The Conch Podcast features interviews

with the most inspiring people in the world of seafood.

Join Julie Kuchepatov,

founder of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE),

as she interviews people striving

to succeed in the sector, as well as those already making an impact,

and the challenges they face -

all while working to improve

the environmental and social responsibility

of the planet’s most incredible food source - seafood!


How do you bring craveworthy, responsible seafood 🐟 to people who live NOWHERE near the ocean? 

We asked Dawn Polizzotti, the Senior Vice President of Digital for Long John Silver’s—the largest service seafood chain in the United States! Over her 25-year career, she’s done everything from develop fish sandwiches at Burger King to hire a social media influencer to rap about Long John Silver’s.

Tune into Season 3, Episode 10 of The Conch podcast to hear how Dawn is leading the digital transformation of this 50-year-old quick service seafood restaurant.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide:

  • :00 Intro

  • 01:21 Before joining Long John Silver’s, Dawn worked at some of the most iconic restaurant brands throughout her 25-year career.

  • 3:02 What is a digital strategy to grow off-premise sales for a quick service restaurant (QSR)?

  • 6:07 There is no typical day for a seafood marketer.

  • 8:23 Harnessing the power of social media: what it’s like to work with social media influencers.

  • 11:08 Long John Silver’s is a franchise business—Dawn breaks down what that means.

  • 17:02 What are the challenges of taking a seafood QSR international?

  • 20:32 Menu innovation: a brief detour into a discussion about Burger King’s chicken fries, one of Dawn’s past projects.

  • 25:00 Have you heard of “crumblies”? Now you have!  

  • 26:58 Why Lent is the “Super Bowl” for Long John Silver’s.

  • 28:35 Long John Silver’s commitment to sustainable seafood.

  • 32:56 How Long John Silver’s tells the story of seafood.

  • 34:06 Dawn shares her family’s special seafood memories.

  • 36:14 As the SVP of Digital Transformation, Dawn shares her tips to ascend the ladder of leadership, emphasizing the importance of networking and mentorship.

  • 42:49 Dawn shouts out anyone who is listening to the podcast!

Resources:

  1. Learn more about Long John Silver’s and their mission to bring great-tasting, sustainably-caught seafood to everyone—including those who are far from the sea!  

  2. Recommend this episode to one person who loves grabbing a quick fish meal and doesn’t forget to ask for crumblies!


The Conch podcast is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE).

Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy.

Theme music: “Dilation” by Satan's Pilgrims

 Funding generously provided by