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Grounded

Grounded

Auteur(s): Steve Moody
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À propos de cet audio

 Join us as we engage with top tier producers in the foodservice industry to hear their perspective from all links throughout the supply chain. Here, we discuss brand development, company culture, global supply chain strategy, culinary innovation and leadership from folks who founded, operate or manage multi-unit restaurant chains. Each show is tailored around the guest to dig deep into their unique journey and how it shapes their current procurement strategy in order to aggregate the best insights toward the future of foodservice.© 2026 Steve Moody Hygiène et mode de vie sain Économie
Épisodes
  • From Barstool to Boss: James Bonanno on Building Upstream Hospitality Group

    From Barstool to Boss: James Bonanno on Building Upstream Hospitality Group
    Jan 20 2026

    Episode Overview

    In this episode of Grounded, host Lauren Mitchell sits down with James Bonanno, Founder & CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group, to unpack how a kitchen dream turned into a fast-growing hospitality portfolio across Long Island—and beyond. James shares the “two weeks to open” origin story behind Tap Room, what it really takes to scale from one location to 20+, and how culture, character, and tech have helped Upstream become a Top Workplace of 2025.
    James Bonanno is the Founder & CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group, whose brands include Tap Room, Bingo Bowls, and iconic seasonal waterfront venues like Salt Shack—all united by a mission to “go upstream” through originality and pushing boundaries.

    5 Key Takeaways

    1. Action beats perfection—especially early on. James explains how Tap Room came together fast: a vacant space, an opportunity, and the decision to jump in before feeling “ready.”
    2. Scaling requires shifting from reactive to professional operations. Moving past “firefighting” meant building systems, getting visibility into numbers, and running the business like an organization—not a one-location hustle.
    3. Know your numbers in near real-time. Upstream leaned into operational tech so food and liquor costs aren’t a month late—they’re visible quickly enough to actually manage.
    4. Culture can scale when values are clear and lived. James highlights values like “saying yes” and quality, with examples like honoring life events and creating a great guest experience even in a parking lot during COVID.
    5. Technology is a leadership advantage when it saves time and sharpens focus. James shares how ClickUp’s AI-powered executive dashboard gives him a quick snapshot of what’s on track, behind, and ahead across the leadership team.


    Connect with the Guest(s)

    • James Bonanno — Founder & CEO, Upstream Hospitality Group
      • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-bonanno-a5a665103/
      • Website: https://upstreamhospitality.com/

    🎧 Ways to Tune In

    Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033
    Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460
    iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/
    Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267
    Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast
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    41 min
  • Why Great Meals Tell Great Stories: Chef Chris Decker of Truly Pizza Grounded #49

    Why Great Meals Tell Great Stories: Chef Chris Decker of Truly Pizza Grounded #49
    Jan 12 2026

    Episode Overview

    Chef Chris Decker joins Grounded to share how 30 years of pizza-making turned into a mission-driven craft rooted in community, creativity, and connection. He and host Lauren Mitchell unpack the story behind Truly Pizza—from its name and hospitality philosophy to the culture that keeps guests coming back for life’s biggest moments. This episode is a reminder that great meals tell stories—and the details (and people) make the experience.

    Guest: Chris Decker — Chef, Truly Pizza.

    🔑5 Key Takeaways

    1. Chris didn’t start out planning a life in food—he originally wanted to be a police officer, then realized he could still “help people” through hospitality and community-building.
    2. The name Truly Pizza comes from a personal, unexpected origin: a partner’s character named “Truly,” plus Chris’s early idea of a “love story” to pizza (“yours truly, pizza”).
    3. Truly Pizza’s hospitality standard is built around a clear operating principle: “one extra step” in service, on the food, and in anticipating what guests need before they ask.
    4. Culture is intentional—from hiring for character (yes, including the grocery cart test) to keeping the kitchen energy positive, loud, and focused on making “happy food.”
    5. Chris’s approach to innovation stays grounded: he’s tried AI phone answering due to overwhelming call volume, but ultimately prioritizes “old school hospitality” and human connection.

    💬 Quote of the Episode

    “We have a philosophy of one extra step in service, on the food and anticipating what guests need before they ask.”
    — Christopher Decker, Chef, Truly Pizza

    🔗 Connect with the Guest(s)

    • Christopher Decker — Chef, Truly Pizza
      • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingbutanchovies/
      • Website: https://www.trulypizza.com/

    🎧 Ways to Tune In

    Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033
    Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460
    iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/
    Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267
    Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast
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    43 min
  • Leading with Balance: Career Growth, Travel, and Fitness in Hospitality - Grounded #46

    Leading with Balance: Career Growth, Travel, and Fitness in Hospitality - Grounded #46
    Dec 16 2025
    In this episode of Grounded, host Lauren Mitchell brings together an inspiring panel of women leaders in hospitality to explore a question many professionals wrestle with: How do you continue to grow in your career while protecting your physical and mental well-being—especially with a demanding travel schedule?Joining the conversation are four dynamic leaders, each carving her own path in the industry:Julie Zucker, Partner & CMO, Branded HospitalityShelly Garner, Assistant Vice President of Area Field Sales, EcolabLiz Seelye, Founder, Starry Eyed StrategyKelly Grogan, Founder, CRUMBSFrom boardrooms and conferences to hotel gyms and walking meetings, these women share candid insights on leadership, fitness, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and building routines that actually stick.🔑 5 Key TakeawaysFitness is not about perfection—it’s about consistency.Whether it’s Peloton rides, CrossFit, Pilates, or walking meetings, each guest emphasizes showing up in whatever way you can.Scheduling movement makes it non-negotiable.Putting workouts on the calendar—just like meetings—dramatically increases follow-through, especially when traveling.Strength training builds confidence beyond the gym.Lifting weights teaches patience, resilience, and how to “do hard better,” skills that translate directly into leadership.Community and accountability matter.From Apple Watch challenges to workout buddies on the road, having people who cheer you on makes all the difference.Balance fuels better leadership and creativity.Movement, hydration, and nutrition don’t just support health—they improve decision-making, energy, creativity, and how you show up for your team.🔗 Connect with the GuestsJulie Zucker – Partner & CMO, Branded HospitalityLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-zucker-41895b2/Website: https://brandedhospitality.comShelly Garner – Assistant Vice President of Area Field Sales, EcolabLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellygarner/Website: https://www.ecolab.comLiz Seelye– Founder, Starry Eyed StrategyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-seelye/Website: https://starryeyedstrategy.comKelly Grogan– Founder, CrumbsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygrogan/Website: https://crumbs.co🎧 Ways to Tune InTransistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast
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    58 min
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