Hospitality Hangout | Expert Strategies & Industry Trends from Hospitality Insiders
Hospitality Insiders Michael Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling delve into hospitality trends, food service insights, and investment strategies. Each week, receive insider insights and funny stories that shape the hospitality landscape. They live at the intersection of hospitality, food service, technology, and investment, connecting the biggest players and boldest ideas shaping the industry. Each week, they serve up funny, informative, and wildly entertaining conversations with the insiders who are leading a new era of hospitality. From emerging brands and breakthrough tech to industry trends and restaurant success stories, no topic is off the table. It’s where the who’s who of hospitality hangs out – packed with expert insights, laugh-out-loud moments, and must-know trends that keep you ahead of the game. 🍽️ Tune in, grab a drink, and let’s talk shop! 🚀
Episodes
Jennifer Dodd, CEO of Main Squeeze Juice, shares her journey and insights into building an emerging brand within the food industry. Dive deep into hospitality trends around wellness-driven concepts, cold-pressed juice, and gut health, and discover how this innovative approach transforms food service experiences.
Jennifer breaks down what sets Main Squeeze apart—from fresh, unpasteurized juice with a six-day shelf life to catering to...
Amy Hom, COO of Barcelona Wine Bar and a recognized hospitality insider, shares her leadership journey and insights into navigating hospitality trends through talent development and brand expansion. From early experiences at major food service brands to shaping the culture at Barcelona Wine Bar and its new concept Corsica Wine Bar, Amy outlines how investing in people drives success. She discusses mentorship, emerging leaders, and ...
Suzie Tsai, CEO of Bonchon Chicken, joins Hospitality Insiders to share captivating insights into one of the most iconic Korean fried chicken brands shaping hospitality trends worldwide. Dive into the science behind perfect twice-fried chicken, explore Bonchon’s explosive growth through word-of-mouth, and learn about bold hospitality strategies driving their global expansion. Suzie also discusses innovative flavor development, the ...
Scott Lawton, Co-Founder and Chairman of BarTaco, joins to share his unique journey from busboy to a leader in the food industry. In this episode, Scott offers insider insights on hospitality strategies, the importance of brand culture, and scaling a lifestyle-focused restaurant business. He reflects on industry trends that have shaped his approach, including his time at Tribeca Grill and the founding of Barcelona Wine Bar. Scott a...
Debbie Stroud, President and CEO of Whataburger, shares her unique hospitality leadership journey, guiding one of America's most iconic brands into a future driven by hospitality strategies and a people-first culture. In this episode, we explore Whataburger's 75-year legacy, insider insights into balancing growth with authenticity, and emerging hospitality trends that inspire innovation and team motivation. Discover how listening a...
Jim Bitticks, President and COO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, shares insider insights on building a billion-dollar hospitality brand. From a humble $900 East Hollywood pop-up to one of the fastest-growing food industry sensations, Jim reveals leadership strategies, hospitality culture, and growth secrets vital for scaling with integrity. Dive into hospitality trends and the power of viral moments that have propelled Dave’s Hot Chicken to ...
In this special episode, recorded live at the Prosper Forum, the Hospitality Hangout shines a light on how hospitality leaders are tackling childhood hunger. Featuring Anne Filipic, CEO of Share Our Strength and leader of the No Kid Hungry campaign, along with industry experts Scott Boatwright of Chipotle, Noah Glass of Olo, and Kelly Esten of Toast, we explore the C.E.O. Pledge to End Summer Hunger. This initiative has expanded me...
Roland Gonzalez, CEO of Church’s Chicken, shares how he’s leading one of the world’s largest fried chicken brands through rapid expansion and brand evolution. He talks about growing up in Texas, his early start in food service while playing college baseball, and how operational experience shaped his leadership style. Roland reflects on the company’s global footprint, franchise growth, and the importance of investing in people, cult...
Rob Lynch, CEO of Shake Shack, shares his journey from washing dishes at age five to leading one of the most recognizable burger brands in the world. He talks about his early roots in pizza shops, the lessons learned from working for $5 an hour, and why he believes you should “never trust a skinny restaurant executive.” Rob discusses Shake Shack’s partnership with No Kid Hungry, the company’s commitment to community, and how hospit...
Scott Boatwright, CEO of Chipotle, shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading one of America’s most recognizable brands. He reflects on his personal experience with food insecurity, Chipotle’s work with No Kid Hungry, and why the restaurant industry is uniquely positioned to help solve childhood hunger. Scott also opens up about leadership, building a mission-driven culture, and the ongoing fight to ensure every child has...
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg (“the restaurant guy”) and Jimmy Frischling (“the finance guy”) sit down with Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão, as part of the No Kid Hungry CEO Pledge miniseries.
Barry shares his journey from experiencing food insecurity as a teenager to leading one of the world’s most iconic Brazilian steakhouses. He reflects on how Fogo de Chão grew from 28 to more than 110 locat...
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, the Restaurant Guy and the Finance Guy sit down with Brooks Schaden, co-CEO and co-founder of Tom’s Watch Bar, to explore how he’s reinventing the modern sports bar. From 150+ TVs and cutting-edge tech infrastructure to partnerships with brands like Mark Wahlberg’s Flecha Azul Tequila, Brooks shares how Tom’s creates an immersive fan experience that goes far beyond game day. The conversation ...
In this sizzling episode of The Hospitality Hangout Podcast, hosts Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling sit down with Steve Kislow, CEO of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. They delve into hospitality strategies and reveal what it takes to scale a modern restaurant brand while staying true to its roots. Steve shares his valuable perspective on industry trends that are shaping the future of casual dining, covering everything ...
In this dynamic episode of the Hospitality Hangout Podcast, we welcome Josh Kopel—award-winning restaurateur and hospitality strategist—for a deep dive into the latest hospitality trends and insider insights that are shaping today’s food service industry. Josh shares his unique perspective on emerging brands making waves and how these innovations are redefining restaurant success in both QSR and full-service dining. With a blend of...
In this laughter-filled yet insightful episode of the Hospitality Hangout Podcast, we sit down with Nick Kenner, Founder & CEO of Just Salad, to explore bold ideas and expert strategies that are reshaping the hospitality and food service industry. Get ready for valuable hospitality insights as we discuss the evolving trends, the rise of emerging brands, and the keys to restaurant success in the competitive QSR landscape.
From hospi...
In this episode of The Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Neil Sudaisar, AVP of Commercial National Accounts at DIRECTV, to explore how entertainment is powering restaurant transformation and success in the hospitality industry.
From digital hospitality innovations to emerging market trends shaping guest experiences, Neil shares insider tips and bold ideas on how DIRECTV for Business is helping restaurants, hotels, and venues s...
In this episode, we delve into the must-know hospitality trends and effective industry strategies with PR expert Sherri Fishman from Fishman PR. As restaurants transform rapidly, understanding what exceptional PR looks like is crucial for success. Sherri shares insider insights into how modern PR integrates with digital hospitality, focusing on essential aspects like social storytelling, influencer relations, and maintaining brand ...
In this fresh episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Nathan Louer, Chief Brand Officer of Jamba, to explore how one of the most recognizable food and beverage brands is navigating the evolving hospitality industry and emerging trends. From reimagining legacy branding to embracing digital hospitality and innovative strategies, Nathan shares insider tips that are fueling Jamba's transformation. Whether you're in the hospita...
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we’re joined by Zack Gharib, President of Red Roof, exploring how hospitality brands adapt to fast-moving trends and guest expectations. Zack shares insider insights on digital hospitality, bold strategies for enhancing guest experience, and how Red Roof is positioning itself for the future of travel. If you're a hospitality insider, investor, or a hotel operator, this conversation is packed ...
In this sizzling episode of Hospitality Hangout, we’re joined by Heather Neary, President & CEO of Taco John’s International, to explore bold ideas and hospitality strategies that define today’s fast-paced food industry. Heather shares exclusive insider tips on navigating emerging trends, scaling legacy brands, and innovating in the hospitality business. From digital hospitality advancements to investment insights, this conversatio...
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