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Your Bridge to Local

Your Bridge to Local

Written by: Affinity Group
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About this listen

Your Bridge to Local is the podcast that connects you with the people, products, and ideas driving local foodservice success. From delivering products to uncovering opportunities in local markets, Affinity Group offers insights and strategies to help you succeed. Let’s get to work.

© 2025 Your Bridge to Local
Economics
Episodes
  • LTOs: Limited Time, Unlimited Potential
    Nov 17 2025

    Who doesn’t love a good Limited Time Offer? From the McRib to the Pumpkin Spice Latte, LTOs have a way of sparking excitement, and in the foodservice world, they can do a whole lot more.

    In this episode, Affinity Group host Mindy Kopacz sits down with Jim Binner of Lactalis Culinary and Alan Britz of Britz Food Group to dive into the hits and misses of some of the most memorable LTOs, from Arby’s Steak Bites to the Shamrock Shake, The Triple Dipper and more. They’ll talk about what made certain ideas soar (and others flop), and how brands can use LTOs as powerful tools to introduce new products, test fresh concepts, and build stronger partnerships between manufacturers and chain accounts. If you’ve ever wondered how an LTO goes from buzz to business impact or just love reminiscing about the best (and boldest) food fads, this episode is for you!

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    48 mins
  • The Leadership Gap: Elevating Women in Foodservice
    Oct 20 2025

    The foodservice industry depends on women every day; in operations, sales, and behind the scenes. But when it comes to leadership, there’s still work to do.

    In this episode, Affinity Group host Mindy Kopacz leads a thoughtful conversation with Nicole Strohman with Basic American Foods, Amy Garrard with Edward Don & Company, and Morgan Agba with Griffith Foods on how foodservice manufacturers can create more opportunities for women to grow, lead, and thrive. From mentorship and career development to the real barriers still holding women back, they explore what progress looks like and how we can accelerate it. Check it out and share with your industry peers!

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    46 mins
  • Feed the Feed: Why Social Media Matters in Foodservice
    Sep 15 2025

    From TikTok recipes to Instagram-worthy LTOs, social media is transforming how foodservice brands and operators show up, stand out, and serve up success.

    In this episode, Affinity Group host Mindy Kopacz is joined by Jim Martin with Smithfield Culinary, Chef Michael Ponzio with Park Ridge Country Club and Sharon Ponti with FoodMix Marketing Communications to dive fork-first into the role social media plays in this industry. How does social media build visibility, drive trust, and bring brand personality to life in a fast-scrolling world? You'll hear from operators and manufacturers who are using platforms like Instagram and Facebook, to spark innovation, test ideas, and connect more meaningfully with their audiences. Whether you’re still figuring out what’s “Insta-worthy” or already deep in short-form video land, this episode is packed with fresh ideas and insights to help you use social media not just to post, but to grow your business. Be sure to share this episode with your industry friends!

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    47 mins
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