Speaker Q&A (2018): Martyn Clover, Tortilla
Martyn Clover is Head of Food for Tortilla, makers of Californian Burrito’s and Tacos with 36 restaurants across the country. He’ll be appearing in the Head of Food Masterclass, alongside Arnaud Kaziewicz (EAT), Aggie Morrell (Pod) and Aubrey Thomson (Taylor St. Baristas).
What do you feel is the key for operators to successfully compete against their competitors?
Keeping it simple, doing something to the very best standard you can with a smile and never resting.
What do you see as key trends for food-to-go in the coming year?
I think dietary and lifestyles around food will continue to grow and grow, people will still treat themselves but they will want to know that healthier options are available should they choose them.
What’s your bestselling product at the moment?
Chargrilled chicken burrito is still head and shoulders above the others…our chicken fresh from the grill is my food heaven!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Seeing a recipe I have developed in my kitchen at home being launched in 36 stores across the UK…knowing that it came from me just playing around with simple ingredients.
And the most challenging?
Making sure what we develop is achievable for the teams and that we can ensure consistency.
Who or what inspires you to be even better?
My wife and children inspire me all the time, plus seeing our customers enjoying our food.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Be open and honest and do what you say you’re going to do.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know.
I ‘retired’ myself as a comedy writer after two scripts were rejected by the BBC (I assume they were rejected, they didn’t ever come back to me).
See Martyn at lunch! 2018
The Head of Food Masterclass: 3.45pm in Keynote Theatre 1 on Friday 21 September.
