The Bagel That Broke the Internet: Tory Bartlett and the Rise of PopUp Bagels
In this episode of the Hospitality Hangout, CEO Tory Bartlett (often called Jimmy) shares his journey from washing dishes at Hooters to leading the fast‑growing pop‑up bagel brand that went viral online. He discusses how his military reserve service, years at Hooters, and stints with Southern Proper Hospitality, Roark Capital, and Focus Brands shaped his operational expertise and franchise mindset. Bartlett explains the brand’s unique “grip‑and‑rip” bagel experience, the power of pop‑up concepts for rapid market testing, and how Built Hospitality’s AI‑driven platform helps personalize guest interactions and drive loyalty. Listeners walk away with actionable insights on scaling a food concept, leveraging technology for guest personalization, and the value of diverse hospitality experiences in building leadership.
It’s All in the Sauce: The Eric Skae Playbook Behind Rao’s and Carbone’s Billion-Dollar Growth
In this episode, Eric Skay, the mastermind behind turning Rao’s and Carbone into multi‑billion‑dollar brands, shares how he identified undervalued assets, leveraged data‑driven distribution, and built powerful networks to accelerate growth. He explains how Rao’s grew from modest 5% growth...
NYC Bagel Bosses: Bagel Bosses of NYC on Tradition, Trends, and the Future of Bagels
In this lively episode recorded at the New York Restaurant Show, host Michael Schatzberg chats with three NYC bagel entrepreneurs—Melanie Frost of Es a Bagel, Matt Palmer of Zucker's Bagels, and Matt Kliegman of Black Seed Bagel—about their origins, growth...
Rebuilding a $100M Hospitality Brand: Pinky Cole, Slutty Vegan CEO, on Failure and Franchising
In this episode, Pinky Cole, founder and CEO of the $100 million Slutty Vegan brand, recounts her journey from a two‑bedroom Atlanta apartment to a national vegan empire, detailing how she leveraged bold branding, TV‑style storytelling, and social media to attract...
Reinventing Hospitality and Travel Media: Jon Skogmo on Building LOST iN
In this episode, host Jimmy Frischling chats with Jon Skogmo, the founder of Jukin Media and Lost In Travel Media, about his journey from a hotel clerk to building a $140 million UGC licensing business and then launching a travel‑focused media...
Rethinking Beer: Andrew Katz of Athletic Brewing on Non Alcoholic Beer, Brand Growth & Hospitality Trends
In this episode, CMO Andrew Katz discusses the rapid growth of Athletic Brewing, the leading non‑alcoholic beer brand, and the broader shift toward wellness‑driven drinking habits. He explains how declining alcohol consumption, increased health awareness, and data‑driven lifestyle tracking are...
The Rise of Heatonist: Noah Chaimberg on Hot Sauce Culture and Hospitality Brand Building
In this episode of the Hospitality Hangout, Noah Chaimberg, CEO of Heatnist, shares how he turned a Brooklyn push‑cart into the world’s leading hot‑sauce brand and secured a partnership with the Hot Ones show. He recounts his entrepreneurial journey from...
The Rise of Mike’s Hot Honey: Founder Mike Kurtz on Authentic Growth & Collaboration in the Hospitality Business
In this episode, founder Mike Kurtz recounts the origins and explosive growth of Mike's Hot Honey, from a spontaneous discovery on a Brazilian hiking trip to its adoption by major chains like Taco Bell and KFC. He details the grassroots...
Building Iconic Food Brands: Hospitality Insider Insights From Boqueria, Rita’s Italian Ice, Hot Head Burritos & ChopShop
In this 36‑minute episode, host [Name] sits down with hospitality veterans from Boqueria, Rita’s Italian Ice, Hot Head Burritos and ChopShop to dissect what makes a food brand iconic. The conversation highlights three core pillars: a clear, emotionally resonant brand story;...