May 7, 2024

Behind the Numbers: Meeting the Guest with Flexibility and Optionality

Show Notes

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “Finance Guy”, are joined by Craig Dunaway COO and a member of the Board of Directors of Penn Station East Coast Subs.

Craig recounts his journey, beginning as a young professional at a regional accounting firm in Indiana before venturing into the world of franchising with Papa John’s Pizza and eventually becoming a multi- unit franchisee of Papa John’s and Penn Station East Coast Subs, culminating in his current role as COO.

Key Takeaways:

Craig talks about his entrepreneurial journey, fueled by a shared vision with a college buddy to garner wealth through real estate. In time, fate steered them towards the owner-operator concept, resulting in Craig opening 11 Papa John’s franchises over the course of a decade.
Craig’s sale of the largest Papa John’s Franchisee in Cincinnati marks a significant milestone in his career.
Meeting the menu and the founder of Penn Station and finding a commonality between brands: A focus on food, the franchisee, and profitability.
The triumph of adaptability over unpredictability: Attaining success through pliability during COVID. Penn Station’s swift pivot to cold sandwiches and integration with third-party delivery platforms.
Post-pandemic landscape: With 80% of business takeaway now coming from off-premise dining,
Penn Station responds to evolving consumer preferences as an industry attuned to guest needs through flexibility and choice.
The debate between quality or convenience in an ever-evolving industry.
Hot Takes: From ghost kitchens to the integration of smart kitchen appliances, Craig sheds his insight on cutting-edge trends.
Trivia Tuesday: Separating fact from fiction in a lighthearted battle of wits.

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