Mindy Armstrong, VP of Menu Innovation at Ascent Hospitality

Jarrett Whitlow, SVP Beverage Strategy at Botrista

From “old school” operations to leading tech-driven beverage innovation—Jarrett Whitlow has seen it all. In this episode of Heroes & Headwinds, the SVP Beverage Strategy at Botrista talks industry shifts, navigating today’s headwinds, and what’s next for the beverage sector. He even shares his take on Red Lobster’s future and hard-earned advice for thriving through change.

Darden Coors & Jenn Ruppert, MAD Greens

In this episode of Heroes & Headwinds, we sit down with Darden Coors and Jenn Ruppert—CEO and VP of Marketing at Salad Collective—for an inside look at the launch of their bold new MAD Greens menu. Beyond the food, they share candid stories from their dynamic careers, offering insight into leadership, creativity, and what it takes to build a brand with purpose. It’s a thoughtful, energizing conversation you won’t want to miss.

Mindy Armstrong, VP of Menu Innovation at Ascent Hospitality

Mindy Armstrong has been a thought leader in the foodservice industry for nearly two decades, specializing in strategy, the creative process, and culinary leadership. Mindy has had a rich career in consulting and corporate leadership, and today, serves as VP of Menu Innovation for Ascent Hospitality, including the Perkins Amercian Food Company, and Huddle House. Mindy is a prominent industry contributor on trends and innovation, and is an advisory board member for Women in Restaurant Leadership. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Mindy as much as we did.

Maisie Ganzler, F&B Advisor, Author, & Speaker

Today's guest on Heroes & Headwinds is Maisie Ganzler. Author, speaker, and corporate advisor, Maisie is an expert on how companies can make positive change in supply chains and other systems. For two decades, Maisie drove strategy for Bon Appétit Management Company and she positioned the company as a leader in sustainable purchasing. She is also the author of You Can’t Market Manure at Lunchtime: and Other Lessons from the Food Industry for Creating a More Sustainable Company. She joins us today

Anne Mejia, Senior VP of Brand Development at Mellow Mushroom

On this episode of Heroes & Headwinds, you’ll meet Anne Mejia, Senior VP of Brand Development at Mellow Mushroom. Before her tenure at this famed pizza joint, Anne has been an integral part of the marketing teams of notable franchises such as Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jack in the Box, Carl’s Jr., and most recently Frisch’s Big Boy Restaurants. Since joining Mellow Mushroom in 2018, Anne has helped breathe new life into the stone-baked industry titan and is guiding the company through its largest brand refresh in 50 years of business. We hope you enjoy the conversation.