Hospitality Hangout | Expert Strategies & Insights in Hospitality

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode of the Hospitality Hangout, recorded live at RLC’s Influencer Alley, we sit down with Marc Torres, CEO of Cheba Hut Toasted Subs, one of the most unique and emerging brands shaking up the restaurant industry.From hospitality insights to funny food stories, Marc brings the heat with his unfiltered take on what makes a concept stand out in today’s crowded food landscape. We cover everything from investment strategies and industry trends to how Cheba Hut builds a tech stack that actually enhances the guest experience — and why staying “hospitable” and a little offbeat is their not-so-secret weapon.This conversation connects the dots between bold ideas, operational strategy, and what it really takes to thrive in a competitive market. Whether you're a seasoned operator, investor, or just love a good toasted sub, this is one episode 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

Live from RLC’s Influencer Alley, this episode of the Hospitality Hangout features Anthony Valletta, CEO and President of bartaco, the elevated street food concept redefining fun dining and guest connection.Anthony shares sharp hospitality insights and bold strategies behind bartaco’s rise — from creating a seamless guest experience through a smart tech stack, to staying ahead of emerging trends in the restaurant industry. We dive into investment perspectives, brand storytelling, and what it means to build a concept that’s both hospitable and scalable.Expect a few funny food stories, plenty of bold ideas, and the real talk operators crave about what’s working now — and what’s next.This episode is for anyone passionate about connecting players in the space, investing in restaurant innovation, and elevating every touchpoint in the dining journey. 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 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