What do you get when you mix a legendary sandwich shop, a Hollywood icon, and an $8 billion handshake? One hell of a Hospitality Hangout episode. Mike Manzo, COO of Jersey Mike’s, joins the show to dish on how the brand became a cult favorite—with over 3,000 locations, a relentless focus on unit-level profitability, and yep, Danny DeVito as their secret weapon. From tamper-proof pickles to military-grade consistency, Mike breaks down what it really takes to scale without selling out. Plus, insider stories about the Blackstone deal, international expansion, and why Mike might owe someone a sandwich (or 5,000). It’s meaty, it’s motivating, and it’s got more than a few laughs.

Episode Credits:

• Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
• Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

www.thehospitalityhangout.com

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with food entrepreneur and CEO Lawrence Longo, visionary behind Prince Street Pizza, Off the Menu, and Irv’s Burgers. Lawrence shares entertaining and inspiring stories about growing a household name in New York pizza, transforming family legacy into a hospitality empire.

Get actionable guidance on restaurant ownership, digital hospitality, and building powerful hospitality networks. Learn how Lawrence’s unique approach to leadership, entertainment, and restaurant transformation has fueled his success in hospitality and made him a standout CEO in the food industry. Whether you're an aspiring restaurateur or a seasoned operator, this episode is packed with real-world hospitality advice you don’t want to miss.

Episode Credits:

• Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
• Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

www.thehospitalityhangout.com

In this can't-miss episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Joe Hummel, former CEO of Twin Peaks and current board member of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, for an entertaining conversation packed with insights and humor. Joe dishes on his journey through the food industry, shares bold perspectives on leadership, and reveals how Twin Peaks has become a case study in restaurant transformation.

Whether you're an industry insider, investor, or just love a good story, you'll enjoy our deep dive into industry trends, the art of networking, and the balance between entertainment and operational excellence. From growth strategies to hilarious behind-the-scenes tales — this episode is as informative as it is fun.

Episode Credits:

• Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
• Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

www.thehospitalityhangout.com

In this unforgettable episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with George Felix, the Chief Marketing Officer of Chili’s, to explore what it takes to lead one of the most iconic foodservice brands through restaurant transformation and into the future of hospitality success. Known for their craveable food, sizzling service, and of course, their world-famous margaritas, Chili’s has long been a trendsetter in the casual dining space.

George shares the hospitality strategies that have fueled Chili’s growth, dives into the evolving landscape of hospitality trends, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how top hospitality insiders think about restaurant profitability and brand loyalty. But this isn’t your typical interview—we’re talking full-on fun: margaritas on camera, rapid-fire games, bold questions, and even bolder answers. It’s a happy hour-style storytelling session packed with big laughs and even bigger takeaways for anyone in the business of hospitality.

Whether you’re a restaurant operator, marketer, or just love a good hospitality story, you’ll walk away with fresh insights, actionable ideas, and maybe even a margarita craving.

Episode Credits:

• Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
• Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

www.thehospitalityhangout.com

In this powerful episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with David Meltzer — Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute, renowned business coach, investor, 3x best-selling author, and former CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment (yes, the inspiration for Jerry Maguire).

David isn’t just a titan in the boardroom — he’s a friend to the hospitality industry, a champion of breakthrough tech, and one of the most entertaining, insightful speakers in the business world today.

We dig into everything from bold ideas that drive purpose-driven success, to the power of mindset, motivation, and meaningful investment. It’s an episode filled with insider gems, life lessons, and a few mic-drop moments that will leave you fired up and ready to elevate your game.

Whether you're building a brand, scaling a business, or just need a dose of inspiration — this conversation delivers.

Episode Credits:

• Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
• Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

www.thehospitalityhangout.com

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we dive deep with Michael Ungaro — CEO, visionary, and third-generation owner behind the iconic San Pedro Fish Market and star of the hit Amazon Prime series Kings of Fi$h.

Michael shares his incredible journey of restaurant transformation, how to find lasting success in hospitality, and the secrets behind scaling a family-run institution into a national brand. From industry-shaping hospitality insights to laugh-out-loud funny food stories, this episode is packed with real talk, big ideas, and trends that every hospitality insider should be watching.

Whether you're into bold business moves, game-changing beverage strategies, or just love a good behind-the-scenes restaurant story — this one's for you.

🎧 Tune in, laugh, and learn how legends are made in the hospitality space.

Episode Credits:

• Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
• Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

www.thehospitalityhangout.com

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Mike Smith, Chief Brand Officer of Moe’s Southwest Grill, for a high-energy conversation packed with hospitality insights, real-world hospitality stories, and brand-driven restaurant transformation. Mike shares how Moe’s is leaning into emerging hospitality trends, executing bold hospitality strategies, and driving hospitality success in a competitive landscape. From the power of brand to the importance of connecting players across the industry, this episode is a masterclass for hospitality insiders looking to stay ahead. Tune in and discover what it takes to lead in the evolving world of hospitality.

Episode Credits:

• Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
• Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

www.thehospitalityhangout.com

Big Chicken Joins Craveworthy Brands – Here’s What No One Else Is Telling You! On this episode of Hospitality Hangout, we explore the latest hospitality trends, strategies, and brand experiences with industry leaders Gregg Majewski and Josh Halpern. They take us behind the scenes of Big Chicken’s exciting move to join the Craveworthy Brands portfolio, breaking down how the deal came together and what it means for the future of the restaurant industry.

We discuss the business strategies driving this partnership, how it will influence restaurant transformation, and what operators can learn from this type of brand expansion. From growth acceleration and operational efficiencies to market positioning and hospitality insights, this episode is packed with key takeaways for industry professionals looking to stay ahead.

Join us as we connect the players shaping the future of hospitality and uncover what’s next for Big Chicken, Craveworthy Brands, and the broader restaurant landscape.

Episode Credits:

• Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
• Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

www.thehospitalityhangout.com