organic juices, not artificial flavors Bold packaging that stands out on shelves Drinks designed to smell, taste, and feel like real cocktails Lesson: Competing on authenticity—not cost—is how you carve out market share in crowded spaces. 3. Brand Names and Stories Matter The name “Medase” means “thank you” and reflects gratitude, friendship, and emotional support. Monica emphasizes: Every flavor name, color, and product decision has a story A strong brand narrative creates curiosity, loyalty, and investor interest Lesson: People invest in brands they feel—emotionally, not just intellectually. 4. Venture Capital Is Not Just About Numbers While financials matter, Monica stresses that VCs also invest in founders and stories. What helped her secure venture capital: A compelling personal story Relevant founder skill sets (M&A, law, operations) Clear understanding of the market opportunity Lesson: Early-stage funding often depends on who you are and why you’re building, not just revenue. 5. Research, Planning, and Discipline Before Launch Unlike many food startups, Medase did not begin in a kitchen. They: Conducted a feasibility study Built a formal business plan Worked with a Black female food scientist Set strict personal funding limits before seeking capital Lesson: Preparation reduces risk and builds long-term sustainability. 6. Scaling Requires Operational Maturity As sales increased—especially on Amazon—Monica emphasized the need to move from “hustle mode” to operational excellence. Key scaling principles: Understand unit economics Track ROI for events and activations Adjust pricing as volume increases Build strategy across marketing, operations, and distribution Lesson: Hustle starts the business; operations grow it. 7. Niche First, Expansion Later Medase does not try to be “everything to everyone.” Core customers include: People seeking a break from alcohol Health-conscious consumers Black men looking for alcohol replacements Consumers wanting cocktail taste without hangovers Lesson: Strong niches create loyal advocates who fuel organic growth. 8. Smart Distribution Strategy Rather than rushing into retail, Monica prioritized direct-to-consumer channels: Amazon (top-performing channel) Brand website TikTok Shop Only after 6–7 months of traction did retail expansion become viable. Lesson: Control your margins and demand before entering expensive retail environments. Memorable Quotes “I wanted an authentic cocktail without compromise.” “Everything we do has a story behind it.” “Sometimes it’s not about the financials—it’s about the founder and the story.” “Don’t be everything to everybody. Find your market and stick with your market.” “Hustle starts the business, but operations give you scale.” “If it tastes too much like alcohol and you gave me a one-star review—thank you. That means I did my job.” Overall Message This episode is a real-world entrepreneurial blueprint showing how clarity of vision, emotional authenticity, disciplined planning, and niche focus can turn a personal idea into a scalable national brand. Monica Cornitcher exemplifies the modern founder:visionary, data-aware, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically authentic. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monica Cornitcher. Entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Medase Cocktails, and the realities of launching, funding, and scaling a premium nonalcoholic spirits brand in a highly competitive market. Purpose of the Conversation The purpose of the episode is to: Educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a differentiated consumer brand Demonstrate the importance of storytelling, market clarity, and operational discipline Highlight the growth of the nonalcoholic / zero‑proof beverage movement Inspire founders—especially founders of color—to own their niche, seek capital strategically, and scale intentionally. Key Takeaways 1. Business Built from Personal Need and Purpose Medase Cocktails was co‑founded by Monica and her lifelong friend during her friend’s battle with breast cancer, a time when alcohol was no longer an option—but celebration still mattered. The brand was created to allow people to celebrate authentically without alcohol It carries emotional depth rooted in friendship, gratitude, and loss Monica continues the mission after her co‑founder passed away in 2024 Lesson: Purpose-driven businesses create deeper emotional connection and long-term brand equity. 2. Differentiation Is Everything Monica deliberately rejected the “sparkling water with flavor” model common in nonalcoholic drinks. Her differentiators include: Authentic cocktail taste (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule) Organic juices, not artificial flavors Bold packaging that stands out on shelves Drinks designed to smell, taste, and feel like real cocktails Lesson: Competing on authenticity—not cost—is how you carve out market share in crowded spaces. 3. Brand Names and Stories Matter The name “Medase” means “thank you” and reflects gratitude, friendship, and emotional support. Monica emphasizes: Every flavor name, color, and product decision has a story A strong brand narrative creates curiosity, loyalty, and investor interest Lesson: People invest in brands they feel—emotionally, not just intellectually. 4. Venture Capital Is Not Just About Numbers While financials matter, Monica stresses that VCs also invest in founders and stories. What helped her secure venture capital: A compelling personal story Relevant founder skill sets (M&A, law, operations) Clear understanding of the market opportunity Lesson: Early-stage funding often depends on who you are and why you’re building, not just revenue. 5. Research, Planning, and Discipline Before Launch Unlike many food startups, Medase did not begin in a kitchen. They: Conducted a feasibility study Built a formal business plan Worked with a Black female food scientist Set strict personal funding limits before seeking capital Lesson: Preparation reduces risk and builds long-term sustainability. 6. Scaling Requires Operational Maturity As sales increased—especially on Amazon—Monica emphasized the need to move from “hustle mode” to operational excellence. Key scaling principles: Understand unit economics Track ROI for events and activations Adjust pricing as volume increases Build strategy across marketing, operations, and distribution Lesson: Hustle starts the business; operations grow it. 7. Niche First, Expansion Later Medase does not try to be “everything to everyone.” Core customers include: People seeking a break from alcohol Health-conscious consumers Black men looking for alcohol replacements Consumers wanting cocktail taste without hangovers Lesson: Strong niches create loyal advocates who fuel organic growth. 8. Smart Distribution Strategy Rather than rushing into retail, Monica prioritized direct-to-consumer channels: Amazon (top-performing channel) Brand website TikTok Shop Only after 6–7 months of traction did retail expansion become viable. Lesson: Control your margins and demand before entering expensive retail environments. Memorable Quotes “I wanted an authentic cocktail without compromise.” “Everything we do has a story behind it.” “Sometimes it’s not about the financials—it’s about the founder and the story.” “Don’t be everything to everybody. Find your market and stick with your market.” “Hustle starts the business, but operations give you scale.” “If it tastes too much like alcohol and you gave me a one-star review—thank you. That means I did my job.” Overall Message This episode is a real-world entrepreneurial blueprint showing how clarity of vision, emotional authenticity, disciplined planning, and niche focus can turn a personal idea into a scalable national brand. Monica Cornitcher exemplifies the modern founder:visionary, data-aware, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically authentic. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Allen and RD try Mich Ultra Zero Lime!Cheers!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/strikeout-beer--2992189/support.
S6E6 Campari America's Allison Varone on mindful drinking and the new rules of beverage brand building with Gen ZEveryone keeps repeating that Gen Z doesn't drink. The data tells a far more interesting story about mindful drinking and this episode unpacks it.In this episode of The Retail Razor Show, Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden sit down with Allison Varone, Head of Marketing at Campari America, for a genuine masterclass in beverage brand building. With more than 20 years across the wine and spirits industry, Allison leads marketing for one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world: Aperol, Campari, Wild Turkey, Courvoisier, Grand Marnier, Espolòn Tequila, and the newly US-launched Crodino, a non-alcoholic spritz beloved in Italy since 1965.This conversation goes beyond the headlines about the spirits industry to explore the cultural shifts, strategic bets, and marketing instincts behind some of the most recognizable drinks in the world, and what they mean for anyone building consumer brands in 2026.What We Cover· How Gen Z is redefining drinking culture, and why mindful drinking is a growth opportunity for the spirits industry rather than a threat· The "zebra striping" trend: how consumers now bounce between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages depending on the occasion· Crodino's US launch and the strategic timing behind Campari America's move into the non-alcoholic spirits space· Why occasion-led marketing has replaced category-first brand thinking across the beverage industry· What Aperol's Coachella activation and Negroni Week reveal about experiential marketing ROI· How Wild Turkey's "Don't Change a Damn Thing" campaign keeps a heritage brand culturally relevant on TikTok· The real playbook for challenger brands trying to break through a crowded beverage market· What premiumization actually means when consumers are cautious, and how Espolòn Tequila balances premium with accessible· Inside the Campari Academy and how bartender education becomes a competitive advantage· A bold look at the spirits industry in 2035: more inclusive, more occasion-led, and centered on human connectionA Standout Idea from This EpisodeAllison's advice to brand strategists was refreshingly direct: focus less on categories and more on how consumers are actually evolving. Lead with the occasion, then figure out where your brand fits into that moment. That is brand strategy advice that travels far beyond the spirits industry.Whether you work in retail, brand marketing, CPG, or you are simply curious about how culture shapes consumer behavior, this episode delivers insight you can use immediately.This Episode is Brought to You By RetailClub.Join 2,000 retail leaders at RetailClub AI Festival, September 22–24 in Huntington Beach. Dive deep into how AI is reshaping retail while soaking up the sun at a fully outdoor, beachside venue. Decision-makers from retailers and brands can attend with free tickets and up to $1,250 in travel reimbursement. Head to retailclub.com to learn more. https://retailclub.com/retail-razor-podcastSubscribe & FollowIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5‑star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods. Subscribe on YouTube so you never miss an episode and check out the other shows in the Retail Razor Podcast Network: Retail Transformers, Blade to Greatness, and Data Blades.Subscribe to the Retail Razor Podcast Network: https://retailrazor.com/Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://retailrazor.substack.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://go.retailrazor.com/utubeAbout our GuestAllison Varone, Head of Marketing, Campari America. https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-varone-4650901/https://www.camparigroup.com/enAllison Varone is Head of Marketing at Campari America, a growing powerhouse group in the U.S. spirits market. A seasoned executive, leader and strategist, she has more than 20 years of experience driving growth, market share and profitability for both large and small brands. She joined Campari America in 2024 and previously served as Vice President of Channel and Customer Marketing, where she lead Campari America to some of its greatest partnerships and campaigns, including Negroni Week for Campari, SKYY Vodka for PRIDE, Courvoisier Bring Your Own Courvoisier campaign and Aperol as a sponsor of the U.S. Open and the official Spritz Partner at Coachella.Chapters00:00 Opening Teaser00:49 Show Intro06:02 Welcome Allison Varone07:23 Gen Z & Mindful Drinking Culture09:09 Non-Alc Innovation & Product Strategy12:46 Occasion-Led Marketing & Coachella14:39 Shifts in Consumer Behavior17:02 Spanning Generations Across the Portfolio19:26 Measuring Activation Impact21:27 Advice for Challenger Brands24:33 Honoring Heritage Brands26:22 Premiumization & Value28:18 The Campari Academy & Elevated Experiences30:53 The Spirits Industry in 203533:17 Advice for Brand Strategists35:27 Wrap-Up37:23 Show CloseMeet your hostsHelping you cut through the clutter in retail & retail tech:Ricardo Belmar is an NRF Top Retail Voice for 2025 and a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert from 2021 – 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him a Top 10 Thought Leader in Retail, a Top 25 Thought Leader in AGI and Careers, a Top 50 Thought Leader in Agentic AIand Management, and a Top 100 Thought Leader in Digital Transformation and Transformation. Thinkers 360 also named him a Top Digital Voice for 2024 and 2025. He is an advisory council member at George Mason University's Center for Retail Transformationand the Retail Cloud Alliance. He was most recently the partner marketing leader for retail & consumer goods in the Americas at Microsoft.Casey Golden, is the North America Leader for Retail & Consumer Goods at CI&T, and CEO of Luxlock. She is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert from 2023 - 2026, and Retail Cloud Alliance advisory council member. After a career on the fashion and supply chain technology side of the business, Casey is obsessed with the customer relationship between the brand and the consumer and is slaying franken-stacks and building retail tech! MusicIncludes music provided by imunobeats.com, featuring Overclocked, and E-Motive from the album Beat Hype, written by Heston Mimms, published by Imuno.
Is drinking a 0.5% beer "cheating," or is it a powerful tool for long-term success? Coach Matt dives into the rapidly growing world of non-alcoholic (NA) beverages, debunking common myths and exploring the pros and cons for high achievers. Discover the science of hypersensitivity and why trace amounts of alcohol which also occur naturally in orange juice and ripe bananas affect the brain differently after you quit drinking. This episode provides a framework to help you decide if NA drinks strengthen your alcohol-free identity or act as a "biological bridge" back to old habits. Learn to navigate patio season with total clarity and make the best choice for your high-performance lifestyle. Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear
The occasions for non-alcoholic beer are ever expanding, but so, too, is the competition. Best Day Brewing founder Tate Huffard has spent the last five years working to build a brand to last. We dig into what's been the secret sauce to their growth, from the brewing process to the retail shelf, and what has helped them to stand out in an ever-crowded field.We cover Tate's surf-culture origin story behind BDB, how the consumer occasion for NA beer has shifted since 2021, and where Tate sees the brand fitting in a market that's increasingly defined by wellness and fitness positioning, or celebrity fame.Key Topics:The Founder Story: Why a group of surfers missing morning sessions became the unlikely starting point for one of the country's few NA-only craft breweries with national distribution.The Evolving Occasion: How and where people are actually reaching for NA beer in 2026, and why the answer might surprise you.Crowded Market, Distinct Identity: With fitness brands and celebrity labels flooding the space, where does Best Day's long-term positioning actually live?Cracking Retail and Hospitality: The misconceptions distributors still hold, and how close we really are to seeing significant NA variety on restaurant menus.What's Next: After the launch of Wild American Pilsner, what's ahead for this Sausalito-based brand?Mentioned in this episode:Best Day BrewingWe'd love your feedback!
I sat down with Monica Cornitcher, CEO and co-founder of Medase Cocktails, a premium non-alcoholic beverage brand redefining what it means to drink without alcohol. What started as a simple desire for a real cocktail experience without the after-effects turned into a six-figure investment and a fast-growing brand that's now catching the attention of major retailers.Monica shares how she and her co-founder Inga Dyer went from Zoom conversations during the pandemic to building a fully developed beverage company. Instead of rushing the process, they leaned into research, worked with a food scientist, and built a five-year strategy before launching. Their focus was clear: create authentic, full-flavor cocktails that people actually recognize and crave.In this episode, Monica opens up about the real cost of building a physical product, navigating grief after losing her co-founder, and the strategy behind growing through direct-to-consumer before entering retail. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, intentional growth, and building a brand rooted in purpose and community.Main TakeawaysWhy taking time to validate your idea and build a strategy can save you costly mistakesHow to approach launching a physical product without cutting corners on qualityThe importance of direct-to-consumer growth before entering retailHow resilience, grief, and purpose shaped the future of Medase CocktailsHighlights Include00:00 – Introduction to Medase Cocktails03:00 – Monica's first business and corporate background06:00 – The idea sparked during COVID and building with intention08:00 – Why they worked with a food scientist instead of DIY10:00 – Creating a 5-year business strategy before launch13:00 – Identifying their target consumer and product positioning21:00 – Funding the business with $100K+ of personal investment26:00 – Attending Expo West and attracting investors29:00 – Navigating grief after losing her co-founder30:00 – Growth on Amazon and direct-to-consumer success33:00 – Why retail is expensive and how to prepare for it45:00 – Lessons from production mistakes and product quality control47:00 – Competing in a growing non-alcoholic beverage market50:00 – Lightning round insights and toolsLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeSave the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, May 15)Watch & ListenWatch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8tYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproAnnouncementsIf you're ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit PlanSave your seat here. Social MediaInstagram: @medasecocktailsTikTok: @medasecocktailsFacebook: Medase CocktailsSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustleproSideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stupid News Extra 4-13-2026 …The Manager of the Non-Alcoholic Bar Busted for DUI
Eat. Drink. Social: Social Media Marketing in the Food & Beverage Industry
Giesen Wines are known for great flavor despite the absence of alcohol. We sit down with Giesen's VP of Commercial - US Mary Ferraro to learn about the category and how different occasions are driving purchases.
Garza remembers Chuck Norris, plays Korn riffs & much more!SPONSORS: DistroKid - https://distrokid.com00:00 - RIP Chuck Norris 05:36 - 23 Days Sober 19:47 - J Check-In 22:56 - Heaviest Korn Riff 28:12 - Whammy Pedal & Octave Effects 33:52 - How Heavy Music Shapes You 45:15 - What Your Older Self Thinks About You 48:41 - Going to Local Shows 59:53 - Sevendust & Morgan Rose 1:04:01 - Remembering Dave Brockie 1:12:10 - 3 Bands & Albums to Check Out 1:17:32 - Slaughter to Prevail at Palladium 1:19:12 - Limp Bizkit & Insane Puppet
Last week, we hosted a series of three webinars focused on different aspects of nonalcoholic brewing. In this episode of the podcast, we share an excerpt from the first session—focused on formulation—featuring Notch founder Chris Lohring, Halfway Crooks cofounder Shawn Cooper, and Abstrax Hops technical sales manager Craig Thomas. Through the course of the conversation, the trio discuss malt choices and process for NA beers, hop usage and different formats, dialing in bitterness, building body without sweetness, adjusting chloride content for fullness, and much more. If this piques your interest, the full webinars are available for viewing on our website: Formulation Fermentation Finishing G&D Chillers A quick word for the brewers out there staring down a broken chiller. You know the pain—warm fermenters, stressed yeast, and that sinking feeling when the repair quote lands in your inbox. With refrigerant regulations changing and the cost of obsolete refrigerants skyrocketing, sometimes the fix costs more than the unit's worth. G&D Chillers is there to help, whether you're a small brew pub or large full-scale production brewery. Don't throw good money at bad equipment. Invest in a solution that grows with your brewery—and keeps your tanks cold when it counts. Big thanks to G&D Chillers for supporting this podcast since 2019, reach out to them at gdhillers.com/podcast to learn how they can support your next six years of growth. Berkeley Yeast Berkeley Yeast just launched Dry Tropics London! Our best-selling liquid yeast strain, now with all the ease-of-use benefits of dry yeast. Dry Tropics London delivers the soft, pillowy mouthfeel and juicy character you'd expect from a top-tier London Ale strain, but with a serious upgrade: a burst of thiols that unleash vibrant, layered notes of grapefruit and passion fruit. A lot of brewers love the clean passion fruit you get from Tropics, but they don't want every IPA to be a tropical-fruit bomb. At the dry yeast price point, you can pitch and ditch without breaking the bank. Or, you can co-pitch with your house strain to adjust the intensity of the notes. And with nationwide free shipping, there's never been a better time to try Dry Tropics. Order now at berkeleyyeast.com and experience the ease and impact of Dry Tropics London Yeast. PakTech This episode is sponsored by PakTech—delivering craft-beer multipacking you can trust. Our handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, our carriers help brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, we offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com. Indie Hops Strata Cryo The multilayered wonders of Indie Hops Strata are now easier than ever for brewers to tap into. Introducing Strata Cryo, in collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops. Whether brewing up a single-hop Strata IPA to wow customers with the depth of flavor this variety delivers or modernizing your flagship IPA to continue setting the highest standards, Strata T99, Strata CGX, Strata HyperBoost, and now Strata Cryo provide the tools for you to create your unique masterpiece. Indie Hops Strata. Life is short. Let's make it flavorful! Midea 50/50 Flex This podcast is sponsored by the Midea 50/50 flex—the industry's first dual compartment three-way convertible freezer. The 50/50 Flex is designed to flex with your life. It can convert to all fridge, all freezer, or half and half with just the touch of a button. Plus, with reversible doors and adjustable storage compartments, you can stay organized no matter your food-storage needs. The 50/50 Flex is also designed to maintain a stable temperature even in non-climate-controlled spaces. So it's perfect for your garage, man cave, or wherever you need a little more space. Maybe use all 20 cubic feet as a beer fridge! Check out Midea.com/us/ for more information on how to take your beer storage to the next level. Old Orchard The beyond-beer space is booming, and Old Orchard is here for it, supplying breweries with fruit ingredients for all your beverage needs: low/no alcohol, hard lemonades, seltzer, cider, and more. Old Orchard has supplied hundreds of industrial customers across 49 states, including nationally and internationally loved brands, so you'll be in good company. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer. Brightly Software Brightly Software, a Siemens company, partners with organizations at every stage of their asset lifecycle journey. Brightly is a complete asset-management and operations software that enhances organizational sustainability, compliance, and efficiency through data-driven decision making. Streamline maintenance, simplify capital planning, and optimize resources with solutions uniquely designed to support long-term goals. Learn more at brightlysoftware.com. 2026 Brewers Retreat Tickets are on sale now for the annual Craft Beer & Brewing Brewers Retreat August 23–26 in the hop country of Yakima Valley, Washington. There's nothing like this fantasy homebrew-camp experience, as you brew in small groups led by some of the most inspiring brewers in the world—folks such as Vinnie and Natalie of Russian River, Ben from Breakside, Henry and Adriana of Monkish, Kelsey from North Park, Whitney from Grand Fir, Sean from Lawson's Finest, and more. This year we'll be brewing under the bines at Bale Breaker, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets are on sale now and going fast at brewersretreat.com.
ad free on patreon @www.patreon.com/dopeypodcastThis week on Dopey! It's Christmas Eve! Wishing all the listeners a Merry Fucking Christmas! This week we open the show reminding everyone about patreon and reading a note from incarcerated Dope - Montana about prison life, Toastmasters, college aspirations, and his badass DIY cubicle decor.We reflects on Christmas's universal meaning – love, hope, togetherness – while sending love to the Reiner family. The main interview features longtime friend and DopeyCon organizer Rachel Hechtman (@soberincentralpark), recorded the day the Nick Reiner news broke. Rachel shares her wild journey: early drinking and coke at 14, boarding school antics (including Paris Hilton-sourced coke), dealing at Dartmouth, drug-induced psychosis, a secret marriage to an Italian guy (Giuseppe!), massive weight loss (80 lbs), and getting sober through daily Central Park walks with her dog George during COVID – no 12-step, just determination, walking, and community-building.All that plus copious Nick Reiner Spotify comments on this brand new Wednesday version of that good old dopey show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
