Hospitality Hangout | Expert Strategies & Insights in Hospitality

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, join us as we uncover how technology is transforming hospitality with Kevin Bentley, Head of Technology at the Jollibee Group. Discover vital hospitality strategies that redefine the guest experience while driving success across noteworthy brands like Jollibee, Smashburger, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Kevin shares insights on emerging trends in the food service industry and the innovative...

In this Hospitality Hustlers episode, sponsored by Toast, we’re serving up a story of grit, growth, and cheesesteaks that changed a life. Meet Derrick Hayes, CEO and founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, who went from the street grind to the executive grind — using flavor and focus as his fuel.

Derrick shares how hospitality gave him purpose, how a sandwich sparked a movement, and what it means to hustle with heart. From building an i...

In this episode of the Hospitality Hangout, recorded live at RLC’s Influencer Alley, we sit down with Marc Torres, CEO of Cheba Hut Toasted Subs, one of the most unique and emerging brands shaking up the restaurant industry.

From hospitality insights to funny food stories, Marc brings the heat with his unfiltered take on what makes a concept stand out in today’s crowded food landscape. We cover everything from investment strategies ...

Live from RLC’s Influencer Alley, this episode of the Hospitality Hangout features Anthony Valletta, CEO and President of bartaco, the elevated street food concept redefining fun dining and guest connection.

Anthony shares sharp hospitality insights and bold strategies behind bartaco’s rise — from creating a seamless guest experience through a smart tech stack, to staying ahead of emerging trends in the restaurant industry. We dive ...

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...