The Hospitality Hangout
The Hospitality Hangout
Join Michael Schatzberg aka Schatzy (The Restaurant Guy) and Jimmy Frischling (The Finance Guy) on The Hospitality Hangout as they explore hospitality, food service, and investment trends while connecting with industry leaders. Each week, receive insider insights and funny stories that shape the hospitality landscape. They live at the intersection of hospitality, food service, technology, and investment, connecting the biggest players and boldest ideas shaping the industry. Each week, they serve up funny, informative, and wildly entertaining conversations with the insiders who are leading a new era of hospitality. From emerging brands and breakthrough tech to industry trends and restaurant success stories, no topic is off the table. It’s where the who’s who of hospitality hangs out – packed with expert insights, laugh-out-loud moments, and must-know trends that keep you ahead of the game. 🍽️ Tune in, grab a drink, and let’s talk shop! 🚀
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Nov. 21, 2023

Live from CREATE Conference in Palm Springs | Season 10 Vol. 10

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LIVE from the CREATE conference in Palm Springs California, the guys chat with emerging restaurant brand leadership on their growing concepts and path to expansion.


Key Takeaways

  • [00:06 - 02:18] Schatzy and Jimmy visit CREATE in Palm Springs
  • [02:20 - 05:27] How and Why Francesco and Allessandro developed a restaurant rooted in healthy vegetables
  • [05:29 - 08:02] Francesco's experience raising capital for Avocaderia on Shark Tank
  • [08:08 - 09:38] Operating in the toughest markets, like NYC
  • [10:10 - 10:53] Avocaderia is becoming...Avo! 🥑
  • [10:57 - 13:01] Talking Back, Francesco's Version
  • [13:06 - 14:59] Where is Avo at two years from now? Understanding consumer behavior and utilizing data to create rich hospitality experiences
  • [16:46 - 18:55] Branded Quickfire: Palm Springs Rat Pack edition
  • [21:19 - 24:42] Welcoming Mehdi Zarhloul, CEO of Crazy Pita Restaurant Group
  • [24:45 - 26:53] Transitioning from a lifestyle business to legacy brand through franchising for 17 years. What do the next 17 years hold?
  • [26:53 - 29:56] Combining tech and effective operations, Mehdi's tips for finding balance.
  • [29:57 - 34:29] Talking Back with Mehdi, existential questions for Jimmy and Schatzy about their regrets and bucket lists
  • [34:31 - 36:16] Spice is Right, the cost of a Jimmy John's combo meal
  • [36:18 - 39:27] Quickfire with Medhi
  • [39:45 - 40:26] Jimmy Buffet and Crazy Jimmy
  • [40:27 - 42:26] Introducing Daniella Senor, CEO of Colada Shop
  • [42:28 - 44:10] Daniella's entrepreneurial spirit and her goal creating a welcoming space in her stores
  • [44:50 - 46:05] What's next for Colada Shop, new markets
  • [46:08 - 48:46] Talking Back, Daniella picks Jimmy and Schatzy's brain on markets
  • [48:50 - 50:47] Spice is Right, rounding out at Olive Garden
  • [50:46 - 52:33] Crystal Ball: Daniella predicts more AI, more robots
  • [52:33 - 55:56] Branded Quickfire lightning round
  • [56:00 - 01:01:23] Talking Back, Jimmy-style




Episode Credits:

  • Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
  • Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
  • Producer: Julie Zucker
  • Creative Director: Adam Levine
  • Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
  • Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

www.thehospitalityhangout.com

Mehdi Zarhloul Profile Photo
Mehdi Zarhloul

Founder & CEO, Crazy Pita

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