Episoder
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In this episode of Let's Set Your Table, host John D and co-host Melissa Marguerite discuss the importance of napkins in the dining experience. They are joined by Patrick Garrigan, National Sales Brand Manager from Midwest Specialty Products, who provides insights into the different types of napkins and their impact on the customer's perception. They highlight the role of napkins in cleanliness, presentation, and branding. The conversation also touches on the environmental impact of different napkin options and the cost-effectiveness of higher quality napkins. The episode concludes with a discussion on custom capabilities and the potential for using napkins as a marketing tool.
Key Takeaways
Napkins play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and enhancing the presentation at the dining table.Higher quality napkins can improve the overall dining experience and reduce waste.Napkins can be used as a branding tool to reinforce the restaurant's image and increase revenue.Air-laid napkins offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to linen napkins.Custom printed napkins provide an opportunity to showcase specials, desserts, and other promotional content.Sound Bites:
** "Higher quality napkins end up costing the establishment less in the long run."** "If your napkin is doing the job it's supposed to do, the wet naps become obsolete."** "Restroom cleanliness is ranked number two in leaving an impression on patrons."
What we discussed:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:39 The Importance of Napkins in the Dining Experience08:09 Choosing the Right Napkin: Quality and Cost Considerations09:45 The Environmental Impact of Napkin Choices12:31 Custom Capabilities: Using Napkins as a Marketing Tool
Links:
Explore innovative napkin solutions at : https://www.hodegroup.com
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com
Letâs Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts
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This conversation explores the benefits and applications of foil packaging in the food industry. The hosts discuss the advantages of foil packaging, such as heat retention and even heating, and its suitability for takeout and home meal replacement programs. They also address concerns about the perception of foil packaging and the importance of educating customers about its qualities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of the customer experience and the role of foil packaging in delivering high-quality food. The hosts suggest passing on the cost of packaging to consumers and highlight the potential for creative designs and colors in foil packaging.
Click for images of the California foil takeout packaging referenced in this episode: https://tinyurl.com/5n7xfdyw
Check out the black and gold foil series containers: https://tinyurl.com/3jd6xb5d
Key Takeaways
Foil packaging offers excellent heat retention and even heating, making it ideal for takeout and home meal replacement programs.Educating customers about the qualities of foil packaging can help them understand its benefits and overcome any concerns about its appearance.Foil packaging provides a grease barrier and helps maintain the quality and freshness of the food.Operators can pass on the cost of packaging to consumers to ensure the use of high-quality materials.Foil packaging can be customized with different colors and designs to enhance the customer experience.What we discussed:
00:00 Show Introduction03:20 Discussion on Foil Packaging08:18 Switching from Compostable Packaging to Foil10:25 Foils as a Viable Option for Takeout Packaging13:02 Crimping and Sealing Foil Containers15:55 Presentation and Grease Barrier of Foil Packaging20:23 Home Meal Replacement Concept24:05 Passing Packaging Costs to Consumers26:06 Different Colors and Designs for Foil Packaging27:35 Maximizing Customer Experience with Foil Packaging29:41 Conclusion and Call to Action
Links:
Explore the vast product list of aluminum foil takeout packaging at: https://www.hodegroup.com
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com
Letâs Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts
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Manglende episoder?
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Attention Hospitality and F&B OPERATORS! You could be (literally) throwing money away into your trash, the landfill AND it might be costing you more than $100K every year. This savings strategy is one that most of you may have never considered! It is commonly overlooked and we break it down for you and how it works in this episode.
By the end of this episode, you will soon realize how much money your operation is possible wasting and youâll want to do an waste audit of your property ASAP.
âYou're not in the business to keep the landfill in business. You're in the business to make more money. So the more money you can save in a disposable - that money needs to be parlayed into things that drive more revenue and ticket salesâ
What we discussed:
(00:15) The savings strategy you NEVER considered
(05:26) Money is in the TRASH!
(10:39) Where are the savings?
(14:50) What you COULD be spending money on instead
(15:40) Get more return visits
(20:04) Trash can weights
(21:42) How much we ACTUALLY save - case studies
(26:00) Schedule a property audit with us
3 Reasons To Do A Property Audit ASAP:
Operators often believe they need larger trash can liners than they actually do - and it costs them significantly. A common mistake is buying 60-gallon liners for a 44-gallon, 32-gallon or even a 23-gallon Slim Jim trash can.Improper management of your trash cans and trash liners can cause increased expense to your business and operation. Addressing overlooked money drainers like trash can liners can possiby save you $1000-$100,000+ every year depending on your property size. By optimizing management and the waste stream of your trash, you free up resources to enhance guest experiences, invest in state-of-the-art equipment, and elevate food quality, driving even more revenueLinks:
Get an audit of your property, and possibly save $1,000-$100,000+: https://www.hodegroup.com
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com
Letâs Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts
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Itâs not often that a professional knife is passed on as an heirloom, but thatâs the case for Dexter Knives which are guaranteed to last a lifetime. They are American-made knives that have been around for 205 years. When brands promise a lifetime guarantee, they usually havenât been around for centuries - but this brand walks the talk.
Tune in to discover how Dexter Knives makes knives for chefs who need them and use them all day long. Youâll get an insight into their go-to-market strategy and the principles that guide their manufacturing process.
Guests from this Episode:
Alan Peppel, President & CEO - Dexter
Andrew Peppel, Marketing Manager - Dexter
Chef David Leathers, Owner, Foodsmith
This episode was recorded during the National Restaurant Show in Chicago.
What we discussed:
(00:11) Episode overview (02:42) How was the National Restaurant Show in Chicago?(04:33) How Dexter makes superior knives (3 steps)(07:13) Why heat treatment matters(08:57) The real reason Dexter has over 2500 products(09:59) Go-to-market strategy(12:34) Biggest marketing challenge (14:34) Their fan club?(16:16) Why professional knives are different(19:46) Foodsmith: Running a fine-dining mobile restaurant, Chef David Leathers comments on Dexter Knives
3 things to remember:
To make a great knife (a) start with great steel, (b) heat treat it correctly, (c) then grind the right edge. Different uses require different cutting edges.Heat treatment gives knives the hardness and grain structure that it needs - not only to be strong but to withstand resharpening.Dexter Knives believes in providing the right item, made the right way, at good value for professional use. This is a great ethic to have for any operator/owner in the food space.Links:
Dexter Helpful Resources:
Foodservice Catalog
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com
The Hode Group Corporate Website: hodegroup.com
Letâs Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts
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Whatâs it like to buy paper packaging? Which type is right for you? Are paper packaging prices up or down these days? Rich Rosenberg, a food paper packaging industry leader, joins the show to answer all your questions to help you find the right packaging for your business.
Rich Rosenberg is an industry expert in the paper packaging industry. Heâs been in the industry for almost 50 years and is the president of PBI sales.
What we discussed:
(00:24) Is paper back?
(02:27) The best products in the industry
(03:10) Who is Rich Rosenberg?
(05:49) Paper packaging market update
(08:02) Ban on foam
(09:02) Raw paper vs. corrugated boxes: whatâs the difference?
(13:07) Grease barriers
(15:16) How packaging helped hospitals in the pandemic
(18:05) Serving Chick-fil-a, 7/11, Loweâs
(20:20) Does he work with small operators?
4 things to remember:
Amazon is one of the biggest users of packaging. When Amazonâs business goes down, paper mill businesses go down too, and supply increases. Demand has dropped in the box industry since the height of the pandemic. Prices are coming down. Corrugated boxes are made up of 3 layers while paperboard is one ply paper. Paperboard is used in cosmetics and food while corrugated boxes are like pizza or Amazon boxes.Grease penetrates through board, so a grease barrier typically needs to be applied especially if there is printing on boxes that directly come into contact with food.Links:
PBI Sales Helpful Resources:
Food and Beverage Takeout & Catering BoxesFood & Pizza To-Go Packaging
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com
The Hode Group Corporate Website: hodegroup.com
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Episode 09
John and Nick D. are joined at the table with the Director of National Sales for Leafware, Diane Maxwell. In the ever-changing world of food service, green compostable food packaging and dinnerware is not a new term. However, Palm Leaf is a new renewable, sustainable and compostable substrate that you may not be familiar with. Diane shares the features, benefits and the various uses for palm leaf, it's compostability and ability to perform well in the green space for operators as a" Grab-n- Go" or for fast casual green choice of dinnerware.
So, if you are looking to diversify your disposable food packaging bundle and offer your customers the most sustainable and compostable substrate out there, then pull up a chair with us at the table as we discuss the world of Areca palm leaf packaging and dinnerware with Leafware!
Show Notes (topical points of interest and links)--------------------------------------------------
4:22- Who is Leafware, what do you do and what value to you bring to the foodservice and hospitality industry?
5:01 -What is Palm Leaf and where is it sourced?
5:56 -What makes this Areca species or type of Palm Leaf and its ability to perform so different?
9:00-How does the Palm leaf substrate do with various plated foods and sauces?
10:18-Is Palm Leaf best used as a grab-n -go play or for in house casual dinnerware or fast casual serve
11:42 - How long will plated food last and will my food "hold"on palm leaf?
15:55-Is Palm Leaf compostable, BPI Certified compostable and CMA ?
20:12-Will Leafware coach my group thru a composting initiative?
21:20- Leafware now offering a Bamboo line and what products are they bringing to the marketplace?
24:16 -What other types of shapes and sizes of products does Leafware offer?
26:01- Leafware and Bamboo sample policy for testing and review.
Guest Information:
Diane MaxwellDirector National Sales- LeafwareÂźalso representing Bamboo Studio
2023 Leafware Catalog
http://hgiresourcecenter.com/files/pos_catalogs/2023-full-product-catalog64482cf146433.pdf
Bamboo Studio & Bambooware
http://hgiresourcecenter.com/files/pos_catalogs/2020-bamboo-studio-bamboo-catalog5f9af8b8547d0.pdf
http://hgiresourcecenter.com/files/pos_catalogs/2020-bamboo-studio-reusable-catalog5f9af9524eca7.pdf
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom
https://hodegroupshowroom.com
The Hode Group
https://www.hodegroup.com
Check out our HGI Testimonials:
https://youtu.be/SLaljpCfcMU
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Episode 08
In this episode, Jack Hode and John D. caught up with our good friend, Eric Fialkoff, the Smile Distribution Manager at Specialty Box and Packaging and the home ofâŠcustom takeout bags!
Eric is a great partner of ours at the Hode Group! He is is an expert in custom logo'd and takeout packaging and is a huge asset in the disposables industry.
Eric shares with us who Specialty Box and Packaging is and how long they have been in the business with multi-generational roots. Listen in as they have pivoted over 60+ years to become your packaging point guard and one-stop shop for custom packaging for restaurant carry-out & takeout programs and for retail business as well.
Eric also shares why custom logo'd packaging is so important for the owner/operator in today's marketplace and why developing brand recognition is so important in a very competitive industry.
Jack and Eric also discuss the "3 must-doâs" in your branding logo design. Key information, that you are not going to want to miss!
So, if you've ever asked yourself the question, "Why Should I Brand my To-Go Packaging?" or "Why Should I Spend the Money Branding my Business, Concept or Theme?", then tune in to this episode cuz it's all right here on the table!
Show Notes (topical points of interest and links)--------------------------------------------------
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom
https://hodegroupshowroom.com
The Hode Group
https://www.hodegroup.com
[email protected]: 815-455-0500
Check out our HGI Testimonials:
https://youtu.be/SLaljpCfcMU
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Episode 07
In this episode, we catch up with Amy Howard, Senior Tabletop Specialist and Consultant for the Hode Group. Amy shares what value the Hode Group and our dedicated team with well over 100 years of combined experience bring to the food service and hospitality professional. Amy also discusses the opening of the new Hode Group Chicago Showroom which displays industry leaders and brands like Steelite, Lionswood Banquet American Metalcraft, TrueForm Concrete, ChefWorks, Eco-Products, and Anchor Packaging to just name a few. These and others are all available to preview and sample in this 4300 sq ft showroom space located in the famous Fulton Market District at 318 N Carpenter, Suite 200 in the west loop of Chicago.
Amy explains what you can expect when you visit our showroom and how easy it is to set an appointment or consult with one of our highly qualified tabletop consultants either in person or virtually.
So, if you or your group have an interest in doing some planning for a new opening, retrofitting your existing space, or doing a fresh new concept or design and need some guidance and direction for your operation, then pull up a chair and join us âŠ.cuz it all here on the table.
Show Notes (topical points of interest and links)--------------------------------------------------
Past Show References:
EP.06 -Why "Wood"nât You Choose WoodForm ConcreteÂź
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-bmxhf-12cc662
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom
https://hodegroupshowroom.com
The Hode Group
https://www.hodegroup.com
[email protected]: 815-455-0500
Check out our HGI Testimonials:
https://youtu.be/SLaljpCfcMU
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Episode 06
In this episode of Let's Set Your Table, John D, Nick D and Jack Hode visit with the creator of WoodForm ConcreteÂź and founder of JM Lifestyles, Jeff Kudrick. He is joined by Andrew Lippmann, who is the General Manager of Trueform Concrete. Trueform Concrete recently purchased JM lifestyles in August of 2022, so our visit with them could not be more timely.
Jack Hode shares the back story of how the Hode Group found, worked, and represented Jeff Kudrick at JM Lifestyles, a highly talented Artisan, craftsman, and fabricator who is now part of the Trueform Concrete team.
Andrew Lippman shares who Trueform concrete is, what they do, what they create, and what an innovative product they produce domestically in the USA for the culinary and hospitality industry!
Andrew and Jeff offer insight on using "woodform" decorative concrete and wood-like concrete surfaces for designers, architects, and commercial owner's & operators that are in that custom design/build or that remodel-renovation phase of business.
WoodForm ConcreteÂź offers endless opportunities for tabletop, bar tops, wall panels, countertops, banquet tables, furniture, and the creation of an accent piece or an iconic indoor/outdoor structure for your property.
So if you're looking for a unique way to differentiate your space from the rest of the pack, wow those guests or perhaps even create a conversation piece to attract more customers and keep them coming back, then grab a chair and join us at the table and let us, help you, set your table!
Show Notes (topical points of interest and links)--------------------------------------------------
5:10 Jack Hode shares the history and how the Hode Group got started with Jeff Kudrick - JM Lifestyles and WoodForm ConcreteÂź
7:12 Andrew Lippman shares who is Trueform Concrete and the value they bring to the industry today
8:32 How does the addition of Trueform Concrete with JM enhance the deliverable as a supplier for the end user?
9:36 What type of feedback is received by prospective customers when introduced to WoodForm?
11:53 What is the difference between WoodForm ConcreteÂź and Actual Wood? What are the benefits?
14:02 Life expectancy of decorative concrete compared to wood? Benefits? Repairs? ("The Abe Lincoln Analogy ")
16:10 What options do I have with using this product for indoor/outdoor applications?
17:50 USA Made & Proud! Handmade by artisans that are unique and no two pieces of concrete are the same. What can you create?
19:55 What is your competitive advantage? What's your conversation piece to bring your customers back?
21:15 Do I need to physically travel to you to see your work? Where are you located?
22:19 Jack Hode shares a success story, project and installation with this âwoodformâ product in Chicago
23:38 Jeff Kudrick shares the most unique install he has completed
26:27 Does Trueform concrete also service residential owners?
27:34 Where can I see your live pieces?
29:10 Tips and advice for an operator that is on the fence? Wood vs. WoodForm ConcreteÂź - what to do and how to get started?
Guest Information:
Jeff KudrickCreator - WoodForm ConcreteÂźFounder, JM Lifestyles (now Trueform Concrete)
Andrew LippmanGeneral ManagerTrueform Concrete
Jack HodeSenior Vice President The Hode [email protected]
What is WoodForm Concrete? Watch below:
https://youtu.be/1B_VRFzmVYU
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom
https://hodegroupshowroom.com
The Hode Group
https://www.hodegroup.com
Check out our HGI Testimonials:
https://youtu.be/SLaljpCfcMU
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Episode 05
Ken Fraser, Southeast Divisional Sales Manager with Eco-Products joins John and Nick D. at the table. Ken shares a 2022 update and what's new in the industry with compostable packaging and how is Eco-Products handling the crazy demand for sustainable, disposable products. He also shares how Eco-Products separates itself as a leader in the âgreenâ space and from its competition.
He breaks down what PFA's are and what the operator needs to know about their affect on their operation. Ken further explains the all important difference between biodegradable vs. compostable and the increased accessibility to composting facilities today in the marketplace. Ken also shares what the Eco-Products current âCore Bundleâ is and what it's comprised of for your packaging needs.
Ken discusses how Eco-Products are now back offering logo PLA cup sizes, lead times, and what are the minimum ordering specs for them. He then shares some advice on how to get started with Eco-Products, how to request samples, and encourages the operator to thoroughly test their product to see how it performs and why Eco-Products could be the right choice for you!
So if you thought of going green, and if it's the right option for you, then pull up a chair, 'cuz it's all here, on the table!
Show Notes (topical points of interest and links)--------------------------------------------------
4:39 Who is Eco-Products, some history, what do they do and what value do they bring to the industry today?
5:55 Whatâs new in the green industry with compostable packaging and how is Eco-Products handling this crazy demand for sustainable products?
8:30 Eco Product update in the marketplace, success stories, initiatives that they have had in the different sectors of the markets and various customers they serve?
11:45 Why Eco-Products, and what separates them from other âgreenâ competitors?
18:59 Biodegradable and composting, are the two words that are often confused or mistaken by people. What is the difference between biodegradable vs compostable?
22:50 Market update on composting facilities and accessibility to them.
25:26 What are PFA's and what does the operator need to know about them in the green space and industry?
30:55 What has changed within Eco products packaging portfolio with options and what does their âCore Bundleâ look like today? (See the link below for an attached guide)
34:20 PLA Cups have returned and are readily available at Eco-Products. Can they be customized and what are the specs, lead times, and requirements to get them?
37:48 Advice for that operator that may be on the fence about whether or not to build his or her packaging bundle for carry-out/take-out dining with Eco-Products?
43:07 Eco-Products position on testing and sampling? How to get samples?
Guest Information:
Ken FraserSoutheast Divisional Sales ManagerEco ProductsPast Show References:
EP.01 - Product & Zero Waste Specialist - Wayne Koekeritz - Eco-Products
https://letssetyourtable.podbean.com/e/state-of-green-going-zero-waste-with-eco-products/
Eco-Products Core Bundle Guide:
http://hgiresourcecenter.com/files/pos_catalogs/2022-core-products-guide622f89d81d30c.pdf
Eco Products - Custom PLA Cup Ordering Specs
https://hgiresourcecenter.com/files/pos_catalogs/eco-products-custom-pla-cold-cups-program6308d7d604e6d.pdf
The Plastic Age-A Documentary feat. Pharell Williams
https://youtu.be/Pt6KlPCX1BU
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom
https://hodegroupshowroom.com
The Hode Group
https://www.hodegroup.com
[email protected]: 815-455-0500
Check out our HGI Testimonials:
https://youtu.be/SLaljpCfcMU
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Episode 04
John and Nick D. visit with the President and Founder of JAVA JACKET, Jay Sorenson. Jay shares with us who Java Jacket is, where they are located, how they got started and what a cool innovative idea & product they produce domestically for coffee houses, coffee servers and coffee baristas in the industry.
Jay shares the status and availability of paper and paper board, its challenges and issues with the supply chain, production, and keeping up with demand for the paper out of the pacific northwest and Canada.
He also shares the importance of using his product for branding or advertising your business or establishment. Jay tells why branding a sleeve vs the cup is a better play, safer, and most of the time, more affordable than placing a logo on the cup itself.
So if you are pouring coffee for your customers and you want to make your coffee a marketing tool for your business to sell more coffee, then...
Join us for this episode, pull up a chair, cuz it's all here...on the table!
Show notes: topical points of interest :
2:58 Who is Java Jacket and what value do they deliver to coffee houses, culinary, and hospitality groups?
4:18 Using a coffee sleeve as an advertisement with branding and a marketing tool to sellâŠ
5:53 Sizes and minimums to secure your sleeves to fit your desired size cup
6:40 What is current the status of paper and paper board and potential supply chain issues out there today and what type of paper material is used for your sleeves?
8:10 What has been the effect of COVID and its fallout on your business and has this settled down?
9:34 Where is your paper and material sourced and where do you produce Java Jacket?
10:05 You want cups - then you need to have super strong relationships with your vendors.
10:51 The cup question; do you have them ...and can you get them yesterday? How about a sleeve?
12:04 What kind of lead times and process can operators expect given the challenges in the marketplace today with custom printing?
15:10 Java Jacket will offer Floor Stocking and can be available if the size and volume is there
16:50 The Conundrum âŠgo with a logo insulated cup orâŠ. a logo sleeve for the cup? How safe is a sleeve on hot coffee?
20:13 The glue option is safe and works with hot coffee and is on all custom prints
22:38 What is the max # of colors Java Jacket can print and will you print QSR codes on them too?
24:09 How "green" and sustainable is Java Jacket and are your sleeves compostable?
Guest information:
Jay Sorenson
President and Founder - Java Jacket
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom
https://hodegroupshowroom.com
The Hode Group
https://www.hodegroup.com
The Hode Group Testimonials
https://youtu.be/SLaljpCfcMU
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Episode 03
Matt Murray, Director of Sales at Anchor Packaging, and Jack Hode, Senior Vice President at the Hode Group join us at the Table. We discuss who Anchor is, what they are known for, and what value Anchor brings to the commercial operator in the food service and hospitality industry. Matt shares with us some incredibly exciting news at Anchor and the strategic offense they played during the pandemic while everyone else was struggling to stay in the game, they are now back, stocked up for business. Jack also tells us why Anchor is one of the best packaging lines in the Hode Group portfolio of packaging and how he has worked with hundreds of operators over the years using Anchor Packaging. Listen to why the Triple T effect is so vitally important to the operator in the success of their take-out-home delivery program for re-orders in the future. Learn how a specific line at Anchor is taking the industry by storm using their patented cutting-edge packaging technology for carry-out orders and killing it. "Do you want to just buy packaging or do you want to sell more food"?
Join us for this episode, pull up a chair, cuz it's all here...on the table!
Show notes: topical points of interest :
3:06 - Who is Anchor Packaging in the industry?
4:25 - Why the Hode Group is proud to rep Anchor Packaging.
6:03 -Listen to the incredible news at Anchor Packaging in the wake of supply chain issues.
8:49 - Why having a consistent steady stream of supply continues to be a strength for operators wanting to âdeliver the goodsâ and grow sales.
9:45 - What has Anchor Packaging learned thru the pandemic season?
11:57 - What's the hard truth the pro operator learned thru the pandemic
13:51 - What obstacle (s) remain for the operator in their carry-out OR take-out dining program?
16:02 - Where does Anchor packaging best fit in? What space? Fine dining, QSRâs or âŠ?
18:39 - What is the absolute go-to line/ product in the Anchor Packaging bundle for the foodservice operator to increase sales and re-orders?
26:21 - Anchor Packaging shares what they see in the future in our industry.
28:48 - Anchor's sampling policy and what you can expect!
Guest information:
Matt Murray
Director of Sales - Anchor Packaging
Anchor Packaging Fry Baby
https://vimeo.com/677883745
Customers Agree Food Tastes Better In Crisp Food Technologies
https://vimeo.com/677853974
Jack Hode
Senior Vice President- The Hode Group
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom
https://hodegroupshowroom.com
The Hode Group
https://www.hodegroup.com
The Hode Group Testimonials
https://youtu.be/SLaljpCfcMU
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Episode 02
John D. visits with Rich and Jack Hode of the Hode Group. Rich and Jack enlighten us on how they got their start and what value they as a group bring to the industry professional and how they assist operators in literally "setting their table". They share the past, present, and what they see for the industryâs future. They also make a strong case of why they decided to upgrade their current showroom to a new 4300 square foot space in the West Loop of Chicago in this crazy marketplace and time. They discuss the supply chain issues and itâs impact on operators and their operations. They also address the pandemic fallout, what's changed as we roll into a new year. They share what "Home Meal Replacement" is and why it's important to your survival and revenue stream. Rich and Jack also address the never-ending question: "Is it still important to work with distribution partners in 2022"? Listen in on the advice given by these 43-year professionals on how to survive and navigate through the sea of ever-changing industry issues.
Join us for this episode, pull up a chair, cuz it's all here...on the table!
Show notes: topical points of interest :
2:19 - Who is the Hode group, their value to the industry and when did the Hode group get established?
3:40 - Rich and Jack Hode's background and experience and how they got started in the industry?
4:45 - The Hode Group is a family-run business, how challenging has it been for brothers and family to work together?
5:26 - HGI team, their skill sets and how is the Hode Group assembled and where?
& 9:50
6:35 - HGI values adding some humor to the industry workplace and their customers
12:46 - After 40+ years how different is the business landscape now than it was then?
15:08 - How has the pandemic or COVID season or other variables changed the business?
17:33 - What is the industry term ââHome Meal replacementâ? Please explain the concept.
23:08 - How important is the distributor partner today for the operator?
25:29 - Why did the Hode Group acquire a 4300 sq. ft. large showroom in the Fulton Market district in the Chicago West Loop.
27:45 - What are your thoughts for the future for the Culinary and Hospitality Industry in 2022 and beyond?
30:44 - What advice would you give to an operator today after 43 years?
Guest information:
Rich Hode
President - The Hode Group
815-455-0500
Jack Hode
Vice President- The Hode Group
815-455-0500
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom
https://hodegroupshowroom.com
The Hode Group
https://www.hodegroup.com
The Hode Group Testimonials
https://youtu.be/SLaljpCfcMU
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Episode 01
John and Nick D. from the Hode Group visit with Wayne Koekeritz, Product and Zero Waste Specialist with Eco-Products of Boulder, Colorado.
Wayne discusses who Eco-Products is, his role, and what value they deliver to the professional commercial operator and the foodservice industry. He reviews "green" basics and explains commonly used industry jargon and misnomers with terms like biodegradable, compostable, greenwashing, renewable, reclaimed, and sustainable. He addresses the current state of "green" and available choices in green packaging, as well as the various materials/ substrates they are made from. He also discusses zero waste, what it is and, whether it makes sense for your operation or group, and of course, what is the process to get started.
If you ever thought about going green or you only dabble in the green space, then join Nick and I because the green conversation is on the table!
Show notes: topical points of interest
2:05 - Who is Eco-Products?
5:00 - What is a product and zero waste specialist and what is it they do for the commercial operator?
6:08 - How does Eco-Products interface with the commercial industrial operator in their area of expertise?
7:08 - Whatâs a waste audit?
8:00 - The basics of âGreenâ definition, concepts, and terminology and what green isnât.
10:58 - What is biodegradable vs compostable?
13:35 - Back yard composting vs commercial composting
16:58 - The differences between the substrates/ materials that green products and packaging are made from and whatâs renewable, sustainable, and reclaimed.
19:00 - What is Zero Waste and is it right for your foodservice operation or group?
24:14 - Why Eco-Products and what separates them from other âgreenâ competitors? Are all green companies created equal?
26:38 - The Eco-Product advantage -Marketing support included? Really?
27:57 - How do I get started with a Zero Waste initiative, who should I contact and can I afford it?
Guest information:
Wayne Koeckeritz
Product& Zero Waste Specialist at Eco-Products
https://www.ecoproducts.com
The Hode Group Chicago Showroom
https://hodegroupshowroom.com
The Hode Group
https://www.hodegroup.com
The Hode Group Testimonial
https://youtu.be/SLaljpCfcMU
