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Dec. 16, 2025

From Dishwasher to CEO: Mark Politzer's Unconventional Rise at Norms

```html Welcome to a deeper dive into the inspiring story of Mark Politzer, a true testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of embracing every opportunity. In this blog post, we'll be exploring Mark's remarkable journey from his initial ro…

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Dec. 11, 2025

From Late Night Craving to National Sensation: The Genesis of Dog Haus

Have you ever had a late-night craving so strong, it sparked an idea? An idea so compelling, it could potentially disrupt an industry? That’s precisely what happened with Dog Haus. In this blog post, we're diving deep into the incredible origi…

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Dec. 9, 2025

The Power of Partnerships: Denny's 15-Year Fight Against Childhood Hunger

In today's world, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of social responsibility. It's no longer enough to simply provide goods and services; consumers and employees alike expect companies to contribute positively to society. One co…

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Dec. 3, 2025

The Raw Truth: Understanding the Benefits of Unpasteurized Juice

In today's health-conscious world, consumers are increasingly seeking ways to enhance their well-being through natural and nutritious foods. One trend that's gaining significant traction is the consumption of unpasteurized juice. Packed with enzymes…

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Nov. 25, 2025

The People-First Approach: How Investing in Talent Drives Hospitality Success

In the bustling world of hospitality, where trends come and go and customer expectations constantly evolve, one thing remains a constant: the importance of people. A restaurant, bar, or hotel is only as good as the individuals who bring it to life e…

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Nov. 18, 2025

The Science of Twice-Fried Chicken: Why Bonchon's Method Works

Welcome to a deep dive into the delectable world of Bonchon's twice-fried chicken! It's no secret that Bonchon has taken the culinary world by storm with its uniquely crispy and flavorful chicken. But what exactly makes it so special? In this post, …

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Nov. 11, 2025

The Evolution of BarTaco: From Inception to Revival

Welcome to a deep dive into the compelling story of BarTaco, a brand that has not only navigated the complex waters of the hospitality industry but has also emerged stronger and more refined through significant transitions. In this blog post, we'll …

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Nov. 4, 2025

The Heart of Hospitality: Lessons from Whataburger's 75-Year Legacy

Join us as we delve into the incredible 75-year journey of Whataburger, an iconic brand synonymous with delicious burgers and exceptional hospitality. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key hospitality principles that have fueled Whataburger…

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Oct. 28, 2025

From Pop-Up to Powerhouse: The Dave's Hot Chicken Story

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of one of the most remarkable success stories in the modern hospitality landscape: Dave's Hot Chicken. In this blog post, we'll journey through the incredible trajectory of this brand, from its humble beginnings as…

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Oct. 21, 2025

The C.E.O. Pledge to End Summer Hunger: A Hospitality Industry Initiative

Summer vacation should be a time of fun and relaxation for children, but for many, it means something very different: increased food insecurity. With school-provided meals no longer available, millions of kids face the daunting reality of not knowin…

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Oct. 15, 2025

Global Expansion and Brand Evolution: Roland Gonzalez's Vision for the Future of Church's Chicken

Welcome to this blog post, a deeper dive into the fascinating conversation we had with Roland Gonzalez, the CEO of Church's Chicken, on our latest episode of the Hospitality Hangout podcast. In "It’s Bigger Than Biscuits: Roland Gonzalez, CEO …

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Oct. 15, 2025

From Dishwasher to CEO: The Rob Lynch Story

Welcome to a deep dive into the remarkable career of Rob Lynch, the CEO of Shake Shack. In this blog post, we'll explore his journey from humble beginnings in pizza shops to leading one of the most recognizable burger brands in the world. Rob's stor…

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Oct. 15, 2025

The Restaurant Industry's Unique Role in Solving Childhood Hunger

Childhood hunger is a pervasive issue that affects millions of children across the United States and around the world. While governments and non-profit organizations play a crucial role in addressing this problem, the restaurant industry possesses a…

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Oct. 15, 2025

From Food Insecurity to CEO: Barry McGowan's Inspiring Journey

Welcome back to the blog, Hospitality Hangout listeners! In this post, we're diving deeper into the incredible story of Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão, a topic we explored in our latest podcast episode, Carving a Better Future: Barry McGo…

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Oct. 15, 2025

Beyond the Game: How Tom's Watch Bar is Redefining the Sports Bar Experience

Welcome back to the blog, Hospitality Hangout listeners! This week, we're diving deeper into the innovative world of Tom's Watch Bar, expanding on the insights shared in our latest podcast episode, Game Day, Every Day: Brooks Schaden, Co-Founder and…

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Oct. 15, 2025

Scaling Restaurant Success: Lessons from Firebirds CEO Steve Kislow

Welcome to this blog post, expanding on the insights shared in our latest episode of The Hospitality Hangout! In "Igniting Restaurant Growth: From Flames to Fame: Steve Kislow on Igniting Restaurant Growth at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill," available h…

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Oct. 15, 2025

Beyond the Plate: The Leadership Skills That Drive Restaurant Profitability

Welcome to today's blog post, where we delve into the crucial leadership skills that can significantly impact restaurant profitability. In the fast-paced and demanding world of the food service industry, exceptional leadership isn't just a nice-to-h…

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Oct. 15, 2025

The Rise of Emerging Brands: Lessons from Just Salad's Success

In today's dynamic market, standing out as an emerging brand requires more than just a good product. It demands a holistic approach that encompasses innovation, customer experience, and a strong brand identity. The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sec…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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