Alton Watts on Hustle, Flavour and Blue Plates

What this episode covers

This episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show is pure gold for anyone in foodservice. Jay, Dom, and Beck welcome Alton Watts, from Sysco Food Services, and the conversation swings from hilarious stories to hard‑earned lessons. Alton talks about growing up as the youngest of ten in Jamaica, learning to cook at his mother’s side, and eventually moving to Canada. He shares how he stumbled into the kitchen world, turned a dishwasher shift into a culinary career, and worked his way through Hard Rock Café kitchens, fine‑dining restaurants, and casinos before jumping into sales and leadership at Sysco.The crew dives into what makes a trade show really work, from live cooking demos that pull people in to setting up booths that feel inviting instead of stiff. Alton explains how to inspire operators with dishes, not just raw products, and why energy and genuine interaction on the show floor make all the difference. They swap stories about blue plate specials, juicy well‑done steaks, ginger‑packed smoothies, and even how trade shows can and should drive real sales, not just handshakes.Between laughs about Jamaican sayings like “sleeping policemen,” jokes about head‑shiners, and Dominic getting teased for his car‑washing side hustle, there’s a ton of practical advice. Alton’s passion for helping restaurants thrive comes through in every story, and the episode closes with a challenge to vendors and operators alike: show up, stand out, and give people something unforgettable.

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