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 to understanding regional trends and shifting consumer preferences, this conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to succeed in California’s fast-paced food service scene.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this episode will leave you with valuable tools to better understand—and win in—this powerful market.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro

03:35 - Understanding the California Food Service Market

05:40 - Distribution in California's Food Market

14:33 - GPOs and Their Impact on Sales

19:41 - California Sales Strategies

RESOURCES

Portillo Sales

CONTACT

Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

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 supply chains, positioning products for food service buyers, and scaling operations while maintaining quality.

Whether you’re an emerging brand or looking to sharpen your sales approach, this conversation is packed with strategic insights that will help you accelerate growth and carve out your space in the food service landscape.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro

00:26 - Food Service Challenges

11:26 - Transitioning to the Food Service Industry

20:35 - Navigating Food Service Sales: Strategies and Insights

21:09 - Sales Strategies in Food Service

RESOURCES

Portillo Sales

CONTACT

Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

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 evolving to meet shifting market demands, making this a must-listen for anyone in the food service space.

Listen to gain insider knowledge on the forward-thinking strategies Bell Brands is employing to meet changing market demands and customer preferences.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro

04:39 - Transitioning from Retail to Food Service

07:40 - Understanding Waste Management in Food Service

13:46 - Marketing Strategies in the Food Service Industry

15:05 - Innovations in Food Service: Strategies for Success

RESOURCES

Portillo Sales

CONTACT

Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com