• From Flip-Flops to Five Stars: Lucia Penrod’s Expert Strategies for Restaurant Transformation
    Jul 10 2025

    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 location into a global lifestyle and hospitality brand. Discover hospitality insights, expert strategies, and behind-the-scenes hospitality stories that reveal how digital hospitality, brand consistency, and fun dining experiences drive success in hospitality today.

    Sponsored by Toast, this conversation is packed with insider strategies from one of the industry's top hospitality experts. Whether you're looking for brand insights, hospitality trends, or strategy experts who’ve been there and built it—this episode delivers it all. Don’t miss this deep dive into restaurant transformation, led by one of the most inspiring hospitality insiders in the business.

    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

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    59 mins
  • Fries, Frosties & Food Service Fame: Inside Freddy’s with Erin Walters
    Jul 9 2025

    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 industry. Erin shares insider tips from her experiences with one of the food industry’s iconic brands, exploring why frozen custard has become a power play in the market.

    Join us for a blend of hilarious anecdotes, real-world marketing strategies, and exclusive insights into the hospitality landscape — all made possible by our partnership with Olo, the technology behind unforgettable dining experiences. Stay tuned for a journey filled with laughter, loyalty strategies, and trends that keep you ahead in the hospitality game.

    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

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    27 mins
  • Slice, Slice Baby: Hospitality Trends from Grimaldi’s Marketing Maven
    Jul 8 2025

    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 forefront of the food industry by leveraging hospitality strategies and understanding emerging hospitality trends. She shares insider tips on successful marketing techniques within the hospitality sector, along with a few funny stories from behind the scenes that illustrate the unique challenges and excitement of the business. This entertaining conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in hospitality investments or those who simply adore pizza and want to know more. Presented by Dinova, where corporate dining meets delicious decision-making. This episode has ROI and LOLs.

    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

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    21 mins
  • Wade Allen Discusses Hospitality Strategies and Emerging Trends
    Jul 2 2025

    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 landscape. Wade shares powerful insights on hospitality trends and the role of tech in enhancing dining experiences that every operator should hear.

    Join us as we discuss:

    • Emerging hospitality trends and evolving consumer behaviors.
    • Balancing technology with the personal touch in fun dining experiences.
    • Real-world examples of transformation from a true hospitality insider.
    • How brands can remain relevant through expert strategies and authentic hospitality stories.

    If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve in the food service world, this episode delivers the expert insights you need. Subscribe now and join the conversation on the business of hospitality done right!

    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

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    27 mins
  • Rolling With It: How Pokeworks Is Reinventing the Bowl Game
    Jul 1 2025

    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 make Pokeworks stand out in the restaurant scene. From operational excellence to innovative poke bowl recipes, Ha shares the secrets behind scaling a successful food service brand.

    Enjoy entertaining stories and industry trends, all served in partnership with Qu, where technology meets culinary creativity. Whether you're a seasoned pro in hospitality or exploring investment opportunities in food service, this episode is packed with valuable information.

    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

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    14 mins
  • From Hot Chicken to Hot Chains: Mike LaRue on Franchising, Fun Dining & Hospitality Wins
    Jun 25 2025

    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 this episode, we discuss essential hospitality strategies including restaurant transformation and building a successful brand through effective franchising.

    Discover what it takes to create unforgettable guest experiences that resonate with customers. Packed with industry trends, insider insights, and hot hospitality stories, this episode is perfect for brand builders and food enthusiasts alike. Tune in for expert guidance and learn about the vital conversations shaping today’s competitive food service market.

    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

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    27 mins
  • Tech Meets Taste: Kevin Bentley on Hospitality Transformation at Jollibee Group
    Jun 24 2025

    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 guest experience while driving success across noteworthy brands like Jollibee, Smashburger, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Kevin shares insights on emerging trends in the food service industry and the innovative tech solutions that are fueling growth, brand consistency, and unforgettable dining experiences.

    This episode is a goldmine of insider insights and the latest hospitality trends, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the food industry.

    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

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    32 mins
  • Grill. Grind. Greatness. The Derrick Hayes Hustler Story
    Jun 19 2025

    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 street grind to the executive grind — using flavor and focus as his fuel.

    Derrick shares how hospitality gave him purpose, how a sandwich sparked a movement, and what it means to hustle with heart. From building an iconic Philly-inspired brand in Atlanta to landing features in Forbes and Good Morning America, this is the kind of real talk and bold inspiration the industry needs.

    This episode is part of our Hospitality Hustlers series — highlighting the leaders who started on the frontlines and rose to the top, one shift at a time.

    Tune in for hospitality insights, guest experience gold, and a few funny food stories you won’t forget.

    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

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    1 hr and 14 mins