Allison Knott 1

Meet the Team Behind the FLIK Blog

FLIK Hospitality Group is made up of a creative cast of characters. From chefs and dietitians, financial analysts, marketing specialists, cashiers and café managers - everyone within the company plays a critical role in helping tell our story and showcase what we represent as a company.

And while you may think that our lives revolve around developing Insta-worthy culinary creations, there are a few secret and hidden talents in all of our team members – including some pretty stellar writers! We thought you might be interested in knowing more about the individuals who keep this blog up and running!

But first, some fast stats on the FLIK Blog:

Meet Danielle, Dietitian / Wellness Director
- Chicago, IL
Headshot Danielle Cushinfg

Tell us a little about yourself.

Originally from North Carolina, I've been in Chicago for three years and love all the seasons -- yes, even the winter! If I'm not at the office, there's a good chance I'm sailing on Lake Michigan, trying to PR a marathon, or squeezing in some last-minute travel. But the best part of my day is ending it at home with my Chihuahua and cat, Miller and KitKat.  

How long have you been with FLIK/Compass Group?

Over 6 years with Compass Group, but 1.5 years with FLIK 

What is your role on the FLIK Blog?

I take the pictures for all of our recipes and co-manage all the wellness and nutrition content with Allison. 

What was your favorite blog post from 2018?

The Farm to Fork Experience with Executive Chef Joe Bonomi

Allison and I visited Gill St. Bernard's, a FLIK Independent School Dining account in New Jersey, for an event last year. Chef Joe was a gracious host and offered to give us a campus tour where he told us about their farm-to-fork program.

Those students get to raise fish and farm animals and an entire garden of produce and edible plants and then get to see how it's all used to fuel our bodies. It makes the wheels turn... how can each of our accounts adopt some of these principles from Chef Joe and Gill St. Bernard?

What was your most memorable moment of 2018?

My 30th birthday! My best friend threw me a 1988-themed party -- think 80's music and neon-colored cocktails. My crowning moment was a dive bar karaoke performance of Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back to Me Now."

If I weren’t a dietitian, I would be a: neurosurgeon

Meet Jenna, Director of Brand Strategy
- New York, New York
Jenna Headshot

Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in New York City with my fiancé, David, and our black cat, Bagheera. 

After years of public relations agency life, I joined FLIK Hospitality Group a little over a year ago to help oversee marketing and communications for FLIK Hospitality Group. You’ll most likely know me through my digital alias, @flikhospitality on Instagram. I’m the one developing our social pages and hitting send on our posts. My GIF game is strong – and firmly believe it’s pronounced like the peanut butter brand. Don’t @ me.  

I love to travel and explore new cities and cultures. I’ve been to over 30 countries and in 2019 will to Morocco for my honeymoon and back to Ireland for a family trip. 

What is your role on the FLIK Blog?

I work hand-in-hand with Allison and Danielle to come up with creative blog post ideas and develop topics to discuss for our readers. I oversee most of the content that falls in the Trending and Chatter sections of the blog.

What was your favorite blog post from 2018?

Boost Your Libido – Five Aphrodisiacs to Spice Up Your Love Life

One month after the launch of the FLIK Blog was Valentine’s Day. We decided to push the envelope a little bit and publish a piece a little more…savory…than we normally do tied to the traditional lovers’ holiday. I had a lot of fun researching this topic and it really helped set the tone for future pieces where we could tie seasonality and holidays to wellness and food trends and folklore.

When I'm not at work, you'll find me....practicing the French art of nonchalance, enjoying a coffee and a new book at a bistro or café. 

What was your last Netflix binge?

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina – I was a big fan of Kiernan Shipka on Mad Men and have loved watching her grow as an actress. She’s a perfect Sabrina!

What are you most excited for in 2019?  

My wedding! I’m getting married in February and can’t wait for this next adventure. 

Allison Knott, MS, RDN, CSSD, Regional Wellness Director
- Brooklyn, New York
Allison Knott Food 1

Tell us a little about yourself.

I've been a registered dietitian with a focus on nutrition communication for 10 years. I enjoy staying active by running and spinning when I'm in the city or hiking when I'm not in NYC. I also love to eat and consider going to a food market, farmers market, new restaurant, or any other food-related event to be an activity for the day. 

To me, food can be the center of so many experiences and I really enjoy trying new foods as a means to learn about the culture when traveling or in a new part of a city (like NYC!).

What is your role on the FLIK Blog?

Fellow FLIK dietitian, Danielle Cushing, and I work together to develop the wellness editorial calendar. From there, she handles all food photography and I focus on content development.

What was your favorite blog post from 2018? 

I really enjoy interviewing experts in the field of nutrition and wellness. All of the interviews this year were insightful, but I would have to say my favorite was the interview with Pratik Patel, Director of Performance Nutrition at the New York Giants.

When I'm not at work, you'll fine me....in a spin studio, trying a new restaurant in NYC, or cooking at home and sharing my nutrition and wellness philosophy with others on social media.

If I weren't a dietitian, I would be a...veterinarian. I love animals, so any way I could help to improve their lives would be a win for me. I would also jump at the opportunity to travel and write about food, so if that is a possibility then I would definitely take it.

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At FLIK Hospitality Group we believe in great food, great service, and great people. Our wellness first approach ensures our food supports healthy and delicious choices, specially curated by our team of culinary experts and registered dietitians. At FLIK, we believe in seasonality in sourcing our ingredients and providing a customized approach to the culinary and hospitality needs of each client. Our dedication to providing quality hospitality service is unparalleled in the industry.

Have feedback or questions for our team? Email us at flikblog@compass-usa.com.

Interested in working with us? Apply today