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Food and Beverage Magazine Podcast: Leadership Shifts, Culinary Philanthropy, and the PR%F Awards

May 2, 2026 ·18m 42s

Show Notes

Welcome to the latest episode of the Food and Beverage Magazine Podcast, hosted by James and Olivia, your trusted Food and Beverage Magazine Editors. In this episode, the Food and Beverage Magazine Editors dive into major industry shifts, including the launch of Pepperlot, a revolutionary new online marketplace designed exclusively for restaurant real estate by commercial real estate veteran Alex Rusu. We also discuss Bloom Talent Studio, a new female-founded advisory firm aimed at helping high-growth companies align their people systems with their business ambitions.

Our hosts cover significant leadership appointments, such as Michelle Armock taking the helm as Chef de Cuisine at MKT Restaurant and Bar, Justin Draper becoming Culinary Director at Dellshire Resort, and Robert Ramer stepping up as Chief Operating Officer of Koloa Rum.

We honor industry milestones and philanthropic efforts, discussing Richard Dick Marriott receiving the 2026 Legends Award for his lifetime dedication to the restaurant industry, and the incredible disaster relief work of the Guy Fieri Foundation, which has served over 200,000 meals during crises. The editors also highlight the importance of industry recognition, diving into the PR%F Awards, co-founded by Michael Politz, which celebrate the best consumer brands across the beverage sector.

Finally, we explore exciting brand collaborations and product launches, from the unique OluKai and SPAM sandal collection that pays homage to Hawaii's beloved SPAM musubi, to the Kokoro Matcha Latte introduced by Jittery Joe's Coffee and Peter Dale. We also cover the James Beard Foundation's transformative new multi-year partnership with American Express and Resy to support independent restaurants.

For full articles on these stories, exclusive insights, and daily industry news, always make sure to visit fbmagazine.com. Thank you for listening, and remember to bookmark fbmagazine.com so you never miss the latest trends in the global hospitality world.

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