Serving Dodgers Baseball Stadium: Michael Chalmers on Stadium Dining Hospitality - Grounded Ep. #39
Explore how blending culinary insight with supply chain strategy can create more resilient, guest-centric food operations. Michael Chalmers, Director of Supply Chain Strategy at Levy Restaurants, shares his unique career path from the U.S. Marine Corps to the kitchen and into supply chain leadership.
In this episode, Michael breaks down the power of cross-functional collaboration, how data and forecasting reduce waste, and why direct supplier relationships matter more than ever. Whether you’re managing foodservice logistics or crafting premium guest experiences, Michael offers grounded lessons in leadership, innovation, and adaptability.
Takeaways:
- Why direct communication between chefs and supply chain leaders solves sourcing and production issues faster.
- What detailed, game-specific forecasting can do to minimize waste and improve operations.
- How shifting demographics and guest preferences should shape your stadium menu strategy.
- Why strong supplier relationships help maintain continuity during industry-wide shortages.
- How patience, listening, and continuous learning shape long-term success in hospitality and logistics.
Quote of the Show:
- “I see excitement and I see adjustment and pivoting take place within the culinary world at a grassroots level where young chefs aren't as encumbered with the status quo or, this is what we've done, this is how we've done it forever.” - Michael Chalmers
Connect with Michael:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-chalmers/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_cook_4_you/
- Michael’s Blog: https://summitsupplychainsolutions.com/blog/
- Company website: https://www.levyrestaurants.com/
Ways to Tune In:
- Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460
- iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/
- Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267
- Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast
Creators and Guests
Host
Lauren Mitchell
Lauren Mitchell is the Director of National Accounts and Custom Distribution at Produce Alliance, LLC. She is a dedicated fresh produce spend & spec maximizer for multi-unit national restaurant chains & groups. She gets to know your brand and infuses your expectation for quality, consistency and transparency to create more reliability in your produce category.
