Hospitality Hangout | Expert Strategies & Industry Trends from Hospitality Insiders

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, the Restaurant Guy and the Finance Guy sit down with Brooks Schaden, co-CEO and co-founder of Tom’s Watch Bar, to explore how he’s reinventing the modern sports bar. From 150+ TVs and cutting-edge tech infrastructure to partnerships with brands like Mark Wahlberg’s Flecha Azul Tequila, Brooks shares how Tom’s creates an immersive fan experience that goes far beyond game day. The conversation dives into the evolution of sports viewing, the rise of betting and fantasy leagues, and why innovations like mocktails, slap fighting, and energy drink collaborations are shaping the future of hospitality. 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 Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this sizzling episode of The Hospitality Hangout Podcast, hosts Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling sit down with Steve Kislow, CEO of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. They delve into hospitality strategies and reveal what it takes to scale a modern restaurant brand while staying true to its roots. Steve shares his valuable perspective on industry trends that are shaping the future of casual dining, covering everything from menu innovation to guest experience and team culture.This conversation is packed with actionable insights for hospitality insiders, operators, and executives looking to navigate a competitive landscape. If you’re eager to discover bold ideas, insider tips, and success strategies from one of the industry’s most respected leaders, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.👉 Tune in to learn how Firebirds is leveraging emerging hospitality trends, digital advancements, and operational excellence to fuel long-term restaurant growth. 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 Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this dynamic episode of the Hospitality Hangout Podcast, we welcome Josh Kopel—award-winning restaurateur and hospitality strategist—for a deep dive into the latest hospitality trends and insider insights that are shaping today’s food service industry. Josh shares his unique perspective on emerging brands making waves and how these innovations are redefining restaurant success in both QSR and full-service dining. With a blend of hard-won hospitality insights and entertaining moments, this conversation delivers practical takeaways for hospitality insiders eager to enhance profitability and sharpen their leadership skills.Whether you’re in the trenches running a restaurant or managing operations at the corporate level, Josh’s candid approach and evidence-based strategies will inspire you to think bigger and stay ahead in the competitive 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this laughter-filled yet insightful episode of the Hospitality Hangout Podcast, we sit down with Nick Kenner, Founder & CEO of Just Salad, to explore bold ideas and expert strategies that are reshaping the hospitality and food service industry. Get ready for valuable hospitality insights as we discuss the evolving trends, the rise of emerging brands, and the keys to restaurant success in the competitive QSR landscape. From hospitality leadership to navigating industry challenges, Nick provides actionable takeaways that every operator, investor, and hospitality insider should know. This episode is packed with insider insights and real talk about the opportunities that lie ahead in the food industry. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just starting out, you’ll come away inspired and informed about the latest hospitality strategies and trends. 🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation with Nick Kenner—where hospitality, innovation, and success in the food service industry converge! 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 Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Neil Sudaisar, AVP of Commercial National Accounts at DIRECTV, to explore how entertainment is powering restaurant transformation and success in the hospitality industry. From digital hospitality innovations to emerging market trends shaping guest experiences, Neil shares insider tips and bold ideas on how DIRECTV for Business is helping restaurants, hotels, and venues stay ahead of industry trends. This episode dives deep into: How entertainment drives restaurant growth and strengthens customer loyalty in a competitive food service landscape. The role of technology and content in shaping modern hospitality strategies and enhancing guest experiences. Hospitality insiders’ perspectives on networking, branding, and building community through shared experiences. Why funny, engaging, and memorable guest experiences set the standard for the future of hospitality. Whether you’re a hospitality expert, operator, or someone looking for the latest hospitality strategies and trends, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on how to stay ahead in the industry. Tune in to hear how DIRECTV for Business supports restaurants and hospitality brands with the tools they need to deliver world-class experiences that drive loyalty, create memorable moments, and define the future of success in hospitality. 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 Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we delve into the must-know hospitality trends and effective industry strategies with PR expert Sherri Fishman from Fishman PR. As restaurants transform rapidly, understanding what exceptional PR looks like is crucial for success. Sherri shares insider insights into how modern PR integrates with digital hospitality, focusing on essential aspects like social storytelling, influencer relations, and maintaining brand reputation to drive growth. We explore strategies for aligning PR with menu launches and tech rollouts, navigating crises, and leveraging guest feedback into effective media moments. You'll discover approaches for building a repeatable media engine, enhancing executive visibility, and ensuring your outreach resonates with diverse market segments.Whether you lead a growth-stage concept or a legacy brand, this episode offers crucial hospitality strategies and trends that can accelerate restaurant transformation and bolster your brand credibility. Tune in for impactful insights from one of the industry's leading PR experts who highlights the intersection of hospitality and PR performance. Listen now for valuable strategies and insights into the ever-evolving food service landscape!New boost 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 Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this fresh episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Nathan Louer, Chief Brand Officer of Jamba, to explore how one of the most recognizable food and beverage brands is navigating the evolving hospitality industry and emerging trends. From reimagining legacy branding to embracing digital hospitality and innovative strategies, Nathan shares insider tips that are fueling Jamba's transformation. Whether you're in the hospitality business, investing in food service, or just love a good smoothie, this episode offers valuable hospitality insights and strategies that can help level-up your brand.Inside the episode: How Jamba is staying ahead of hospitality trends while honoring its roots The power of brand evolution in the competitive food industry Expert insights on menu innovation, guest experience, and digital engagement What’s next for emerging brands and how to stand out in saturated markets Tune in for the real scoop from a hospitality expert at the top of his 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.