The Hospitality Hangout
The Hospitality Hangout
Join Michael Schatzberg aka Schatzy (The Restaurant Guy) and Jimmy Frischling (The Finance Guy) on The Hospitality Hangout as they explore hospitality, food service, and investment trends while connecting with industry leaders. Each week, receive insider insights and funny stories that shape the hospitality landscape. They live at the intersection of hospitality, food service, technology, and investment, connecting the biggest players and boldest ideas shaping the industry. Each week, they serve up funny, informative, and wildly entertaining conversations with the insiders who are leading a new era of hospitality. From emerging brands and breakthrough tech to industry trends and restaurant success stories, no topic is off the table. It’s where the who’s who of hospitality hangs out – packed with expert insights, laugh-out-loud moments, and must-know trends that keep you ahead of the game. 🍽️ Tune in, grab a drink, and let’s talk shop! 🚀
Feb. 6, 2024

The Inside Scoop on the Global Food Manufacturing Industry and How IFMA Is the Connector | Season 11, Vol. 3

In today’s episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Phil Kafarakis, President and CEO of International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA).


Phil focuses on strengthening connections between the food manufacturing and restaurant industries. He also shares his career journey, from working for Oscar Mayer to going on to earn an MBA from Georgetown later in his career. As head of IFMA, Phil is focused on opening membership beyond just manufacturers. He discusses this year’s IFMA conference and collaboration across the “ecosystem,” highlighting the importance of manufacturers to the success of restaurants.


Key Takeaways

  • [00:08 - 01:30] Introduction — IFMA and the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference, introducing Phil Kafarakis the President and CEO of the International Food Manufacturers Association
  • [01:38 - 04:55] 1980-1985, not loving football, getting married, creating a career in food service with Oscar Meyer and beyond. Phil’s career started with hotdogs, not hamburgers.
  • [04:55 - 06:45] 1985—Now, getting an MBA, mastering English, and development goals at McCormick
  • [06:48 - 09:52] Phil's work for IFMA and celebrating two years of leadership. An eighteen month listening tour and understanding some of the "dinosaurs" of the business
  • [10:02 - 11:58] A living eco-system is what the restaurant industry is, inviting in the right people into that ecosystem
  • [12:19 - 15:29] Some of the largest companies in the world are in food manufacturing
  • [15:35 - 17:08] Phil's takeaways from IFMA, an environment for authority on food away from home, research, education, analysis, and data. Meeting consumer needs.
  • [17:50 - 23:32] Talking Back — How Branded Hospitality Ventures evolved to Branded Hospitality Media and that journey. Manufacturers, the backbone of restaurants.
  • [24:52 - 27:04] Spice is Right — Jack in the Box, Jumbo Jack Cheeseburger edition
  • [27:07 - 31:25] Branded Quickfire

Episode Credits:

  • Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
  • Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
  • Producer: Julie Zucker
  • Creative Director: Adam Levine
  • Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
  • Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

www.thehospitalityhangout.com

Phil Kafarakis Profile Photo

CEO, IFMA

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