ON TAP: Presented by FCSI, The Americas

This week's episode features FCSI Member Jimi Yui, FCSI, who enjoys splitting time between Manhattan and the DC area. James Beard award-winner Jimi Yui speaks the language of chefs, affording him the unique ability to create the stages where they perform. Born and raised in Tokyo, Jimi hails from a long line of hospitality entrepreneurs. Passion for food and design….the recurring themes in hi...

In this week's episode, we feature Howard Stanford, located in Tampa, Florida. Howard Stanford is a man with many exciting hobbies. He races motorcycles, plays the violin and piano, and helps SSA Foodservice Design and Consulting as its Senior Vice President. Howard is one of the current board members and has a huge passion for FCSI and its members! Find out more about Howard at: https://www....

In this week's episode, we feature Omar Pereney, located in Houston, Texas. Omar first burst into the international culinary world as a television star and chef savant and has established himself as one to watch in hospitality consulting. Pereney’s fresh ideas, bold vision, and empathetic personality have created a demand for what he calls his “food with purpose.” Find out more about Omar at:...

In this week's episode, we feature John Radchenko, FCSI, located in Toronto, Canada. John has been consulting since 1969. His architectural background and marketing experience has influenced the firm’s strategy in design and project implementation. His flexible style and overall expertise provide a comprehensive and diversified approach to foodservice. Mr. Radchenko joined Paul Johnston/Van V...

In this week's episode, we feature Bill Caruso, FFCSI, located in Denver, Colorado. It all started on May 12, 1987, when William “Bill” Caruso set up shop in the basement of his home in Littleton, Colorado, with the dream of creating a firm like no other in the food and laundry facilities planning/design/consulting field. Nearly three decades later, under the ownership/management of Stephen Y...

In this week's episode, we feature Steve Crichlow, located in Mobile, Alabama. Steve has over 45 years of restaurant owner/operator experience, including being a multi-unit franchisee at Burger King, Popeye’s, Sonic Drive-In, and most recently, CiCi’s Pizza. Accordingly, providing Steve with a deep and broad knowledge of the restaurant industry and a thorough understanding of the franchisee/f...

In this week's episode, we feature Terise Urias, located in Austin, Texas.  Terise is a talented, solutions-oriented leader who has over 25 years of experience in the retail industry. Her expertise lies within recruiting, hiring, and training employees at all levels to ensure that they are fully capable on every front. She's also skilled at internal team and client-facing communication a...

In this week's episode, we feature Joe Schumaker located in Boise, Idaho. After graduating with honors from the California Culinary Academy, San Francisco, Joe co-founded Cosmopolitan Catering in Sunnyvale, CA.  Joe left Cosmo in 2015 and started FoodSpace where he and his team consult as experts in kitchen design, foodservice management, food business growth strategy, innovative food technol...

Opening our second season, we have FCSI member Michael Pantano, FFCSI, located in Baltimore, Maryland. Michael holds dual degrees in Culinary Arts and Foodservice Management, with an additional background in mechanical engineering. When combined with more than a decade of real-world experience as a foodservice operator, he has an excellent background for his career as a foodservice facility design...

On Tap this week, we have FCSI member James Camacho located in Atlanta, Georgia. "April Fool's day" 1979, the day James Camacho, FCSI, CST, CDT, started working full time at Joseph Camacho Associates, the Foodservice Consulting firm founded by his father in 1962. Camacho studied drafting in school, and so his first position was to create MEP and detail drawings on the drafting board...

On Tap this week, we have FCSI member Garrett Lennon from JLR Design Group is located in Seattle, WA. A self-proclaimed foodservice “Lifer,” 20 years in Garrett has a background that includes: Operations, management, sales, design, and now consulting. Garrett joined the firm in 2013 as an associate consultant and, as of Mid-2016, is now a partner & principal at JLR. Garrett has provided design...

On Tap this week, we have FCSI member Jay Bandy from Goliath Consulting Group located in Atlanta, GA. As president of Goliath, Jay Bandy has the experience, the contacts, and the tools to keep all the parts working together so you can achieve your goals – whether you’re looking to take a new concept from the idea stage to “Opening Day” or looking for long-term solutions to specific issues at your...

On Tap this week, we have FCSI member Gina Brinegar, Owner and Managing Principal of Webb Foodservice Design in Anaheim, California. Gina provides firm-wide leadership, strategic vision and firm strategy for growth. She oversees the overall marketing strategy, working to ensure Webb’s is positioning the firm for success across multiple sectors, nationwide. Over 20 years with Webb has given Gina th...

On Tap this week, we have longtime FCSI member and Board Member Michael Berard from Commercial Kitchen Consulting in Binghamton, New York. Michael has over 36 years of foodservice equipment-related experience with a strong emphasis on designing commercial kitchens for K-12 schools, colleges, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, bulk food production kitchens, and correctional and government facil...

On Tap this week, we have FCSI member Erik Haviland from the FUZE in Charlotte, NC. Erik is the Managing Creative Director and has enjoyed nearly 30 years in marketing and many areas of foodservice. He works with the FUZE team leads to ensure that every client's vision is executed on time, in scope, and within budget.  Find out more about Erik at: https://thefuze.net/ #foodserviceconsultant #...

On Tap this week, we have FCSI member John Reed from Customized Culinary Solutions in Chicago, Illinois. For over 30 years, Chef John has shared a wealth of knowledge with the culinary world, having studied and cooked locally, nationally, and internationally. He holds Certified Executive Chef and American Academy of Chefs designations. Chef John kicked off his career by obtaining an associate’s de...

On Tap this week, we have FCSI member John Barja from Foodesign Associates in Charlotte, NC. As principal at Foodesign Associates, Mr. Barja is responsible for planning, program, and project administration. Bringing over 30 years of experience has involved him in the design of over 1000 foodservice projects of all types.  Such projects also include existing facility evaluation reports and institut...

On Tap this week we have FCSI member Laura Lentz from Culinary Advisors in Baltimore, Maryland. Laura brings many years of combined experience in both Hospitality Operations and as a Foodservice Designer. Find out more about Laura at: www.culinaryadvisors.com

Marco Amatti has been a FoodService Consultant for over 20 years. In 2004, he founded MAPA Assessoria em Negócios de Alimentos Out of Lar, which has served more than 250 food companies.. Marco is witty and dedicated to his work. He loves meeting new people and infusing fresh ideas and innovation into their food visions!

On Tap this week, we have FCSI member Peter Bryant from RealFood Hospitality Strategy and Design in Boston, Massachusetts. As lead designer at RealFood, Peter delivers on the vision and solving problems before they arise. With keen attention to detail, focus on client needs, and efficient communication as a liaison between the client and general contractor. His love for the foodservice industry st...

On Tap this week, we have long-time member Bill Bender from SSA Foodservice Design and Consulting.  Bill has spent his entire career providing leadership as a consultant in all segments of the foodservice industry. His outgoing personality and leadership style engages and teaches team members, managers, executives, and owners to raise their performance level and find how they can do better individ...

On Tap this week, we feature Ted Doyals from Ricca Design Studios in beautiful Denver, Colorado. Ted has been a great asset to FCSI and its members. His vast experience with Revit standards comes in handy, and he's a great teacher who enjoys sharing his industry knowledge with the next generation of foodservice consultants.

This week's episode features Arlene Spiegel with Arlene Spiegel & Associates. Arlene is a New York City favorite as well as FCSI! She's been there for her entire career and has completed many wonderful projects that have helped countless people and helped change lives in the process. Her energy, wisdom, and industry knowledge are just three of the qualities that make her so special.

In Episode Nine of ON TAP, we hear from long-time FCSI member Ken Schwartz. He is the President at SSA Foodservice Design and Consulting in sunny Tampa, Florida. Ken leads a diverse team that handles projects all over the globe. Tune into this week's episode to learn more about Ken's perspective on Food Service and how his company has grown to help so many clients around the world.

In Episode Eight of ON TAP, we hear from FCSI America's Chair-Elect, Christine Guyott, a long-time member and the Principal at Rippe Associates in Minneapolis. She shares her perspective on foodservice consulting and why it's essential to be involved with organizations like FCSI to help shape our future as this industry continues to grow.