Welcome to the Hospitality Hangout!

Episodes

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...
June 12, 2025

Building 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 beloved sandwich chain into a tech-forward, trend-setting brand. Bob ...
June 10, 2025

Hospitality 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 insiders driving change. In this episode, we’re chopping it up with K...
June 10, 2025

Hospitality 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 influential hospitality insiders in the game. In this episode, we sit down w...
June 3, 2025

Michael 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 conversation packed with hospitality stories, expert insights, and...
May 27, 2025

Tech-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 restaurant management in a rapidly changing world. From emerging brands to ...
May 20, 2025

Free 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, COO of Jersey Mike’s, joins the show to dish on how the brand becam...
May 13, 2025

From 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 Irv’s Burgers. Lawrence shares entertaining and inspiring stories abou...
May 6, 2025

From 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 Grill, for an entertaining conversation packed with insights and humor....
April 29, 2025

Shakin' 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 one of the most iconic foodservice brands through restaurant transf...
April 22, 2025

Bold 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, 3x best-selling author, and former CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & ...
April 15, 2025

From 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 and star of the hit Amazon Prime series Kings of Fi$h. Michael shar...