Jonathan talks about his days as a hungry college student struggling to find quick, healthy, and affordable meals. He and his friends, frustrated by hunger pangs and the lack of unprocessed, affordable options, discovered a dream to create sustainable, consistent, and delicious food that people could trust. He shares the philosophy of blending art and science, fueled by a culture of innovation. Sweetgreen's vision ensures that growth strengthens purpose, and for Jonathan, this isn't just a strategy—it's the soul of the company, bringing people back to real food.Key Takeaways:• Sweetgreen’s vision – a balance of convenience, flavor, and well-being in the fast-casual dining space.• Jonathan shares Sweetgreen’s commitment to the perfect blend of art and science – a blend where every detail, from the smallest ingredient to the grandest vision, is infused with purpose and passion.• With an innovation on American classics, like ripple fries made with 4 simple ingredients, Sweetgreen is the trusted haven where you can indulge in real, wholesome food.• Breaking News: Sweetgreen’s loyalty app relaunches in 2025 with a new point-based system.• Jonathan shares how Sweetgreen’s festivals embody the sweet life—where passion for food and purpose in community come together in unforgettable experiences.• Sweetgreen's foundation lies in sourcing sustainably grown ingredients, fostering close relationships with regional farmers, and crafting every dish from scratch.• Hot Takes: Jonathan Neman discusses drone delivery, fake meat, and tech-driven hospitality in fun games like “Hot or Not,” “Branded Quickfire,” and “Trivia Tuesday.”Thank you for joining us on Hospitality Hangout, brought to you by Branded Hospitality Ventures. Join us next time at the intersection of innovation, authenticity, and leadership—we invite you to stay connected for more conversations shaping the future of hospitality.

Mario Del Pero's career shows how mentorship and dedication, combined with a clear vision, strategic partnerships, and innovative concepts like Mendocino Farms, Dom Food Group, and Neighborly, can transform the restaurant industry. His work serves as an inspiration for operators aiming to balance authenticity with growth.Key Takeaways:• Mario reflects on the skills he first gained from his father, who strategically reinforced his work ethic, and how working for Ron and Greg Newman at Sharkeez ultimately “changed the direction of my life."• Mario describes Dom Food Group as a food venture studio that incubates and creates restaurant brands. His focus is on the "preschool" phase of these businesses—helping them start strong before building executive teams to guide their growth.• Jimmy invites Mario to share his vision for the future of the virtual kitchen.• Jimmy refers to the “impossible triangle” and asks if Mario can help solve the puzzle of balancing quality, affordability, and fair wages.• Schatzy and Mario discuss convenience stores and grocery stores disrupting the market by offering better food quality and innovative models, challenging traditional restaurants for market share.• Mario talks about Neighborly, an innovative concept that integrates multiple iconic dining experiences under one roof, maximizing space while offering diverse culinary options.• Mario turns the tables by asking the hosts about the applications of artificial intelligence in the restaurant space.Schatzy, Jimmy, and Mario wrap up with fun and lively games like “Trivia Tuesday,” “What's Hot and Not,” “Branded Quickfire,” and “What's Your Uber Rating.”

In this special edition of Hospitality Hangout, recorded live at the FSTech Conference in Grapevine, Texas, Schatzy and Jimmy welcome back Phil Crawford, Global F&B Head of Adyen. As a third-time guest, Crawford brings his expertise to discuss the intersection of payments, technology, and the evolving dining experience.Key Takeaways:• Phil explains how Adyen is addressing the challenges of fragmented payment systems by unifying data to improve reconciliation, marketing personalization, and fraud prevention.• Phil predicts that biometric recognition, predictive technology, and seamless payment systems will revolutionize restaurants in the next five years.• Adyen’s global reach enables restaurants to meet guests' expectations across borders, delivering frictionless, tech-enabled dining experiences.• Phil’s reflections on tech trends – while QR codes may be fading, tap-and-go payments and data-driven menu personalization are laying the groundwork for what’s to come.• Phil emphasizes the importance of simplicity in tech adoption.• Phil flips the script, asking Schatzy and Jimmy which fictional hospitality characters they’d trade places with.Schatzy, Jimmy, and Phil deliver laughs, surprises, and sharp insights into the evolving world of hospitality and tech through their engaging discussions and games.

Eric’s roll as CEO of Tiki Taco shows how a clear vision, intentional technology, and community-first leadership can set the stage for growth while preserving the heart of a brand. Tiki Taco’s story is an inspiration to other operators looking to balance innovation with authenticity. Key Takeaways:• Eric discusses his focus on creating a balanced tech stack to solve real-world challenges for guests, team members, and executive leadership.• Eric talks about the pros and cons of integrated solutions versus all-in-one systems.• Tiki Taco prepares to expand from its three Kansas City locations (plus a food truck), Eric talks about the importance of staying true to the brand's identity as a “taste of home.”• Tiki Tacos support to local schools, churches, and organizations with donations and sponsorships. Eric believes the key to sustainable growth is building a strong, community-oriented culture that can be replicated in new markets.• Tiki Taco plans to add four to five new locations in the home market next year.• The KISS Principle: Keep It Simple, Stay True• Eric reflects on the importance of staying consistent with the core elements of a restaurant –great food, great service, and a cool atmosphere.• Eric asks Schatzy and Jimmy, “What advice would you give a CEO of an emerging restaurant brand?”Schatzy, Jimmy, and Eric deliver laughs, surprises, and sharp insights into the ever-evolving world of hospitality and tech through games like “Tech Time Warp,” “Talking Back,” “Hot or Not,” and “Branded Quick Fire.”

Brian grew up within Comcast, a multinational leader in telecommunications, entertainment, and digital solutions. As the largest internet service provider in the U.S., Comcast is redefining how technology supports businesses, including the hospitality industry.Key Takeaways:• Brian shares how Comcast Business evolved from serving small businesses to now supporting regional, national, and global companies with managed tech solutions. He discusses Comcast’s commitment to integrating smart solutions into hospitality operations, addressing critical needs like security, compliance, and operational efficiency.• Brian discusses how Comcast strategically invests in companies, offering mentorship and leveraging its vast portfolio of partnerships to accelerate growth.• Comcast Smart Solutions connects the dots between AI, IoT, and automation. Brian explains how platforms like MachineQ automate tasks freeing up managers to focus on guests and drive revenue.• Jimmy debunks the myth of tech replacing human capital, emphasizing its role in redeploying staff to guest-focused activities.• Brian unveils LetzChat, an AI-driven language translation platform that supports up to 104 languages. Originally implemented on Comcast’s residential platform, LetzChat is now transforming the restaurant industry by reducing abandonment rates and driving revenue with seamless language recognition and analytics.• Brian predicts that AI will personalize guest experiences and simplify back-of-house operations in the next five years. He also discusses Comcast’s partnership with Nvidia to optimize its network backbone for latency-sensitive data transport, enhancing AI-driven communications.• Breaking News: Brian announces that LetzChat and other innovative tools are officially part of Comcast Business’s product offerings, signaling a major leap in smart solutions for the hospitality industry.Schatzy and Jimmy bring their signature energy with games like “Tech Time Warp,” “Talking Back,” and “Hot or Not,” wrapping up another insightful and engaging episode.

Drew brings the energy behind some of the most innovative tech solutions that keep our favorite restaurants running smoothly from FOH to BOH. He has a knack for staying ahead of the curve and has helped countless brands tap into the power of IoT to streamline operations, cut energy costs, and transform kitchens into high-tech hubs.Key Takeaways:• Do restaurateurs prefer to use tech-enabled convenience in dining experiences? Jimmy drops key statistics from the National Restaurant Association (NRA) report.• Drew shares the importance of energy-efficient operations and reliable equipment maintenance to ensure a smoothly run restaurant, that costs are controlled, and the guest experience remains positive.• Powerhouse Dynamics’ IoT solutions allow restaurants to maximize operational efficiency, minimize downtime, and save on maintenance costs by providing real-time visibility and control over critical equipment across large networks of locations.• How the use of connected technology enhances operational reliability, reduces downtime, and optimizes performance for both large brands like Arby’s and individual operators.• Drew predicts a massive increase in connected equipment technology in the restaurant industry, primarily driven by necessity due to the technician shortage.• Jimmy shares his thoughts on what the next big trend or “push” will be for the restaurant industry in the segment, “Talking Back”Drew, Schatzy, and Jimmy join in on some fun and engaging games like “Energy Time Machine”, "What's Hot and Not, and Branded Quickfire.”

Chris shares his experience in marketing leadership at Hard Rock Café and Cracker Barrel, which led to him spearheading one of the fastest-growing full-service restaurants in the U.S. His story is a testament to the value of innovative leadership, effective branding, and employee well-being in creating a unique work-life balance within the competitive restaurant industry.Key Takeaways:• Chris discusses how his background as a former Chief Marketing Officer shaped his leadership style and brought the voice of the consumer into the boardroom.• Chris shares how First Watch strategically adopted technology, from Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) to online waitlist management, without compromising the personal touch that defines the brand.• Chris touches on First Watch’s "We Hear You" initiative, where leadership connects directly with employees to gather feedback, understand challenges, and continuously improve the work environment.• First Watch has over 500 locations – Chris talks about the importance of tenure, employee engagement, and maintaining high operational standards.• First Watch has unique operational hours (closing by mid-afternoon) foster a healthy work-life balance, helping attract and retain top talent in the industry.• Chris recounts his iconic Y2K marketing campaign that "owned" Times Square, a move that made waves and even sparked unexpected interactions with rock legend Keith Richards.• Chris reflects on the “everyone out of the pool” meetings— open forums for brainstorming strategies to influence creative problem-solving and flexibility within the leadership team.Schatzy, Jimmy, and Chris jump into "Trivia Tuesday", "Hot or Not", and "Branded Quick-fire," where Chris shares his thoughts on hospitality trends, and the trio buzz around tech, operations, and leadership.

Scott Snyder has steered Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii from a quiet brand into an industry force, blending authentic Hawaiian coffee culture with a modern approach to coffee. From his early career in healthcare and hardware to leading a coffee revolution, Scott’s journey is an inspiring story of reinvention and resilience. He opens up about relaunching the brand during the pandemic—on none other than Friday the 13th—and how that bold decision has paid off. Now with stores across the mainland, Bad Ass Coffee is rapidly expanding with a focus on authenticity and community, epitomized by its Hawaiian roots.Scott explains how Bad Ass Coffee stands out in the ultra-competitive coffee landscape by offering premium, third-wave quality coffee in a way that feels approachable to a wide audience. Whether it's through their "Mana" energy drink or signature Hawaiian blends, the brand stays true to its mission of delivering aloha with every cup.Key TakeawaysScott shares how the relaunch in March 2020 was a turning point for Bad Ass Coffee, highlighting the importance of staying true to its Hawaiian heritage while embracing a forward-thinking business strategy.Scott delves into Bad Ass Coffee’s focus on creating a two-and-a-half wave experience, blending third-wave quality with a diverse, approachable menu designed for a variety of tastes and day parts.Jimmy and Scott discuss the power of local franchisees, with Scott emphasizing how franchisees help maintain a personalized experience that larger, corporate coffee brands often lack.Scott explains the success of Bad Ass Coffee’s subscription services, describing them as a key growth area as consumers increasingly value convenience without sacrificing quality.In the "Talking Back" segment, Scott asks Jimmy and Schatzy about their go-to coffee shops and how those experiences shape their expectations for a great cup of joe.Breaking News! Bad Ass Coffee is set to open its first New Jersey location in Hackensack next month, marking a significant milestone in its expansion plan.The brand’s first-ever franchisee convention will be held in Denver next month, aimed at building alignment across its growing network of franchisees.Jimmy and Schatzy also enjoy some lighthearted moments, including their favorite segment “Branded Quick-Fire,” where Scott weighs in on trends like TikTok-inspired drinks, coffee subscriptions, and plant-based milk alternatives.

With a passion for personalized hospitality and a strategic eye for marketing, Julie leads a brand that merges premium quality with accessibility. Her experiences, enriched by years in diverse industries, has shaped her belief that connecting with guests on a personal level creates lasting loyalty. At Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, it’s not just about serving meals—it’s about offering an elevated fast-casual experience where every guest feels known and valued. Julie’s focus on creating these meaningful connections, combined with Taziki’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, is helping to build a brand that thrives on authenticity and hospitality.Key Takeaways:• Julie touches on Taziki’s focus on personal connections as a core part of their customer loyalty and brand identity.• Julie explains that the premium products offered at Taziki’s are unique and cannot easily be found elsewhere for the same price point. This is an important value proposition—customers are getting high-quality, fresh ingredients that are typically found in more expensive full-service restaurants but at a competitive price.• Jimmy emphasizes that despite the focus on tech, the heart of the restaurant industry remains the same – food, beverages, people, and hospitality. He makes the point that technology should enhance these elements but not replace them.• Julie discusses how the industry is moving toward personalized marketing, where brands engage with customers in a way tailored to their preferences and habits. She describes personalized marketing as Taziki’s "North Star"—their long-term goal to stay competitive by meeting customers where they are.• Breaking News: Taziki’s is set to open its first store in Detroit in November, marking its entry into a new market. Additionally, a new franchise group has signed on in San Antonio, Texas, signaling further expansion in the state, following recent openings in Texarkana and Dallas.• In the "Talking Back" segment, Julie asks Jimmy and Schatzy to reflect on their biggest failure and the lessons they’ve learned.Jimmy, Shatzy, and Julie jump into discussions like “Branded Qucik-fire” and other fun and engaging games.

With a heart for innovation and a mind for leadership, Maria leads a brand that values simplicity yet delivers big on flavor. Her journey, shaped by her time at Disney and other industry giants, has instilled in her the belief that even the smallest details matter. Smalls Sliders isn’t just about burgers—it’s about crafting moments of joy and creating a space where each bite reminds you that greatness comes in small packages, building a successful brand one slider at a time.Key Takeaways:• Maria's leadership in the restaurant industry showcases the rising influence of women in top roles. She serves as a role model for aspiring female leaders.• Maria shares her early Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) experience and the knowledge she gained while working at Disney. She believes the skills she developed significantly shaped her leadership style, particularly her focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence, which she now applies at Small Sliders.• Will restaurants shrink in size in the future? Small Sliders is already ahead of the curve with its innovative 750-square- foot, compact restaurant model.• Small Sliders is standing out in a highly competitive market by carving out a niche and focusing on their unique approach. They prioritize delivering a great product in a fast, clean, and fun environment, complemented by exceptional hospitality.• Smalls Sliders proves that being small doesn’t mean you can't play big. With tiny burgers packing huge flavor, this brand is hitting home runs in the fast-casual market.• Maria offers a valuable perspective on her leadership style, focusing on the balance between empathy and accountability. She explains that building a brand from the ground up requires discipline, vulnerability, and a commitment to continuous learning.• "The B-list is about the good people doing good things in the industry we love." Maria expresses her curiosity about why they chose to feature her and the brand so early on, asking the hosts about their "B-List" during the “Talking Back” segment.Schatzy, Jimmy, and Maria dive into segments like "What's Hot and Not" and "Branded Quick-fire," where Maria offers clear insights on industry trends, while Jimmy's connectivity steps out of the conversation.