Episodes
Oct. 14, 2025
It’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. He talks about growing up in Texas, his early start in food servic...
Oct. 7, 2025
Never 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 about his early roots in pizza shops, the lessons learned from wor...
Sept. 30, 2025
Rolling 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 experience with food insecurity, Chipotle’s work with No Kid Hungr...
Sept. 23, 2025
Carving 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, CEO of Fogo de Chão, as part of the No Kid Hungry CEO Pledge minise...
Sept. 16, 2025
Game Day, Every Day: Brooks Schaden, Co-Founder and 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 explore how he’s reinventing the modern sports bar. From 150+ TVs and c...
Sept. 9, 2025
Igniting 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 Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. They delve into hospitality strategies and re...
Sept. 2, 2025
Hospitality’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 latest hospitality trends and insider insights that are shaping ...
Aug. 26, 2025
Title: From 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 ideas and expert strategies that are reshaping the hospitality and ...
Aug. 19, 2025
Unlocking 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 powering restaurant transformation and success in the hospitality ind...
Aug. 12, 2025
Essential 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 transform rapidly, understanding what exceptional PR looks like i...
Aug. 5, 2025
More 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 beverage brands is navigating the evolving hospitality industry a...
July 29, 2025
Lodging, 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 guest expectations. Zack shares insider insights on digital hospital...
July 22, 2025
Insider 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 hospitality strategies that define today’s fast-paced food industry. Heat...
July 15, 2025
Hospitality, 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 industry. Join us as Frank shares his wealth of knowledge on how Newk’s...
July 10, 2025
From 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 Beach. Lucia shares her journey scaling a single South Beach locat...
July 9, 2025
Fries, 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 trends and investment strategies that are reshaping the food service...
July 8, 2025
Slice, 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 Pizzeria. Discover how Pam keeps this iconic brand at the forefron...
July 2, 2025
Wade 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 restaurant transformation looks like in today's fast-evolving landsca...
July 1, 2025
Rolling 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 industry. Discover the hospitality strategies and insider insights that m...
June 25, 2025
From 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 fastest-growing brands in the hospitality industry focused on fun dining. In...
June 24, 2025
Tech 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 Group. Discover vital hospitality strategies that redefine the gu...
June 19, 2025
Grill. 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, CEO and founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, who went from the stree...
June 18, 2025
Breaking 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 most unique and emerging brands shaking up the restaurant industry. ...
June 17, 2025
Guac, 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 concept redefining fun dining and guest connection. Anthony shares sh...