Hospitality Hangout

In this kickoff episode of Hospitality Hustlers—powered by Toast—we sit down with Bob Wright, the CEO of Potbelly, to dig into what it takes to transform a beloved sandwich chain into a tech-forward, trend-setting brand.Bob shares expert insights on the intersection of food service, emerging brands, and breakthrough technology, all while keeping it candid with a few funny moments along the way. We explore the “cold ideas” that turned hot, how Potbelly navigates shifting industry trends, and the importance of networking and investment in driving growth.Whether you’re a founder, foodie, or future hospitality insider, this episode is packed with the kind of conversations that fuel big ideas—and even bigger success stories.🎧 Tune in for trends, tech, and toasty takeaways. 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

Hosted by The Restaurant Guy and The Finance Guy, Hospitality Hangout delivers hospitality stories, loud ideas, and insider strategies from top hospitality insiders driving change. In this episode, we’re chopping it up with Kelly Roddy, CEO of WOWorks, the brand group behind better-for-you concepts like Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, and more.Kelly shares how WOWorks is leading the charge in restaurant transformation—from embracing AI and digital hospitality to mastering the great tech game and redefining success in hospitality through purpose-driven brands.Tune in for a fun hangout filled with bold insights, hospitality trends, and the secret sauce behind connecting players across fast casual and wellness-driven dining. If you’re hungry for hospitable leadership, this one delivers. 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

Hosted by The Restaurant Guy and The Finance Guy, Hospitality Hangout delivers hospitality stories, loud ideas, and insider strategies from the most influential hospitality insiders in the game. In this episode, we sit down with Alison Quinn, CEO of Dinova, to talk restaurant transformation, the power of connecting players in business dining, and how to win with a great tech game.We dive into the evolving world of digital hospitality, the role of AI in shaping the guest experience, and what it takes to drive success in hospitality today. Whether you're scaling a brand or just love a fun hangout with bold insights—this one is packed with hospitable energy and hospitality trends you need to know. 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

In this can't-miss episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Michael Beacham, President of California Pizza Kitchen, for an entertaining and insightful conversation packed with hospitality stories, expert insights, and insider knowledge.Beacham shares how CPK is embracing restaurant transformation, navigating today’s biggest hospitality trends, and staying ahead in the ever-evolving food industry. From innovation strategies to growth mindset, get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead a beloved brand into the future.Whether you're a seasoned hospitality insider or simply hungry for restaurant growth strategies, this episode serves up a flavorful mix of inspiration and actionable takeaways. 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

What happens when cutting-edge tech meets old-school hospitality? In this episode, we sit down with Amir Hudda, CEO of Qu, to unpack the evolution of restaurant management in a rapidly changing world. From emerging brands to enterprise breakthroughs, Amir shares candid insights on the tech reshaping food service, the trends that matter, and how to future-proof your operation. Whether you're a founder, operator, or just obsessed with the business of hospitality, this one's packed with gold.Get ready for stories, strategy, and a behind-the-scenes look at the future of food from one of the industry's most innovative minds. 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

What do you get when you mix a legendary sandwich shop, a Hollywood icon, and an $8 billion handshake? One hell of a Hospitality Hangout episode. Mike Manzo, COO of Jersey Mike’s, joins the show to dish on how the brand became a cult favorite—with over 3,000 locations, a relentless focus on unit-level profitability, and yep, Danny DeVito as their secret weapon. From tamper-proof pickles to military-grade consistency, Mike breaks down what it really takes to scale without selling out. Plus, insider stories about the Blackstone deal, international expansion, and why Mike might owe someone a sandwich (or 5,000). It’s meaty, it’s motivating, and it’s got more than a few laughs. 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

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with food entrepreneur and CEO Lawrence Longo, visionary behind Prince Street Pizza, Off the Menu, and Irv’s Burgers. Lawrence shares entertaining and inspiring stories about growing a household name in New York pizza, transforming family legacy into a hospitality empire.Get actionable guidance on restaurant ownership, digital hospitality, and building powerful hospitality networks. Learn how Lawrence’s unique approach to leadership, entertainment, and restaurant transformation has fueled his success in hospitality and made him a standout CEO in the food industry. Whether you're an aspiring restaurateur or a seasoned operator, this episode is packed with real-world hospitality advice you don’t want to miss. 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

In this can't-miss episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Joe Hummel, former CEO of Twin Peaks and current board member of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, for an entertaining conversation packed with insights and humor. Joe dishes on his journey through the food industry, shares bold perspectives on leadership, and reveals how Twin Peaks has become a case study in restaurant transformation.Whether you're an industry insider, investor, or just love a good story, you'll enjoy our deep dive into industry trends, the art of networking, and the balance between entertainment and operational excellence. From growth strategies to hilarious behind-the-scenes tales — this episode is as informative as it is fun. 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

In this unforgettable episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with George Felix, the Chief Marketing Officer of Chili’s, to explore what it takes to lead one of the most iconic foodservice brands through restaurant transformation and into the future of hospitality success. Known for their craveable food, sizzling service, and of course, their world-famous margaritas, Chili’s has long been a trendsetter in the casual dining space.George shares the hospitality strategies that have fueled Chili’s growth, dives into the evolving landscape of hospitality trends, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how top hospitality insiders think about restaurant profitability and brand loyalty. But this isn’t your typical interview—we’re talking full-on fun: margaritas on camera, rapid-fire games, bold questions, and even bolder answers. It’s a happy hour-style storytelling session packed with big laughs and even bigger takeaways for anyone in the business of hospitality.Whether you’re a restaurant operator, marketer, or just love a good hospitality story, you’ll walk away with fresh insights, actionable ideas, and maybe even a margarita 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

In this powerful episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with David Meltzer — Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute, renowned business coach, investor, 3x best-selling author, and former CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment (yes, the inspiration for Jerry Maguire).David isn’t just a titan in the boardroom — he’s a friend to the hospitality industry, a champion of breakthrough tech, and one of the most entertaining, insightful speakers in the business world today.We dig into everything from bold ideas that drive purpose-driven success, to the power of mindset, motivation, and meaningful investment. It’s an episode filled with insider gems, life lessons, and a few mic-drop moments that will leave you fired up and ready to elevate your game.Whether you're building a brand, scaling a business, or just need a dose of inspiration — this conversation delivers. 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