Browse every Hospitality Hangout episode featuring conversations with restaurant executives, hospitality innovators, and emerging industry leaders.

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 enterprise breakthroughs, Amir shares candid insights on the tech reshaping food service, the trends that matter, and how to future-proof your operation. Whether you're a founder, operator, or just obsessed with the business of hospitality, this one's packed with gold. Get ...

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 became a cult favorite—with over 3,000 locations, a relentless focus on unit-level profitability, and yep, Danny DeVito as their secret weapon. From tamper-proof pickles to military-grade consistency, Mike breaks down what it really takes to scale without selling out. Plus, insid...

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 about growing a household name in New York pizza, transforming family legacy into a hospitality empire. Get actionable guidance on restaurant ownership, digital hospitality, and building powerful hospitality networks. Learn how Lawrence’s unique approach to leadership, entertai...

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. Joe dishes on his journey through the food industry, shares bold perspectives on leadership, and reveals how Twin Peaks has become a case study in restaurant transformation. Whether you're an industry insider, investor, or just love a good story, you'll enjoy our deep dive...

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 transformation and into the future of hospitality success. Known for their craveable food, sizzling service, and of course, their world-famous margaritas, Chili’s has long been a trendsetter in the casual dining space. George shares the hospitality strategies that have fueled Chi...

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 & Entertainment (yes, the inspiration for Jerry Maguire). David isn’t just a titan in the boardroom — he’s a friend to the hospitality industry, a champion of breakthrough tech, and one of the most entertaining, insightful speakers in the business world today. We dig into ev...

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 shares his incredible journey of restaurant transformation, how to find lasting success in hospitality, and the secrets behind scaling a family-run institution into a national brand. From industry-shaping hospitality insights to laugh-out-loud funny food stories, this episode i...

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 packed with hospitality insights, real-world hospitality stories, and brand-driven restaurant transformation. Mike shares how Moe’s is leaning into emerging hospitality trends, executing bold hospitality strategies, and driving hospitality success in a competitive landscape...

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.

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.

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 have built a company that thrives not on aggressive scaling, but on delivering simplicity, service, and genuine care to independent restaurants.

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.

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 roots. From wild doughnut creations to expansion into Miami and LA, Chris shares what it takes to grow an iconic brand without losing its cult-like appeal.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” sit down with Victor Lugger, co-founder of Big Mamma Group.

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” sit down with David Miller, President and COO of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants.

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” welcome Mike Barbary, Vice President of Foodbuy, to continue three-part Supply Chain Superstars Series sponsored by Foodbuy.com.

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” continue the three-part Supply Chain Superstars Series sponsored by Foodbuy.com with Paul Levos, CEO of United Food Service (UFSO).

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Amer Akhtar, CEO of iTrade Network, to kick off their three-par Supply Chain Superstars Series sponsored by Foodbuy.com.

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy”, are joined by Jason Himber, CEO of Mina Group.

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” sit down with Shannon Hennessy, CEO of Habit Burger & Grill.

In this rewind episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” revisit their lively and insightful conversation with Greg Flynn, the founder, chairman, and CEO of the Flynn Group and Flynn Properties.