Taking a Bite Out of Food Service

Taking a bite out of food service

By: Jennifer Davidson, Ontario Pork

Building on its strong retail branding program, Ontario Pork is now looking to capture consumers’ desire to support local by taking a bite out of the food service industry.

“Consumers’ desire to support local remains strong, if not has grown even strong during the pandemic,” said Ivan Teves, Retail and Food Service Marketing Specialist at Ontario Pork. “Ontario Pork’s food service branding program educates consumers about the benefits of buying local and supports Ontario farmers and Ontario businesses.”

Restaurants and food service providers that sign up for Ontario Pork’s free branding program instantly gain an established and loyal customer base, use of the widely recognized Ontario Pork logo, the opportunity to participate in province-wide consumer ad campaigns and have their location(s) added to Ontario Pork’s “Restaurants that use Ontario pork” interactive map. Members can also get Ontario Pork branded window clings and digital files for instore and online promotions and menus.

To learn more about Ontario Pork’s free food service branding program visit ontariopork.on.ca/retail/food-service or contact Ivan Teves, Ontario Pork Retail and Food Service Marketing Specialist at ivan.teves@ontariopork.on.ca.

Five favourites from Ontario Pork’s new Retail and Food Service Marketing Specialist Ivan Teves

Ivan came to Ontario Pork in April 2021 with more than 15 years of experience in the protein sector, including 11 years with Retail Ready Foods Inc., where he served as a category manager for pork and poultry. Ontario Pork is excited to have Ivan on the team where he can use his depth of industry knowledge and his client-focused mindset to help grow our retain and food service brand programs.

Ivan Teves - Ontario Pork

To get to know Ivan a bit better we asked him to share five of his favourites.

1. Favourite cut of pork: Pork butts because of how versatile it is. Whether it’s a roast, chops or a killer pulled pork sandwich you can’t go wrong.

2. Favourite way to enjoy pork: For a quick and easy fix it’s bacon, thin slice pan-fried or thick cut on the barbecue. If I have a little more time, it’s slow roast and then turn up the heat to get a nice crispy skin. Have a nice hoppy beer to go with it and dinner is served.

3. Favourite thing about working at Ontario Pork: By far it’s working with an organization that is able to help and have an impact across the supply chain. From farm to fork Ontario Pork is there every step of the way.

4. Favourite thing to do on the weekend: Spending time with family and friends, enjoying great food and creating memories.

5. Favourite all-time movie: I don’t really have a favourite movie but more a favourite genre. I love watching anything superhero-themed.

Let’s meat one of Ontario Pork’s food service brand partners, Lechon Republik

Lechon Republik is a Filipino restaurant located in Toronto that features an outstanding Asian menu in a casual and cozy atmosphere.

We asked Carol Opiniano, Operations Manager a couple of questions about why the Ontario Pork food service branding program was right for Lechon Republik.

Carol Opiniano - Lechon Republik

What made you decide to carry Ontario pork and join Ontario Pork’s food service brand program?

We decided to carry Ontario pork in all our three locations because we trust that it is always fresh and safe for our customers. Ontario pork has no added hormones and artificial ingredients, and we know that this type of highquality product is exactly what our customers are looking for. We feel good knowing that by purchasing Ontario pork we are supporting local businesses which helps the community and can lead to job creation.

What benefits have you seen since becoming an Ontario Pork food service brand partner?

Lechon Republik is committed to providing high-quality products to its customers. We knew that by partnering with Ontario Pork’s food service branding program we could guarantee to our customers that our pork products are of the highest quality. We gained free mileage through Ontario Pork’s free advertising. We consider the Ontario Pork logo as a seal of excellence in the meat industry.

Having our three locations on the Ontario Pork interactive map has increased visibility to current and new customers looking for quality meat.

What has 2021 been like for you in terms of customer loyalty?

Lechon Republik is committed to exceeding our customer’s expectations by providing high-quality products and going above and beyond in terms of customer service. Because of our commitment to these two areas, we have managed to have good customer retention and customer loyalty despite the challenges 2020-21 have thrown at us.

Tell us about some of the ways you serve Ontario-grown pork in your restaurant?

We love preparing Ontario pork and our customers appreciate the variety in which we serve pork. In particular, they enjoy our whole roasted pig, our pork belly which we grill, roast and fry, our pork barbecue, our grilled pork with hollandaise and of course, our deep-fried pork chop.

The pandemic has been challenging for everyone in food service. What are some of the steps you take to maintain customer loyalty?

In order to maintain our customer loyalty during the pandemic, have a competitive advantage and basically keep the company afloat during a downturn, we became more customer-centric.

First, we became more flexible to meet customer needs and wants. Despite the rising food costs that have impacted our business profitability, the company decided to absorb the costs and not increase the price of our products. Second, we changed and expanded how we reach our customers by using social media channels like Facebook and Instagram, as well as engaging third-party delivery services at our own expense during holidays.

Finally, we have created a Research and Development Team to determine what our customers want and need. With this innovation, we were able to increase our market share and sustain our business during the pandemic.

Where can people find out more about your restaurant?

We have three locations. You can visit us in person at our locations in North York (1 Romar Crescent, Toronto), Scarborough (4465 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough) and Ajax (1995 Salem Road N, Ajax). Or you can order for delivery using DoorDash® or UberEats. You can also check out our Facebook (@lechonrepubliktoronto) or Instagram (@lechonrepublik) pages.