In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Zack Stein, co-founder and CEO of Supply Caddy.

Zack shares his journey into hospitality, starting with his degree from Wayne Huizenga School of Business, followed by years in venture capital focusing on early-stage startups. He discovered his flavor in CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods), garnishing his experience with a passion for creative packaging. With Supply Caddy, he’s now cooking up innovative packaging solutions that are as appealing as the dishes they encase, ensuring every takeout and delivery experience is a feast for the senses.

Key Takeaways:

· Pandemic’s Impact on Packaging: Zack discusses the launch of Supply Caddy and how the pandemic accelerated the need for innovative packaging solutions due to the rise in delivery and takeout. He explains the industry’s shift towards third-party delivery becoming a necessity for restaurant operators.

· Role of Packaging in Brand Identity: Zack emphasizes creating a fun and useful way to represent the restaurant experience, with packaging now a key element of brand identity. He shares insights on how custom packaging can differentiate a brand and enhance customer satisfaction and experience.

· Zack highlights Supply Caddy as a forward-thinking company at the forefront of packaging innovation, discussing potential future technological advancements such as sensors and smart packaging.

· Supply Caddy’s dedication to meeting specific brand needs is showcased through their collaboration with Dave’s Hot Chicken. Zack talks about maintaining food quality while enhancing the brand’s appeal through innovative design.

· Marketing and Branding Benefits: Custom packaging allows smaller brands to compete with larger chains by providing a unique and consistent customer experience. Creative and high-quality packaging can serve as a marketing tool, attracting attention on social media and driving customer engagement.

· Talking Back: Zack asks “The Restaurant Guy” and “The Finance Guy” to share their secret ingredient in selecting winners among emerging growth brands as an operator or tech platform.

Enjoy a zesty flavor of discussions with games like Word Association, Name That Recipe, Quick Fire Round, and the main course, Trivia Tuesday.