Episodes
June 24, 2025
Tech Meets Taste: Kevin Bentley on Hospitality Transformation at Jollibee Group
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, join us as we uncover how technology is transforming hospitality with Kevin Bentley, Head of Technology at the Jollibee Group. Discover vital hospitality strategies that redefine the gu...
June 19, 2025
Grill. Grind. Greatness. The Derrick Hayes Hustler Story
In this Hospitality Hustlers episode, sponsored by Toast, we’re serving up a story of grit, growth, and cheesesteaks that changed a life. Meet Derrick Hayes, CEO and founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, who went from the stree...
June 18, 2025
Breaking Bread & Bold Ideas: Marc Torres on Cheba Hut, Hospitality Trends, and the Future of Fun Dining
In this episode of the Hospitality Hangout, recorded live at RLC’s Influencer Alley, we sit down with Marc Torres, CEO of Cheba Hut Toasted Subs, one of the most unique and emerging brands shaking up the restaurant industry. ...
June 17, 2025
Guac, Grit, and Guest Experience: The bartaco Playbook
Live from RLC’s Influencer Alley, this episode of the Hospitality Hangout features Anthony Valletta, CEO and President of bartaco, the elevated street food concept redefining fun dining and guest connection. Anthony shares sh...
June 12, 2025
Building Brands with Flavor & Foresight: A Conversation with Potbelly’s CEO
In this kickoff episode of Hospitality Hustlers—powered by Toast—we sit down with Bob Wright, the CEO of Potbelly, to dig into what it takes to transform a beloved sandwich chain into a tech-forward, trend-setting brand. Bob ...
June 10, 2025
Hospitality Hangout | Bold Moves & Better Bowls: Restaurant Transformation with WOWorks CEO Kelly Roddy
Hosted by The Restaurant Guy and The Finance Guy, Hospitality Hangout delivers hospitality stories, loud ideas, and insider strategies from top hospitality insiders driving change. In this episode, we’re chopping it up with K...
June 10, 2025
Hospitality Hangout | The Smart Playbook for Digital Hospitality & Restaurant Growth
Hosted by The Restaurant Guy and The Finance Guy, Hospitality Hangout delivers hospitality stories, loud ideas, and insider strategies from the most influential hospitality insiders in the game. In this episode, we sit down w...
June 3, 2025
Michael Beacham on CPK’s Bold Recipe for Restaurant Transformation
In this can't-miss episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Michael Beacham, President of California Pizza Kitchen, for an entertaining and insightful conversation packed with hospitality stories, expert insights, and...
May 27, 2025
Tech-Driven Hospitality: Amir Hudda on the Evolution of Food Service
What happens when cutting-edge tech meets old-school hospitality? In this episode, we sit down with Amir Hudda, CEO of Qu, to unpack the evolution of restaurant management in a rapidly changing world. From emerging brands to ...
May 20, 2025
Free Subs for Danny DeVito? How Jersey Mike’s Landed a Legend and Built a Cult Following
What do you get when you mix a legendary sandwich shop, a Hollywood icon, and an $8 billion handshake? One hell of a Hospitality Hangout episode. Mike Manzo, COO of Jersey Mike’s, joins the show to dish on how the brand becam...
May 13, 2025
From NYC Slices to LA Burgers: Digital Hospitality & Food Industry Wins with CEO Lawrence Longo
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with food entrepreneur and CEO Lawrence Longo, visionary behind Prince Street Pizza, Off the Menu, and Irv’s Burgers. Lawrence shares entertaining and inspiring stories abou...
May 6, 2025
From Peaks to Power Plays: Joe Hummel on Leadership, Laughter & Restaurant Reinvention
In this can't-miss episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Joe Hummel, former CEO of Twin Peaks and current board member of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, for an entertaining conversation packed with insights and humor....
April 29, 2025
Shakin' Things Up: Margarita Magic & Marketing Moves with Chili’s CMO George F
In this unforgettable episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with George Felix, the Chief Marketing Officer of Chili’s, to explore what it takes to lead one of the most iconic foodservice brands through restaurant transf...
April 22, 2025
Bold Ideas & Breakthroughs: David Meltzer on Investing in People, Purpose & Possibility
In this powerful episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with David Meltzer — Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute, renowned business coach, investor, 3x best-selling author, and former CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & ...
April 15, 2025
From Docks to Disruption: Michael Ungaro on Restaurant Transformation, Trends & Hilarious Food Tales
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we dive deep with Michael Ungaro — CEO, visionary, and third-generation owner behind the iconic San Pedro Fish Market and star of the hit Amazon Prime series Kings of Fi$h. Michael shar...
April 8, 2025
How Moe’s is Winning the Hospitality Game: Trends, Transformation & Insider Strategies with Mike Smith
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Mike Smith, Chief Brand Officer of Moe’s Southwest Grill, for a high-energy conversation...
April 1, 2025
Behind the BIG Deal: This Is What Success in Hospitality Looks Like
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Gregg Majewski and Josh Halpern to explore Big Chicken’s exciting move to join Craveworthy Brands.
March 25, 2025
Guest Experience as a Strategy with Mike Fiato of Eurest
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Mike Fiato, Senior Vice President of Guest Experience at Eurest, a division of Compass Group.
March 18, 2025
The Smartest Move in Restaurant Tech Is Simplicity and ScheduleFly Proves It
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Will Brawley, co-founder of ScheduleFly, a restaurant scheduling software that’s more than just a tool—it’s a philosophy. For over 15 years, Will and his team hav…
March 11, 2025
Spicy Strategies: How El Pollo Loco Stays Hot in QSR
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Liz Williams, CEO of El Pollo Loco.
March 4, 2025
Doughnuts, Hustle, and Hospitality: Chris Schultz on Scaling an Iconic Brand
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” welcome Chris Schultz, CEO of Voodoo Doughnut, for a conversation packed with brand innovation, fan-driven marketing, and the art of scaling while staying true to your ro…
Feb. 25, 2025
From Michelin Stars to Instagram Likes, The Restaurant World with Chef Laurent Tourondel
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Chef Laurent Tourondel, an acclaimed chef and restaurateur known for his innovative approach to fine dining and casual cuisine.
Feb. 18, 2025
Ketchup, Crinkle-Cut Fries & 1500 Shake Shacks: Rob Lynch Spills It All
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” sit down with Rob Lynch CEO of Shake Shack.
Feb. 11, 2025
Bold Ideas, Breakout Brands, and Big Apple Moves Inside FB Society
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Jack Gibbons, CEO of FB Society.