Let’s Set Your Table Podcast

Ep.18 - The Financial Benefits of Proper Trash Can Liners

In Episode 18, we are joined by Berry Global Account Manager Peggy O'Connor, to discuss the often-overlooked topic of trash can liners in the food service and hospitality industry. The hosts and our guest, explore the financial and environmental benefits of using the right size liners, the importance of standardization, and the impact of sustainability initiatives. The conversation emphasizes the need for education and awareness among operators to optimize their waste management practices and save money.

Takeaways

• Proper trash liners can lead to significant cost savings
• Using the right size liner reduces plastic waste
• Standardizing trash can sizes can simplify operations
• Education is key to changing operators' perceptions about waste management
• Operators often overlook the financial impact of waste management
• Smaller bags and can liner size reduction can be more efficient and safer for employees
• The right liner can improve operational efficiency
• Sustainable products can meet regulatory requirements and PCR mandates
• Long-term relationships with clients are built on trust and savings
  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introductions
02:38 Understanding the Importance of Proper Trash Liners
05:35 The Financial Benefits of Right-Sizing Trash Liners
12:34 Excessive Weight in Bags Can be Overlooked
14:23 Standardization and SKU Rationalization
20:18 Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
22:38 The Broader Impact on Operations

 

Links

Explore innovative industry leading packaging solutions at: www.hodegroup.com

The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com

Let’s Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts

Ep.17 - The Importance of Ergonomics in Commercial Seating

In this episode, we are joined by Andreas Gfesser from Trendler, Inc. to explore the critical role of ergonomics in commercial seating within the food service and hospitality industry. The conversation delves into the importance of comfortable seating for enhancing dining experiences, the significance of furniture as a capital investment, and common mistakes made by restaurant operators in furniture selection.

The discussion also highlights the comprehensive offerings of Trendler, including their commitment to quality, durability, and customer satisfaction, as well as the importance of layout in optimizing restaurant flow and customer experience.

 

Takeaways

• Ergonomics is essential for accommodating human anatomy in seating.
• Trendler is a vertically integrated manufacturer specializing in seating products.
• Comfortable seating can significantly enhance the dining experience and increase customer spending.
• Furniture should be viewed as a capital investment with a depreciation schedule.
• Common mistakes in restaurant furniture selection include overlooking layout and flow.
• The average employee tenure at Trendler is a testament to their strong company culture.
• Understanding customer needs is crucial for successful furniture selection.
• The casino market presents unique challenges for seating durability and design.
• Trendler offers a complete turnkey solution for restaurant furniture needs.
• On-time delivery is a priority, with Trendler achieving a 99% success rate. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ergonomics in Commercial Seating
02:50 Understanding Trendler, Inc. and Its Offerings
05:29 The Importance of Ergonomics in Dining Experiences
10:22 Designing Comfortable Seating: The Science Behind It
16:05 Furniture as a Capital Investment
20:27 Common Mistakes in Restaurant Furniture Selection
21:06 The Role of Layout in Restaurant Success
31:57 Expanding Beyond Seating: A Comprehensive Approach
33:46 Durability and Functionality in Banquet Seating

 

Links: 

Explore innovative industry leading packaging solutions at: www.hodegroup.com

The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com

Let’s Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts

Ep. 16 - Aluminum Tariffs & Food Packaging: What You Need to Know

In this episode of 'Let's Set Your Table', hosts John and Nick discuss the current challenges in the aluminum packaging industry with guest Todd Dery, who is the National Sales Manager with Durable Packaging.

They explore the impact of tariffs and legislation on aluminum prices, the strategies domestic suppliers are employing to navigate these challenges, and the importance of sustainable packaging solutions. The conversation also touches on consumer behavior regarding pricing and quality, as well as innovative packaging options that can enhance the dining experience.

Key Takeaways

• Aluminum prices are influenced by tariffs and market dynamics.
• Domestic suppliers face challenges due to imported products flooding the market.
• Legislation like anti-dumping is crucial for protecting domestic manufacturers.
• Sustainable packaging options are becoming increasingly important.
• Consumer behavior is shifting towards cost management in dining.
• Innovative packaging can enhance the presentation of food.
• Inflation is affecting all aspects of the packaging industry.
• Collaboration among suppliers is key to navigating market challenges.
• Quality and presentation in packaging can impact customer satisfaction.
• Durable Packaging is expanding its product line to adapt to market needs.

California aluminum packaging examples referenced in this episode: https://tinyurl.com/rfkphapk

Chapters

00:00 Summary and Industry Buzz
03:03 Aluminum Market Dynamics and Challenges
06:45 Legislative Impact on Aluminum Pricing
09:40 Strategies for Domestic Suppliers
12:30 Current Market Conditions and Pricing Trends
15:45 Consumer Behavior and Cost Management
18:35 Sustainable Packaging Solutions
21:30 Innovative Packaging Options
25:00 Conclusion and Future Directions

Links: 

Explore innovative industry leading packaging solutions at: www.hodegroup.com

The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com

Let’s Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts 

Ep. 15 - Clarifying the Confusion: Biodegradable vs. Compostable

In this episode of Let's Set Your Table, the hosts discuss green and sustainable disposables with their guests from Eco Products. Our guests for this episode were Toby Alves, Product and Zero Waste Specialist with Eco-Products and Nicole Geletka, Regional Sales Manager with Eco-Products.

They aim to clarify the confusion around terms like "biodegradable" and "compostable" and educate owner-operators on waste diversion and the benefits of using certified compostable packaging.

The guests explain the differences between biodegradable and compostable materials, emphasizing that compostable items break down quickly and leave behind beneficial compost, while biodegradable items take longer and may leave residuals. They also highlight the importance of proper sorting and the role of signage in waste diversion. The guests offer their services and support to help operators make the transition to more sustainable practices!

 

Key Takeaways

• Compostable items break down quickly and leave behind beneficial compost, while biodegradable items take longer and may leave residuals.
• Compostable products are more strictly regulated with clear standards, while the term biodegradable is less regulated and can be misleading.
• Proper sorting and signage are important for successful waste diversion.
• Eco Products offers a range of new and innovative products for operators looking to transition to more sustainable practices.
• The cost of waste diversion and composting depends on the market and contract negotiations, but it can lead to cost savings and environmental benefits.
  

Sound Bites:

** "Compostable materials are designed to break down quickly and leave behind beneficial compost, while biodegradable materials take longer and could leave residuals."

** "Compostable items need a specific composting environment to break down properly, while biodegradable items may break down in a wider range of environments."

** "Compostable products are more strictly regulated with clear standards, while the term biodegradable is less regulated and can sometimes be misleading."

 

What we discussed:

00:00 - Introduction and Discussion of Green Disposables
05:26 - Roles and Value of Product and Zero Waste Specialists
07:53 - Eco Products' Differentiators and Commitment to Sustainability
13:52 - Educating Operators on Waste Diversion and Composting
17:52 - Clarifying the Differences: Biodegradable vs. Compostable
23:57 - Taking the Next Step: Entry Points for Operators
27:03 - Cost Considerations and Services Offered by Eco Products
29:35 - New and Exciting Innovations from Eco Products

 

Links: 

Explore innovative industry leading green compostable packaging solutions at : https://www.hodegroup.com

The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com

Let’s Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts 

Ep. 14 - Enhancing Branding and Revenue with Napkins

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 Introduction
01:39 The Importance of Napkins in the Dining Experience
08:09 Choosing the Right Napkin: Quality and Cost Considerations
09:45 The Environmental Impact of Napkin Choices
12:31 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

Let’s Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts 

Ep. 13 - Is Foil Takeout Packaging Right for Me?

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 Introduction
03:20 Discussion on Foil Packaging
08:18 Switching from Compostable Packaging to Foil
10:25 Foils as a Viable Option for Takeout Packaging
13:02 Crimping and Sealing Foil Containers
15:55 Presentation and Grease Barrier of Foil Packaging
20:23 Home Meal Replacement Concept
24:05 Passing Packaging Costs to Consumers
26:06 Different Colors and Designs for Foil Packaging
27:35 Maximizing Customer Experience with Foil Packaging
29:41 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

Let’s Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts 

 

 

Ep. 12 - A Hospitality Savings Strategy Operators NEVER Consider

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 you’ll want to do an waste audit of your property ASAP. 

“You'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 sales”

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: 

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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. 
   
   
3. 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 revenue 
   
   

Links: 

Get an audit of your property,  and possibly save $1,000-$100,000+: https://www.hodegroup.com

The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com

Let’s Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts 

Ep. 11 - Knives that Last a Century: Dexter-Russell

It’s not often that a professional knife is passed on as an heirloom, but that’s 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 haven’t 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. You’ll 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

Let’s Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts 

Ep. 10 - Finding the Right Paper Food Packaging For You

What’s 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. He’s 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: what’s the difference?

(13:07) Grease barriers 

(15:16) How packaging helped hospitals in the pandemic 

(18:05) Serving Chick-fil-a, 7/11, Lowe’s 

(20:20) Does he work with small operators?

 

4 things to remember: 

1. Amazon is one of the biggest users of packaging. When Amazon’s business goes down, paper mill businesses go down too, and supply increases. 
2. Demand has dropped in the box industry since the height of the pandemic. Prices are coming down.  
3. 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.
4. 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 Boxes
Food & Pizza To-Go Packaging

The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com

The Hode Group Corporate Website: hodegroup.com

 

Ep. 09 - What is Palm Leaf Food Packaging?

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 Maxwell
Director National Sales- Leafware®
also 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

Info@hodegroup.com
815-455-0500

 

Check out our HGI Testimonials:

https://youtu.be/SLaljpCfcMU