Why the Smartest Brands Are Thinking Like Hospitality Companies in 2025
Mar 26, 2025
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In this exciting discussion, David Rodolitz, co-founder of VCR Group, shares insights on blending hospitality with brand strategy. He explores the revolutionary integration of tech like NFTs and blockchain in restaurants, the future of membership-driven experiences, and the rising trend of comfort in dining. David emphasizes the importance of accountability and empathy in handling customer experiences, alongside the challenges and potentials of AI in enhancing service. It's all about creating meaningful connections in a rapidly evolving landscape!
The Fly Fish Club's successful fusion of traditional and NFT-based membership illustrates the evolving nature of brand engagement and experience in hospitality.
Founders Gary and David emphasize the significance of cultivating strong team infrastructure and adaptability amidst the challenges of the post-COVID hospitality landscape.
Technological advancements like AI are reshaping operations in the hospitality sector, yet a human-centered approach remains crucial for exceptional customer experiences.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Fly Fish Club
The Fly Fish Club, initially launched as a restaurant operating on the NFT model, has experienced significant growth and adaptation since its inception. Founders Gary Vaynerchuk and David Rodolitz expressed surprise at the drastic fluctuations in the NFT market, noting the unexpected challenges and changes that arose over time. Despite these challenges, the club has successfully merged traditional and NFT-based membership models while maintaining a focus on culinary excellence, hospitality, and the overall experience. The evolution reflects their commitment to building a meaningful and engaging private club atmosphere, regardless of market uncertainties.
Founding Philosophy of VCR Group
The VCR Group was established during the pandemic, with a vision driven by collaboration among Gary, David, and chef Josh Capon, utilizing their networking and experience in hospitality. Their goal is to create a modern hospitality company focused on authenticity, enjoyment, and treating people right. The founders aimed to innovate and differentiate their offerings in a highly competitive market, leveraging technology and media for better engagement. This foundational philosophy prioritizes people, passion, and the cultivation of great environments for meaningful social interactions.
Navigating Challenges in Hospitality
The hospitality industry poses many challenges, especially for new entrants, who often face fierce competition and high operational costs. The VCR Group founders acknowledged that while their experience helped them succeed, establishing a new brand required navigating complex situations, including real estate and staffing during post-COVID recovery. They described their initial phase as overwhelming, with multiple restaurant openings within a short time frame. The importance of building a strong team and infrastructure during this growth phase proved to be essential for sustaining operational success.
Learning from Feedback and Negative Reviews
The approach taken by the VCR Group regarding negative reviews emphasizes accountability and empathy, addressing issues while maintaining a level-headed perspective. Founders Gary and David believe in responding to feedback with a human touch, showing genuine care for customers' experiences and concerns. They noted the importance of differentiating between negative noise and constructive criticism, understanding that not all complaints warrant action and that context matters. This balanced strategy aims to strengthen their reputation while ensuring continuous improvement in their offerings.
Adapting to Industry Trends and Technology
The podcast highlights significant changes in the hospitality landscape, influenced by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. Both Gary and David acknowledged the impact of AI and automation on restaurant operations, believing that while technology will enhance efficiencies, the human element remains paramount. They foresee the potential for artificial intelligence to streamline processes, allowing staff to focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. Furthermore, the conversation pointed to a future of member clubs as a growing segment in hospitality, reflecting a blend of high-quality service and innovative operational models.
I recently sat down with my guy David Rodolitz, one of my co-founders at VCR Group, for an awesome convo on The Stanza podcast with Nadine — and I knew I had to share it with you here.
This episode isn’t just about hospitality. It’s about brand, community, innovation, and how to actually build something meaningful in a world that’s changing fast.
We got into the real behind-the-scenes of launching Flyfish Club, how we think about experience as a brand strategy, and why the next wave of business is going to be driven by tech, trust, and thoughtful execution.
If you’re building anything right now — a company, a team, a brand — this one’s for you.
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