Big news, big energy, and an even bigger vision. In this special episode of Your Bridge to Local, we’re pulling back the curtain on a major milestone for Affinity Group. One that signals our continued commitment to innovation, growth, and reshaping what’s possible in the food industry. Host Mindy Kopacz is joined by Neil Gladstone with Affinity Group, along with Matt Ward and George Monahan with Mascari NXT to discuss the acquisition of Mascari NXT, an Affinity Group Company. Tune in to hear why this acquisition isn’t just about growth…it’s about shaping the future of the food industry and how Affinity Group is raising the bar for the entire ecosystem.

Who doesn’t love a good Limited Time Offer? From the McRib to the Pumpkin Spice Latte, LTOs have a way of sparking excitement, and in the foodservice world, they can do a whole lot more.

In this episode, Affinity Group host Mindy Kopacz sits down with Jim Binner of Lactalis Culinary and Alan Britz of Britz Food Group to dive into the hits and misses of some of the most memorable LTOs, from Arby’s Steak Bites to the Shamrock Shake, The Triple Dipper and more. They’ll talk about what made certain ideas soar (and others flop), and how brands can use LTOs as powerful tools to introduce new products, test fresh concepts, and build stronger partnerships between manufacturers and chain accounts. If you’ve ever wondered how an LTO goes from buzz to business impact or just love reminiscing about the best (and boldest) food fads, this episode is for you!

The foodservice industry depends on women every day; in operations, sales, and behind the scenes. But when it comes to leadership, there’s still work to do.

In this episode, Affinity Group host Mindy Kopacz leads a thoughtful conversation with Nicole Strohman with Basic American Foods, Amy Garrard with Edward Don & Company, and Morgan Agba with Griffith Foods on how foodservice manufacturers can create more opportunities for women to grow, lead, and thrive. From mentorship and career development to the real barriers still holding women back, they explore what progress looks like and how we can accelerate it. Check it out and share with your industry peers!