Best David Portillo Podcasts (2026)

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What It Takes to Operate 127 QSR Restaurants with Cody Wong, CEO of CW Management Services 30:13

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16d ago30:13

30:13

This week, Nick Portillo catches up with Cody Wong, CEO of CW Management Services. With oversight of more than 120 franchise locations, Cody breaks down the operational strategies that fuel scalable growth, emphasizing the importance of strong systems, smart technology, and disciplined execution. He shares firsthand insights into managing the compl…

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The Modern Playbook for Foodservice Brands to Master Media with Kate Finley, Founder of Belle Communication 36:02

28d ago36:02

36:02

Foodservice operators are embracing fresh, innovative marketing strategies that are essential for staying relevant and successful in today’s consumer landscape. This week, Nick Portillo sits down with Kate Finley, Founder of Belle Communication, to uncover the wide-ranging opportunities for financial growth in the foodservice industry. Kate shares …

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Operational Excellence with David Youngberg, CEO of Stonefire Grill 33:36

1M ago33:36

33:36

In this episode, host Nick Portillo speaks with David Youngberg, CEO of Stonefire Grill, for an insightful conversation about the vast opportunities in the food service industry. Drawing on a career that spans more than 40 years, Youngberg shares how a commitment to operational excellence has been the cornerstone of his success. He reflects on his …

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The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership in Foodservice with Alison Patt, President & CEO of Thomas Cuisine 34:08

2M ago34:08

34:08

This week, Nick sits down with Alison Patt, President and CEO of Thomas Cuisine, to explore how food can be a powerful catalyst for both personal and professional transformation. Alison shares her inspiring journey through the food service industry, a career rooted in real food, genuine hospitality, and a passion for improving lives through nutriti…

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The Michelin Standard of Leadership with Chef Franck Desplechin, CEO of Incrementum 32:21

3M ago32:21

32:21

This week, join us as we explore the culinary and leadership journey of Chef Franck, shaped by Brittany roots and Michelin-starred mentorship. From top kitchens to luxury hotel boardrooms, he shares insights on resilience, teamwork, and intentional growth. Nick and Franck explore his transformative path, from bustling kitchens of prestigious restau…

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Why Quantity + Consistency + Speed = Quality in Storytelling and Building Your Brand, with Shawn Walchef, CEO of Cali BBQ Media 37:43

3M ago37:43

37:43

This week, Nick explores the diverse paths to financial success in the food service industry, emphasizing that the key lies in identifying a single, effective approach. His guest, Shawn Walchef, a leading voice in restaurant storytelling and digital hospitality, shares insights shaped by years of experience. We examine the power of narrative in bui…

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Using Debt to Grow a Successful CPG Business with Emily Reeves, Vice President of Capital Solutions at Bridge 29:50

3M ago29:50

29:50

In this episode of Titans of Foodservice, host Nick Portillo sits down with Emily Reeves, Vice President of Capital Solutions at Bridge, to unpack the financial strategies every foodservice founder needs to know. Emily shares how she has helped founders secure more than $300 million in growth capital in 2025, breaking down complex loan structures i…

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Solving the Labor Retention Problem in Restaurants with Harri’s Founder & CEO, Luke Fryer 35:08

4M ago35:08

35:08

In this episode, Nick Portillo dives into one of the industry’s toughest challenges: staffing and employee retention. He is joined by Luke Fryer, founder and CEO of Harri, a platform built to tackle these exact issues. With a career that spans decades in hospitality, including launching the very first Burger King in Australia, Luke brings a wealth …

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One of the First Pioneers Who Brought Mexican Avocados to the U.S., Michael Spinner, VP of Global Frozen Foods 34:09

4M ago34:09

34:09

In this episode, Nick Portillo welcomes Michael Spinner, VP of Global Frozen Foods for a discussion on the diverse revenue streams within the food service industry. A trailblazer in the produce sector, Michael shares his extraordinary journey, including his pivotal role in introducing Mexican avocados to the U.S. market amidst significant legal and…

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Ozempic, AI & the Future of Restaurants with Oli Ostertag, General Manager of PAR Technology’s Operator Cloud 34:13

4M ago34:13

34:13

In this episode, Nick Portillo welcomes Oli Ostertag, General Manager at PAR Technologies Operator Cloud. Together, they dive into one of the biggest shifts shaking up the industry: the rise of appetite-suppressing drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. With more than a quarter of Americans considering these medications, dining habits are changing fast, an…

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Talking Crop Markets and the Future of Produce with First Pick Produce Marketing President, Ryan Staniscavage 35:07

4M ago35:07

35:07

In this episode, Nick Portillo sits down with Ryan Staniscavage, president of First Pick Produce, for an in-depth look at the fresh produce supply chain. Ryan breaks down how factors like weather impact pricing and availability, while also sharing strategies for navigating the ups and downs of crop markets. The conversation sheds light on why stron…

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75 Years of Lamb Weston: Ashley Hatfield, Sr Dr of Ag Services, North America on Farming, Fries, and the Future 32:25

5M ago32:25

32:25

In this episode, Nick Portillo and guest Ashley Hatfield, Senior Director of Ag Services North America at Lamb Weston, explore the surprising number of ways the humble French fry can drive revenue in the food service industry. Nick and Ashley discuss potato fields to the fryer basket, showing how innovation and sustainability shape every step. They…

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The Building of J.T.M Food Group with One of the Original Titans of Commodity Processing, Brian Hofmeier, VP of J.T.M Food Group 46:07

5M ago46:07

46:07

In this episode of Titans of Foodservice, host Nick Portillo explores the remarkable journey of Brian Hofmeier, Vice President of J.T.M Food Group, whose leadership has transformed the company’s food service division from just 10% to an impressive 95% of total sales. Hoffmeier shares key milestones from his 30-year career, including his instrumenta…

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The Broker’s Playbook: How to Grow Foodservice Brands in New Markets 17:58

6M ago17:58

17:58

In this episode of Titans of Foodservice, host Nick Portillo dives into the proven strategies behind successfully expanding food brands into new markets. Nick unpacks the essential steps brokers take to drive growth, from identifying the right operator profile to building strong distribution networks and leveraging the power of local broker relatio…

1
A Clinician's perspective on Psychosis with Dr. Bera 1:10:08

7M ago1:10:08

1:10:08

On today's episode we have Dr. Bera from UCI Health, a specialist in psychosis. He takes a deep dive into what schizophrenia and psychosis can look like, explaining that these are brain diseases characterized by abnormalities that vary from person to person. Dr. Bera discusses how research is improving and how the mystery of schizophrenia is beginn…

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The Foodservice Dynamics In California 20:50

6M ago20:50

20:50

With over 90,000 restaurants and a population of more than 40 million, the Golden State offers a dynamic and diverse market that’s as competitive as it is promising. This week, Nick unpacks key strategies to boost your sales and marketing efforts and explores what it takes to stand out in such a saturated space. From navigating complex regulations …

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From Crumbs to Kitchens: How Emerging Brands Can Break into Foodservice with Conza CEO, Alex Strauch 33:04

7M ago33:04

33:04

In this week’s episode, Nick sits down with Alex Strauch, CEO & Founder of Conza—a brand that’s making waves with their high-quality sourdough breadcrumbs. Together, they dive into the challenges of food service sales and discuss key tactics for growth and market entry, especially for new brands. Alex shares firsthand experience on navigating suppl…

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How David Garascia, General Manager of Bel Brands, Scaled His Company Beyond Retail 17:06

7M ago17:06

17:06

This week, Nick Portillo welcomes David Garascia, General Manager of Food Service at Bell Brands, to explore how to grow a food service business within a retail-driven company. David shares strategies for building strong distribution networks, creating operator relationships, and delivering value beyond pricing. He also reveals how Bell Brands is e…

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The 5 Reasons Most Food Brokers Fail 13:28

7M ago13:28

13:28

This week, Nick is breaking down why so many food brokers fail early on — and what you can do to avoid the same mistakes. It’s not about bad sales skills. The real issues come from not understanding how to run the business side of a brokerage. Drawing from real-world experience, listen as Nick unpacks the five critical mistakes that often lead to e…

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A Clinician's Perspective on Schizophrenia with Dr. Tom Okamoto 48:50

8M ago48:50

48:50

On today’s episode we welcome our special guest, Dr. Tom Okamoto, to launch our new series on schizophrenia, psychosis and tardive dyskinesia. Dr. Okamoto discusses the tremendous progress in schizophrenia research over the past decade, including promising developments in funding and treatment. He also shares valuable insights on how families and p…

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The ‘Force Multiplier’ Strategy in Foodservice Sales 11:27

8M ago11:27

11:27

Nick explores the “force multiplier” effect—an elite military strategy—and how it applies to sales in the food service industry, this week on the Titans of Foodservice podcast. By building scalable systems, training teams, and leveraging tools like LinkedIn, sales professionals can expand their reach and grow their brands more efficiently. Listen f…

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Why Most Food Brokers Struggle to Deliver on Their Promises 12:53

8M ago12:53

12:53

There are many ways to generate revenue in the food service industry. This week, Nick talks about the power of choosing one clear, effective strategy. Drawing from personal experience as a food broker, he shares three major missteps that stalled his growth but ultimately reshaped how he approaches business. From the importance of strong market cove…

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The 2 Biggest Reasons Food Brands Fail in Foodservice 18:14

8M ago18:14

18:14

There are many reasons why so many brands struggle—and ultimately fail—in the food service industry. Spoiler: it’s not because their products aren’t good. It’s often because they underestimate two crucial factors—demand and logistics. This week, Nick is breaking down the common misconceptions, especially among those moving from retail to food servi…

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Why Foodservice Buyers Don’t Care About Your Product 14:41

8M ago14:41

14:41

Nick is breaking down a core truth of selling in the food service industry: profitability is king. Buyers aren’t just looking for passion or a great product story—they’re focused on what drives their bottom line. Listen as Nick unpacks why enthusiasm alone won’t close the deal and explores the real factors that influence purchasing decisions: profi…

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Remembering Edward Portillo 1:40:02

9M ago1:40:02

1:40:02

Today we have a special episode honoring our late Program Manager and the host of this podcast, Edward Portillo. This episode includes stories from several people who cared about him deeply. You will hear from (include list of names) about their fondest memories of Edward. He was a special human being and we are proud to honor him here. Contact us:…

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Two Brands, Same Category—One Thrives, One Fails. Here’s Why. 14:16

9M ago14:16

14:16

There is a game-changing distinction in the food service industry: the difference between brands that successfully generate demand and those that struggle to gain traction. Nick is breaking down this distinction through the lens of two hypothetical brands this week—Brand A, which takes a proactive approach by building strategic partnerships and dri…

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3 Solutions to Overcome Slowing Foodservice Sales 15:51

9M ago15:51

15:51

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo talks about why being adaptable in the foodservice industry is so important. He shares lessons from his 10 years as a food broker, including key strategies to stand out in a competitive market. Nick shares how you can use tech and digital marketing—especially LinkedIn—to boost your bran…

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Rethinking Growth in Foodservice: Scaling Smarter, Selling Smarter, and Bouncing Back 11:24

9M ago11:24

11:24

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo dives into the many ways to make money in the food service industry—not just in theory, but through real, hands-on experience. Nick shares why true success comes from actively engaging with the key players in the field, building relationships, and staying adaptable—especially in the eve…

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Kentucky: Four Generations Strong and The Legacy of Brown Foodservice with Daniel Neeley, Chief Operating Officer of Brown Foodservice 30:52

10M ago30:52

30:52

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Daniel Neeley, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Brown Food Service. Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Brown Food Service is a venerable establishment with a rich lineage dating back to 1942, originally serving mining communities in Appalachia. Daniel shar…

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North Carolina: The Building of North Carolina’s First Hydroponic Coffee Farm with Big Guns Coffee Founder & President, T. Shane Johnson 36:21

11M ago36:21

36:21

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with T. Shane Johnson, a Marine Corps veteran and the driving force behind Big Guns Coffee. T. Shane shares how he transformed a simple desire into a high-powered coffee brand inspired by his daughter's entrepreneurial spirit. Big Guns Coffee epitomizes innovation and resilience …

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Missouri: How Pat Phelan, CEO of Leap Companies, Transformed His Company After Losing Half Its Revenue 32:45

11M ago32:45

32:45

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Pat Phelan, CEO of Leap Companies, a distinguished entity that specializes in providing comprehensive hospitality services, including furniture and logistics for various dining establishments. Pat's entrepreneurial journey, which commenced with the acquisition of Leap in 200…

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California: Selling in Retail vs. Foodservice with Jeff Kyer, VP of Sales - Retail at Portillo Sales & Marketing 28:59

11M ago28:59

28:59

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Jeff Kyer, VP of Sales and Retail at Portillo Sales & Marketing. Nick and Jeff traverse the intricate landscape of food service and retail sales, elucidating the distinct methodologies and strategies employed within each sector. Jeff, with his extensive background in retail …

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Minnesota: Lessons in Leadership from a Father-Son Dynamic with Craft & Crew Hospitality President, David Benowitz 43:01

11M ago43:01

43:01

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with David Benowitz, President of Craft and Crew Hospitality. David discusses the challenges and rewards of working alongside his father, highlighting the need for open communication and the evolution of their relationship as they navigate the complexities of a family business. D…

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New Jersey: The American Dream Served Fresh with The Salad House CEO & Founder, Joey Cioffi 29:58

12M ago29:58

29:58

This week marks our 100th episode on the Titans of Food Service podcast! Nick Portillo speaks with Joey Cioffi, the CEO and founder of the rapidly expanding Salad House chain. With a vision for healthier, fast-casual dining, Joey has successfully opened 20 locations and is set to scale even further across the Northeast and beyond. His story begins …

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Michigan: Blending History and Hospitality at the Country's #1 Athletic Club with Charles Johnson, Executive Manager/CEO at the Detroit Athletic Club 34:32

12M ago34:32

34:32

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Charles Johnson, CEO of the Detroit Athletic Club, to discuss its rich history and significance in the community. With a legacy dating back to 1887, the DAC has evolved from an athletic club into a premier destination for fine dining and hospitality, showcasing Detroit's her…

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Pennsylvania: Golden Waffles CEO, Michael DiBeneditto on Building a Golden Foodservice Business 32:25

12M ago32:25

32:25

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Michael DiBeneditto, CEO of Golden Waffles. Michael shares insights into the evolution of his company and the unique all-inclusive waffle program they offer. Since its establishment in 1937, Golden Waffles has transformed from a traditional distributor to a pioneer in provid…

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Florida: Urban Development Meets South Florida Restaurant Empire with The Restaurant People CEO, Tim Petrillo 30:57

1y ago30:57

30:57

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Tim Petrillo, co-founder and CEO of The Restaurant People and Urban Street Development. Tim shares his remarkable journey in the food service industry and how he has significantly impacted South Florida's dining scene. With over 70 restaurants under his belt, Tim discusses t…

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Arizona: How Delivering an "I Love it Here" Experience Can Quintuple Revenue with The Melt CEO, Ralph Bower 39:47

1y ago39:47

39:47

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Ralph Bauer, CEO of The Melt. Ralph shares his remarkable journey in the food service industry, highlighting how he quintupled the average revenue per unit from $700,000 to an astounding $3.5 million. With over 25 years of experience, including leadership roles at Popeyes an…

1
Texas: Supporting Texas’ 50K Restaurants with Texas Restaurant Association President & CEO, Dr. Emily Williams Knight 36:07

1y ago36:07

36:07

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Dr. Emily Williams Knight, the President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. Emily is a powerhouse advocate for the Texas food service industry, representing over 60,000 restaurants and 1.3 million employees. She shares her journey from a military upbringing to her …

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Mental Health First Aid and Dr. Angela Leighton 39:20

1y ago39:20

39:20

Tune in this week for a conversation with the incredible Dr. Angela Leighton with Mental Health First Aid: an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges. mentalhealthfirstaid.org Contact us: [email protected]

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Georgia: Bill Lewis, CEO of Frosty Acres Brands on the Power of Data-Driven Growth in Foodservice 34:03

1y ago34:03

34:03

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Bill Lewis, the President and CEO of Frosty Acres Brands. They explore the critical role of independent food distributors and how Frosty Acres is leveraging data-driven insights to identify new growth opportunities in the industry. Bill shares his journey from Ohio to Georgi…

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Alabama: Tuscaloosa BBQ Meets Tradition with Betsy McAtee, CEO of Dreamland BBQ 30:42

1y ago30:42

30:42

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Betsy McAtee, CEO of Dreamland Barbecue. Betsy shares the legendary history and cultural significance of barbecue in Alabama. The conversation highlights Dreamland's unique approach to barbecue, which includes cooking over an open pit and using a signature vinegar-based sauc…

1
OC Sheriff Department's Behavioral Health Bureau 45:29

1y ago45:29

45:29

This week, tune in for a conversation with Capt. Christine Berryman of Orange County's Behavioral Health Bureau.

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Hawaii: Restaurant Trailblazer & CEO, Elisia Flores Shares How She's Leading the Global Expansion of L&L Hawaiian BBQ 27:19

1y ago27:19

27:19

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Elisia Flores, the CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Elisia discusses her remarkable journey with her family-owned restaurant chain, which has grown into a global brand with over 200 locations. Elisia shares her unique perspective on managing a large business while maintaining t…

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Alaska: Alaska’s Breakfast King, Derrick Green on the Waffles & WhatNot Success Story 33:08

1y ago33:08

33:08

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Derrick Green, former Army veteran, and Alaska’s “breakfast king”. Derrick shares his inspiring journey of transforming personal health challenges into a thriving food business, Waffles and Whatnot. After facing significant health issues within his family, including cancer d…

1
NAMI Walks! 34:29

1y ago34:29

34:29

Tune in to the newest season of NAMI OC's It's Okay to Feel with hosts Dave Hill, Madi Morrison, and Breann Durham! We begin with a candid tribute to the podcast's original host, Ed Portillo, who will be missed dearly. After some catching up with Dave, Madi, and Bre, we jump into an informative and exciting conversation about NAMI Walks with coordi…

1
Oregon: The Power of Foodservice Marketing to Build a Brand with Raving Fans with Joe Prewett, CEO of Oregon Fruit Products 31:15

1y ago31:15

31:15

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Joe Prewett, CEO of Oregon Fruit Products. Nick and Joe explore the innovative strategies driving success in the food service industry today. With a robust background in marketing, Joe discusses his journey from the Bay Area to leading a renowned fruit brand, highlighting le…

1
New Hampshire: How to Build and Maintain a Motivated Team for Success with Tom Boucher, CEO of Great NH Restaurants 34:29

1y ago34:29

34:29

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Tom Boucher, CEO of Great New Hampshire Restaurants. Nick and Tom discuss the importance of employee recognition and engagement within the food service industry. With over 40 years of experience, Tom emphasizes how a robust reward system has transformed his business, allowin…

1
Delaware: From Television to Business Success with Celebrity Baker, Dana Herbert 29:41

1y ago29:41

29:41

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with celebrity baker Dana Herbert. With a background in both savory and pastry arts, Dana has made a name for himself not only in Delaware but also nationally, thanks to his appearances on shows like TLC's Cake Boss. Nick and Dana discuss the importance of mentorship and the uniq…

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Connecticut: 4x James Beard Award Winner, Michel Nischan on Building a Wildly Successful Culinary Career 38:25

1y ago38:25

38:25

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Michel Nischan, a four-time James Beard Award Winner and chef. Michel shares his journey from working on his grandfather's farm to becoming a celebrated chef and influential advocate for food equity and sustainability. Michel talks about co-founding Wholesome Wave and Wholes…