Your Bridge to Local

A New Era of Disruption: How Affinity Group Is Redefining What’s Possible in the Food Industry

Big news, big energy, and an even bigger vision. In this special episode of Your Bridge to Local, we’re pulling back the curtain on a major milestone for Affinity Group. One that signals our continued commitment to innovation, growth, and reshaping what’s possible in the food industry. Host Mindy Kopacz is joined by Neil Gladstone with Affinity Group, along with Matt Ward and George Monahan with Mascari NXT to discuss the acquisition of Mascari NXT, an Affinity Group Company. Tune in to hear why this acquisition isn’t just about growth…it’s about shaping the future of the food industry and how Affinity Group is raising the bar for the entire ecosystem.

LTOs: Limited Time, Unlimited Potential

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!

The Leadership Gap: Elevating Women in Foodservice

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!

Feed the Feed: Why Social Media Matters in Foodservice

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!

Beyond the Fryer: Inspiring the Next Generation to Build Foodservice Careers

What will it take to get the next generation to see foodservice as more than just flipping burgers or waiting tables? In this episode of “Your Bridge to Local,” host Mindy Kopacz is joined by industry veterans as they share what they’ve learned from working closely with young professionals, and how they’re rewriting the leadership and training playbook to meet this new workforce where they are. Mindy’s joined by Erik Baylis of Baylis Hospitality, Mike Schwartz with IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, and Megan Teates with Affinity Group. From rethinking expectations to investing your time in education, motivation, and mentorship, the conversation dives into how we can reshape the perception of foodservice into a dynamic, fulfilling career path. Plus, a surprising lesson from a conversation with the former Netflix owner reveals the power of listening to the youngest voices in your organization and how that mindset might just be the key to unlocking your team’s potential. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like and share the podcast; it helps more people discover these important conversations in foodservice!