ON TAP: Presented by FCSI, The Americas

🎉🎙️ SEASON FINALE ALERT 🎙️🎉 Welcome to the LAST episode of this season's On Tap Presented by FCSI The Americas! 🍻 🌟 Joining Wade today is the incredible Karen Malody, the mastermind behind Culinary Options. From launching iconic brands to crafting THAT popular frosty beverage at a "small" coffee chain you probably sipped today, her footprint in the foodservice industry is unpara...

 Get ready for an electrifying episode of On Tap! 🎬 This week, Wade is thrilled to have a special guest joining him - none other than Lenny Condenzio, the brilliant CEO of Ricca Design Studios. 🌟 From working alongside his father to becoming a seasoned operator, his wealth of experience knows no bounds. Lenny takes us through his fascinating career, including his time managing foodservice for pr...

 🎙️ Get ready for an entertaining episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI The Americas!  This week, Wade sits down with the legendary Chris Tripoli, a true pioneer in restaurant and hospitality design. With an illustrious 40-year career as a designer, developer, owner, and operator, author, and teacher, Chris has been a driving force in revolutionizing the restaurant scene since 1996. Chris and Wade d...

 Prepare for takeoff! This episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI The Americas features Par Bain, the newest board member representing the Canadian membership. Par chats with Wade about his 44 year journey in hospitality and foodservice, his transition from operations into architecture and foodservice design, and the sectors that Smart Design Group serves.  Par shares his unique perspective on the co...

🍻 Buckle up, because the latest episode of On Tap is about to take you on a wild ride! Presented by FCSI The Americas, Wade is joined today by none other than the speedster himself, "Terrible Tim" McDougald, who Wade describes as "the fastest member of FCSI!" Tim shares his inspiring journey, starting from his humble beginnings in foodservice where he fearlessly tackled stacks...

📺 Get ready for an exciting episode of On Tap, presented by FCSI The Americas! 🍻 This week, join Wade as he sits down with the talented and passionate Renee Palmer, Associate Principal at FoodSpace. In this engaging conversation, Renee takes us on her unique journey into the foodservice industry through her work with a non-profit organization. She shares her insightful perspectives on the unity...

Get ready for an episode of On Tap that'll have you raising your glass and tapping your toes! In this entertaining installment, we're thrilled to welcome the incredible Steve Carlson, President & Executive Principal of Rippe Associates. But hold on tight, because Steve's journey into the world of foodservice is anything but ordinary! Join us as we dive into his fascinating backs...

Welcome to another episode of On Tap, where we delve deep into the world of foodservice design! Today, we are thrilled to have multi-award-winning consultant, Chris Bigelow, joining us. Recognized as one of the top 20 most influential figures in sports facility design and management, Chris has a wealth of knowledge to share. In our conversation, Chris takes us on a journey from his early days in t...

In this episode of On Tap, Wade is joined by Emmanuel Melo, a member of our Latin America Chapter in São Paulo, Brazil. With his nearly 50 years in foodservice, Emanuel shares how he got his start in the industry as a youth, his favorite projects he's worked on, and relates some of the unique challenges of designing kitchens in Latin America. As a bonus, as one of the planners for September&a...

Ladies and gentlemen, put your drinking glasses down and tune in because it's time for another episode of FCSI On Tap! This episode, we have a special guest - Khaled Halabi, NYC-based Director of Design at Cini-Little, and a true international man of mystery. Join Wade as he sits down with Khaled to discuss his journey in the industry. From working with his dad in architecture and engineering...

Welcome to On Tap: Presented by FCSI The Americas! Joining us in today's episode, we are delighted to have Rochelle Monahan, Associate Principal at Rippe Associates.  Just wait! We'll be diving into Rochelle's incredible passion for foodservice design within the healthcare industry, as well as her heartwarming personal life with her family. So don't miss out on this exciting an...

Welcome to On Tap: Presented by FCSI The Americas! In today's episode, we have a special treat for you. Joining us is the talented Robert Scheibly, Project Manager & Designer at Camacho. We'll be exploring his fascinating journey in the industry, discussing how he got his start, and learning about the mentors who've guided him along the way. But that's not all! We'll a...

In this episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI The Americas, we are joined by the incredible Jessica Gates, Associate Design Project Manager at Real Food Hospitality and Design.   Jessica takes us on her journey through her beginnings in foodservice consulting while also sharing her design approach. They talk favorite projects, and her unique insights on design in all things. But wait - there's...

Welcome to the latest episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI the Americas! In this episode, our host Wade speaks with Joe Mora, Design Director and Project Manager at S2O Consultants, about his fascinating experiences in foodservice design spanning over 35 years. Joe shares his insights on stadium design, specifically taking us through his experience at this year's Super Bowl site. He also delve...

On this episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI the Americas, we speak with Trey Rieper, Project Manager at Foodservice Design Professionals in Waxahachie, TX. A former firefighter, we talk with Trey about the pivot to foodservice consulting, how long it took for him to feel proficient, as well as some advice for incoming consultants with little experience. To find out more about Trey Rieper, visit  h...

On this episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI the Americas, we speak with John Zerebny, President at JAX Design Group. As a longtime veteran of the consultant industry, John and Wade discuss his start, his background in operations, the greatest influences in his career and what he hopes his legacy will be once he retires. To find out more about John Zerebny, visit  https://jaxdesigngroup.com/jax_des...

On this episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI the Americas, we speak with Pierre Metellus President of 3PM Design. We talk about his unique path and perspective on the industry, his decision to go out on his own, his favorite projects and the meaning of the name 3PM Design. To find out more about Pierre Metellus, visit  https://www.3pmdesign.com/about-us/ To find out more about 3PM Design, visit htt...

On this episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI the Americas, we speak with Elijah Davis, Project Manager at Next Step Design. Join us as we explore his transition from a Johnson & Wales baking and pastry grad to foodservice consultant, the biggest influences on his professional life, and one thing you’d never guess about him (hint: skateboards). To find out more about Elijah Davis, visit  https:/...

On this episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI the Americas, we speak with Mike Perigard, Director of BIM/CAD Design at Cini Little International. As someone with a very unique perspective in the foodservice consulting industry, we talk with Mike about how CAD/Revit has changed over the last 30 years, the future of computer assisted design, what manufacturers should do differently in their design pro...

On this episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI the Americas, we speak with Juan Martinez, PhD, FCSI, Founder of Profitality Labor Guru, an Industrial Engineering Consulting Company. Join us as we chat about the unique approach he has for foodservice consulting, how important networking has been to professional success, and what he finds most rewarding about being a consultant. To find out more about...

On this episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI the Americas, we speak with Amy Hegarty, FCSI, CID, ASID, SFSP, President at Foodservice Consultants Studio Greater Richmond Region. We touch on the most rewarding parts of foodservice consulting, how interior design can influence kitchen design, and the challenge of having so many professional initials after your name. To find out more about Amy Hegarty...

On this episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI the Americas, we speak with a fresh face in the consultant game, Chef Chris Aquilino. In this conversation, we talk about the challenge of going it alone, how to prepare for inflation in the kitchen, and the good work that St. Jude is doing in the lives of their patients. To find out more about Chef Chris Aquilino, visit  https://www.chefchrisaquilino.co...

On this episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI the Americas, we speak with a Principal from Ricca Design Studios, Mr. Ryan Mikita. Join us as we explore how Ryan got into foodservice from a Fine Arts background, how the industry has changed over Covid, as well as why he chose foodservice consulting as his career. To find out more about  Ryan Mikita, visit  https://www.ricca.com/leadership-ryan-mikita...

On this episode of On Tap Presented by FCSI the Americas, we speak with Principal from Stuart Davis Design, Mr. Stuart Davis. In this great conversation, Wade and Stuart explore how he got his start in the industry, why he decided to go out on his own, and both his favorite project and greatest screwup. To find out more about Stuart Davis, visit  https://www.stuartdavisdesign.com/about To find out...

In this episode of On Tap, Wade welcomes Orlando Espinosa to the program. Orlando and Wade dish on a variety of subjects, everything from Covid impacting B&I foodservice design, to Orlando's time at Aramark - even how long it took to design the foodservice for the Olympics. This is a fascinating episode you won't want to miss! To find out more about Orlando Espinosa & Associates,...