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In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg, "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, "The Finance Guy," sit down with Gregg Majewski, the CEO of Craveworthy Brands. Boasting an illustrious career of over 23 years in the food and beverage industry, Majewski holds a myriad of founder and senior executive roles under his belt.
Among his significant accomplishments is the founding of Wildcat Investments and his former position as CEO of Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches. During his tenure at Jimmy John's, Majewski significantly increased the chain's footprint, growing the number of outlets from a mere 33 to a staggering 300, with an additional 600 sold.
A key component of Majewski's leadership was his drive to implement and restructure company-wide operational standards. He is also credited with shifting the marketing strategies to emphasize the brand's "Freaky Fast" delivery.
Gregg's executive career has been characterized by a keen focus on conceptualizing and growing emerging brands and revitalizing legacy brands. In 2022, he founded Craveworthy Brands, leveraging his significant restaurant experience. The Craveworthy portfolio kicked off with four unique, scalable, and highly engaging brands, indicative of Majewski's continuous drive to cultivate more concepts.
Majewski's innovative leadership tactics and his unique approach to reviving troubled companies and turning them into profitable entities. One such success story being Mongolian Concepts, a company Majewski successfully turned around, selling 24 franchises and marking a first since 2011.
Craveworthy Brands, Majewski's latest venture, showcases his continuous drive to cultivate unique, scalable, and engaging concepts. Craveworthy Brands' portfolio includes Wing It On, The Budlong, Krafted Burger + Tap, Lucky Cat Poke Company, Genghis Grill, BD's Mongolian Grill and Flat Top Grill.
Majewski shares his strategic insights into the restaurant industry, from creating crave-worthy food to fostering a positive company culture. He also introduces his latest business strategy of aiming for the number two position in industry segments, offering better products, service, and operations, leaving the educational role to the number one.
Majewski announced that Greg Creed, former CEO of Yum! Brands, has taken an advisory role on the Craveworthy board, marking his first advisory position in the restaurant industry. This episode promises to intrigue and educate professionals in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Don’t miss “Foodservice Feud” tune into the Hospitality Hangout!
Episode Credits:
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.
Don't miss out on the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, where hosts Michael Schatzberg, fondly known as "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, "The Finance Guy," dive deep into a compelling chat with food industry guru Rob Ertmann, CEO of Mo' Bettahs. This episode offers a delicious blend of insights and entertainment guaranteed to sate your curiosity about restaurant tech trends and Hawaiian food.
From humble beginnings at a pizza shop to leading the helm at Mo' Bettahs, Ertmann guides us through his flavorful journey in the food industry, coupled with the joy of serving mouth-watering Hawaiian delicacies. A true testament to their success, Mo' Bettahs is set to celebrate their 15th anniversary with the launch of their 44th store, signaling an impressive doubling in outlets over a mere 24-month period. Ertmann teases the expansion won't stop there, with Las Vegas, Houston, and Phoenix on the restaurant's horizon.
You won't want to miss the discussion about the transformative partnership between Mo' Bettahs and Savory Fund. Ertmann is enthusiastic as he recounts how, when Mo' Bettahs was just a six-unit operation, the Savory Fund stepped in to provide the expert support they desperately needed. From finance and IT to accounting and payroll, the Savory Fund offered them the tools to scale their operation effectively and efficiently, all the way to their 22nd store.
Ertmann highlights the warmth and intelligence of the Savory team, which allowed him to transition all operations in-house, now led by a dedicated Mo' Bettahs team. Nevertheless, the benefits of their partnership with the Savory Fund continue. Ertmann is grateful for the ongoing counsel, coaching, and support he receives from Savory's exceptional team. Their guidance has been instrumental in Mo' Bettahs' success and the continued evolution of the brand.
Unraveling the tech-infused operations at Mo' Bettahs, Ertmann describes their successful partnerships with tech heavyweights such as "Thanks," Ovation, and Olo. These collaborations have fueled significant customer engagement, a ballooning loyalty database, and streamlined third-party delivery integration into their POS system. However, while Ertmann embraces technology's role in the sector, he doesn't lose sight of the integral role of human capital. For him, tech should support but never supplant the core values of high-quality food, excellent service, and a well-trained team.
As the conversation whips to future trends, Ertmann voices his interest in the increasing influence of AI in the restaurant industry. Schatzberg, on the other hand, dishes out his excitement about the rising trend of automation and robotics, eager to see how these advancements can replace repetitive tasks.
Want a taste of this fascinating banter mixed with a dash of the "Food Service Feud"? Tune in to the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout. And remember, in the end, it's all about the people, the tech, and of course, the food.
Episode Credits:
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.
In the newest episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, known as "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, "The Finance Guy," host a riveting conversation with industry veteran Marc Bruno, the Chief Operating Officer at Aramark. Bruno, who leads ten of Aramark's U.S. food and facilities divisions, offers a deep dive into his personal journey, which took him from a summer intern to a driving force in the company's growth strategy and commitment to service excellence.
Hailing from a Chicago family with a restaurant background, Bruno's lifelong passion for the food industry led him to hotel school and ultimately an internship at Aramark. After spending three decades with the company, Bruno has climbed the corporate ladder, progressing from intern to COO.
Bruno shares anecdotes from his vast experience, which includes leading Aramark's dining and catering services for 17 Olympic Games, starting with the 1996 Atlanta Games, and providing everyday food service to millions worldwide. Bruno underscores the thrill of working in a sector marked by its diversity, complexity, and the chance to serve customers from all walks of life.
He also sheds light on Aramark's evolution from Automated Retailers of America, a vending firm, to a global service provider, serving an extensive client base across various industries. Aramark's offerings have broadened to include facilities management and uniform services, adding to their operation's complexity.
In a significant disclosure, Bruno revealed that Aramark is preparing to spin off its Uniform Services division into a separate public entity, a strategic decision he believes will benefit both the businesses and the shareholders.
The conversation also touches upon Bruno's debunking of a myth that credits him with discovering Seamless Web. Instead, he details how the online food ordering service was pitched to his then employer, later becoming integrated into Aramark's delivery services. He highlights the strategic success of Aramark's acquisition of Seamless Web in 2006, a move that significantly influenced the delivery market landscape.
Discussing Aramark's acquisition and partnership strategy, Bruno underscores the company's focus on scalable enhancements, technological innovation, and talent acquisition. He also emphasizes Aramark's role as a prominent franchiser and partner of well-recognized brands, aiming to enrich customer experience across their service locations, including college campuses, hospitals, and stadiums.
To hear the “Two Truths and a Lie” plus the “Branded Quickfire” lightning round tune into this episode of Hospitality Hangout.
Episode Credits:
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.
In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, broadcast from The National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, hosts Michael Schatzberg "The Restaurant Guy", Jimmy Frischling "The Finance Guy", and special guest Sterling Douglass, Co-Founder & CEO of Chowly, interviewed Joe Donnelly, Group Director & Publisher of Informa’s Restaurant & Food Group. The discussion centered on Informa's recent acquisition of Winsight, a company offering services in data, analytics, events, and content marketing for the foodservice industry.
Winsight, with its portfolio of clients, is expected to enhance Informa's capabilities in delivering superior enterprise experience to all its restaurant clients, regardless of size. Donnelly explained that this acquisition would bolster Informa's position in the foodservice sector, especially as it already owns considerable assets in this industry across Asia. Combining these resources with Winsight and Informa's existing Nation's Restaurant News assets, they anticipate a substantial growth in their vertical.
The merger of Informa and Winsight is viewed as part of the ongoing trend of consolidation in the foodservice industry, where restaurant groups and tech companies integrate to drive synergies. Donnelly highlighted that the integration process would focus on two key aspects – creating improved experiences for their audiences and attendees and increasing ROI for their customers. Informa anticipates that bringing together the assets of Winsight and its own offerings will substantially benefit the industry.
Schatzberg, Frischling, and Douglass expressed their enthusiasm for the acquisition, appreciating the potential synergies between Informa and Winsight, and looking forward to this consolidation's future contributions to the restaurant and foodservice industry.
To hear the questions and Donnelly’s responses to “ Branded Quickfire” check out this episode of Hospitality Hangout.
Episode Credits:
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.
In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg "The Restaurant Guy" and Jimmy Frischling "The Finance Guy" sit down with Sherif Mityas, CEO of BRIX Holdings. BRIX Holdings is a Dallas-based franchising company that specializes in superior foodservice chains within the better-for-you segments. Their mission is to provide exceptional franchise opportunities and focus on brands that appeal to the expanding single-unit owner/operator franchise market, with the potential to become national and international award-winning chains. The current BRIX Holdings portfolio includes renowned brands such as Red Mango Yogurt Café Smoothie & Juice Bar, Smoothie Factory Juice Bar, Souper Salad, Orange Leaf, Humble Donut Co., Greenz, and Friendly's.
During the episode, Sherif Mityas shares insights into the iconic Friendly's brand, which is celebrating its 88th birthday this year. He highlights the emotional connection people have with Friendly's, recalling stories of customers' first dates over milkshakes and the enduring popularity of their signature treats like the Jim Dandy and Banana Royale. Sherif also discusses other brands within the BRIX Holdings portfolio, including frozen yogurt concepts Red Mango and Orange Leaf, super salad, the newly reconcepted Smoothie Factory Plus Kitchen, and Humble Donuts. He hints at the upcoming addition of another brand.
The conversation delves into Sherif's background, where he shares his experience in the retail industry, including his time running the Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery chain. He also explains how he transitioned into the hospitality sector, joining TGI Fridays as their Chief Experience Officer before joining the BRIX Holdings Group. Sherif expresses his excitement about leading an amazing team at BRIX Holdings and driving the growth of their portfolio.
The episode takes an interesting turn as Jimmy Frischling introduces breaking news about BRIX Holdings' latest concept, Pizza Jukebox. Sherif describes this fully automated dine-in experience, where guests can watch robots and automated machines craft personalized pizzas within minutes. The innovative approach aims to provide not just a pizza but a memorable theater-like experience for customers. Sherif emphasizes the importance of technology in enhancing the guest engagement and driving the dine-in experience.
The conversation concludes with a discussion about BRIX Holdings' partnership with Middleby and their collaboration with L2F to bring the Pizza Jukebox concept to life. Sherif highlights the focus on personalization, aiming to cater to individual preferences while maintaining consistency through robotics and automation.
Overall, the episode offers fascinating insights into BRIX Holdings' brand portfolio, Sherif Mityas' journey in the industry, and the exciting innovations shaping the future of hospitality.
To hear the questions and Mityas’ responses to “Two Truths and a Lie” check out this episode of Hospitality Hangout.
Episode Credits:
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.
In the most recent episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg, "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, "The Finance Guy," welcomed Adam Golomb, the Chief Executive Officer of Primanti Bros., as their guest. The podcast delved into the remarkable journey and ongoing success of Primanti Bros., a renowned restaurant known for its iconic sandwiches since 1933. Golomb shared valuable insights, shedding light on the brand's expansion, virtual brands, technology integration, and his personal experiences.
Primanti Bros., now celebrating its 90th anniversary, began its journey in Pittsburgh back in 1933. Today, the chain has grown significantly, with 41 open restaurants across four states and four more under construction, projecting 45 locations by year-end. Golomb emphasized the brand's fame, owing to its signature sandwich: a combination of choice meats, coleslaw, French fries, tomato, and provolone cheese, all packed between two fresh-baked Italian bread slices.
When discussing how Primanti Bros. ensures its long-standing brand remains attractive and relevant, Golomb emphasized the importance of staying true to their core identity while expanding the menu to cater to a broader audience. In addition to their renowned sandwiches, the restaurant now offers freshly baked New York-style pizza, spicy wings, salads, and burgers, acknowledging the diverse preferences of their customers. Golomb also highlighted their digital-first approach, utilizing technology to drive the business and adapting rapidly during the pandemic.
During the podcast, Golomb highlighted Primanti Bros. introduction of three virtual brands—18th Street Pizza, Wing Nut, and Get Loaded. These concepts diversify the menu and have become top-selling items alongside the famous sandwiches. The hosts inquired about the performance and demand for these virtual brands, to which Golomb expressed the positive response from consumers. However, he also acknowledged the challenges posed by third-party delivery companies, which often resist including virtual brands on their platforms. Golomb emphasized the need to find solutions that maintain sales and navigate the evolving landscape of the delivery market.
The conversation also touched upon Primanti Bros. limited-time offerings (LTOs), which occur every six to eight weeks. These LTOs introduce new cycles of culinary creations, keeping the menu fresh and exciting. While they previously experimented with monthly LTOs, operational challenges led them to adjust the frequency to ensure smooth supply chain management. Adam Golomb unveiled the current LTO at Primanti Bros., Hot Honey. This unique and enticing offering further exemplifies the brand's commitment to innovation and delighting their customers with distinct flavors.
Additionally, Golomb shared breaking news during the podcast, announcing Primanti Bros. first-ever amusement park location at Pittsburgh's renowned Kennywood Park. He expressed the brand's excitement about the venture, which involves remodeling an existing concession stand to celebrate both Primanti Bros. 90th year and Kennywood Park's 125th anniversary.
The conversation also touched upon Primanti Bros. strategic use of technology and their commitment to being a digital-first company. Golomb discussed their complex tech stack and the importance of selecting best-in-breed solutions that integrate seamlessly with their existing systems. The goal is to enhance sales, improve guest experiences, and streamline operations. The CEO emphasized their openness to exploring new technologies and evaluating their impact on driving sales and benefiting the team and customers.
Golomb further engaged in the segment of the podcast, where “Two Truths and a Lie” about his past were shared. Schatzberg and Frischling made their guesses, so be sure to tune into this episode to get the answer.
Through this conversation, listeners can gain insights into Primanti Bros. enduring success, innovative strategies, expansion plans, and Golomb's personal experiences. With their iconic sandwiches, virtual brands, and emphasis on technology integration, Primanti Bros. continues to evolve while staying true to its roots, providing a delightful dining experience for patrons worldwide.
Episode Credits:
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.
In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg, "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, "The Finance Guy," welcomed Doug Willmarth, President at MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, and Shakes, as their guest. Willmarth introduced himself as the president of MOOYAH and emphasized the restaurant's commitment to serving the best-tasting cheeseburgers. He highlighted their handcrafted approach, using great ingredients, hand-smashing burgers, and hand-cutting fries, along with made-from-scratch shakes. The key to their success is customization, offering a wide range of options for protein, toppings, sauces, and cheese choices, allowing customers to create their own unique burger experience.
During the conversation, Willmarth discussed his background and passion for leadership and airplanes. Having served in the Navy as a pilot, he transitioned into business leadership and marketing, eventually finding his love for the restaurant industry. Willmarth had worked with renowned brands such as Frito-Lay, Chili's, and Pizza Hut before joining MOOYAH. Willmarth shared his admiration for the restaurant business, emphasizing its ability to bring people together over food and help individuals become entrepreneurs, reflecting the core values of the American dream.
The episode also highlighted MOOYAH's new franchise owner incentive program, aimed at driving growth. Franchisees who signed agreements and leases in 2023 would receive three years of royalty relief and additional corporate support to ensure a strong launch. Willmarth expressed the importance of supporting new franchise owners and helping them achieve their dreams of business ownership. The program also includes matching the franchisees' marketing investment to ensure a successful start and create a strong customer base.
Another exciting development discussed in the episode was MOOYAH's relaunched rewards app. The new loyalty framework provides an improved ordering experience and rewards customers with free food. Willmarth explained that the focus is on making the ordering process easier and faster through intuitive and visually appealing technology. The shift to a food-based loyalty program aligns with customers' desire for free food and enhances their overall experience.
Regarding technology, Willmarth shared MOOYAH's approach of being tech-forward but not an innovator. They strive to be fast followers, adopting proven ROI solutions and leveraging technology as an enabler rather than the primary focus. The ultimate goal remains to deliver high-quality food and a great customer experience. The hosts appreciated MOOYAH's commitment to prioritizing the food and leveraging technology to enhance operations and customer satisfaction.
Willmarth emphasized the importance of customization, allowing customers to create their unique burger experience based on their preferences. The restaurant's focus on high-quality ingredients, handcrafted processes, and the complementary offerings of fries and shakes all contribute to the mouthful of awesomeness that MOOYAH aims to deliver.
The latest episode of Hospitality Hangout featured an informative conversation with Doug Willmarth, President at MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, and Shakes. They discussed the restaurant's commitment to quality, customization, and providing a safe and enjoyable dining experience for its loyal fans. To hear “Trivia Tuesday” and the “Branded Quickfire” answers tune into this episode.
Episode Credits:
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.
In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, hosts Michael Schatzberg "The Restaurant Guy" and Jimmy Frischling "The Finance Guy" took their listeners on an exhilarating journey in the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout. Broadcasting from the Food On Demand conference, they were joined by a lineup of guests who are shaping the future of the hospitality industry. Kicking off the episode was Kevin King, the President of Donatos Pizza. A brand with a rich history dating back to 1963. Next, the dynamic duo welcomed Kristen Hawley, the Founder of Expedite, a cutting-edge newsletter that spotlights revolutionary news and big ideas transforming the hospitality landscape. And finally, they talk with Brita Rosenheim, the Managing Partner of Vita Vera Ventures and author of the highly acclaimed 2023 Restaurant Tech Ecosystem. With their expertise in advancing the food industry's resiliency, efficiency, and sustainability, Brita and her team are dedicated to supporting tech entrepreneurs who are defining the future of dining. Together, this engaging trio explored a wide range of captivating topics, leaving listeners inspired and eager to embrace the ever-evolving world of hospitality.
They were joined by their first guest, Kevin King, the President of Donatos Pizza, famous for their Edge to Edge® pizza. With a fascinating background in the restaurant business, Kevin shared his journey from working in a pizza shop as a kid to holding leadership positions at renowned pizza chains like Domino's, Papa Murphy's, and Smoothie King. Having rejoined Donatos as President in 2022, Kevin's passion for the pizza industry and dedication to the company's growth was evident throughout the conversation. Donatos, founded by Jim Grote in 1963, has since expanded to 375 locations across 22 states, with a strategic partnership with Red Robin further boosting its nationwide presence. The episode delved into various topics, including the challenges and opportunities of third-party delivery, the significance of technology in the industry, and Donatos' commitment to giving back to the community.
Kristen Hawley, the founder of Expedite, a newsletter in the restaurant industry, was the next guest. Known for her insightful articles and deep understanding of restaurant technology, Kristen shared her perspective on how technology is transforming the dining experience. She highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to enhance customer interactions, covering delivery, loyalty programs, and reservations. Kristen also emphasized the need for a nuanced understanding of the industry, challenging the prevailing narratives around technology's impact. Additionally, she shared her cautious optimism regarding chat GPT, acknowledging both its potential benefits and the importance of regulating its rapid development.
Brita Rosenheim, Managing Partner of Vita Vera Ventures and Author of the 2023 Restaurant Tech Ecosystem. They talked about Brita's recent panel discussion and her expertise in the industry. During the conversation, Brita discussed various topics, including the unique focus of Food OnDemand compared to other conferences. She also highlighted the importance of investing in the food industry's resiliency, efficiency, and sustainability. The discussion touched upon the growth and challenges of ghost kitchens and virtual brands, emphasizing the need for maintaining quality and consistency. Brita also shared insights on dynamic pricing and revenue management, advocating for a rebranding of the concept. Additionally, she discussed the saturation of single-point solutions in the market and predicted that automation would be a significant topic in the industry's future.
To hear “Branded Quickfire,” the “Crystal Ball Moment” and more industry insights check out this episode of Hospitality Hangout.
Episode Credits:
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.
In the latest 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 King's recent marketing initiatives and shared valuable insights into the company's success. She emphasized the importance of understanding customer needs and tailoring marketing efforts accordingly. Radley pointed out that staying relevant in the ever-evolving marketplace requires continuous innovation and adaptation.
Smoothie King's CMO emphasized the role of data in guiding marketing decisions. Radley revealed that the company leverages comprehensive customer data to create personalized experiences and develop targeted campaigns. By analyzing consumer preferences, Smoothie King has successfully implemented strategies to drive customer loyalty and engagement.
They delved into third-party delivery services and the invaluable insights derived from their analytics. The trio eagerly discussed the challenges and opportunities that arise when partnering with external delivery platforms, emphasizing the importance of harnessing the power of data to enhance customer experiences and drive business growth. With Marianne's wealth of knowledge and expertise, they explored innovative strategies for leveraging third-party delivery analytics to make informed decisions and optimize operations.
The discussion also touched upon the significance of brand authenticity. Radley emphasized the need for businesses to genuinely connect with their target audience by aligning marketing messages with their core values. She explained how Smoothie King's commitment to providing nutritious and delicious smoothies resonates with health-conscious consumers, leading to a strong brand identity.
Hospitality Hangout once again proved to be an engaging platform for industry professionals. This episode delivers Marianne Radley's expertise and provides an enriching exploration of marketing strategies in the food and beverage industry.
To hear “Branded Quickfire” answers and all of Radley’s conversation check out this episode of Hospitality Hangout.
Episode Credits:
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.
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