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 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, 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 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 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 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