Hospitality Hangout
The Restaurant Guy and The Finance Guy, 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
In this kickoff episode of Hospitality Hustlers—powered by Toast—we sit down with Bob Wright, the CEO of Potbelly, to dig into what it takes to transform a beloved sandwich chain into a tech-forward, trend-setting brand.
Bob shares expert insights on the intersection of food service, emerging brands, and breakthrough technology, all while keeping it candid with a few funny moments along the way. We explore the “cold ideas” that turn...
Hosted by The Restaurant Guy and The Finance Guy, Hospitality Hangout delivers hospitality stories, loud ideas, and insider strategies from top hospitality insiders driving change. In this episode, we’re chopping it up with Kelly Roddy, CEO of WOWorks, the brand group behind better-for-you concepts like Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, and more.
Kelly shares how WOWorks is leading the charge in restaurant transformation—from embracing AI a...
Hosted by The Restaurant Guy and The Finance Guy, Hospitality Hangout delivers hospitality stories, loud ideas, and insider strategies from the most influential hospitality insiders in the game. In this episode, we sit down with Alison Quinn, CEO of Dinova, to talk restaurant transformation, the power of connecting players in business dining, and how to win with a great tech game.
We dive into the evolving world of digital hospitali...
In this can't-miss episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Michael Beacham, President of California Pizza Kitchen, for an entertaining and insightful conversation packed with hospitality stories, expert insights, and insider knowledge.
Beacham shares how CPK is embracing restaurant transformation, navigating today’s biggest hospitality trends, and staying ahead in the ever-evolving food industry. From innovation strategies ...
What happens when cutting-edge tech meets old-school hospitality? In this episode, we sit down with Amir Hudda, CEO of Qu, to unpack the evolution of restaurant management in a rapidly changing world. From emerging brands to enterprise breakthroughs, Amir shares candid insights on the tech reshaping food service, the trends that matter, and how to future-proof your operation. Whether you're a founder, operator, or just obsessed wit...
What do you get when you mix a legendary sandwich shop, a Hollywood icon, and an $8 billion handshake? One hell of a Hospitality Hangout episode. Mike Manzo, COO of Jersey Mike’s, joins the show to dish on how the brand became a cult favorite—with over 3,000 locations, a relentless focus on unit-level profitability, and yep, Danny DeVito as their secret weapon. From tamper-proof pickles to military-grade consistency, Mike breaks do...
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with food entrepreneur and CEO Lawrence Longo, visionary behind Prince Street Pizza, Off the Menu, and Irv’s Burgers. Lawrence shares entertaining and inspiring stories about growing a household name in New York pizza, transforming family legacy into a hospitality empire.
Get actionable guidance on restaurant ownership, digital hospitality, and building powerful hospitality network...
In this can't-miss episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Joe Hummel, former CEO of Twin Peaks and current board member of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, for an entertaining conversation packed with insights and humor. Joe dishes on his journey through the food industry, shares bold perspectives on leadership, and reveals how Twin Peaks has become a case study in restaurant transformation.
Whether you're an industry insider, ...
In this unforgettable episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with George Felix, the Chief Marketing Officer of Chili’s, to explore what it takes to lead one of the most iconic foodservice brands through restaurant transformation and into the future of hospitality success. Known for their craveable food, sizzling service, and of course, their world-famous margaritas, Chili’s has long been a trendsetter in the casual dining spac...
In this powerful episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with David Meltzer — Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute, renowned business coach, investor, 3x best-selling author, and former CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment (yes, the inspiration for Jerry Maguire).
David isn’t just a titan in the boardroom — he’s a friend to the hospitality industry, a champion of breakthrough tech, and one of the most entertaining, i...
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we dive deep with Michael Ungaro — CEO, visionary, and third-generation owner behind the iconic San Pedro Fish Market and star of the hit Amazon Prime series Kings of Fi$h.
Michael shares his incredible journey of restaurant transformation, how to find lasting success in hospitality, and the secrets behind scaling a family-run institution into a national brand. From industry-shaping hospitalit...
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Mike Smith, Chief Brand Officer of Moe’s Southwest Grill, for a high-energy conversation packed with hospitality insights, real-world hospitality stories, and brand-driven restaurant transformation. Mike shares how Moe’s is leaning into emerging hospitality trends, executing bold hospitality strat...
Big Chicken Joins Craveworthy Brands – Here’s What No One Else Is Telling You! On this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we explore the latest hospitality trends, strategies, and brand experiences with industry leaders Gregg Majewski and Josh Halpern. They take us behind the scenes of Big Chicken’s exciting move to join the Craveworthy Brands portfolio, breaking down how the deal came together and what it means for the future of the...
In an industry built on human connection, Mike Fiato brings more than leadership. He brings a philosophy rooted in care, purpose, and emotional insight. His passion for hospitality lives not just in the roles he’s held or the book he’s written, but in the way he sees people. Hospitality, to Mike, isn’t a department. It’s a strategy. And he’s spent a lifetime showing what’s possible when you lead with heart.
Key Takeaways:
• A trip to...
Will Brawley and the ScheduleFly team have spent over a decade and a half proving that success isn’t just about scale. It’s about staying true to what matters. In an industry built on relationships, they’ve created more than a product that works. They’ve built a level of customer service that keeps independent restaurants thriving. Will’s passion for hospitality is reflected not just in the simplicity of ScheduleFly, but in the gen...
With a career spanning finance, operations, and brand leadership, Liz Williams knows a thing or two about shaking up the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. She discusses the art of brand reinvention, sharing how El Pollo Loco is modernizing its look, embracing technology, and staying true to its bold, citrus-marinated flavors. Liz unpacks the growing consumer demand for fresh, high-quality fast food, the power of digital enga...
Chris shares how his unexpected first job in a Mexican restaurant set the foundation for a lifelong career in hospitality. From 13 years at Starbucks, where he witnessed its explosive growth, to leading operations at MOD Pizza, Chris has been instrumental in scaling iconic brands. Now at Voodoo Doughnut, he’s keeping the brand’s counterculture roots alive while navigating expansion into Miami, Los Angeles, and beyond.
The conversati...
Chef Laurent discusses his culinary world. He tells us of his early days in France to becoming a renowned chef and restaurateur in the United Stated. His blend in fine dining techniques with accessible, high-quality food experiences has led to successful concepts and his latest venture into Philadelphia. Laurent shares his thoughts on the evolution of the restaurant industry, the role of social media in modern hospitality, and the ...
Rob takes us inside Shake Shack, where passion for great food and hospitality perfectly blends. He shares how leading a fast-growing company comes with challenges, but Shake Shack knows how to scale big without losing what keeps the brand unique.
Key takeaways:
- Shake Shack once thought 450 locations was a wild dream—now they’re aiming for 1,500. The secret? Confidence, high sales, and adaptability. Rob believes Shake Shack has pr...
Jack Gibbons is turning hospitality into an art form. He shares his journey to becoming the CEO of FB Society, an innovative multi-concept restaurant group. Jack’s focus on creating unforgettable guest experiences fuels his passion and success. He has an eye for thoughtful detail and authentic care, revealing how to build brands that guests love and remember.
Key Takeaways:
- FB Society focuses on recognizing and valuing regular gu...
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