The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends & Hospitality Leaders

Michael Schatzberg & Jimmy Frischling - Hospitality Insiders | Expert Strategies & Trends.', Hosts: Michael Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling | Branded Hospitality Media, Hospitality Insiders | Michael Schatzberg & Jimmy Frischling | Branded Hospitality
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Hospitality Hangout is where the restaurant industry gets real. Hosted by Schatzy, the Restaurant Guy, and Jimmy, the Finance Guy, this funny, unfiltered hospitality podcast dives into restaurant trends, food service innovation, hospitality technology, and the investment strategies shaping the future of the industry. With decades of hands-on experience operating restaurants and structuring capital markets deals, these two bring real-world insight from the kitchen to the boardroom. They connect the biggest operators, boldest founders, and sharpest investors in hospitality for conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. Each week you’ll hear from C-suite restaurant executives, franchise leaders, emerging brand founders, hospitality tech innovators, and private equity investors who are building the next era of food and hospitality. Expect insider stories, sharp opinions, real numbers, and plenty of laughs. No fluff. No corporate spin. Just honest conversations about what is actually happening in restaurants and food service. If you care about scaling restaurants, raising capital, building brands, or staying ahead of hospitality trends, this is your show. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and let’s talk shop. Welcome to The Hospitality Hangout.

  1. The Bagel That Broke the Internet: Tory Bartlett and the Rise of PopUp Bagels

    1D AGO

    The Bagel That Broke the Internet: Tory Bartlett and the Rise of PopUp Bagels

    Tory Bartlett joins the conversation to break down the rise of PopUp Bagels and what it takes to turn a simple product into a cultural phenomenon. From washing dishes at Hooters to leading one of the fastest-growing brands in hospitality, he shares the journey behind building a business rooted in energy, simplicity, and experience. The discussion explores how PopUp Bagels disrupted a legacy category by focusing on a limited menu, operational efficiency, and a highly engaging in-store experience. From long lines that feel like part of the product to organic growth fueled by collaborations and community, Tory breaks down how the brand scaled rapidly without relying on traditional marketing or paid promotion. Along the way, the conversation dives into franchising strategy, the importance of choosing the right partners, and how maintaining brand consistency goes beyond product into culture and execution. The episode also highlights how authenticity, discipline, and a clear point of view can turn a neighborhood concept into a nationally expanding brand. Episode Credits: Sponsored by: DirecTVProduced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creative www.thehospitalityhangout.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    46 min
  2. It’s All in the Sauce: The Eric Skae Playbook Behind Rao’s and Carbone’s Billion-Dollar Growth

    APR 14

    It’s All in the Sauce: The Eric Skae Playbook Behind Rao’s and Carbone’s Billion-Dollar Growth

    Eric Skae joins the conversation to break down what it really takes to build and scale a food brand, drawing from his experience growing Rao’s and now leading Carbone Fine Foods into a new era of rapid expansion. From identifying untapped potential to driving exponential growth, he unpacks the fundamentals behind turning strong products into nationally recognized brands. The discussion explores the key differences between restaurant success and retail success, and why so many operators struggle when making the jump into CPG. From distribution and data to brand awareness and consumer behavior, Eric shares how Carbone scaled to tens of thousands of stores while maintaining a premium position and authentic identity in a crowded category. Along the way, the conversation dives into the role of hospitality in brand building, the importance of staying focused during high-growth phases, and how innovation fits into long-term strategy. The episode also highlights emerging opportunities across the broader Italian food category, offering a look at how disciplined execution, strong partnerships, and a clear brand vision can drive sustained growth at scale. Episode Credits: Sponsored by: DirecTVProduced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creative www.thehospitalityhangout.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  3. NYC Bagel Bosses: Bagel Bosses of NYC on Tradition, Trends, and the Future of Bagels

    APR 7

    NYC Bagel Bosses: Bagel Bosses of NYC on Tradition, Trends, and the Future of Bagels

    Bagel Bosses of NYC come together to break down what really makes a great bagel, and why New York continues to set the standard. From the role of water and technique to the importance of process, they unpack the fundamentals behind a product that sits at the intersection of food, culture, and hospitality. The conversation explores how bagel shops are balancing tradition with innovation, from evolving customer preferences to the growing influence of social media and hospitality trends on foot traffic and brand visibility. They also discuss the rise of catering, expansion into airports, and the push into CPG as bagel brands look to scale beyond their neighborhood roots. Along the way, the group dives into some of the most debated topics in bagel culture, including what counts as a “schmear,” whether certain orders should be off-limits, and how much customization is too much. The episode also highlights the role bagel shops play in hospitality, serving as community anchors while delivering consistency, quality, and experience at scale. Episode Credits: Sponsored by: DirecTVProduced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creative www.thehospitalityhangout.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    46 min
  4. Rebuilding a $100M Hospitality Brand: Pinky Cole, Slutty Vegan CEO, on Failure and Franchising

    MAR 31

    Rebuilding a $100M Hospitality Brand: Pinky Cole, Slutty Vegan CEO, on Failure and Franchising

    In this episode of The Hospitality Hangout, we dive deep into the incredible story of Pinky Cole, Founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan, and her journey in the hospitality industry. Learn how Pinky, a dynamic restaurant CEO, built a $100M hospitality business, experienced a major setback, and then successfully rebuilt smarter with Slutty Vegan 2.0. Pinky shares critical hospitality insider insights on why experience can matter more than the food itself, the challenges and opportunities she faced during rapid franchising growth, and strategies for sustainable restaurant growth. As a leader in hospitality leadership, she also discusses how she’s leveraging media appearances like Real Housewives of Atlanta to fuel brand awareness and hospitality business expansion. Tune in for invaluable lessons on franchising, brand resilience, and innovation in the hospitality industry. Whether you're a restaurant operator, hospitality executive, or emerging founder, this episode offers inspiration and practical advice to help you thrive in the competitive restaurant industry podcast space. Episode Credits: Sponsored by: DirecTVProduced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creative www.thehospitalityhangout.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  5. Reinventing Hospitality and Travel Media: Jon Skogmo on Building LOST iN

    MAR 24

    Reinventing Hospitality and Travel Media: Jon Skogmo on Building LOST iN

    In this episode of The Hospitality Hangout, Jon Skogmo, Founder and CEO of LOST iN, shares his visionary approach to redefining travel media and hospitality content. Dive into how LOST iN is revolutionizing hospitality media by targeting younger, experience-driven audiences who crave authentic, local city exploration beyond traditional tourist guides. Explore the shifting travel behaviors in the post-COVID world and why authentic storytelling is paramount for hospitality brands aiming to capture real engagement. Jon unpacks strategies hospitality executives and restaurant operators can leverage by using content creators and first-party data to strengthen brand connection and growth. Beyond travel and hospitality trends, Jon reflects on his early digital media journey, sharing lessons that now shape his forward-thinking approach to hospitality leadership and media community building. Listeners will also gain insider insights on airline loyalty programs, luxury travel perks, and emerging cultural trends influencing where and how people travel next. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the hospitality industry eager to stay informed on content strategies, hospitality leadership, and the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry podcast realm. Episode Credits: Sponsored by: DirecTVProduced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creative www.thehospitalityhangout.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  6. Rethinking Beer: Andrew Katz of Athletic Brewing on Non Alcoholic Beer, Brand Growth & Hospitality Trends

    MAR 17

    Rethinking Beer: Andrew Katz of Athletic Brewing on Non Alcoholic Beer, Brand Growth & Hospitality Trends

    Andrew Katz, Chief Marketing Officer at Athletic Brewing Company, joins The Hospitality Hangout to share his expertise on the booming non-alcoholic beer market and its impact on the hospitality industry. Discover how Athletic Brewing has grown into a leading brand by reshaping drinking culture and innovating within the beverage segment. Katz dives into brand growth strategies, evolving consumer preferences around wellness and socializing, and the important role of hospitality partnerships in scaling a modern beverage brand. This episode offers valuable hospitality insider insights for restaurant operators, hospitality executives, and anyone interested in hospitality leadership and restaurant growth strategies. Tune in to learn how industry trends are shaping the future of alcohol alternatives in the restaurant and hospitality business. Episode Credits: Sponsored by: DirecTVProduced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creative www.thehospitalityhangout.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min
  7. Chaos in the Dining Room: Aris Yeager on Viral Food Comedy & Hospitality Creator Culture

    MAR 10

    Chaos in the Dining Room: Aris Yeager on Viral Food Comedy & Hospitality Creator Culture

    In this episode of The Hospitality Hangout, we welcome Aris Yeager, better known as the European Kid, to discuss his viral food comedy journey and insights into the hospitality industry. Aris shares how a college joke transformed into a viral persona captivating millions across social media, blending humor with commentary on American dining etiquette and culture. Dive into the hospitality business side of creator culture as Aris explains launching Storytime, a platform forging partnerships between restaurants and creators. This episode offers insider insights on restaurant growth strategies, tipping culture, influencer marketing, and emerging hospitality trends. We also explore differences between European and American food culture, viral restaurant skits, and the evolving role of creators in hospitality leadership and brand collaboration. Whether you're a restaurant operator or hospitality executive, this conversation is packed with valuable perspectives on the intersection of social media and the restaurant industry. Join us for a wide-ranging discussion that combines humor with savvy hospitality insider insights, perfect for anyone interested in the restaurant industry podcast and hospitality media landscape. Episode Credits: Sponsored by: DirecTVProduced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creative www.thehospitalityhangout.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  8. The Rise of Heatonist: Noah Chaimberg on Hot Sauce Culture and Hospitality Brand Building

    MAR 3

    The Rise of Heatonist: Noah Chaimberg on Hot Sauce Culture and Hospitality Brand Building

    In this episode of The Hospitality Hangout, Noah Chaimberg, Hot Sauce Expert and Founder of Heatonist, shares his unique insights on transforming hot sauce from a niche condiment into a dynamic cultural phenomenon within the hospitality business. Noah discusses how his approach to hospitality brand building blends retail and media, emphasizing the power of storytelling to drive restaurant growth strategies. He highlights the importance of collaborations, heat levels, and community engagement as pillars of success in the hospitality industry. Listeners will gain valuable hospitality insider insights on scaling a category-defining business while maintaining authenticity to the spice culture and hospitality leadership principles. Whether you're a hospitality executive, restaurant operator, or hospitality industry professional, this episode offers inspiring lessons on growing brands and innovating in the restaurant industry. Episode Credits: Sponsored by: DirecTVProduced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creative www.thehospitalityhangout.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 6m
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The Hospitality Hangout is where the restaurant industry gets real. Hosted by Schatzy, the Restaurant Guy, and Jimmy, the Finance Guy, this funny, unfiltered hospitality podcast dives into restaurant trends, food service innovation, hospitality technology, and the investment strategies shaping the future of the industry. With decades of hands-on experience operating restaurants and structuring capital markets deals, these two bring real-world insight from the kitchen to the boardroom. They connect the biggest operators, boldest founders, and sharpest investors in hospitality for conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. Each week you’ll hear from C-suite restaurant executives, franchise leaders, emerging brand founders, hospitality tech innovators, and private equity investors who are building the next era of food and hospitality. Expect insider stories, sharp opinions, real numbers, and plenty of laughs. No fluff. No corporate spin. Just honest conversations about what is actually happening in restaurants and food service. If you care about scaling restaurants, raising capital, building brands, or staying ahead of hospitality trends, this is your show. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and let’s talk shop. Welcome to The Hospitality Hangout.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Schatzberg & Jimmy Frischling - Hospitality Insiders | Expert Strategies & Trends.', Hosts: Michael Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling | Branded Hospitality Media, Hospitality Insiders | Michael Schatzberg & Jimmy Frischling | Branded Hospitality
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    290
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © A Branded Media Experience
  • Show Website
    The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends & Hospitality Leaders

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