Cambro Eats

About Cambro Eats

We talk food and we talk foodservice.

Publisher

Cambro Eats

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Jul 2021

Latest episode

18 Nov 2024

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 18 Nov 2024

   Growing Up with Cambro: Chef Jet Tila’s Journey in the Food World [Interview with Jet Tila – Cambro Eats – Episode 41]

   In this episode of Cambro Eats, we’re thrilled to sit down with Chef Jet Tila (https://chefjet.com/), a culinary icon with a deep history in food service and a resume packed with everything from fine dining to TV show fame. Join us as Jet shares his journey through the kitchens, cultures, and family influences that have shaped him into the chef and brand he is today. (https://cambroeats.com/jet-interview-3/) (https://cambroeats.com/jet-still-photo-2/) From Family Roots to Food Network Fame For Jet, the food journey began in his parents' small Thai restaurant. "I feel like I’ve grown up with Cambro," he laughs, recalling the long hours helping his family prepare meals. As he pulled together his mise en place and worked over the wok, Jet discovered not only the rhythms of the kitchen but also a sense of purpose. This foundation laid the groundwork for what would become a culinary career like no other. Jet transitioned from his family’s grocery store and restaurant to some of the finest dining establishments in Las Vegas, eventually becoming executive chef of Asian dining at the Encore Wynn Las Vegas. It was here that he got his first big break on the Food Network. From Iron Chef to Beat Bobby Flay, Jet’s television appearances soon followed, making him a household name. Lessons from a Diverse Career As a chef who’s worked across many sectors—casinos, business institutions, and schools—Jet has a unique perspective on what it takes to thrive in food service. He credits his early years for teaching him the art and science behind making food for large numbers. “In our family grocery store, we served hundreds daily. At Google with Compass Group, we were serving thousands. It’s just math,” he explains. But it’s math with a mission: “You need great food, organization, and unforgettable experiences. Simple calculation, difficult to execute.” For anyone aspiring to succeed in this field, Jet advises balancing “art” (the food and experience) with “science” (costs, vendor relations, and efficient operations). He emphasizes that the best chefs work closely with their partners and find ways to be creative within given constraints. Achievements: From World Records to Work-Life Balance When asked about his proudest accomplishments, Jet reveals a mix of career and personal milestones. Television highlights include Iron Chef America and Tournament of Champions, where he’s been a finalist multiple times. Beyond television, Jet holds five Guinness World Records for culinary feats like the world’s largest stir fry and a 420-foot granola bar. But for Jet, it’s not just about professional recognition. Finding balance with his family, especially with his wife and kids, ranks as his top achievement. “At 50, I’ve found balance, and that’s my greatest accomplishment so far,” he says, a sentiment that resonates with many in the demanding food industry. The Evolution of Asian Cuisine in America As someone who’s been at the forefront of Asian cuisine in the U.S., Jet offers insight into how it has evolved. What started as a novelty decades ago has become mainstream, thanks largely to Millennials and Gen Z embracing it as everyday dining. “Asian food is everywhere now, from ramen to Thai curries,” Jet says. “There’s a direct correlation between my success and the popularity of Asian cuisine.” Scaling Up: Becoming a Chef and a Brand Jet’s career has also taken a unique turn as he’s expanded beyond the kitchen to build his brand. Partnering with large-scale operators like Pei Wei allows Jet to bring his culinary creations to millions. “From a young age, I understood that scale is key to financial success. I realized I wasn’t just a chef; I was a brand,” he shares.

2. 14 Apr 2024

   Interview with Hanalei Souza – Cambro Eats – Episode 40

   On this episode of Cambro Eats, we talk to Hanalei Souza. Hanalei Souza is an author, cook, and the voice behind LadyLineCook, which extends beyond her blog to social media, engaging with a community of foodservice professionals. With a background in Ski Resort Management, her love for snowboarding inspired the start of her blog and continues to shape her content. Her book, "Nice Work, Boys!" is a humorous and insightful reflection on her experiences in the ski and culinary industries, emphasizing leadership and gender dynamics. Check out the interview and follow her on all your favorite social media channels. Guest: Hanalei Souza Host: Felix Bazgan Ladylinecook Social Info : Website | TikTok  |  Instagram Cambro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |  Tik Tok | Cambro Eats Website

3. 12 Dec 2023

   Interview with TILIT Founders: Jenny Goodman and Alex McCrery – Cambro Eats – Episode 39

   Join us on Cambro Eats for an exclusive glimpse into the story of Tilit, a brand that has been revolutionizing chef wear since its inception. In this episode, our host Felix Bazgan engages with Tilit's founders, Alex McCrery and Jenny Goodman, to uncover the roots, evolution, and exciting collaborations of this dynamic brand. Origin Story: Commander's Palace to Tilit Tilit's journey began at Commander's Palace Restaurant in New Orleans, where Alex and Jenny's paths first crossed. Their combined experience in the hospitality industry led to a shared vision: creating chef wear that paralleled the pride and professionalism of culinary arts. The Big Apple Beckons Their transition to New York, with Jenny moving in 2004 and Alex following a year later, set the stage for Tilit's birth. Post-Hurricane Katrina, New York became the launching pad for their innovative venture. The Essence of Tilit Starting with a modest range of garments, Tilit has grown to offer a diverse product line, including pants, shirts, aprons, and more. Integral to their process is a strong emphasis on customer feedback, ensuring their offerings meet the rigorous demands of culinary professionals. Collaborations and Innovations Throughout its growth, Tilit has engaged in various collaborations, continuously pushing the boundaries of culinary fashion. A notable mention is their partnership with Cambro, where a unique product idea was brought to life, highlighting Tilit's innovative spirit and dedication to practical, stylish solutions for chefs. Future Endeavors and Continued Growth Looking forward, Tilit aims to maintain its focus on high-quality, specialized products. Upcoming launches and collaborations are set to further cement their position as leaders in culinary fashion, with partnerships like the one with Cambro underscoring their commitment to industry-relevant innovation. Guest: Jenny Goodman and Alex McCrery Host: Felix Bazgan TILIT: Website | TikTok  |  Instagram Cambro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |  Tik Tok | Cambro Eats Website

4. 29 Aug 2023

   Interview with Matt Kirschner – Cambro Eats Episode 38

   In this episode, we have an interview with Matt Kirschner, the owner of Red Knapp’s Dairy Bar in Rochester, Michigan. The restaurant, established in 1950 by the original Red Knapp, has stayed true to its roots through generational ownership. Matt took over the business three years ago, promising to uphold the legacy left by the Knapp family. Matt's journey in the food service industry is one of twists and turns. From being offered equity in a pizzeria at 22, to working in fine dining during the COVID-19 pandemic, he always had a desire to own a business. Eventually, he found his opportunity with Red Knapp’s. Marketing for Red Knapp’s has been unique and interactive. One notable approach is Matt's social media series, where he hands out milkshake samples in public spaces like Target and Oakland University and asks people to rate them. This has garnered significant attention and customer engagement. Another creative marketing initiative involved adding unconventional ingredients to burgers, a tactic that even caught the attention of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay on TikTok. Matt discusses an innovative marketing strategy where he offers free milkshakes to anyone who follows him on Instagram and agrees to be featured in a video. This series alone, sparked by a random customer, has brought in impressive views and substantial food sales, proving the ROI of his social media efforts. Matt also delves into his history and the driving force behind his business. With a background in entertainment and a deep-seated desire to entertain and educate, Matt leverages social media not just for financial gain but to fulfill his personal vision. He emphasizes that even small mom-and-pop shops can benefit immensely from dedicating time to social media, citing his own success as proof. On a more serious note, Matt talks about his community outreach programs. Once homeless himself, Matt feels a deep responsibility to give back to the community. He started with an annual coat drive six years ago, which has since expanded in scope thanks to big-name donations. Additionally, he has been visiting shelters to provide food and essentials for the last three months. Matt believes in balancing the fun, engaging aspect of his business with meaningful community contributions. Matt reveals a glowing 30% year-on-year growth rate for his restaurant, a feat he attributes primarily to organic content. While Matt's passion isn't driven by the financial bottom line, he's keen on leveraging paid advertising methods to catapult that growth rate to potentially 60 or 90%. When probed about his long-term strategy, Matt paints a bittersweet picture. He sees the eventual fate of his restaurant as part of a bigger life plan. Matt signed a five-year lease with an aim to gather sufficient capital and experience for his future ventures. In a somewhat emotional reveal, he talks about prepping his loyal team for life after the restaurant—some of whom are already taking those steps. Additionally, Matt brings up his concerns about the fragility of the current economy. Anticipating the possibility of a downturn, he's already designed an "emergency menu" that could offer more affordable meals. Outside the restaurant world, Matt has another exciting chapter unfolding. He and his wife have recently embarked on an e-commerce business journey as they also start their family. Moreover, Matt wants to continue entertaining and educating people through his personal brand. On a lighter note, when asked about his favorite milkshake, Matt roots for the classic chocolate malt, elaborating on his preference for fresh-scoop ice cream over soft serve. Guest: Matt Kirschner Host: Felix Bazgan Red Knapp's: TikTok  |  Instagram Cambro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |  Tik Tok | Cambro Eats Website

5. 14 Apr 2023

   Interview with Mike Bicocchi – Cambro Eats Episode 37

   Welcome to a new episode of the Camera Eats podcast, where host Felix Bazgan interviews Mike Bicocchi, the executive chef at Elegant Affairs, a full-service catering company serving Manhattan, New York City, Long Island, and the Hamptons. They discuss catering trends for 2023 and how Elegant Affairs distinguishes itself in the competitive market with exceptional presentation, service, and reimagining catering food. Mike shares his journey from working in restaurants to catering and the growth of Elegant Affairs from a basement business to a powerhouse. Mike highlights some trends in catering, such as the popularity of mini meals and individual small plates that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic, the increased use of sous vide cooking techniques, and the focus on personalization and emotion in event planning. He also emphasizes that catering doesn't have to be limited to buffet-style food and can be elevated with proper planning and resources. Join Felix and Mike as they explore the world of high-end catering and discuss the importance of a strong team, overcoming misconceptions about catering, and the exciting future of Elegant Affairs. Guest: Executive Chef Mike Bicocchi Host: Felix Bazgan Elegant Affairs: Website | Instagram Cambro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |  Tik Tok | Cambro Eats Website

6. 11 Mar 2023

   Interview with Cara Wade [Butterface Lunchlady – TikTok] – Cambro Eats Episode 36

   In this episode, Cara Wade, a kitchen director at a K-12 facility and TikTok star known as ButterFace Lunch lady. Cara talks about her journey into the food service industry, from wanting to be a restaurant manager to eventually majoring in hospitality business management and getting industry experience. She also shares her experience working for a nonprofit running a coffee shop and bakery in Thailand. Cara explains that she started sharing content on TikTok because she loves food and loves what she does. She had plans to open a food cart before COVID-19 hit, and had already designed the Butter Face logo, which became the face of her TikTok account. The name "Butter Face" was a funny play on words, given that the food cart was going to be low-carb or keto-focused and involve a lot of heavy fat content. The name certainly is eye-catching! At school, she currently provides meals for 500 students. She shares the challenges and the fun of sharing her day to day activities with such a wide audience. When asked “What are some of the misconceptions or things that that the public may not know about school food service that you wish they knew a little bit more about?” she replied: “I think the biggest thing that people you know especially in my interactions with people in the TikTok comments and all that people don't seem to understand the implications of how much, how big, how many less quantity of stuff we're doing. And people have just they just do this. Why don't you just do that and like there is no just doing anything 500 times. And I know, especially for public schools, that their hands are tied a lot and your lunch staff cares about your kids. And if something is not the way you would want it to be, I guarantee it's not because that staff in the kitchen didn't care about it.” Enjoy the episode and check out Cara on TikTok. Guest: Cara Wade Host: Felix Bazgan Cara Wade TikTok Cambro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |  Tik Tok | Cambro Eats Website

7. 12 Oct 2022

   Interview with Sawyer Hemsley – Cambro Eats Episode 35

   On this episode of Cambro Eats, I had the pleasure of interviewing the co-founder of Crumbl Cookies, Sawyer Hemsley. Sawyer started Crumbl with his cousin in 2017 while at Utah State. Focusing on making their signature milk chocolate chip cookies the best it could be while adding weekly flavors turned out to be a winning combination. Customer flock to the stores and online delivery for weekly tastings! In a very short time, Crumbl has become one of the fastest growing cookie businesses ever. With almost 600 locations and on target for 1,000 by the end of 2022, Crumbl is on course for a meteoric rise. In this interview, we discuss the start of the business, on-going business challenges and what the future holds for Crumbl. Guest: Sawyer Hemsley Host: Felix Bazgan Sawyer Hemsley – Crumbl Cookies: Website |  TikTok | Instagram  |  Twitter Cambro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |  Tik Tok | Cambro Eats Website

8. 6 Jul 2022

   Interview with Kix Nystrom – Cambro Eats Episode 34

   On this episode of Cambro Eats, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Kix Nystrom. Chef Kix is the Senior VP of Kitchen Operations at The Cheesecake Factory. And quite unusual in the world of foodservice is the fact that he's been with The Cheesecake Factory for over 30 years! Chef Kix has been with The Cheesecake Factory since their 5th store opening and over that time has seen the company grow to over 300 global locations and several new concepts. In this inteview Chef talks about getting started in foodservice at an early age and finding his way to The Cheesecake Factory. Cambro has had a great relationship with him and the entire team at The Cheesecake Factory for many years. Fun fact: Cambro Camshelving Premium Series was first put into test at The Cheesecake Factory in Marina Del Ray, Calif. over 20 years ago and it's still there! Enjoy the show! Guest: Kix Nystrom Host: Felix Bazgan Kix Nystrom - The Cheesecake Factory: Website |  TikTok | Instagram  |  Twitter Cambro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |  Tik Tok | Cambro Eats Website

9. 5 Feb 2022

   Interview with Kyle Inserra – Cambro Eats Episode 33

   On this episode of Cambro Eats, I’m joined by Kyle Inserra. Kyle is a self-described “recovering restaurant owner” turned real estate advisor and he assists emerging restaurant brands. With his culinary background and experience, he also creates some great content for restaurant owners – especially on Tiktok where I was first introduced to Kyle. We discuss his background and evolution to where he is today - we invite you to check out Kyle's content on Instagram and Tiktok. Enjoy the show! Guest: Kyle Inserra Host: Felix Bazgan Kyle Inserra: Website |  TikTok | Instagram  |  LinkedIn Cambro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |  Tik Tok | Cambro Eats Website

10. 20 Dec 2021

    Bracken’s Kitchen: Interview with Bill Bracken – Cambro Eats Episode 32

    On this episode of Cambro Eats, we talk to Chef Bill Bracken, founder of Bracken’s Kitchen. Bracken’s Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Orange County California. Through food rescue, culinary training and their community feeding program they are committed to rescuing, re-purposing and restoring both food and lives. Through our Cambro Cares initiative we’ve had the chance to volunteer and help out at Bracken’s Kitchen. Bracken’s Kitchen will make and serve almost 2 million meals in 2021. That is an overwhelming number since Bill started the organization just in 2013. In this interview, Chef Bill discusses his background, the idea for Bracken’s Kitchen and the continuing need for their work in the community. Enjoy the show. Guest: Chef Bill Bracken Host: Felix Bazgan Bracken's Kitchen: Website |  Twitter | Instagram Cambro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |  Tik Tok | Cambro Eats Website

11. 16 Jul 2021

    Stuf’d Catering Truck: Interview with John Locasio – Cambro Eats Episode 31

    On this episode of Cambro Eats, we talk to Chef John Locascio, co-founder and co-owner of Stuf’d Catering Truck in New York City. Some of the topics we dive into with Chef John are the idea and pursuit of starting the business, growth, pandemic challenges, and future outlook. Check out some of these awesome food pics and listen to the show! Enjoy the interview and connect with John and Stuf'd Catering Truck on social: Guest: Chef John Locascio Host: Felix Bazgan Stuf'd Catering Truck: Website |  Twitter | Instagram Cambro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter |  Tik Tok | Cambro Eats Website

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

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