Let This Simmer

The latest Market Minute dives into a subject affecting... well, everything. The conflict in Iran is a constantly evolving event with no real solution in sight. This episode breaks down what we do know and how we can be prepared.

With the Gulf Coast Food Show only a week away, we had just the Houstonian in mind to speak to! Both a DSM and Category Manager of the Year, guest Samantha Fuller is already a leader in the Gulf Coast division and she's just getting started. We covered her trajectory through the company, the decision to jump from DSM to Category Manager, her passion for produce, and much more. We think it's a great way to kick off Let This Simmer in 2026!

Produce is the backbone of our company, and this year we have something big to celebrate...Markon’s 40th anniversary!  In honor of this milestone, Chris sat down with Markon CEO, Andy Hamilton, for an episode you won’t want to miss. Andy shares the rich history between Markon and Ben E. Keith, his journey to becoming CEO, and the values that make - and will continue to make - Markon the leader in foodservice produce.

Episode 3 of The Market Minute looks into a topic we're all very aware of: tariffs. But it's not just the data behind the tariffs themselves... it's the way we are educating our operators on the facts of this situation.

This month, it’s a meeting of the podcast minds … Chris sat down with Gulf Coast’s Business Solutions Manager and host of “The Dish,” Carrie Collins! Carrie discussed her unique journey into foodservice, her passion for our company culture, her thoughts on our customer’s needs and more! It’s well worth your time to hear these two behind the mic.

Our second episode of The Market Minute looks into the question being asked all over the country: "what's up with these beef prices?" We dig in to the why on the staggering numbers in the beef market and what our operators should be aware of heading into the future.

We hear there may be a big event headed Ben E. Keith's way, so we thought it would be good to talk to someone on the inside about it. This month, Chris sat down with Project Pioneer's Director of Purchasing Transformation, David Bentancourt! Chris and David discussed his journey at Ben E. Keith that lead him to this role and a candid look at the upcoming transition. In our opinion, it's a must listen.

The "Let This Simmer" Network is adding a bonus series: "The Market Minute." These short pieces will dive into a variety of trends that may affect the restaurant industry, whether that be a supply shortage, a recall, a change in tastes by consumers... the list goes on. This piece will be delivered through the same site as the "Let This Simmer" podcast two weeks after the main pod drops.Episode one looks into a trend that can no longer be looked at as a fad: the GLP-1 industry. If it isn't going away, are we addressing it with our customers?

With our companywide SRP only a few weeks away, Chris headed down to Houston to have a conversation with a Johnny Beauchamp winner... none other than Sarah Goessler! Sarah and Chris discussed her path that led her to becoming one of Gulf Coast's finest DSRs and the ins and outs of the day in the life of a DSR in 2025.

On this month's episode, Chris sat down with legendary Fort Worth Chef Jon Bonnell. Jon and Chris had a fantastic conversation on getting into the food world, the path that led him to becoming an owner/operator of 5 restaurants, some impactful moments along the way, and the reason why he considers Ben E. Keith one of his most valued partners.

You can't miss this!  Chris had the chance to sit down for a conversation with Ben E. Keith Foods President, Mike Sweet! You'll learn a bit about Mike's younger years, his path that led him not only to Ben E. Keith but to his role as the leader of the Food Division, and some great insights on the future of our company.

In the spirit of the upcoming Keith Championship Weekend, we sat down with some of the top brass in Ops and Trans. Special Sprit winners Ruben Riggins and Brandon Munden share with us their roles at Ben E. Keith, their paths through the distributor world, the changes in operations over the years and more. 

With Sellabration only a couple of weeks away, it's fitting that host Chris Snyder had a fantastic discussion with DSR Stephen Hassinger on his passion for selling produce.

Episode 3 will feature our first guest host of our series! Guest host Chris Rhodes, the reigning Southeast Division DSR of the year, fulfilled his dream to interview Mr. David Werner, our Senior VP of Independent Sales & Marketing. Chris does an excellent job of navigating through David's journey to better understand how he got to the role he is in today and the things that keep him going with Ben E. Keith. Listeners beware: you may be a bit more passionate about our company if you listen to this episode.

In our second episode, host Chris Snyder enjoyed a great conversation with Dr. Emily Williams Knight. Emily sits on the Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association and is President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. As an in-demand speaker, she is one of America's leading authorities in foodservice and has the goal and responsibility to advance and protect our industry.   

LET THIS SIMMER is kicking off with a man who needs no introduction, but we'll do it anyway. Three time Johnny Beauchamp Award winner. Ben E. Keith's DSR of the decade. Now the 2024 Special Spirit award winner. None other than the great Lupe Gonzales. Let this Simmer will work just like a dish simmering - it will evolve over time. This podcast will feature candid conversations with employees, suppliers, operators, restaurant association presidents... anyone and everyone involved with Ben E. Keith. Have thoughts on the show? Send them to host Chris Snyder ([email protected]), Executive Producer Cameron Kuenzer ([email protected]), or VP of Marketing Aimee Lakotas ([email protected]).