Best National Restaurant Association Podcasts (2024)

1
What’s Hot 2024 Culinary Forecast with Helen Jane Hearn 12:16

8M ago12:16

12:16

This week, Karly is joined by Helen Jane Hearn, Senior Director of Enterprise Programs at the National Restaurant Association, to discuss the results of the What’s Hot 2024 Culinary Forecast. The report surveyed more than 1,500 culinary professionals to weigh in on 120 menu items and industry trends in seven categories to identify current, emerging…

1
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with Conrad Chura 20:11

9M ago20:11

20:11

For National Apprenticeship Week, Karly is joined by Conrad Chura, owner and founder of Wakin Bakin in Louisiana, to discuss the value of apprenticeship in the restaurant industry. In this episode, Conrad shares his experience with the challenges in workforce development, the benefits of the apprenticeship program for small businesses, and an insid…

1
The Entrepreneur’s Studio: Milk Bar 32:05

10M ago32:05

32:05

This week on Order Up, we are featuring a conversation from The Entrepreneur’s Studio with pastry chef Christina Tosi, founder and CEO of Milk Bar, about her journey in founding the iconic bakery. Christina shares lessons in trusting instincts, following your passions in the face of doubt, and how her culinary education and experience were instrume…

1
CEO Series: Expanding Opportunities in Restaurant Operations 24:26

10M ago24:26

24:26

CEO Michelle Korsmo talks to Casey Absey of Fargo’s Blackbird Woodfire about embracing opportunities for their cuisine beyond their restaurant, including events, mobile and microsites, collaborations, and their feature on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. In this installment of Order Up's CEO-hosted miniseries. Casey shares his experience building a co…

1
Streamlining Restaurant Technology with SpotOn's Kevin Bryla 27:35

10M ago27:35

27:35

In this week’s episode, sponsored by SpotOn, National Restaurant Association’s Chief Information Officer Kevin Steele talks restaurant technology with Kevin Bryla, the Chief Marketing Officer of SpotOn, and Emma Blecker, Chief of Staff & Director of Business Systems at Boqueria. They discuss tech bloat — the over-adoption of technology and software…

1
Best Practices in Food Safety and Hygiene 16:20

11M ago16:20

16:20

In honor of National Food Safety Education Month, Karly is joined by Dotti Haynes, Marketing Director for the Hospitality, Restaurant, and Catering Segment at Tork, an Essity Brand, to discuss providing a safe, hygienic experience for staff and guests across the restaurant industry. In this episode, learn about hand and surface hygiene, safe food h…

1
From Concept to Franchise with Chef Erica Barrett 31:47

11M ago31:47

31:47

This week, Karly speaks with Chef Erica Barrett about her new restaurant, Dough Boy Pizza, and the journey from catching the entrepreneurship bug as a child to appearing on Shark Tank. In this episode, hear how Erica built her business from the ground up through connections at the National Restaurant Association show, her tangible advice for entrep…

1
Top 5 Policy Priorities for Remainder of 2023 12:36

12M ago12:36

12:36

National Restaurant Association’s VP of Public Policy Aaron Frazier returns to discuss recent advocacy on Capitol Hill and potential legislation and regulation shifts—at national, state, and local levels—impacting the industry. In this episode, Aaron discusses policies that might have positive and negative effects on the industry, including credit …

1
CEO Series: Customer Satisfaction in the Digital Age 23:20

1y ago23:20

23:20

CEO Michelle Korsmo talks to Julie De Cock of Key West’s La Crêperie French Café and ViV Wine Bistro about bringing authentic French cuisine to the vacation hot spot in another installment of Order Up’s CEO-hosted miniseries. In this episode, Julie shares her approach to curating a digital presence and finding longevity in customer relationships an…

1
CEO Series: How NRAEF Programs Build a Strong Workforce and Industry 36:01

1y ago36:01

36:01

In this episode, Michelle Korsmo, National Restaurant Association President and CEO and CEO of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) speaks with the NRAEF’s former Chair Kent Walrack and current Chair James Fripp about the continued success of the foundation’s programs in another installment of Order Up's CEO-hosted min…

1
Trends in On- and Off-Premises Beverage Alcohol 27:11

1y ago27:11

27:11

Alcohol has always presented restaurant operators with a creative and high-margin opportunity to innovate and set themselves apart from the competition. A newly released Alcohol Trends report covers what’s selling, who’s buying, and how it’s purchased. It also includes nearly 30 on- and off-premises wine, beer and cocktail offers customers say they…

1
Creating a Culture of Acceptance at Red Robin and Wingstop Restaurants 23:14

1y ago23:14

23:14

This week Karly speaks with Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group President & CEO Mike Axiotis about establishing and operating their Diversity and Inclusion Council and its positive impact on team members. In this episode, Mike shares LVRG’s strategies to create a respectful workplace and embrace cross-cultural learning. (01:20) – Introducing Mike Axioti…

1
The Credit Card Competition Act 17:10

1y ago17:10

17:10

National Restaurant Association's Sean Kennedy and Brennan Duckett discuss the Credit Card Competition Act and advocacy efforts to pass the bill encouraging competition to reduce swipe fee rates. In this episode, Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, and Brennan Duckett, Technology and Innovation Policy Director for the National…

1
Expert Advice for Restaurant Operators: Diversity, Tax Credits, and More 29:43

1y ago29:43

29:43

Recently the National Restaurant Association hosted a webinar series on key topics relevant to restaurant operators today. This four-part webinar series focused on diversity, emergency preparedness, policy and tax credits, and food donations. The series garnered more than 1300 registrations and was applauded as an incredible resource by attendees. …

1
ProStart: Educating Tomorrow's Industry Leaders 20:18

1+ y ago20:18

20:18

Like many aspiring cooks, Chef Patrick Phelan grew up cooking at home and dreamt of being a chef someday. After working in various restaurant roles in college, he worked his way up to pastry chef at a top New Orleans restaurant. But his culinary career took an unexpected turn into education after Hurricane Katrina closed his restaurant. With a reop…

1
Why Restaurant Operators Oppose New Labor Nominee 15:35

1+ y ago15:35

15:35

The Senate recently held a hearing for Julie Su, President Biden’s nominee to lead the Department of Labor. As Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and deputy secretary of Labor, Su supported regulatory mandates that unfairly targeted restaurant operators. In this episode, Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Publ…

1
Good Done Right: Wendy’s Focus on Environmental Awareness 18:54

1+ y ago18:54

18:54

In the second episode dedicated to Earth Day, Karly speaks with Liliana Esposito, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at The Wendy’s Company, about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing more sustainable packaging options, and reducing food waste. In this conversation, Liliana shares several goals and commitments Wendy’s has s…

1
Sustainability & Food Waste Reduction in Restaurants 25:45

1+ y ago25:45

25:45

In the first of two episodes dedicated to Earth Day, Karly speaks with Dan Simons, Founder and Co-Owner of Farmers Restaurant Group, and Jeff Clark, Director of the National Restaurant Association’s Sustainability Expert Exchange group. In this conversation highlighting sustainable practices in restaurants, they discuss food waste reduction, sustai…

1
Challenges & Opportunities in the Hospitality Industry 23:53

1+ y ago23:53

23:53

This week, Karly speaks with Jaysen Euler, COO and Culinary Director of Scott Harris Hospitality, and Rachael O’Leary, Principal with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), about current challenges and opportunities in the hospitality industry. In this conversation, learn about pandemic pivots, adjusting for increased food costs, embracing the ideas of all team…

1
Celebrating Women’s History Month with Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade 24:54

1+ y ago24:54

24:54

This week, Karly speaks with Kelli Valade, CEO of Denny’s Corporation, about fostering an inclusive and service-minded company culture. In this conversation, learn about Denny’s industry-leading DE&I programming and how Kelli is bringing lessons from the difficult years of the pandemic into 2023. (01:21) – Introducing Kelli Valade (06:00) – Working…

1
Turning Industry Insight into Action with SpotOn CMO Kevin Bryla 22:36

1+ y ago22:36

22:36

This week we revisit the 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry report with the perspective of Kevin Bryla, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Customer Experience, for SpotOn, our presenting sponsor for this report. Kevin joins Karly to discuss the three big tech trends impacting restaurants in 2023, the state of takeout and delivery, and POS syste…

1
2023 State of the Restaurant Industry 27:07

1+ y ago27:07

27:07

A new and positive normal is starting to take hold at restaurants across the country. In the 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, nearly three in four restaurant operators say they are getting comfortable with their day-to-day operations and are focused on sustaining that growth in 2023. There will still be challenges, such as supply chain…

1
Encouraging Excellence with P.F. Chang’s CEO Damola Adamolekun 15:12

1+ y ago15:12

15:12

This week, Karly speaks with P.F. Chang’s CEO Damola Adamolekun about setting high goals and finding purpose in P.F. Chang’s focus on guest experience and improving the lives of their 15,000 employees. In this conversation, alongside the National Restaurant Association’s celebration of Black History Month, we celebrate Damola’s efforts and Executiv…

1
Leadership Development and DEI at Bloomin’ Brands 19:12

1+ y ago19:12

19:12

This week, Karly speaks with Cord McLean, Director of Leadership Development and Diversity & Inclusion at Bloomin’ Brands, about inclusive leadership. In this episode, learn how guiding values at Bloomin’ Brands are fostered at all levels through community-oriented programming and emphasis on the journey. (01:38) – Introducing Cord McLean (03:05) –…

1
What’s Hot 2023 Culinary Forecast 9:41

1+ y ago9:41

9:41

Be sure to check out the What’s Hot 2023 Culinary Forecast Webinar on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 2 p.m. This week on Order Up, Karly is joined by Helen Jane Hearn, Senior Director of Enterprise Programs at the National Restaurant Association, to discuss the results of the What’s Hot 2023 Culinary Forecast. The report surveyed more than 500 prof…

1
The Restaurant Youth Registered Apprenticeship Program 17:05

2y ago17:05

17:05

This week on Order Up, Karly is joined by ProStart educator Scott Cave and RYRA program alumni Jaymeerah Harris and James Henry to provide insider perspectives on the Restaurant Youth Registered Apprenticeship program. The program connects young people to apprenticeship opportunities within the hospitality industry. In this episode, hear from the p…

1
Encore: Building Trust through Authentic Relationships 27:34

2y ago27:34

27:34

This episode was originally broadcast on February 22, 2022. A lack of representation can often be limiting for people of color and minority groups. But by creating space for people of all different backgrounds to speak up and share ideas, we create an environment of support and camaraderie that elevates businesses. This week, James Fripp, Chief Equ…

1
How Natural Disasters Impact Restaurant Operations 16:16

2y ago16:16

16:16

This week on Order Up, Karly is joined by Larry Sigler, Director of Food Safety for Waffle House, to discuss the brand’s reputation as a resource for communities during natural disasters and how to approach storm preparation. In this episode, learn how Waffle House anticipates the impact of the storm, how they support their team members in those co…

1
CEO Series: Creating a Culture that Attracts and Retains Talent 47:10

2y ago47:10

47:10

This episode is the second installment of a new miniseries where National Restaurant Association President & CEO Michelle Korsmo discusses key topics and issues with Association members. Listen to the first installment of the series entitled “Political Advocacy in the Restaurant Industry” with Lance Trenary. And check out Michelle’s introductory ep…

1
CEO Series: Political Advocacy in the Restaurant Industry 32:39

2y ago32:39

32:39

This episode is the first installment of a new miniseries where National Restaurant Association President & CEO Michelle Korsmo discusses key topics and issues with Association members. This week on Order Up, Michelle Korsmo is joined by Lance Trenary, President & CEO of Golden Corral Corporation and Chairman of the National Restaurant Association,…

1
The Entrepreneur's Studio: Sugar + Spoon 50:25

2y ago50:25

50:25

This week on Order Up, we are featuring a conversation with The Entrepreneur’s Studio host Chris Allen and founders of Sugar + Spoon, Ivana Orlovic and William Hubbell, about their thriving company specializing in safe-to-eat cookie dough. In this episode, learn how this business class project broke into the Seattle dessert food truck industry, the…

1
The American Data Privacy and Protection Act 24:28

2y ago24:28

24:28

This week on Order Up, Karly is joined by Brennan Duckett, The National Restaurant Association’s Director of Technology and Innovation, to discuss the American Data Privacy and Protection Act and its impact on restaurants if passed by Congress in its current form. In this episode, learn about ADPPA’s impact on small businesses, its intent to empowe…

1
The Lease Accounting Standard 22:02

2y ago22:02

22:02

On this episode of Order Up, Karly is joined by Kunali Shah, Controller at California Pizza Kitchen, and Lisa Kaestle, Director at Grant Thornton. The pair help shed some light on the lease accounting standard and why it’s such a hot topic right now. (01:06) - Who is Kunali Shah? (02:03) - Who is Lisa Kaestle? (02:43) - All about operating leases (…

1
Introducing the National Restaurant Association’s new President and CEO 11:27

2y ago11:27

11:27

Join us in welcoming Michelle Korsmo as the new President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association and CEO of the NRA Educational Foundation. In this episode, learn about Michelle’s previous experience, her first 60 days as President and CEO, and the inspiration for what she is prioritizing in her tenure, including “relentless advocacy.” (3:5…

1
Celebrating Pride Month 23:18

2y ago23:18

23:18

This week on Order Up, Karly is joined by Damian Hanft, Vice President and Brand & Culture Ambassador for Inspire Brands, and Isaac Rocha, Director of West Zone McDonalds and Chief Inclusion Officer at Bama Companies, to discuss Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community’s essential role in the restaurant industry. Tune in to learn more about the signifi…

1
Stepping into DEI Leadership 17:09

2y ago17:09

17:09

This week on Order Up, Karly is joined by Philline Zitin, Executive Director of Workplace Legal and Co-Lead of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force at Panda Restaurants. Tune in to hear Philline discuss how every company’s approach to DEI procedures can and should be different and how you have the power to take the first step in creating…

1
The National Restaurant Association Show 2022 9:21

2y ago9:21

9:21

Join us this weekend (May 21-24) for the National Restaurant Association Show 2022! This episode, host Karly McBride highlights several resources and programs that will be represented at the show. From a “Workforce Day” to training opportunities and presentations on current DEI initiatives, the Show is an excellent environment to connect with peers…

1
Harnessing Point-of-Sale Data 20:09

2+ y ago20:09

20:09

This week on Order Up, we’re joined by Joe Costanzo of REVOLTtek for a conversation about the power of point-of-sale systems in the restaurant industry. Tune in to hear Joe, a restauranteur turned technology consultant, share how to approach integrating POS into your restaurant’s operations and how to enhance your marketing, customer loyalty, food …

1
The Pursuit of Sustainability 38:40

2+ y ago38:40

38:40

This week on Order Up, we’re joined by Sara Burnett, Vice President of Food Beliefs, Sustainability, and PR at Panera Bread, and Jeff Clark, Expert Exchange Director for the National Restaurant Association, for a two-part discussion on establishing and committing to sustainable practices in the restaurant industry. Tune in to hear Sara and Jeff sha…

1
Employee Retention Tax Credit 26:54

2+ y ago26:54

26:54

This week on Order Up, we’re joined by Randy Crabtree, Co-Founder and Partner at Tri-Merit, and Aaron Frazier, Vice President of Public Policy for the National Restaurant Association. Tune in to this insightful interview to hear everything restaurant owners need to know about the latest ERTC Bill in progress, from eligibility to expected timelines.…

1
Future Restaurant Legislative Advancements 22:26

2+ y ago22:26

22:26

This week on Order Up, we’re joined by Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs, and Mike Whatley, Vice President of State Affairs, to get the low down on the legislation that most impacts restaurant operators in 2022. Tune in to hear about initiatives that the National Restaurant Association plans to continue fighting for and what…

1
Continuing a Family Legacy with V&M Bistro 25:10

2+ y ago25:10

25:10

This week on Order Up, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month by chatting with Vincenza and Margherita Carrieri-Russo, a sister duo of restaurateurs continuing their family legacy in the food service industry. Tune in to hear them discuss how V&M Italian-American Bistro was born, what they did to adapt during the pandemic as a small business, and …

1
Building Trust through Authentic Relationships 30:38

2+ y ago30:38

30:38

A lack of representation can often be limiting for people of color and minority groups. But by creating space for people of all different backgrounds to speak up and share ideas, we create an environment of support and camaraderie that elevates businesses. This week, James Fripp, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Yum! Brands, joins us to discus…

1
2022 State of the Restaurant Industry 34:25

2+ y ago34:25

34:25

Over the past two years, the restaurant industry has been met with challenge after challenge. While we aren’t quite over the hill yet, 2022 is looking to be a year of transition and growth. This week, Hudson Riehle joins us to discuss the 2022 State of the Industry report and how the culture of restaurants continues to evolve to meet the needs of c…

1
Community Commitment with Elephants Delicatessen 21:56

2+ y ago21:56

21:56

Community is a key element in what makes the restaurant industry thrive. And never has this been more apparent than now, as we’ve had to take extra measures to ensure this sense of community persists. This week on Order Up, Cheyenne Terbrueggen, Marketing Communications Manager at Elephants Delicatessen, joins us to discuss Elephants’ sustainabilit…

1
Healthcare Access in the Hospitality Industry 26:22

3y ago26:22

26:22

Over the past 18 months, healthcare has been a focal point of conversation as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Often, the barrier to receiving healthcare isn’t just affordability, but accessibility as well. Today on Order Up, Kimberlee Vandervoorn, Vice President of Consumer Solutions at UnitedHealth Group, joins us to discuss the number …

1
Kids Live Well 24:17

3y ago24:17

24:17

Finding healthy, kid-friendly choices at restaurants can often be a struggle for families. But fueling kids with well-balanced meals is imperative for healthy bodies and minds. That’s why the National Restaurant Association’s updated Kids Live Well program is helping to empower restaurateurs in providing healthy options for children in their commun…

1
Investing in Diverse Communities 34:41

3y ago34:41

34:41

When businesses are represented by leaders from within the communities they serve, those businesses thrive. PepsiCo and the National Restaurant Association have been honoring successful restaurant industry professionals of diverse backgrounds for 14 years now with the Faces of Diversity Award. Today on Order Up, Merary Simeon, VP of global diversit…

1
Celebrating 25 Years of MFHA 30:16

3y ago30:16

30:16

This week on Order Up, we’re celebrating 25 years of MFHA! Diversity, equity and inclusion have become an integral part of the foodservice industry. But it hasn’t always been that way. Gerry Fernandez joins us to talk about how his vision has evolved since he first founded MFHA in 1996, why addressing inequities has become the focus of modern busin…

1
Customer and Employee Loyalty Programs 23:39

3y ago23:39

23:39

Last year, restaurants were in crisis figuring out ways to keep making sales. This year, as the customers return, we’re seeing an increase in employee dissatisfaction. Tama Looney, Head of Customer Success at Global Payments, joined us for a look at how loyalty programs can benefit both customers and employees. She also shares gift card purchase tr…

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National Restaurant Association Podcasts

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