x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends & Hospitality Leaders

Michael Schatzberg & Jimmy Frischling - Hospitality Insiders | Expert Strategies & Trends.", Hosts: Michael Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling | Branded Hospitality Media, Hospitality Insiders | Michael Schatzberg & Jimmy Frischling | Branded Hospitality

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 connect

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

00:51:14

The Rise of Mike’s Hot Honey: Founder Mike Kurtz on...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2026/02/24

Mike Kurtz, Founder of Mike’s Hot Honey, shares invaluable hospitality insider insights on building a successful hospitality business from the ground up. Discover how strategic restaurant partnerships and collaborations fueled the rapid growth of Mike’s Hot Honey, making it one of the fastest-growing food brands nationwide. Mike dives deep into hospitality trends shaping brand expansion from restaurant menus to grocery store shelves through effective CPG strategies.Listeners will learn key

en

00:51:56

Building the McAlister’s Brand: Hospitality Insights...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2026/02/17

Danielle Parra, Chief Brand Officer of McAlister’s Deli, joins the Hospitality Hangout to share her expert insights on building and scaling a renowned hospitality brand. With over 500 locations and a billion-dollar presence in the hospitality industry, McAlister’s continues to lead with innovative strategies in fast casual dining. From pioneering data-driven loyalty programs to creative menu innovations like pickle-powered limited-time offers, Danielle reveals how guest-centered hospitality drives

en

00:36:42

Building Iconic Food Brands: Hospitality Insider...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2026/02/10

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, hospitality industry leaders Jason Morgan (CEO of The Original ChopShop), Kelly Gray (SVP of Hot Head Burritos), Lawrence Brown (Chief Development Officer of Rita’s Italian Ice), and Yann de Rochefort (CEO of Boqueria) come together to share their expertise on building iconic food brands. Dive into essential hospitality trends, restaurant growth strategies, and hospitality insider insights that are shaping the modern hospitality business.Episode

en

00:41:04

Building Zingerman’s Deli: Ari Weinzweig on...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2026/02/03

Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of Zingerman’s Delicatessen, shares invaluable hospitality insider insights and leadership lessons from building one of the most respected brands in the hospitality business. As a pioneering restaurant CEO, Ari discusses how vision and community-building in the hospitality industry have driven their long-lasting success, all while staying true to core values rather than chasing fleeting hospitality trends.Episode Credits:Sponsored by: DirecTV for BusinessProduced by:

en

00:37:37

Hospitality Never Changes: Experience & Growth in...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2026/01/27

Join Richard Schneider, COO and Chief Development Officer of Areas USA, on Hospitality Hangout as he shares insider insights into scaling one of the largest airport and travel plaza hospitality operators in the country. From his early start in restaurants at six years old to leading innovation in airport dining, Richard discusses why hospitality will always trump technology and how emerging brands are transforming food service across airports and highways nationwide. In this episode, explore

en

00:45:17

Third Place Thinking: John Dillon CEO of La Madeleine...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2026/01/20

John Dillon, CEO of La Madeleine, joins Hospitality Hangout to share his expert strategies on reviving a 42-year-old legacy brand by blending tradition with modern hospitality trends. Drawing on his journey through major restaurant chains like Blockbuster, Pizza Hut, and Denny's, John reveals how clarity, simplification, and execution drive sustainable growth in the restaurant industry.In this insightful episode, John discusses the power of third place thinking — creating welcoming spaces that

en

00:29:06

Reviving an Icon: Nate Fowler CEO of Long John...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2026/01/13

Nate Fowler, CEO of Long John Silver’s, joins Hospitality Hangout live from RFDC in Las Vegas to share insider insights on revitalizing a 56-year-old restaurant brand while maintaining its core identity. This episode dives deep into hospitality trends, focusing on how technology, loyalty programs, and strategic partnerships drive growth and innovation in the restaurant industry.Nate discusses his unique approach to leadership shaped by his background in banking and finance, exploring unit economics

en

00:32:04

Scaling Dirty Soda: Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig, on...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2026/01/06

Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig, shares insider insights on how Swig pioneered and scaled the dirty soda category from its Utah roots to a thriving national franchise. Explore key hospitality trends in the beverage and restaurant industry as Alex discusses personalization, premium fountain beverages favored by Gen Z, and how innovation drives brand authenticity and growth at scale. From franchising strategy to staying competitive amid major beverage players entering the space, this episode is packed with

en

00:35:45

Hospitality Industry Growth & Technology Insights...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/12/30

Featuring top hospitality leaders from Groucho’s Deli, Long John Silver’s, Tiki Taco, Cowboy Chicken, Crazy Pita, and Beans & Brews Coffee House, including Mehdi Zarhloul, Brittany Mercer, Eric Knott, Deric Rosenbaum, Doug Willmarth, and Tim Newton, this episode dives deep into the latest hospitality trends and technology shaping the food service industry. Recorded live at FS/TEC from Amazon Business Studios, Hospitality Hangout brings you insider insights on growth strategies, brand building, and

en

00:32:43

Never Feeling Like a Chain: Kaleb Harrell CEO of...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/12/23

Kaleb Harrell, CEO and co-founder of Hawkers Asian Street Food, joins Hospitality Hangout to share hospitality insider insights on building an authentic restaurant brand rooted in Asian street food culture. Discover how understanding true hawker culture and hands-on hospitality leadership shaped Hawkers’ unique growth strategy and helped the brand stay genuine without feeling like a traditional chain.In this episode, Kaleb dives into early challenges of bootstrapping, balancing multiple ventures,

en

00:41:03

More Than a Diner: Mark Politzer CEO of Norms...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/12/16

Mark Politzer, CEO of Norms Restaurants and a prominent figure among hospitality insiders, shares his extraordinary journey in the food service industry on Hospitality Hangout. From starting as a dishwasher to leading a beloved Southern California diner, Mark talks about the hospitality strategies and leadership principles that sustain Norms’ 76-year legacy. Featuring insights on maintaining a multi-generational workforce and fostering long-term loyalty, this episode explores how industry trends

en

00:30:17

Building DogHaus: André Vener on Turning a Late Night...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/12/11

André Vener shares the inspiring hospitality story behind DogHaus—from a late-night idea to a nationally recognized food brand. Discover industry trends in food service and hospitality strategies as André discusses the importance of food quality, guest experience, and how entertainment blends seamlessly with hospitality. This episode explores key investment and scaling strategies to grow a brand without losing its original soul. André also shares his experiences working with celebrity partners like

en

00:47:40

Purpose-Driven Hospitality Leadership: Kelli Valade,...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/12/09

Kelli Valade, CEO of Denny’s and a leading hospitality insider, shares her purpose-driven leadership approach, and the powerful role hospitality plays beyond the dining room. In this special No Kid Hungry miniseries episode, explore how Denny’s commitment to fighting childhood hunger through a 15-year partnership and signing the CEO Pledge highlights impactful hospitality trends. Kelli dives into building culture at a legacy brand, staying relevant across generations, and leading with empathy in the

en

00:31:06

Fresh Pressed Power: Building Wellness and Gut Health...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/12/02

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 fitness enthusiasts and GLP-1 users. She reveals the importance of

en

00:40:35

Building People First: Leadership and Expansion...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/11/25

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 strategic hospitality strategies that foster long-lasting careers and

en

00:17:55

Kimchi Magic: CEO of Bonchon Suzie Tsai on Korean...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/11/18

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 impact of K-culture on younger diners, and why kimchi might be the

en

00:24:17

Building BarTaco: Insights on Brand Culture and...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/11/11

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 also discusses the sale and revival of BarTaco, highlighting key

en

00:36:30

Hospitality Leadership with Debbie Stroud: Leading...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/11/04

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 and care are at the heart of Whataburger's success and what it takes

en

00:29:58

Building a Billion-Dollar Hospitality Brand:...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/10/28

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 phenomenal success. Whether you’re interested in hospitality

en

00:36:17

Fighting Summer Hunger: Hospitality Leaders Feeding...

The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends... ·

2025/10/21

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 meal access from just 3 million to nearly 19 million children

en

288 results

Similar Podcasts

TaxTalent.com The Golden Rule Podcast

Adam Golden

TaxTalent.com Podcast

Tony Santiago

Handelsblatt Crime - spannende Streitfälle der deutschen Wirtschaft

Ina Karabasz, Solveig Gode, Sönke Iwersen

Deffner und Zschäpitz – Der Wirtschafts-Talk von WELT

WELT

Black Box - La scatola nera della finanza

Guido Brera e Gian Luca Comandini -...