Farm to Fork: The Innovators with David Maloni
Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators, the podcast where decades of industry expertise meet the future of the food supply chain. I'm David Maloni, your host, and with over 40 years in the food production, distribution, and operations sectors, I've seen the industry evolve. But now, it's time to push the boundaries of innovation further.
Every other week, join me as I sit down with pioneers from the past, the game-changers of today, and the visionaries shaping the future of our field. Together, we'll explore new ideas, technologies, and strategies that can revolutionize how we farm, produce, move, and serve food to the world.
I invite you, our listeners, to be a part of this journey. If you know someone or have a topic in mind that aligns with our mission, please reach out. Your input matters, and it could be the spark that ignites the next big breakthrough in the food supply chain.
For more insights and to connect with my consultancy, visit www.DatumFS.com. Thank you for tuning in. Together, let's drive innovation and transform the way we nourish our communities
Farm to Fork: The Innovators with David Maloni
Future of Foodservice & Franchising with Jim Balis from Capital Spring Partners
Welcome to Farm to Fork! In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Balis, an industry veteran and the Head of Strategic Operations at Capital Spring, a leading private equity and debt investment firm specializing in food service. With a wealth of experience in restaurant operations and franchising, Jim shares his perspective on where the food service industry is headed and how businesses can adapt to consumer trends, supply chain challenges, and the evolving role of technology.
Throughout this conversation, we cover a wide range of essential topics, from the current state of the food service industry and the strategies that drive long-term success to the impact of automation and AI on restaurant operations. Jim also breaks down common misconceptions about franchising and explains why some brands thrive while others struggle. If you’re in the food business—whether as an operator, franchisee, or investor—this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you stay ahead of the curve.
Connect with David:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
Connect With Jim:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/
https://www.capitalspring.com/
Timestamps
00:00 – Preview
01:07 – Jim’s Background in the Food Industry – From restaurant operator to private equity leader
02:36 – The Evolution of Food Franchising – How the industry has changed over time
03:57 – What Makes Foodservice Unique? – The industry’s accessibility and career opportunities
06:25 – Capital Spring’s Investment Approach – How they support restaurant operators
10:26 – Operational Strategies for Growth – Cost-saving insights and efficiencies
14:30 – Technology’s Role in Foodservice – How automation is reshaping operations
19:58 – Balancing Automation & Human Touch – The challenge of keeping customer experience personal
24:29 – Consumer Trends & Economic Impact – How inflation is affecting spending habits
27:57 – AI & Customization in Restaurants – The future of tailored customer experiences
30:33 – Supply Chain & Sourcing Changes – How brands are adapting to global challenges
34:12 – What Makes a Strong Franchisee? – The key to long-term success in franchising
37:55 – Challenges & Opportunities for 2025 – Potential risks and what to expect next
39:18 – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More
I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.
Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors