Welcome to the Hospitality Hangout!

Blog

Aug. 8, 2025

Personica: Bridging the Gap Between Hospitality, Tech, and Finance

Welcome to the companion blog post for the latest episode of the Hospitality Hangout podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Feigenson, the CEO of Personica, a company at the forefront of connecting the worlds of hospit…

View more
Aug. 8, 2025

Beyond the Smoothie: Jamba's Broader Vision for Hospitality

Welcome to a deep dive into the world of Jamba, a brand that has become synonymous with smoothies, but whose vision extends far beyond blended beverages. In this blog post, we'll explore how Jamba is reshaping its approach to hospitality, creating a…

View more
Aug. 7, 2025

Dynamic Pricing vs. Revenue Management: What's the Difference for Restaurants?

In the ever-evolving restaurant industry, profitability is a constant pursuit. Two terms that frequently surface in discussions about optimizing revenue are "dynamic pricing" and "revenue management." While often used interchangeably, they represent…

View more
Aug. 7, 2025

From Pro Ball to Food Metrics: Trevor Shimizu's Unexpected Journey

In today's digital age, data reigns supreme, especially in the competitive foodservice industry. But who are the minds behind the tools that help restaurants thrive? This blog post explores the fascinating journey of Trevor Shimizu, co-founder and C…

View more
Aug. 7, 2025

ICR Conference 2023: Key Takeaways for the Hospitality Industry

The Hospitality Hangout podcast hit the road and landed in sunny Orlando, Florida, for the annual ICR Conference 2023! This event is a crucial gathering for restaurant and hospitality industry leaders, investors, and innovators. We had the chance to…

View more
Aug. 7, 2025

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Guest Experience

Welcome back to the blog! In this post, we're diving deep into a topic that's revolutionizing the restaurant industry: the role of technology in enhancing the guest experience. We’ll explore how smart tech implementation can empower employees,…

View more
Aug. 7, 2025

From Sushi Conveyor Belts to Back-of-House Automation: The MarginEdge Story

In this blog post, we'll explore the fascinating journey of Bo Davis, the visionary behind MarginEdge, a platform revolutionizing back-of-house operations for restaurants. Bo's path is far from typical, starting with conveyor belt sushi restaurants …

View more
Aug. 7, 2025

Chowly Acquires Koala: What This Means for Restaurants

The restaurant technology landscape is constantly evolving, and recent news highlights a significant shift. Chowly, a leading point-of-sale (POS) integration company, has acquired Koala, an online ordering platform known for its exceptional guest ex…

View more
Aug. 7, 2025

The Shift from Capital to Marketing Focus: Why It Matters

Welcome to the blog companion for the latest episode of the Hospitality Hangout! In this post, we're diving deep into a critical trend reshaping the restaurant industry: the dramatic shift away from capital investment and towards a laser focus on ma…

View more
Aug. 5, 2025

The Evolution of Breakfast: From Fast Food to Plant-Based Power

Welcome to the blog companion for the latest episode of our podcast! In this post, we'll be diving deep into the fascinating transformation of breakfast habits. We're moving away from the days of solely relying on quick and convenient fast-food opti…

View more
July 31, 2025

Navigating Crisis with Culture: The Buyers Edge Platform Pandemic Success Story

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to businesses across the globe, and the restaurant industry was hit particularly hard. In this blog post, we'll delve into the remarkable story of Buyers Edge Platform, a company that not only…

View more
July 31, 2025

Customer Engagement: The Focus of Innovation at Five Guys

In today's competitive restaurant landscape, customer engagement is more critical than ever. For brands with a global footprint, understanding and leveraging technology to connect with customers is not just an advantage, but a necessity. In this blo…

View more
July 30, 2025

Flipdish's $100 Million Raise: What It Means for the Future of Restaurant Tech

In the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, technology plays an increasingly vital role. From online ordering and delivery to customer engagement and operational efficiency, innovative solutions are transforming how restaurants operat…

View more
July 30, 2025

The Future of Restaurant Data: Ingest's Vision for Viability, Sustainability, and Profitability

Welcome to the blog! In this post, we're diving deep into the world of restaurant data and exploring the innovative vision of Ingest, a company dedicated to empowering restaurants through data-driven insights. We'll be covering their journey, missio…

View more
July 30, 2025

Robotics in the Restaurant Industry: Solving Key Challenges

The restaurant industry is facing unprecedented challenges, from labor shortages to rising operational costs. In this blog post, we'll explore how Wavemaker Labs is revolutionizing the food service sector by deploying robotics and automation to addr…

View more
July 30, 2025

The $7.4 Billion Plant-Based Market: Overcoming Consumer Skepticism

The plant-based food market is booming, and there's no denying it. Valued at a staggering $7.4 billion in the U.S. alone, this sector of the food industry is experiencing growth at an unprecedented rate. But with this rapid expansion comes a unique …

View more
July 30, 2025

The Psychology Behind 'Who Would You Beat?'

Welcome back to the Hospitality Hangout blog! In our latest podcast episode, "Best of Who Would You Beat", Michael and Jimmy dove back into one of our most popular segments. But why is "Who Would You Beat?" such a hit? What makes it so engaging for …

View more
July 30, 2025

The Tech Stack Behind Your ShackBurger: Optimizing the Guest Experience

Shake Shack, a name synonymous with delicious burgers and a vibrant dining experience, is more than just a restaurant chain. It's a testament to how technology can elevate hospitality and create lasting customer connections. In this blog post, we'll…

View more
July 30, 2025

The Secret Sauce: How Franchise CEOs are Expanding Their Empires

In the ever-competitive world of franchising, success hinges on more than just a good idea. It requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of both the market and the people who bring your brand to life – the fra…

View more
July 30, 2025

Brinker International's Strategy: Back to Basics for Game Day Success

```html In the fast-paced world of restaurant management, especially for large chains, maintaining consistency and quality during peak demand is crucial. Brinker International, the parent company of Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Ita…

View more
July 30, 2025

Robert Irvine's Journey: From Home Economics to Culinary Icon

Welcome back to the blog! In this post, we're diving deep into the inspiring journey of Chef Robert Irvine, a name synonymous with culinary excellence, unwavering dedication to our nation's veterans, and an infectious passion for life. From his unex…

View more
July 30, 2025

More Than Just Kebabs: The Story Behind PINCHO's Award-Winning Flavors

Welcome back to the blog! In this post, we're diving deeper into the story of PINCHO, a brand that has taken the fast-casual dining scene by storm with its vibrant Latin flavors and award-winning burgers. But PINCHO is more than just a delicious mea…

View more
July 30, 2025

The Digital Maturity Scale for Restaurants: Where Do You Stand?

The restaurant industry has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, driven by the relentless march of technology. No longer is it enough to simply offer good food and service; restaurants must now embrace digital tools and strategies to thrive in…

View more
July 30, 2025

The Art of the Montreal Bagel: Kettleman's Commitment to Tradition

Welcome back to the blog, bagel lovers! In today's post, we're diving deep into the world of Montreal bagels and exploring what makes them so special. We'll be focusing on Kettleman's Bagels, an Ottawa-based institution that's dedicated to crafting …

View more