Hospitality Hangout | Expert Strategies & Industry Trends from Hospitality Insiders

Michael Schatzberg & Jimmy Frischling - Hospitality Insiders | Expert Strategies & Trends.'
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Jul 29, 2025 • 51min

Lodging, Loyalty & Leadership: Red Roof’s Big Bet on Bold Hospitality Ideas

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we’re joined by Zack Gharib, President of Red Roof, exploring how hospitality brands adapt to fast-moving trends and guest expectations. Zack shares insider insights on digital hospitality, bold strategies for enhancing guest experience, and how Red Roof is positioning itself for the future of travel. If you're a hospitality insider, investor, or a hotel operator, this conversation is packed with essential hospitality strategies and industry trends that matter most.What you’ll hear:Red Roof's navigation through breaking news and shifting traveler behaviors The impact of emerging brands and innovation in today’s food service market Proven hospitality strategies to drive loyalty, revenue, and long-term value Big-picture insights from one of the industry's respected leaders Get actionable advice and stay ahead in the competitive food industry and hospitality world! Episode Credits:Produced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com
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Jul 22, 2025 • 48min

Insider Tips & Tacos: Key Hospitality Strategies from Taco John’s CEO

In this sizzling episode of Hospitality Hangout, we’re joined by Heather Neary, President & CEO of Taco John’s International, to explore bold ideas and hospitality strategies that define today’s fast-paced food industry. Heather shares exclusive insider tips on navigating emerging trends, scaling legacy brands, and innovating in the hospitality business. From digital hospitality advancements to investment insights, this conversation is packed with expert strategies and hospitality insights every operator should hear. Topics include:The rise of emerging brands in the modern hospitality industryLeveraging technology and digital hospitality to maintain a competitive edgeBreaking news and strategic moves at Taco John’sAuthentic discussion on growth, leadership, and what’s next in food and businessWhether you're a hospitality insider, investor, or brand builder, this episode delivers the trend-forward perspective you’ve been craving. Episode Credits:Produced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com
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Jul 15, 2025 • 24min

Hospitality, But Make It Toasted: Frank Paci on Fast-Casual & the Future

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we delve deep into hospitality strategies with Frank Paci, CEO of Newk’s Eatery, a leader in the fast-casual food industry. Join us as Frank shares his wealth of knowledge on how Newk’s thrives in an increasingly competitive landscape, his investment strategies, and how emerging brands in the hospitality sector can combine flavor with operational excellence.Expect to hear about the latest food service trends, amusing anecdotes, and a candid behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead a successful hospitality brand. Brought to you by DIRECTV for Business, where great restaurants meet great entertainment! Episode Credits:Produced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com
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Jul 10, 2025 • 59min

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

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 MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com
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Jul 9, 2025 • 27min

Fries, Frosties & Food Service Fame: Inside Freddy’s with Erin Walters

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 MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com
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Jul 8, 2025 • 21min

Slice, Slice Baby: Hospitality Trends from Grimaldi’s Marketing Maven

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 MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com
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Jul 2, 2025 • 27min

Wade Allen Discusses Hospitality Strategies and Emerging Trends

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 MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com
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Jul 1, 2025 • 14min

Rolling With It: How Pokeworks Is Reinventing the Bowl Game

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 MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com
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Jun 25, 2025 • 27min

From Hot Chicken to Hot Chains: Mike LaRue on Franchising, Fun Dining & Hospitality Wins

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 MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com
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Jun 24, 2025 • 32min

Tech Meets Taste: Kevin Bentley on Hospitality Transformation at Jollibee Group

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 MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com

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