With the recent addition of three top-level sales executives, along with the re-opening of the hospitality sector here in America, there’s lots happening at Mikasa Hospitality these days. So, we thought we would attempt to learn a little more of what is going on at this new entrant to the hospitality tabletop category by speaking with David Mackrell, President of Mikasa Hospitality. In addition to overseeing Mikasa Hospitality, David is also President of Tabletop for the parent company, Lifetime Brands. Here’s what he had to say:
TabletopJournal: Mikasa Hospitality launched in May of 2019 at the NRA Show. That seems like forever ago, where is the Mikasa Hospitality brand now and what product categories within the hospitality sector are you focusing on?
David Mackrell: The Mikasa Hospitality Brand is very well situated, stocked with product and ready to go! We have used the downturn in our industry caused by the pandemic to increase our investment and position ourselves to be a premier long-term partner to the industry. The Mikasa brand is very well known to stand for quality and design. Not only are we part of a public and financially secure company, our distribution and warehousing networks are state of the art. We will bring consistency in quality, value, design and most of all having product in the warehouse ready to ship. We sincerely believe in what we are doing and how we are servicing the foodservice industry.
Our current product categories encompass dinnerware, glassware, flatware, melamine, serveware and displays.
TJ: You’ve added some very well-known hospitality tabletop talent lately. Tell us about your organization and if you’re expecting to continue to expand, and if so – what types of positions are you looking to add?
DM: We are very excited about the team we have put together. We continue to add top level talent to Mikasa Hospitality to insure we provide the appropriate product, services and knowledge for our customers. We want the industry to fully understand our meaningful capabilities and long-term commitment in good and bad times.
These industry professionals are well known for their knowledge, honesty and values. We currently have 3 VP of sales (East, Midwest and West), as well as a VP of National accounts and a VP of product/marketing.
We are continuing to search for other team members that have our vision. Product and sales will be two main areas that we will supplement on top of the core professionals that currently make up Mikasa Hospitality.
TJ: Beyond the products you mentioned, what will be the “go-to-market” strategy for the Mikasa Hospitality brand?
DM: Our strategy is simple, partner with key distributors and industry participants, stay in stock, ship on time and service the needs of our customers. Provide them with solutions by offering quality, design, value and availability. They can count on Mikasa Hospitality to be there when they need us.
TJ: Now, that we’re working closer to being post-covid, what’s the medium-longer term vision you have for the Mikasa Hospitality brand?
DM: We have continued to invest throughout the covid time period. Our vision is to continue to support the restaurants, hotels, bars and other foodservice establishments. We continue to innovate and develop product for a post-covid world as we need to be fluid in our offerings to help our customers adapt to a changing world. It’s important to let our customers know that we are and will be in stock for their needs. We are willing to work with them to find the solutions they need to succeed. Future growth may include acquisitions to expand our presence.
TJ: The COVID pandemic has caused so much upheaval in the foodservice industry. What should foodservice and hospitality customers who might be considering purchase tabletop products expect from Mikasa Hospitality and your growing team?
DM: They should expect their order to ship on time and for us to remain in stock. Our Mikasa Hospitality product is strictly “Foodservice Quality” and will thrive in the industry. We will be a responsible partner in value, quality and being stock for their needs. As our team continues to grow, so will our product selection and offerings.
Further, as I mentioned before, we will evolve our product offering as the foodservice needs change in a post-covid world.
