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Blog Posts

July 15, 2025

The Frozen Custard Craze: Why It's More Than Just Dessert

The Frozen Custard Craze: Why It's More Than Just Dessert

Welcome back to the blog, hospitality enthusiasts! In this post, we're diving deep into a sweet trend sweeping the food industry: frozen custard. It's not just a delicious dessert anymore; it's a powerful branding tool, a competitive differentiator,…

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July 15, 2025

The Bazaar Effect: How Intertwining Restaurant and Hotel Experiences Drives Success

The Bazaar Effect: How Intertwining Restaurant and Hotel Experiences Drives Success

Welcome to the blog! In this post, we're diving deep into the fascinating success story of The Bazaar Hotel brand and its origins in the innovative SLS Hotel concept. This approach highlights how seamlessly integrating restaurant and hotel experienc…

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July 15, 2025

Lucia Penrod's Journey: From South Beach to Global Icon

Lucia Penrod's Journey: From South Beach to Global Icon

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of the remarkable journey of Lucia Penrod, a true icon in the hospitality industry. From the humble beginnings of establishing a single Nikki Beach location in the vibrant heart of South Beach, Lucia has masterfull…

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July 15, 2025

"Passion and Grit": The Driving Force Behind Gregorys Coffee's Expansion

"Passion and Grit": The Driving Force Behind Gregorys Coffee's Expansion

Welcome to a deeper dive into the world of Gregorys Coffee, inspired by our latest episode, "Inside Gregorys Coffee NYC: Passion and Grit." In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Gregory himself about his journey building a coffee emp…

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July 15, 2025

Key Takeaways from Hospitality Hangout's Interview with GoParrot CEO Yaniv Nissim

Key Takeaways from Hospitality Hangout's Interview with GoParrot CEO Yaniv Nissim

In our latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, we had the pleasure of speaking with Yaniv Nissim, the CEO of GoParrot, a leading technology company focused on helping restaurants thrive in today's dynamic environment. Yaniv shared invaluable insights…

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July 14, 2025

Building Trust Through Innovation: How Ecolab Ensures Food Safety Compliance Globally

Building Trust Through Innovation: How Ecolab Ensures Food Safety Compliance Globally

Welcome to another deep dive into the fascinating world of food safety! In today's blog post, we're expanding on the insights shared in our latest podcast episode, "Ecolab's Game-Changing Innovations in Food Safety and Restaurant," where we had the …

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July 14, 2025

Relay Delivery: A New Solution for Restaurants During COVID-19

Relay Delivery: A New Solution for Restaurants During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to numerous industries, and the restaurant sector was undoubtedly among the hardest hit. With lockdowns, social distancing measures, and widespread health concerns, restaurants had to rapidly ad…

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July 14, 2025

Legacy Brands in the Modern Age: Connecting with Younger Generations

Legacy Brands in the Modern Age: Connecting with Younger Generations

Legacy brands, those established names with decades, sometimes even centuries, of history, face a unique challenge in today's rapidly changing market. They possess the invaluable asset of brand recognition and trust built over years, but they must a…

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July 14, 2025

Lauren Bailey's Journey: From P.F. Chang's to Leading 30 Restaurants

Welcome to an insightful exploration of Lauren Bailey's remarkable journey in the restaurant industry. From her unexpected beginnings at P.F. Chang's to her current role leading 30 restaurants across five distinct brands, Lauren's story is one of re…

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July 14, 2025

Olo Pay: Bridging the Gap Between Digital and Traditional Payments

Olo Pay: Bridging the Gap Between Digital and Traditional Payments

In today's rapidly evolving restaurant industry, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing customer experiences and streamlining operations. One company at the forefront of this transformation is Olo, known for its innovative digital ordering and…

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July 14, 2025

Chowly Acquires Targetable: A Game Changer for Restaurant Marketing

Chowly Acquires Targetable: A Game Changer for Restaurant Marketing

In today's fast-paced restaurant industry, staying ahead requires more than just great food and service. It demands a robust digital presence and effective marketing strategies. That's why the recent acquisition of Targetable by Chowly is such a sig…

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July 14, 2025

Fueling, Not Fooling: The Health-First Philosophy of Main Squeeze Juice Co.

Fueling, Not Fooling: The Health-First Philosophy of Main Squeeze Juice Co.

Welcome to a deep dive into the vibrant world of Main Squeeze Juice Co., a brand committed to more than just quenching your thirst. In this blog post, we'll explore their unwavering dedication to providing genuinely healthy options, free from the hi…

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July 14, 2025

The Power of Strategic Partnerships: Lessons from Big Chicken and Shaq

The Power of Strategic Partnerships: Lessons from Big Chicken and Shaq

In today's competitive business landscape, strategic partnerships can be the key to unlocking exponential growth and enhanced brand recognition. One of the most compelling examples of this is the partnership between Big Chicken and Shaquille O'Neal.…

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July 14, 2025

Standing Out in a Saturated Market: The Smalls Sliders Approach

Standing Out in a Saturated Market: The Smalls Sliders Approach

In today's fiercely competitive restaurant landscape, carving out a unique identity is more crucial than ever. Brands must not only offer delicious food but also deliver exceptional experiences that resonate with customers. Smalls Sliders, a rising …

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July 14, 2025

Tech vs. Touch: Preserving Hospitality in a Digital Age

Tech vs. Touch: Preserving Hospitality in a Digital Age

In today's rapidly evolving world, technology has permeated nearly every aspect of our lives, including the restaurant industry. While technology offers unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, personalization, and growth, it's crucial to remembe…

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July 14, 2025

The Power of Local: How Franchisees Personalize the Bad Ass Coffee Experience

The Power of Local: How Franchisees Personalize the Bad Ass Coffee Experience

In the ever-expanding world of coffee shops, it’s easy for brands to become homogenous, losing the personal touch that makes a truly memorable experience. In this blog post, we'll delve into the crucial role that local franchisees play in main…

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July 14, 2025

From CMO to CEO: How Marketing Leadership Shapes a Restaurant Brand

From CMO to CEO: How Marketing Leadership Shapes a Restaurant Brand

In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating journey of Chris Tomasso, from his impactful role as a Chief Marketing Officer to his current position as the CEO of First Watch. We'll explore how his marketing background has profoundly influenced h…

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July 14, 2025

Tech-Enabled Convenience: What Diners Really Want

Tech-Enabled Convenience: What Diners Really Want

Welcome back to the blog, Hospitality Hangout fans! In this post, we're diving deep into the ever-evolving world of restaurant technology, specifically exploring what diners truly desire when it comes to tech-enabled convenience. We'll be drawing in…

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July 14, 2025

Scaling Up Without Selling Out: How Tiki Taco Maintains Authenticity as it Grows

Scaling Up Without Selling Out: How Tiki Taco Maintains Authenticity as it Grows

Welcome back to the blog, Hangout Huddle! In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Eric, the CEO of Tiki Taco, a beloved Kansas City restaurant known for its authentic flavors and community-first approach. As Tiki Taco pre…

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July 14, 2025

The Future of Restaurant Payments: Biometrics, Predictive Tech, and Seamless Experiences

The Future of Restaurant Payments: Biometrics, Predictive Tech, and Seamless Experiences

Welcome to another deep dive into the ever-evolving world of hospitality technology! In this blog post, we're expanding on the insightful discussion from our latest Hospitality Hangout episode, Evolutionizing Restaurant Payments: Insights from Adyen…

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July 13, 2025

Solving the Impossible Triangle: Balancing Quality, Affordability, and Fair Wages in the Restaurant Industry

Solving the Impossible Triangle: Balancing Quality, Affordability, and Fair Wages in the Restaurant Industry

The restaurant industry is a dynamic and challenging space, constantly evolving to meet the changing demands of consumers. One of the most persistent challenges facing restaurant owners and operators is the "impossible triangle" – the delicate…

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July 13, 2025

Blending Tech with Tradition: A&W's Approach to Modern Hospitality

Blending Tech with Tradition: A&W's Approach to Modern Hospitality

A&W, a brand synonymous with root beer floats and classic Americana, has managed to maintain its appeal across generations. But how has this nostalgic brand adapted to the rapidly changing landscape of modern hospitality? In this blog post, we'l…

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July 13, 2025

Tech Investment in Hospitality: How Union Square Hospitality Group Prioritizes Efficiency and Employee Satisfaction

Tech Investment in Hospitality: How Union Square Hospitality Group Prioritizes Efficiency and Employee Satisfaction

In today’s fast-paced hospitality industry, technology isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) understands this implicitly. By strategically investing in tech solutions, USHG not only enhances operational e…

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July 13, 2025

Adapting to Change: Navigating Trends in the Modern Restaurant Landscape

Adapting to Change: Navigating Trends in the Modern Restaurant Landscape

The restaurant industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, constantly shaped by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and economic shifts. Success in this environment requires more than just a great menu; it demands agili…

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