What Makes Us Different

About Vanguard Food & Beverage Thynk Tank

From Hangry Chefs to Hospitality Vanguard
Born in the chaos of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Hangry Chefs emerged from the fierce emotions of anger and hunger—anger at the upheaval of the hospitality world, hunger to do something about it. Our team stepped in with grit and expertise, helping hotels and restaurants stay open against all odds. That passion and purpose laid the foundation for what has become Vanguard Food & Beverage Thynk Tank.

Reimagining F&B for Small to Mid‑Size Hotels & Restaurants
At Vanguard, we serve as your on‑demand corporate F&B team—precise, strategic, and scalable—without the overhead. Whether you need support for a menu overhaul, a cost-control audit, or staff training, our experts jump in at the right moment, giving you the competitive edge and stress relief your team needs.

Trendsetters & Industry Champions
We don’t follow trends—we identify and shape them. With our free blog, we share news, insights, and tips to help hospitality businesses thrive in a dynamic marketplace. Our workshops, books, and training classes offer deep dives into culinary innovation, operations, and guest-centric excellence—empowering both home cooks and pro chefs alike.

A Voice for Hospitality, Backed by Experience
Few in our field combine hands-on culinary chops with high-level industry advocacy like our COO, Joseph Tripodi. With 30+ years under his belt—from culinary competitions and awards to leadership roles at resorts, theme parks, and multi‑unit eateries—Joseph has earned his place as a board member of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. He is also a spokesperson for #FairKitchens, a global movement reshaping kitchen culture.

Empowering You, Every Step of the Way
We don’t just consult—we collaborate. Our process is transparent, data‑driven, and tailored. We dig into your operations, uncover opportunities, and equip your team through empowerment strategies and SOP implementation that stick. From cost controls and food safety to team motivation and menu design, we’ve got you covered.

Giving Back to the Industry
In early 2025, Marquis Who’s Who recognized Joseph’s contributions—he’s now selecting five businesses to receive 25 hours of free online consulting in the “Paying It Forward” promotion 24-7pressrelease.com. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to lifting up the hospitality community.

Join the Vanguard Movement
Looking to elevate your food & beverage operation? Seeking fresh insights or impactful training? Want to explore the future of hospitality? You’re in the right place. Whether you're a cozy bistro, a boutique hotel, or a home cook aiming for five‑star experiences, we’re here to champion your success—without the overhead, but with all the heart.

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Our Pillars

On‑demand corporate F&B support for small‑ to mid‑size operators
Free blog & trend reports to empower your business daily
Workshops, books & training for continuous learning
Industry advocacy centered on guest experience and kitchen culture

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Our Core

Vanguard F&B Thynk Tank — Core Values

1. Purpose-Driven Passion

Born from the heart of a crisis, we exist because we care deeply about the people, culture, and legacy of the hospitality industry. We are passionate about creating real impact for independent operators, frontline staff, and culinary creatives.

2. Hospitality Without Borders

We believe in access. Whether you’re a boutique hotel, family-owned restaurant, or aspiring home chef—hospitality should be supported, celebrated, and scaled regardless of size or location. We bring corporate-level expertise to those who need it most, when they need it.

3. Innovation Through Collaboration

Trends don’t happen in isolation—they’re born through shared ideas and forward thinking. We champion collaboration with chefs, owners, operators, and thinkers across the globe to stay ahead of the curve and create what’s next.

4. Education Is Empowerment

We believe in lifelong learning. Through workshops, training, books, and blogs, we provide tools that transform teams and unlock potential at every level—from dishwasher to GM, from novice to executive chef.

5. Integrity in Action

Our strategies are transparent, our solutions are honest, and our results are measurable. We approach every partnership with respect, professionalism, and a commitment to doing what’s right—even when it’s not what’s easy.

6. Advocacy for a Better Industry

We stand with the industry—fighting for fairness, mental health, sustainability, and stronger leadership in kitchens and dining rooms around the world. Through initiatives like #FairKitchens and professional associations, we amplify voices that deserve to be heard.

7. Experience First, Always

At the core of hospitality is experience—the meals, the memories, the human connection. Every strategy we offer, every class we teach, and every blog we publish supports the guest experience and the moments that make it magical.

Our Founder & COO

A driven hospitality professional with a proven track record over 30 years of increasing efficiencies while at the same time growing guest service scores. I have been the top F&B performer for financials at every company I have joined.

Josephs diverse background in multiple sectors of the hospitality industry such as Hotels, Resorts, Theme Parks, Country Clubs, & Restaurants. As well as multi-unit and multi-property experience leads the charge for Vanguard Food & Beverage Thynk Tank as an ideal problem solver.

We look at opportunities from an analytical point of view to determine the best path to take. With strong communication skills and aligning the team before implementing new SOPs to eradicate the hurdles that are in front of us.

Not only do we bring a strong management style to the table with a proven track record of growing industry leaders by fortifying the bench strength of your team by using different growth and incentive programs designed to empower and strengthen the team. Joseph also has an amazing culinary arts background. This allows Vanguard Food & Beverage Thynk Tank to understand the daily operational challenges that other consulting firms will overlook. Having a laser focus on the daily opportunities, as well as staying on top of the latest Food and Beverage trends allows your team to be set apart from your competitors.

In Josephs spare time he is also working on a culinary book, that will teach a home cook how to prepare and pair cocktails and food, so they can entertain their guest like a 5-star chef. Second, Joseph sat on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association. Third, he is a spokesperson for Fair Kitchens which is a campaign spearheaded by the Unilever Corporation, to change the volatile work environment that has plagued our industry for far too long.

Below are links to recent articles featuring Joseph. First, is an article about me in Happenings Magazine. Second, is an interview I did for #fairkitchens for the Unilever corporation. Lastly, is a video from The Chefs Kitchen which is on PBS network.

Happenings Magazine

https://issuu.com/happeningsmagazinepa/docs/nov_19_issuu

#fairkitchens

https://m.facebook.com/wearefairkitchens/videos/409346123337970/

The Chefs Kitchen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEBS8gB4Cm8