Cindy Smith, Catena Development, a Division of Arizona Restaurant Supply

Cindy SmithAs an account manager working in outside sales for Catena Development, Cindy Smith knows how to problem-solve. Indeed, she enjoys tackling the daily challenges with clients. She brings a nuts-and-bolts — literally —understanding of equipment to the role. She has worked with Catena Development, a division of Arizona Restaurant Supply based in Phoenix for approximately six years.

Prior to transitioning to the dealer side, Smith worked in the operator segment, first with plant-based eatery Native Planet Foods, then ice cream concept Cold Stone Creamery and subsequently multiconcept operator Kahala Brands, which purchased Cold Stone Creamery in 2007. Today, her client base includes many Kahala Brands franchisees.

Q: You seem to have a natural affinity for working with foodservice equipment. What attracted you to equipment?

A: I fell into it with one of my previous jobs. It was just something that appealed to me. I really understand equipment and the inner workings and parts and pieces. I’m kind of mechanically inclined, so this was just something that appealed to me. I can fully understand what’s going on when I talk with manufacturers. I was tasked with creating better mousetraps. I got to touch everything and knew what was needed. This was my niche. I was able to learn how we can better utilize the pieces of equipment that the brands required and what fit best. Knowing the equipment and knowing the manufacturers and having people behind me with support and growth has been fantastic. I’ve loved that for years.

Q: How has equipment evolved for the better?

A: Equipment has evolved tremendously. The advances in environmentally friendly refrigerants have been a game-changer, not to mention the improvements when it comes to energy efficiency. There is greater reliability in food safety with today’s equipment, too. The commercial refrigeration equipment is a major component in my procurement for Cold Stone Creamery. The display cases of today offer so much more with a modern look, clearer glass display doors and LED lighting. It’s exciting to see the advancements in restaurant equipment.

Q: How does your past chain experience help?

A: I’ve worked with chains from day one. There’s a love I’ve had for Kahala Brands. I have a heart for franchisees. I understand what their needs are. I can forecast what the needs are for manufacturers, too. Each project is always in a different phase, but by working with suppliers, I have developed strong relationships, and that helps me prepare them to meet the operator’s needs. A lot goes into a project from start to finish to ensure we can get the operator to open sooner or on target. 

Q: Franchisees can come to the table with different levels of business experience, financing and even knowledge of the restaurant industry. How do you help them get started?

A: I will introduce myself and make sure I have all the plans for their new businesses. I provide them with spec sheets for equipment, and I go through the entire process with them, going from the build-out through the opening of the location. We review every aspect of the build-out, so they know what to expect. 

DSR 3-2-1

Cindy Smith, Catena Development, a Division of Arizona Restaurant Supply, sits down with Jason Wange, Foodservice Powerplant Network, to talk about being named an FE&S DSR of the Month.

Find more episodes of DSR 3-2-1 here.

Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Presents DSR 3-2-1 is sponsored by Salvajor.