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

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “Finance Guy”, are joined by Chip Wade, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group.

In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg, "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, "The Finance Guy," welcomed Doug Willmarth, President at MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, and Shakes, as their guest. Willmarth introduced himself as the president of and emphasized the restaurant's commitment to serving the best-tasting cheeseburgers. He highlighted their handcrafted approach, using great ingredients, hand-smashing burgers, and hand-cutting fries, along with made-from-scratch shakes. The key to their success is customization, offering a wide range of options for protein, toppings, sauces, and cheese choices, allowing customers to create their own unique burger experience.

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” sit down with Noah Glass founder and CEO of Olo.

In today’s episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Perry Miele, President and CEO of Nestlé Professional North America.

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by John Meadows, president and founder of LDV Hospitality.

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” sit down with Gregory Zamfotis, founder and CEO of Gregory’s Coffee.

In the latest episode of "Hospitality Hangout", industry insiders are treated to an enlightening conversation as hosts Michael Schatzberg, fondly known as "The Restaurant Guy", and Jimmy Frischling, dubbed "The Finance Guy", sit down with G.J. Hart. Currently at the helm of Red Robin as President, CEO, and Director, Hart's journey from the Netherlands to leading a renowned American food brand is nothing short of inspiring. G.J. Hart: From Immigrant Dreams to Restaurant Reality Arriving in the ...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “Finance Guy”, are joined by Scott Finlow, the Global CMO for PepsiCo Food Service.

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” sit down with Lisa Robinson, Vice President of Global Food Safety and Public Health at Ecolab.

In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” are joined by James Vitrano, Chief Executive Officer of Sucré. They discuss James' background, from his early ambitions to getting into the restaurant industry and working for major chains like Ruby Tuesday's. They talk about his current role as CEO of Sucré, a high-end New Orleans-inspired dessert chain that he and his partners acquired and are now focused on growing. The t...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” sit down with second-time guest Sam Bakhshandehpour, CEO of José Andrés Group. Sam started his career as a financial analyst, working with major banks such as Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan, UBS, and Bear Stearns, and has a background in real estate. He transitioned into the hospitality industry, starting with the SLS Hotel and later partnering with José Andrés through Silverstone...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” dive into an engaging conversation with guest Greg Flynn, founder, chairman, and CEO of the Flynn Group and Flynn Properties.

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by guests Nick Bishop Jr, co-founder of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, and Todd Williams, co-president and CFO of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. A partnership that took flight over a few rounds of golf eventually grew into the beloved Hattie B's Hot Chicken. Nick reveals his family's 50-year legacy in the restaurant business, starting with his grandfather and continuing throug...

In today’s episode of the Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy”, and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy”, are joined by 5-time returning guest Josh Halpern, founder and CEO of Big Chicken and Beer Park. Josh narrates how he began his business and how the relationships he has fostered with shareholders like Dr. Shaquille O’Neal has become invaluable. He also delves into what it is like to own a franchise, walks us through the mindset needed to run one, and uncovers the of...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by two returning guests, Christi Ravneberg, Senior Director of Media Intelligence and Custom Content for Informa Connect and Joe Donnelly, President of Media and Events at Informa Connect. Christi and Joe dive into the Informa Connect intelligence platform, stirring the pot by surveying operator and retailer audiences. They whip up in-depth reports on technology,...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Zack Stein, co-founder and CEO of Supply Caddy. Zack shares his journey into hospitality, starting with his degree from Wayne Huizenga School of Business, followed by years in venture capital focusing on early-stage startups. He discovered his flavor in CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods), garnishing his experience with a passion for creative packaging. With Supply ...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “Finance Guy”, welcome a titan of the restaurant tech industry, Ben Leventhal. Ben a co-founder of Eater, the visionary, co-founder, and former CEO of Resy, and now the co-founder and CEO of Blackbird Labs. Throughout his career, Ben has been at the forefront of technological and marketing revolutions in the restaurant industry. Ben’s journey began with Eater, a trailblazing digital media bra...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are thrilled to welcome Zachary “Schmackary” Schmahl, the Nebraska native who turned his Broadway dreams into a cookie empire right in the heart of New York City’s theatre district. Starting at 24, Zachary began experimenting with cookie recipes, combining traditional concepts with bold twists. His creations quickly caught the attention of the Broadway community, turning hi...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “Finance Guy”, are joined by Craig Dunaway COO and a member of the Board of Directors of Penn Station East Coast Subs. Craig recounts his journey, beginning as a young professional at a regional accounting firm in Indiana before venturing into the world of franchising with Papa John’s Pizza and eventually becoming a multi- unit franchisee of Papa John’s and Penn Station East Coast Subs, culmi...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Tracy Kim, CEO of DIG. Tracy tells us about her journey from a pre-med student at Stanford and earning her MBA at Harvard Business School and her subsequent leap into the hospitality sector, culminating in her leadership role at DIG. Fast forward, Tracy dishes out how DIG has ‘bowled over’ their audience and positioned itself as the go-to solution for lunch an...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “Finance Guy,” are joined by Scott Redler, co-founder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard and founder of Redler’s Hospitality. Scott tells his story of 48 years of experience, dedication, and admiration for the restaurant industry and creating an impact on others’ entrepreneurial lives and experiences. From the birth of Shanghai Charlie’s and Timberline Steakhouse to navigating the complexities of fin...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Angela Leet, CEO of QSR Automations. Angela discusses the company’s innovative kitchen automation solutions and their recent recognition of being named as a finalist for the prestigious Ring of Fire award. She shares insights into their new product, ConnectSmart Recipes Plus, which aims to extend the capabilities of kitchen screen investments and address labor...

In today’s episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Ricky Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of Eggs Up Grill. Ricky discusses the brand’s origins and rapid expansion since he took over. He provides background on Eggs Up Grill being started by a third-generation diner operator and becoming a 100% franchised system. Ricky highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent brand culture as they grow throug...

In today’s episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Sterling Douglass, Co-Founder and CEO of Chowly, Inc., and Andrew J. Nash, CEO of Targetable. Sterling and Andrew talk about Chowly’s recent acquisition of Targetable and the benefits this strategic move brings to restaurant operators. They discuss their combined vision of creating an all-in-one digital ordering and marketing solution tailored specifically ...