Shows / The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality Podcast
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality Podcast
The Hospitality Hangout is where the restaurant industry gets real. Hosted by Schatzy, the Restaurant Guy, and Jimmy, the Finance Guy, this funny, unfiltered hospitality podcast dives into restaurant trends, food service innovation, hospitality technology, and the investment strategies shaping the future of the industry. With decades of hands-on experience operating restaurants and structuring capital markets deals, these two bring real-world insight from the kitchen to the boardroom. They…
Episodes
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastBuilding People First: Leadership and Expansion Insights with Amy Hom of Barcelona Wine Bar
Amy Hom, COO of Barcelona Wine Bar and a recognized hospitality insider, shares her leadership journey and insights into navigating hospitality trends through…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastKimchi Magic: CEO of Bonchon Suzie Tsai on Korean Fried Chicken, Global Growth, and Flavor Innovation
Suzie Tsai, CEO of Bonchon Chicken, joins Hospitality Insiders to share captivating insights into one of the most iconic Korean fried chicken brands shaping…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastBuilding BarTaco: Insights on Brand Culture and Growth in Hospitality
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastHospitality Leadership with Debbie Stroud: Leading Whataburger's Legacy and Future
Debbie Stroud, President and CEO of Whataburger, shares her unique hospitality leadership journey, guiding one of America's most iconic brands into a future…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastBuilding a Billion-Dollar Hospitality Brand: Leadership & Growth with Jim Bitticks of Dave’s Hot Chicken
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastFighting Summer Hunger: Hospitality Leaders Feeding Millions through Innovative Strategies
In this special episode, recorded live at the Prosper Forum, the Hospitality Hangout shines a light on how hospitality leaders are tackling childhood hunger…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastIt’s Bigger Than Biscuits: Roland Gonzalez, CEO of Church’s Chicken, on Expansion, Philanthropy, and Culture
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastNever Trust a Skinny CEO: Rob Lynch of Shake Shack on Hustle, Culture, and Community
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastRolling Forward: Scott Boatwright, CEO of Chipotle, on Growth and Fighting Childhood Hunger
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastCarving a Better Future: Barry McGowan CEO of Fogo de Chão on Leadership and Giving Back
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg (“the restaurant guy”) and Jimmy Frischling (“the finance guy”) sit down with Barry McGowan…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastGame Day, Every Day: Brooks Schaden, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Tom’s Watch Bar, on Reinventing the Sports Viewing Experience
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastIgniting Restaurant Growth: From Flames to Fame: Steve Kislow on Igniting Restaurant Growth at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
In this sizzling episode of The Hospitality Hangout Podcast, hosts Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling sit down with Steve Kislow, CEO of…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastHospitality’s Game Plan: Insider Insights & Emerging Trends for Restaurant Success
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 Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastFrom Salads to Success: Bold Ideas & Insider Insights with Nick Kenner on QSR Trends and Hospitality Leadership
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastUnlocking Restaurant Growth: How Entertainment Transforms Hospitality
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastEssential Trends & Industry Strategies with PR Expert Sherri Fishman
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastMore Than Juice: Jamba’s Nathan Louer Talks Hospitality, Trends & Transformation
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastLodging, Loyalty & Leadership: Red Roof’s Big Bet on Bold Hospitality Ideas
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastInsider Tips & Tacos: Key Hospitality Strategies from Taco John’s CEO
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastHospitality, But Make It Toasted: Frank Paci on Fast-Casual & the Future
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we delve deep into hospitality strategies with Frank Paci, CEO of Newk’s Eatery, a leader in the fast-casual food…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastFrom Flip-Flops to Five Stars: Lucia Penrod’s Expert Strategies for Restaurant Transformation
In this Hospitality Hustler episode of Hospitality Hangout, we go from backroom to boardroom with Lucia Penrod, Co-Founder, Owner, and CEO of the iconic Nikki…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastFries, Frosties & Food Service Fame: Inside Freddy’s with Erin Walters
In this mouthwatering episode, we dive deep into the world of hospitality as we sit down with Erin Walters, CMO of Freddy’s. Discover the latest hospitality…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastSlice, Slice Baby: Hospitality Trends from Grimaldi’s Marketing Maven
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we’re tossing dough and dropping knowledge with Pam Brock-Nedwetzky, Director of Marketing at the legendary Grimaldi’s…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastWade Allen Discusses Hospitality Strategies and Emerging Trends
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Wade Allen, a leading voice in hospitality strategies and digital innovation, to explore what real…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastRolling With It: How Pokeworks Is Reinventing the Bowl Game
Join us for a deep dive into the world of hospitality as we chat with Ha Ly, Head of Marketing at Pokeworks, a leading player in the fast-evolving food…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastFrom Hot Chicken to Hot Chains: Mike LaRue on Franchising, Fun Dining & Hospitality Wins
This week on Hospitality Hangout, we’re turning up the heat with Mike LaRue, Franchisee and VP of Franchise Development at Angry Chickz — one of the…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastTech Meets Taste: Kevin Bentley on Hospitality Transformation at Jollibee Group
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastGrill. Grind. Greatness. The Derrick Hayes Hustler Story
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastBreaking Bread & Bold Ideas: Marc Torres on Cheba Hut, Hospitality Trends, and the Future of Fun Dining
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastGuac, Grit, and Guest Experience: The bartaco Playbook
Live from RLC’s Influencer Alley, this episode of the Hospitality Hangout features Anthony Valletta, CEO and President of bartaco, the elevated street food…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastBuilding Brands with Flavor & Foresight: A Conversation with Potbelly’s CEO
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastHospitality Hangout | Bold Moves & Better Bowls: Restaurant Transformation with WOWorks CEO Kelly Roddy
Hosted by The Restaurant Guy and The Finance Guy, Hospitality Hangout delivers hospitality stories, loud ideas, and insider strategies from top hospitality…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastHospitality Hangout | The Smart Playbook for Digital Hospitality & Restaurant Growth
Hosted by The Restaurant Guy and The Finance Guy, Hospitality Hangout delivers hospitality stories, loud ideas, and insider strategies from the most…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastMichael Beacham on CPK’s Bold Recipe for Restaurant Transformation
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastTech-Driven Hospitality: Amir Hudda on the Evolution of Food Service
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastFree Subs for Danny DeVito? How Jersey Mike’s Landed a Legend and Built a Cult Following
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastFrom NYC Slices to LA Burgers: Digital Hospitality & Food Industry Wins with CEO Lawrence Longo
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastFrom Peaks to Power Plays: Joe Hummel on Leadership, Laughter & Restaurant Reinvention
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastShakin' Things Up: Margarita Magic & Marketing Moves with Chili’s CMO George F
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastBold Ideas & Breakthroughs: David Meltzer on Investing in People, Purpose & Possibility
In this powerful episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with David Meltzer — Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute, renowned business coach, investor…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastFrom Docks to Disruption: Michael Ungaro on Restaurant Transformation, Trends & Hilarious Food Tales
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastHow Moe’s is Winning the Hospitality Game: Trends, Transformation & Insider Strategies with Mike Smith
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Mike Smith, Chief…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastBehind the BIG Deal: This Is What Success in Hospitality Looks Like
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastGuest Experience as a Strategy with Mike Fiato of Eurest
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastThe Smartest Move in Restaurant Tech Is Simplicity and ScheduleFly Proves It
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastSpicy Strategies: How El Pollo Loco Stays Hot in QSR
With a career spanning finance, operations, and brand leadership, Liz Williams knows a thing or two about shaking up the quick-service restaurant (QSR)…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastDoughnuts, Hustle, and Hospitality: Chris Schultz on Scaling an Iconic Brand
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastFrom Michelin Stars to Instagram Likes, The Restaurant World with Chef Laurent Tourondel
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastKetchup, Crinkle-Cut Fries & 1500 Shake Shacks: Rob Lynch Spills It All
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastBold Ideas, Breakout Brands, and Big Apple Moves Inside FB Society
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…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastHow Big Mamma Went from a Scrapped Idea to 30 Restaurants with Co-founder Victor Lugger
Victor shares the story of Big Mamma’s evolution—from a scrapped concept to a European dining sensation now setting its sights on the U.S. He discusses the…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastBig Rock, Ocean Prime, and Butcher and Rose Make Big Moves in Fine Dining
David offers a behind-the-scenes look at steering a hospitality powerhouse, weaving stories of the brand’s ambitious growth, innovative concepts, and…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastDriving Savings and Simplifying Operations
Mike provides insight into Foodbuy’s $32 billion in purchasing power and its mission to level the playing field for independent and multi-unit operators alike…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastPart 2: Future-Proofing Hospitality
Paul shares his rise from forklift operator to CEO, demonstrating the hands-on approach that defines UFSO’s commitment to its clients. He discusses how UFSO…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastPart 1: Cracking the Code of Supply Chain Success
Amer shares his journey from working with global powerhouses like ADP and Yahoo to leading iTrade Network, a technology-driven platform revolutionizing food…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastBig Moves in Hotel F&B: Jason Himber’s Vision at Mina Group
Jason Himber takes us on a journey from his early days as a young bartender to leading one of the most successful restaurant groups in the industry. He started…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastThe #1 Burger in the Universe! Habit Burger Crushes the Burger Wars
Shannon shares her story from filing papers at her father’s pediatric office to leading one of the fastest-growing brands in the quick-service restaurant…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastREWIND: Being a World-Class Operator: The Secret to Success in the Restaurant Business
Get ready to dig into Greg’s journey, from his early days flipping burgers at McDonald's to leading the world’s largest franchise operation. With over 2,600…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastREWIND: Union Square Hospitality’s Chip Wade | Expanding Daily Provisions & Breaking Barriers in Hospitality
This episode highlights the exciting growth of Daily Provisions, which continues its expansion with its sixth location on the Upper East Side and three…
The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality PodcastA&W’s Century of Craft and Nostalgia
Kevin Bazner reflects on his middle-class upbringing, where he learned early on that hard work was the motivator behind his achievements. Kevin started in the…