Food Service Matters

In episode number eight of the Food Service Matters season two podcast, host Patrick McDermott interviews Simon Esner, a food service industry veteran with over 50 years’ experience, including as former director of Westbury Street Holdings and as a current trustee of Hospitality Action. Patrick talks to Simon about his remarkable journey from kitchen porter to director of a billion-pound business, highlighting the crucial role of mentorship in shaping his career. They also discuss the significant changes Simon has witnessed in the industry, including technological advancements and the growing focus on sustainability and ESG practices. Simon also shares his insights into the importance of building strong relationships in food service, nurturing staff, and supporting local producers. Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In this episode, host Patrick McDermott interviews Chris Stern, founder and managing director of Stern Consultancy, a specialist catering consultancy helping a wide range of clients in the UK and Europe improve their workplace food service operations and offerings. Patrick discovers more about Chris’ perspective on how client expectations in the industry have evolved over the decades, including the prioritisation of cost-cutting, sustainability, social value, and enhancing the workplace setting through catering. They also discuss the key factors clients consider when selecting caterers and the essential role technology now plays in food service when it comes to food waste, costs and customer experience. Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In this episode, host Patrick McDermott interviews Jon Davies, Managing Director of Levy UK & Ireland, part of Compass Group. Levy specialises in providing bespoke food service on a large scale, including for popular sports venues, arenas, events and conferences. Patrick finds out more about Jon’s passion for the environment and the measures he’s taking to improve overall operational sustainability at Levy. They also discuss Jon’s thoughts on the responsibility of the food service sector to source food more responsibly, reduce its environmental impact and encourage ethical menu options. Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

Kicking off season two of Food Service Matters, host Patrick McDermott interviews Ali Honour, a climate conscious chef, activist and adviser with a focus on food waste and sustainable food systems. Ali has 30 years’ experience in the food service industry and is driving positive change with her passion for sustainability and efficiency. Patrick interviews Ali on her journey in the food service business and finds out about her ideas on educating customers and staff about sustainability, industry collaboration and affordable nutrition amidst rising costs. They also discuss what Ali describes as her ‘closed loop’ approach to minimising food waste, as well as how she has helped various food service businesses transform their operations by reducing waste and increasing profit margins. Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In episode number seven of the Food Service Matters podcast, host Patrick McDermott welcomes Ben McEwen, Sales Director of Lexington, an innovative company that has been providing catering and reception services for businesses for over 20 years and, more recently, to independent schools. Patrick interviews Ben on the most pressing industry challenges, including staffing and sustainability, and the company’s efforts to tackle these. They also discuss innovation and change at Lexington with the use of technology and customer feedback, as well as Ben’s views on inspirational figures in the food service industry. Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In episode number five of the Food Service Matters podcast, host Patrick McDermott welcomes Kevin Watson, Managing Director of Amadeus Foods, an award-winning corporate, private, and wedding event catering company based in the West Midlands. Patrick interviews Kevin about a range of topics, including the issue of staff hiring and retention in the food service industry, handling cost pressures in today’s climate, and how technology can be leveraged to come to data-driven conclusions. They also discuss the company’s efforts to give back to the local community and reduce food waste, as well as the importance of listening to customer feedback and preferences to drive business decisions. Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In episode three of the Food Service Matters podcast, host Patrick McDermott welcomes Vojtech Végh, plant-based chef and author of Surplus: The food waste guide for chefs. Patrick interviews Vojtech about a range of topics, from his vegan restaurant in Cambodia to the journey that led him to discovering zero-waste cooking. Vojtech discusses the financial incentives of reducing waste – and the importance of things like communication, passion, and involving the supply chain to cut the amount that we throw away. They also talk about how you can use some common kitchen scraps to create tasty food to serve your customers. Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.