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Episodes

Never Trust a Skinny CEO: Rob Lynch of Shake Shack on Hustle, Culture, and Community
Oct. 7, 2025

Never Trust a Skinny CEO: Rob Lynch of Shake Shack on Hustle, Culture, and Community

Rob Lynch, CEO of Shake Shack, shares his journey from washing dishes at age five to leading one of the most recognizable burger brands in the world. He talks about his early roots in pizza shops, the lessons learned from wor...
Rolling Forward: Scott Boatwright, CEO of Chipotle, on Growth and Fighting Childhood Hunger
Sept. 30, 2025

Rolling Forward: Scott Boatwright, CEO of Chipotle, on Growth and Fighting Childhood Hunger

Scott Boatwright, CEO of Chipotle, shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading one of America’s most recognizable brands. He reflects on his personal experience with food insecurity, Chipotle’s work with No Kid Hungr...
Carving a Better Future: Barry McGowan CEO of Fogo de Chão on Leadership and Giving Back
Sept. 23, 2025

Carving a Better Future: Barry McGowan CEO of Fogo de Chão on Leadership and Giving Back

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg (“the restaurant guy”) and Jimmy Frischling (“the finance guy”) sit down with Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão, as part of the No Kid Hungry CEO Pledge minise...
Game Day, Every Day: Brooks Schaden, Co-Founder and CEO of Tom’s Watch Bar, on Reinventing the Sports Viewing Experience”
Sept. 16, 2025

Game Day, Every Day: Brooks Schaden, Co-Founder and CEO of Tom’s Watch Bar, on Reinventing the Sports Viewing Experience”

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, the Restaurant Guy and the Finance Guy sit down with Brooks Schaden, co-CEO and co-founder of Tom’s Watch Bar, to explore how he’s reinventing the modern sports bar. From 150+ TVs and c...
Igniting Restaurant Growth: From Flames to Fame: Steve Kislow on Igniting Restaurant Growth at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Sept. 9, 2025

Igniting Restaurant Growth: From Flames to Fame: Steve Kislow on Igniting Restaurant Growth at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

In this sizzling episode of The Hospitality Hangout Podcast, hosts Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling sit down with Steve Kislow, CEO of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. They delve into hospitality strategies and re...
Hospitality’s Game Plan: Insider Insights & Emerging Trends for Restaurant Success
Sept. 2, 2025

Hospitality’s Game Plan: Insider Insights & Emerging Trends for Restaurant Success

In this dynamic episode of the Hospitality Hangout Podcast, we welcome Josh Kopel—award-winning restaurateur and hospitality strategist—for a deep dive into the latest hospitality trends and insider insights that are shaping ...
Title: From Salads to Success: Bold Ideas & Insider Insights with Nick Kenner on QSR Trends and Hospitality Leadership
Aug. 26, 2025

Title: From Salads to Success: Bold Ideas & Insider Insights with Nick Kenner on QSR Trends and Hospitality Leadership

In this laughter-filled yet insightful episode of the Hospitality Hangout Podcast, we sit down with Nick Kenner, Founder & CEO of Just Salad, to explore bold ideas and expert strategies that are reshaping the hospitality and ...
Unlocking Restaurant Growth: How Entertainment Transforms Hospitality
Aug. 19, 2025

Unlocking Restaurant Growth: How Entertainment Transforms Hospitality

In this episode of The Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Neil Sudaisar, AVP of Commercial National Accounts at DIRECTV, to explore how entertainment is powering restaurant transformation and success in the hospitality ind...
Essential Trends & Industry Strategies with PR Expert Sherri Fishman
Aug. 12, 2025

Essential Trends & Industry Strategies with PR Expert Sherri Fishman

In this episode, we delve into the must-know hospitality trends and effective industry strategies with PR expert Sherri Fishman from Fishman PR. As restaurants transform rapidly, understanding what exceptional PR looks like i...
More Than Juice: Jamba’s Nathan Louer Talks Hospitality, Trends & Transformation
Aug. 5, 2025

More Than Juice: Jamba’s Nathan Louer Talks Hospitality, Trends & Transformation

In this fresh episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Nathan Louer, Chief Brand Officer of Jamba, to explore how one of the most recognizable food and beverage brands is navigating the evolving hospitality industry a...
Lodging, Loyalty & Leadership: Red Roof’s Big Bet on Bold Hospitality Ideas
July 29, 2025

Lodging, Loyalty & Leadership: Red Roof’s Big Bet on Bold Hospitality Ideas

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we’re joined by Zack Gharib, President of Red Roof, exploring how hospitality brands adapt to fast-moving trends and guest expectations. Zack shares insider insights on digital hospital...
Insider Tips & Tacos: Key Hospitality Strategies from Taco John’s CEO
July 22, 2025

Insider Tips & Tacos: Key Hospitality Strategies from Taco John’s CEO

In this sizzling episode of Hospitality Hangout, we’re joined by Heather Neary, President & CEO of Taco John’s International, to explore bold ideas and hospitality strategies that define today’s fast-paced food industry. Heat...
Hospitality, But Make It Toasted: Frank Paci on Fast-Casual & the Future
July 15, 2025

Hospitality, But Make It Toasted: Frank Paci on Fast-Casual & the Future

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we delve deep into hospitality strategies with Frank Paci, CEO of Newk’s Eatery, a leader in the fast-casual food industry. Join us as Frank shares his wealth of knowledge on how Newk’s...
From Flip-Flops to Five Stars: Lucia Penrod’s Expert Strategies for Restaurant Transformation
July 10, 2025

From Flip-Flops to Five Stars: Lucia Penrod’s Expert Strategies for Restaurant Transformation

In this Hospitality Hustler episode of Hospitality Hangout, we go from backroom to boardroom with Lucia Penrod, Co-Founder, Owner, and CEO of the iconic Nikki Beach. Lucia shares her journey scaling a single South Beach locat...
Fries, Frosties & Food Service Fame: Inside Freddy’s with Erin Walters
July 9, 2025

Fries, Frosties & Food Service Fame: Inside Freddy’s with Erin Walters

In this mouthwatering episode, we dive deep into the world of hospitality as we sit down with Erin Walters, CMO of Freddy’s. Discover the latest hospitality trends and investment strategies that are reshaping the food service...
Slice, Slice Baby: Hospitality Trends from Grimaldi’s Marketing Maven
July 8, 2025

Slice, Slice Baby: Hospitality Trends from Grimaldi’s Marketing Maven

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we’re tossing dough and dropping knowledge with Pam Brock-Nedwetzky, Director of Marketing at the legendary Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. Discover how Pam keeps this iconic brand at the forefron...
Wade Allen Discusses Hospitality Strategies and Emerging Trends
July 2, 2025

Wade Allen Discusses Hospitality Strategies and Emerging Trends

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Wade Allen, a leading voice in hospitality strategies and digital innovation, to explore what real restaurant transformation looks like in today's fast-evolving landsca...
Rolling With It: How Pokeworks Is Reinventing the Bowl Game
July 1, 2025

Rolling With It: How Pokeworks Is Reinventing the Bowl Game

Join us for a deep dive into the world of hospitality as we chat with Ha Ly, Head of Marketing at Pokeworks, a leading player in the fast-evolving food industry. Discover the hospitality strategies and insider insights that m...
From Hot Chicken to Hot Chains: Mike LaRue on Franchising, Fun Dining & Hospitality Wins
June 25, 2025

From Hot Chicken to Hot Chains: Mike LaRue on Franchising, Fun Dining & Hospitality Wins

This week on Hospitality Hangout, we’re turning up the heat with Mike LaRue, Franchisee and VP of Franchise Development at Angry Chickz — one of the fastest-growing brands in the hospitality industry focused on fun dining. In...
Tech Meets Taste: Kevin Bentley on Hospitality Transformation at Jollibee Group
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...
Grill. Grind. Greatness. The Derrick Hayes Hustler Story
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...
Breaking Bread & Bold Ideas: Marc Torres on Cheba Hut, Hospitality Trends, and the Future of Fun Dining
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. ...
Guac, Grit, and Guest Experience: The bartaco Playbook
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...
Building Brands with Flavor & Foresight: A Conversation with Potbelly’s CEO
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 ...