Videos

John Dillon, CEO of La Madeleine, joins Hospitality Hangout to share his expert strategies on reviving a 42-year-old legacy brand by blending tradition with modern hospitality trends. Drawing on his journey through major restaurant chains like Blockbuster, Pizza Hut, and Denny's, John reveals how clarity, simplification, and execution drive sustainable…

Billy Bob Thornton Wants Long John Silver's, LLC Every Day

Nate Fowler, CEO of Long John Silver’s, joins Hospitality Hangout live from RFDC in Las Vegas to share insider insights on revitalizing a 56-year-old restaurant brand while maintaining its core identity. This episode dives deep into hospitality trends, focusing on how technology, loyalty programs, and strategic partnerships drive growth and…

Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig, shares insider insights on how Swig pioneered and scaled the dirty soda category from its Utah roots to a thriving national franchise. Explore key hospitality trends in the beverage and restaurant industry as Alex discusses personalization, premium fountain beverages favored by Gen Z, and how…

Featuring top hospitality leaders from Groucho’s Deli, Long John Silver’s, Tiki Taco, Cowboy Chicken, Crazy Pita, and Beans & Brews Coffee House, including Mehdi Zarhloul, Brittany Mercer, Eric Knott, Deric Rosenbaum, Doug Willmarth, and Tim Newton, this episode dives deep into the latest hospitality trends and technology shaping the food…

Kaleb Harrell, CEO and co-founder of Hawkers Asian Street Food, joins Hospitality Hangout to share hospitality insider insights on building an authentic restaurant brand rooted in Asian street food culture. Discover how understanding true hawker culture and hands-on hospitality leadership shaped Hawkers’ unique growth strategy and helped the brand stay…

Mark Politzer, CEO of Norms Restaurants and a prominent figure among hospitality insiders, shares his extraordinary journey in the food service industry on Hospitality Hangout. From starting as a dishwasher to leading a beloved Southern California diner, Mark talks about the hospitality strategies and leadership principles that sustain Norms’ 76-year…

André Vener shares the inspiring hospitality story behind DogHaus—from a late-night idea to a nationally recognized food brand. Discover industry trends in food service and hospitality strategies as André discusses the importance of food quality, guest experience, and how entertainment blends seamlessly with hospitality. This episode explores key investment and…

Kelli Valade, CEO of Denny’s and a leading hospitality insider, shares her purpose-driven leadership approach, and the powerful role hospitality plays beyond the dining room. In this special No Kid Hungry miniseries episode, explore how Denny’s commitment to fighting childhood hunger through a 15-year partnership and signing the CEO Pledge…

Jennifer Dodd, CEO of Main Squeeze Juice, shares her journey and insights into building an emerging brand within the food industry. Dive deep into hospitality trends around wellness-driven concepts, cold-pressed juice, and gut health, and discover how this innovative approach transforms food service experiences. Jennifer breaks down what sets Main…

Amy Hom, COO of Barcelona Wine Bar and a recognized hospitality insider, shares her leadership journey and insights into navigating hospitality trends through talent development and brand expansion. From early experiences at major food service brands to shaping the culture at Barcelona Wine Bar and its new concept Corsica Wine…

Scott Lawton, Co-Founder and Chairman of BarTaco, joins to share his unique journey from busboy to a leader in the food industry. In this episode, Scott offers insider insights on hospitality strategies, the importance of brand culture, and scaling a lifestyle-focused restaurant business. He reflects on industry trends that have…

Suzie Tsai, CEO of Bonchon Chicken, joins Hospitality Insiders to share captivating insights into one of the most iconic Korean fried chicken brands shaping hospitality trends worldwide. Dive into the science behind perfect twice-fried chicken, explore Bonchon’s explosive growth through word-of-mouth, and learn about bold hospitality strategies driving their global…

When the chef of Barbounia Restaurant NYC & I get together, apparently we don’t just break bread… we break outdoor dining setups. One wrong step at Isabelle's Osteria and suddenly we’re doing unplanned restaurant “renovations.” But hey that’s what happens when you spend your days interviewing some of the best…

Debbie Stroud, President and CEO of Whataburger, shares her unique hospitality leadership journey, guiding one of America's most iconic brands into a future driven by hospitality strategies and a people-first culture. In this episode, we explore Whataburger's 75-year legacy, insider insights into balancing growth with authenticity, and emerging hospitality trends…

Jim Bitticks, President and COO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, shares insider insights on building a billion-dollar hospitality brand. From a humble $900 East Hollywood pop-up to one of the fastest-growing food industry sensations, Jim reveals leadership strategies, hospitality culture, and growth secrets vital for scaling with integrity. Dive into hospitality…

In this special episode, recorded live at the Prosper Forum, the Hospitality Hangout shines a light on how hospitality leaders are tackling childhood hunger. Featuring Anne Filipic, CEO of Share Our Strength and leader of the No Kid Hungry campaign, along with industry experts Scott Boatwright of Chipotle, Noah Glass…

Roland Gonzalez, CEO of Church’s Chicken, shares how he’s leading one of the world’s largest fried chicken brands through rapid expansion and brand evolution. He talks about growing up in Texas, his early start in food service while playing college baseball, and how operational experience shaped his leadership style. Roland…

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 working for $5 an hour, and why he believes you…

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 Hungry, and why the restaurant industry is uniquely positioned to help solve childhood hunger. Scott also opens…

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 miniseries. Barry shares his journey from experiencing food insecurity as a teenager to…

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 cutting-edge tech infrastructure to partnerships with brands like Mark Wahlberg’s Flecha Azul…