The Hospitality Hangout · 2025-12-30 · 36 min
Featuring top hospitality leaders from Groucho’s Deli, Long John Silver’s, Tiki Taco, Cowboy Chicken, Crazy Pita, and Beans & Brews Coffee House, including Mehdi Zarhloul, Brittany Mercer, Eric Knott, Deric Rosenbaum, Doug Willmarth, and Tim Newton, this episode dives deep into the latest hospitality trends and technology shaping the food service industry. Recorded live at FS/TEC from Amazon Business Studios, Hospitality Hangout brings you insider insights on growth strategies, brand building, and innovating within the hospitality industry. Our guests share valuable perspectives on scaling both legacy and emerging brands while maintaining strong culture and operational excellence. The conversation covers key topics such as franchising, modernizing technology stacks, leadership best practices, digital marketing, and disciplined management needed to thrive in today’s competitive food service landscape. Join us for an engaging discussion that captures the energy of FS/TEC and offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs, founders, and hospitality professionals focused on long-term growth, innovation, and staying ahead in the evolving hospitality industry. Episode Credits:
Why Busy Restaurants Still Fail: Bruce Nelson on the Math Behind Profit64 / 100
People First, Pizza Always: The Donatos Growth Playbook50 / 100
Maui Roots, San Diego Hustle: The Kalei’s Kitchenette Story
How The Mudpuppy Used AI Menu Engineering to Grow Restaurant Sales
How Rickey Booker Built Breakfast Brothers From the Ground Up