Saucy Bites

Chef Tim Recher—World Certified Master Chef, global competitor, and culinary Olympic team member—shares what it takes to perform at the highest level in the culinary world. From leadership to global competition to maintaining professional excellence, this episode is packed with insight. Guest Background: Tim Recher is a World Certified Master Chef and distinguished member of the World Master Chef Society. He is a recipient of the National Chef Professionalism Award, a Certified Executive Chef, and a competitor in the Global Chefs Challenge World Championship. He has represented the United States as part of the National Culinary Olympic Team and is a member of the American Academy of Chefs. Chef Recher currently serves at The Club at Mediterra in Naples, Florida. SocialsLinkedInSponsored by Ovention Ovens

This week, we sit down with Ted Asprooth, a specialist in Foodservice, Convenience Store operations, and Military foodservice support at Antunes. Antunes is a world leader in custom foodservice equipment and water filtration systems, servicing over 150 countries with manufacturing plants in Carol Stream, IL and China. Their customers include major global QSR brands—most notably McDonald's, where Antunes earned Equipment Supplier of the Year. Ted shares insight into equipment innovation, C‑store operations, military foodservice demands, and what keeps Antunes at the forefront of the foodservice world. This episode is packed with high-level industry knowledge. Guest Background: Ted Asprooth is a Foodservice and Convenience Store industry specialist with extensive experience supporting military and commercial foodservice environments. At Antunes—a global leader in custom foodservice equipment and advanced water filtration solutions—Ted helps support operations across 150 countries. Antunes maintains manufacturing plants in Carol Stream, Illinois, and China, serving major partners including McDonald's (where Antunes earned Equipment Supplier of the Year), global QSR brands, convenience stores, and the U.S. Military. As a family-owned company recognized with numerous Best in Class workplace awards, Antunes continues to be a worldwide force in foodservice innovation. SocialsLinkedInSponsored by Ovention Ovens

Meet Tim Harris, the creator behind Tim Taking Time — an industrial market influencer helping brands become seen, known, and trusted. With an audience of over 28,000 engaged followers, Tim uses the power of videos, photos, and consistent engagement to help industrial equipment companies stand out in a crowded space. In this episode, Tim shares why authenticity matters more than polished perfection, how B2B brands can unlock trust, and what it takes to build strong industry visibility. Marketing teams maintain full control of messaging while leveraging Tim’s reach and influence — making this episode essential listening for anyone in industrial marketing. Guest Background: Tim Harris is a marketing-focused influencer and content creator known for helping industrial equipment brands become seen, known, and trusted through the power of videos, photos, and consistent engagement. As the creator of Tim Taking Time, he provides companies with access to his engaged network of more than 28,000 followers while allowing marketing teams to stay fully in control of messaging and branding. Tim is a dad, husband, traveler, and independent content provider dedicated to elevating visibility and audience trust across the industrial sector. Tim Harris SocialLinkedinSponsored by Ovention Ovens

Roger Kreager is the Owner and President of Chef Source in Canton, Michigan, with decades of experience in foodservice equipment and kitchen solutions. Known for his customer-first approach and strong industry partnerships, Roger built Chef Source from the ground up—starting out of his garage and delivering equipment from the trunk of his car. Under his leadership, Chef Source has become a trusted resource for operators across the Midwest.In this episode Chef Joe unlock the secret to building a thriving food business with the visionary behind Chef Source Distribution, Roger Kreager.Discover how he grew from a one-man operation in 1999 to a regional powerhouse spanning multiple states—all through passion, innovation, and relentless hard work. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned chef aiming to turn your food passion into a sustainable empire, this episode lights the path forward. Roger shares behind-the-scenes stories of navigating economic crashes, pandemics, and supply chain chaos—all while doubling down on customer service and product quality.SocialsChef Source WebsiteChef Source LInkedInRoger Kreager LinkedIn

Join us as we sit down with Dan Farmer, CFSP I-1st, President of SESCO — one of the industry’s leading employee-owned foodservice equipment companies. Dan brings decades of executive-level insight into how the industry is evolving, what operators and manufacturers must understand moving forward, and the leadership strategies that drive both innovation and stability. From distribution trends to elevating industry standards, Dan shares invaluable perspectives that anyone in the foodservice world can learn from. Whether you're an operator, consultant, rep, or manufacturer, this episode is packed with game-changing insight. Guest Background: Dan Farmer, CFSP I-1st, is the President of SESCO (Specialty Equipment Sales Company), an employee-owned leader in the foodservice equipment industry. With deep expertise in consulting, equipment solutions, and industry partnership development, Dan has built a respected presence across the national foodservice equipment landscape. Based in the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area, he is recognized for his leadership and involvement in supporting operators, manufacturers, and dealer networks. A graduate of California State University–San Bernardino, Dan continues to advance industry standards through his work at SESCO. Sesco SocialWebsiteLinkedinDan FarmerLinkedinSponsored by Ovention Ovens

What happens when bold, globally inspired cooking meets deep cultural roots? In this episode, we sit down with Chef Tristen Epps—Top Chef Season 22 winner, James Beard Award semi-finalist, and Michelin-recognized chef—to explore his journey from a childhood spent across Guam, Japan, and the Philippines to leading acclaimed kitchens like Red Rooster Overtown and Ocean Social by Tristen Epps.  We talk about honoring Afro-Caribbean traditions, navigating TV competitions like Chopped and Top Chef, and using your platform to uplift underrepresented voices in the industry. If you love food, flavor, or a good underdog story, this one’s for you. Tristan Epps Long Background:Guest Background (Culinary History): Raised by a military mother, with a childhood spent across Guam, Japan, and the Philippines, where he developed a diverse palate and passion for international flavor. He made his national TV debut on ABC’s The Taste, later becoming a Chopped champion and appearing on Iron Chef and Best Thing I Ever Ate. As Executive Chef of Red Rooster Overtown in Miami, he helped earn recognition from the Michelin Guide and Condé Nast Traveler’s list of Top 12 Best New Restaurants in the World. Most recently, he received a 2024 James Beard semi-finalist nod for Ocean Social by Tristen Epps. SocialsInstagramFacebookWebsiteSponsored by Ovention Ovens