The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends & Hospitality Leaders

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Tracy Kim, CEO of DIG. Tracy tells us about her journey from a pre-med student at Stanford and earning her MBA at Harvard Business School and her subsequent leap into the hospitality sector, culminating in her leadership role at DIG. Fast forward, Tracy dishes ou...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “Finance Guy,” are joined by Scott Redler, co-founder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard and founder of Redler’s Hospitality. Scott tells his story of 48 years of experience, dedication, and admiration for the restaurant industry and creating an impact on others’ entrepreneurial lives and experiences. F...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Angela Leet , CEO of QSR Automations . Angela discusses the company’s innovative kitchen automation solutions and their recent recognition of being named as a finalist for the prestigious Ring of Fire award. She shares insights into their new product, ConnectSmar...

In today’s episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Ricky Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of Eggs Up Grill . Ricky discusses the brand’s origins and rapid expansion since he took over. He provides background on Eggs Up Grill being started by a third-generation diner operator and becoming a 100% franchised s...

In today’s episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Sterling Douglass, Co-Founder and CEO of Chowly, Inc. , and Andrew J. Nash , CEO of Targetable . Sterling and Andrew talk about Chowly’s recent acquisition of Targetable and the benefits this strategic move brings to restaurant operators. They discuss their co...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Theresa Montanaro, Regional Director of JSC Management for Burger King in New England; Jennifer Chavez , Chief Financial Officer of G2G Management Group, LLC ; and John Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer of G2G Management Group, LLC . They discuss the fast-food a...

In today’s episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Paul Walker of Village Inn, and Yildris Rodriguez-Ross , Chief Financial Officer of Fresh Dining Concepts, LLC . Paul and Yildris share the history of their companies and their involvement in the restaurant industry. They highlight the significance of familial...

In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” are joined by Steven Song , Chief Financial Officer at Luke's Lobster , and Kathi Turner , Executive at Turner's Seafood . Steven and Kathi discuss the seafood industry and the pivotal role of technology in enhancing restaurant operations and customer experiences. They share th...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg, known as "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, referred to as "The Finance Guy," are joined by Morgan Harris, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Advocate of Restaurant365. Morgan shares his journey from a CPA at PWC to a passionate entrepreneur determined to help restaurants thrive. He delves into the unique challenges that restaur...

In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg "The Restaurant Guy" and Jimmy Frischling "The Finance Guy" are joined by Clinton Anderson , CEO of HotSchedules (now powered by Fourth .) Clinton shares his journey from a farm in rural Canada to CEO of Fourth, a restaurant technology provider serving 125,000 locations globally. Listen as he discusses the importance of collaboration be...

In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” are joined by James Vitrano , Chief Executive Officer of Sucré . They discuss James' background, from his early ambitions to getting into the restaurant industry and working for major chains like Ruby Tuesday's. They talk about his current role as CEO of Sucré, a high-end New O...

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Herb Ring , National Foodservice Director of The Hershey Company . Herb shares how he got his start working in his family’s restaurants before transitioning into foodservice sales roles at companies like The J.M. Smucker Company. Twenty years ago, Herb moved his...

In today’s episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Phil Kafarakis , President and CEO of International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA). Phil focuses on strengthening connections between the food manufacturing and restaurant industries. He also shares his career journey, from working for Oscar Maye...

In today’s episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by George McKerrow , CEO of Ted’s Montana Grill . George pioneered the casual dining segment with LongHorn Steakhouse, which he founded in 1981 and eventually took public. He later partnered with Ted Turner to bring bison meat mainstream at Ted’s Montana Grill. N...

In today’s episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Perry Miele , President and CEO of Nestlé Professional North America . Perry talks about recently receiving the prestigious IFMA Oberkfell Award and what it means to be recognized for his leadership and impact. He also reveals that he will soon retire after an...

In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” are joined by Lance Trenary , President and CEO of Golden Corral Corporation , and Roy Gilad , Founder and CEO of Vitality Bowls . Lance discusses how Golden Corral persevered through COVID shutdowns by innovating business models while maintaining quality and caring for staff a...

In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” are joined by Chris Dull , President and CEO of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers , and Chris Wren , Vice President Head of International Development of Dairy Queen . Chris Dull shares how Freddy’s great franchise partners have powered growth to over 500 locations by maste...

In this REWIND episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg, "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, "The Finance Guy," were joined by Marianne Radley, the Chief Marketing Officer of Smoothie King . The trio engaged in a discussion revolving around effective marketing strategies and insights within the food and beverage industry. During the episode, Radley shed light on Smoothie Ki...

In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” chat with R.J. Melman, President of Lettuce Entertain You, a fifty-one year old restaurant group that is privately held with over one hundred and twenty restaurants across the country in thirteen different states. It is based out of Chicago, Illinois. Melman’s dad, Rich Melm...

In the latest episode of the Hospitality Hangout podcast, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” sit down with Phil Crawford, the chief technology officer of CKE Restaurants, to explore the ongoing digital revolution in the restaurant industry. CKE Restaurants is a Tennessee-based, privately held company that runs and operates Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. The tw...

LIVE from the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, the guys catch up with the visionaries of emerging restaurant brands, unpacking their innovative concepts and roadmaps to expansion! In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” are joined by Prakash Karamchandani , Chief Executive Officer of Balance Pan-...

In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” are joined by Troy Hooper , CEO of Hot Palette America , the parent company of Pepper Lunch Restaurants , as well as Elisia Flores , CEO at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue . Troy has over thirty-one years of experience in the hospitality industry, having grown up helping his father build...

In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” are joined by Josh Kern , CEO of SPB Hospitality . Josh shares his experiences from his time in politics to working in the marketing sector for high-profile brands like Quiznos, Outback, and American Blue Ribbon Holdings. The trio discuss the challenges of running a restaurant...

LIVE from the CREATE conference in Palm Springs California, the guys chat with emerging restaurant brand leadership on their growing concepts and path to expansion. Key Takeaways [00:06 - 02:18] Schatzy and Jimmy visit CREATE in Palm Springs [02:20 - 05:27] How and Why Francesco and Allessandro developed a restaurant rooted in healthy vegetables [05:29 - 08:02] Francesco's experience raising capit...

In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” talk to Lauren Bailey, co-founder and CEO of Upward Projects. As head of the Upward Projects Restaurant Group, Bailey steers five brands and 30 restaurants toward profit, success, and good experiences. In her conversation with Jimmy and Schatzy at CREATE, the trio discusses how...