Neuman became a Food Services of America customer when his Sales Associate brought then Portland branch president, Greg Hall out to his restaurant. “I couldn’t believe that the president of the branch had come out to tell me, a very small grocery purchaser, why he felt I should be buying from FSA,” Neuman continued. “Needless to say it made a big impression on me. The company I had been buying from was bought out soon after, and their customer service suffered, and I changed to FSA.” Neuman adds, “I’ve always stood by the notion that I do business with people that do business the same way as I do – with mutual respect, honesty, and loyalty. I’ve always felt that FSA goes the extra mile for customer service. I’ve never regretted that decision.”
One of Neuman’s favorite moments on Dining Out in The Northwest was interviewing the “Galloping Gourmet”, Graham Kerr. “I watched him on the television when I was a kid and always loved his loony British sense of humor,” Neuman said. “He was so gracious and so fascinating, and I’m very proud of the quality of the interview that we did.”
When asked about his favorite guests, Neuman said “There are so many guests and friends that I have made over the years, it’s hard to narrow it down… Graham Kerr; Leif Benson; The Klines from Typhoon; Kenny Giambalvo; Greg Higgins; Loren from Milo’s City Café; Peggy from Mo’s; James Louie from Hubers; Dave Machado, Dave Holstrom aka Guy du Vin; Paul Ornstein, Dick Wirth from Rose’s Restaurant’s, the folks from Hot Lips pizza; the list goes on and on…”
One of the most unusual moments occurred in 2004, “The owner of Kyllos on the Oregon Coast brought his busser with him – and his busser brought his guitar. He played a couple of breathtaking songs live on the air to promote his playing live music in their lounge.”
Neuman credits a lot of different people for helping him reach this 300 show milestone. “Thank you to Jim Reynolds, Greg Hall, Randy Irvine, Ben Bocci, Stacey McCormick, Wayne Roland and all the visionaries at FSA for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. I always say at the end of the show that it is the fastest hour of my week, and I really mean it. I love the show and hope it will continue for years to come.”
"Dining Out In The NorthWest” airs from Noon - 1:00 pm on the Money Station, AM1410 KBNP. Listeners can also hear the show via live audio stream at kbnp.com. The radio show is part of a multi-media campaign sponsored by Food Services of America that encourages diners to help the economy by supporting the local restaurateur. Find out more at diningoutnorthwest.com.