E80. Transformative Bytes

In this episode of Table Talk, Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality magazine hosts a roundtable discussion featuring five industry leaders and educators from the hospitality sector who share their insights and innovative solutions for navigating the challenges posed by recent funding cutbacks to the education sector. From creative program adaptations to community partnerships, these thought leaders discuss actionable pathways that can empower the next generation of hospitality professionals. Find out how forward-thinking strategies, and collaboration can collectively re-shape the future of education in Canada’s hospitality industry.  

In this episode of Table Talk, Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality magazine, hosts a roundtable discussion with four leading hospitality educators about the state of education across Canada. The four educators ─ Bruce McAdams from the University of Guelph; Frank Menezes from George Brown Polytechnic; Michelle Caine, from Centennial College, and Rudi Fischbacher, principal, Staycraft Strategies Inc. ─ discuss how funding cutbacks and program changes are impacting the educational sector across the country and examine what these changes mean for today’s students and the future of the hospitality industry.

In this episode of Table Talk, Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality magazine speaks with Anat Davidzon, managing director of International at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Their conversation centres on Davidzon’s journey in the foodservice and hospitality industry, starting as an entrepreneur when she founded a fast-casual coffee chain to her executive role at Chipotle where she currently oversees the company’s restaurants in Canada and in Europe and where she is responsible for leading the company’s rapid expansion into the Canadian market by promoting a restaurant brand whose core mission is to deliver food with integrity.

In this episode of Table Talk, Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality speaks with Christina Kuypers, president and CEO of Chop Steakhouse & Bar. The two discuss Christina’s trajectory over the past 20 years, leading to her new current role, touching on her strategies for driving brand growth, the company’s operational transformation and how she champions a people-first leadership philosophy.

In this episode of Table Talk, Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality speaks with respected Toronto restaurateur Yannick Bigourdan, owner of Lucie, the Carbon Bar and Carbon Snack Bar, the Berczy Tavern, Notte Ristorante, the Social Catering & Co., and a recently launched consultancy called JKTT Restaurant Consulting.  The interview touches on Bigourdan’s professional journey, the evolving restaurant industry, and the varied challenges and opportunities of operating in today’s competitive marketplace. 

Franchise Foundations In this episode of Table Talk, Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality speaks with Peter Mammas, president and CEO of Foodtastic. The two discuss how the Montreal-based company is fuelling franchise success, staying on top of  trends such as AI and working creatively to grow the company's portfolio of brands.

In this episode of Table Talk, Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality magazine speaks with Toronto chef Nuit Regular and her husband and partner Jeff Regular. The husband-and-wife team discuss how they met in Thailand, the collection of 13 successful restaurants they’ve created together and the secrets that help them succeed both at work and in their personal lives.

In this episode of Table Talk, Rosanna Caira, editor/publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality, speaks with Karisa  Marra, head of Sales at Square Canada,  who  dives into the world of digital transformation. Discover how Square is re-shaping the way businesses connect with customers and manage payments in an ever-evolving market. With insights on innovative marketing strategies and the future of commerce, this is a must-listen for restaurateurs , marketers, and anyone eager to stay ahead in the digital landscape.

In this episode of Table Talk, Rosanna Caira, editor/publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality speaks with Doug Stephen, owner and operator of Winnipeg-based WOW Hospitality.  The conversation focuses on Stephen’s career path, his recent induction into the Manitoba Restaurant & Foodservice Association’s Hall of Fame, and the lasting impact the iconic restaurateur has had over more than 40 years. 

In this episode of Table Talk, Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality, speaks with Tony Elenis, president and CEO of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association, about some of the most important issues his association is dealing with. including labour challenges, wholesale liquor changes in the province, and the uncertainty surrounding the potential impact of tariffs.