Friends of Branded!
Happy Saturday and I hope you had a great week.
There are multiple meanings across different contexts of the word “crossover,” but for the purpose of this week’s H^2, I’m referring to entertainment crossovers and those moments when a character from one show appears on another.
In the entertainment industry, the driver of doing so is clear – to build a shared universe, boost ratings and deepen storytelling.
In the world of sitcoms, no one has done it better than NBC with Friends & Mad About You (from an episode back in 1995 for those keeping score at home regarding my dated references) with Lisa Kudrow’s characters, Ursula Buffay (Mad About You) and Phoebe Buffay (Friends) sharing the small screen on NBC’s ‘Must See TV’ (on a Thursday night).
While I'm saying the quiet part out loud, this week’s H^2 is bringing Branded’s Hospitality Hangout into the Hospitality Headline’s Top of the Fold and for good reason – we’ve just launched an exciting new mini-series, in partnership with our friends from Toast, and released the first episode this week!
Before diving into the new mini-series, let’s take a relatively short walk down memory lane to the Prosper Forum 2023 event.
At the event (as we do often), we recorded a number of episodes of our Hangout with industry executives. Our line-up was strong, and as we rolled through the recording of each of the 6 episodes, a clear trend started to emerge – each executive on the show started their hospitality career as a dishwasher or other entry level position (and mostly dishwashers). The math is unemotional (although I am not) and 6 out of 6 of our guests started at the bottom and rose to the top with, wait for it, 5 of the 6 guests advanced to become CEOs and 1 was a member of his company’s C-suite as its COO.
Interestingly, Mr. Scott Boatwright was the only non-CEO among our guests recording with us at the Prosper Forum and well, we know what happened next, Scott is now the CEO of Chipotle.
For avoidance of any doubt, I’m of course not suggesting that Mr. Boatwright’s appearance on our podcast had anything to do with his being promoted to the CEO at Chipotle (but I’m also not saying that his appearance on the Hangout wasn’t factor. Who can really say, right? Just saying.). 😊
But I digress, as usual.
My point, Schatzy, Julie, and I all acknowledged that each executive had humble beginnings and while our industry is far from perfect, I’ll argue that it’s the most democratized of any I know, and we promote and reward from within as much (or more) as any.
It was at that conference that we originally defined the term Hospitality Hustler, the people who are relentlessly resourceful, tenacious, and willing to do the work. We’ve had hundreds of guests on the Hospitality Hangout and one theme continues to show up – a vast majority of these executives started at the bottom (and most often, as dishwashers).
This trend was too important for us not to do something with it, and with a little help from our friends, we’ve launched The Hospitality Hangout: Hospitality Hustlers.
This mini-series puts a spotlight on the raw, real, and remarkable stories of leaders who started in the dish pit, on the line or bussing tables and climbed all the way to the top.
Our partner in crime on this mini-series are the good people at Toast, and this POS and operator-centric platform knows the hustle b/c not surprisingly, all these guests serve up success with Toast!
This week, the first episode of the Hospitality Hustler mini-series launched with our friend, Mr. Bob Wright, CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works. From the front line to the C-suite, Bob’s story is packed with grit, lessons, leadership, and a few laughs along the way.
You can listen to the Hustler Series and be part of our Hospitality Hangout community by clicking Listen Here
And now a little call to action – if you’ve got your own hospitality hustler story, or know someone who does, Branded wants to hear it. This series is for the doers, the dreamers, and the damn good operators who started from the bottom and never stopped climbing. We want to keep telling the stores that built this industry, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
For Branded, we define a Hospitality Hustler as high-energy, resourceful operator who thrives in the fast-paced, people-first and people-driven world of service. These are the good people who aren’t just working in the hospitality industry but are moving it forward. The Hospitality Hustler can come from the front of house, back of house or from behind the brand. The key traits we continue to see that truly makes a Hospitality Hustler is their willingness to be scrappy, strategic, and always in motion.
A few other traits we see are their being guest obsessed. They know the regulars by name, they know their preferences by heart, and they believe that every guest is worth the hustle b/c hospitality (done right) isn’t a transactional business, it’s a relationship, connection, and community business.
The hustler has a relentless drive. They don’t clock out (at least not mentally) and they’re always thinking about the next table turn, the next guest touchpoint and the next opportunity to improve the guest experience.
The hustler is a resourceful thinker and no matter what you throw at them, they’re going to figure out a way to get through it, around it, over it, under it, but regardless of the chosen path, they will move forward.
The hustler is always looking to level-up and while they’ll accept moments that are “good enough” (we can’t let “perfection” be the enemy of “good enough”), they’re not content with that and are always chasing improvement and growth.
So, cheers to the Hospitality Hustlers, the ones that have laid the foundation for our industry and the ones that are carrying it forward.
My partner and Branded’s CMO, Julie (“Queen Z”) Zucker, had a LinkedIn post that was loved by so many. In connection with her moderating the panel, Generations of Leadership, for the New York State Restaurant Association’s Women in Hospitality conference, she concluded her post with these words: “This wasn’t just a panel—it was a passing of the torch, a reflection on how far we've come, and a reminder that leadership is a relay. We carry what others built, and we build so others can carry.”
I believe those are important words for Women in the Hospitality industry and appropriate for all the Hospitality Hustlers.
We see you, we appreciate you, and we value you. And thanks to our podcast partners at Toast, we get to tell your stories!
It takes a village.
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The FIRST shoutout this week goes to our new friends at InfoComm and the self-proclaimed “coolest pro AV gathering on the planet” event didn’t disappoint!
This was Branded’s first time participating in InfoComm and a combination of Schatzy being on a panel and our newest ResTech portfolio company, Vistify, (empowering restaurants to turn their menus into dynamic data-driven engines of growth) inviting us to join them at this event, led to our returning to Orlando for some for non-Disney World and non-ICR fun.
A key part of Branded’s investment thesis is the digital transformation that is underway (and we're still in the early-innings) and working with Vistify, we’re incredibly excited by QSR and LSR operators' enthusiasm to embrace and level-up their digital signage and menu boards.
InfoComm itself is committed to creators of integrated audiovisual experiences and it was a differentiated experience for Schatz and me to spend time with AV manufacturers and solution providers who are committed to supporting hospitality operators when it comes to guest engagement.
This may have been our first time at InfoComm, but we’ll be back! No one should ever threaten Branded with a good time!
The SECOND shoutout goes to our partners at Spendgo, a best-in-breed loyalty platform for your in-store, mobile and online guests and the talented (as well as a recent recipient of The “B” List honors) Mr. Dan Sokolik, VP of Marketing at Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, a 130-unit bone-in fried chicken restaurant chain that’s been operating since 1966.
This shoutout goes to collaboration between Spendgo and Lee’s Famous and a case study Spendgo wanted to create with Lee’s Famous later this year, but Dan didn’t see it that way. Specifically, Dan didn’t see the need to walk when they could run, and the case study was done straightaway.
According to Mr. Sokolik, an operator can buy metrics & innovation anywhere, but it was the service & support that he got from Spendgo that made the difference.
This feedback from Dan rolled through the Spendgo team and made its way to Branded as well. This high praise from an industry veteran made us all so proud of the work and effort the Spendgo team puts in daily to support the 120+ brands they work with. This shoutout is to the entire Spendgo team, with a special tip of the hat to its Customer Success Team led by Nicole Fleiner.
We see you Nicole and the Spendgo Customer Support team and the hospitality you deliver to your customers!
You can watch the video of Mr. Sokolik spreading the word about Spendgo as well as the case study here: Lee's Famous Chicken Recipe - Spendgo
The THIRD shoutout this week goes not to one, but two of our portfolio companies (and two of the industry’s favorite sons), Zack Oates & Ovation and Josh Halpern & Big Chicken and the incredible collaboration between this operator-centric (and the markets leading guest feedback) platform and Fast Casual’s #1 brand in 2024 (who is also continuing to light-up the NBA playoffs).
Big Chicken has turned guest feedback into a competitive advantage, spotting trends faster, recovering frustrated guests (it happens people, it happens even to the best of us) and strengthening its franchise network along the way.
According to Josh Halpern, “If we get someone to come back once a year, four times a year, or every week, that’s potentially $1,200 a year from just one guest. Isn’t that worth one minute of your time?”
Yes Josh, that is worth a minute of time (oh wait, was that a rhetorical question. Whoops).
I could have pulled a photo of Ovation and Big Chicken or of Zack & Josh, but I know the photo below is one of Zack’s favorites, so I wanted to give it to him!
The FOURTH and final shoutout goes to Starfish, the only layer-zero platform empowering transparency, safety, and trust in food supply chains worldwide.
Last week I shared that readers of the H^2 should expect to hear a great deal more from Starfish and its CEO, Wiggs Civitillo.
It was announced this week (and Branded is happy to boast about this news) that Starfish has been invited by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to speak at the prestigious Vienna Food Safety Forum 2025, taking place at the UN Headquarters in Vienna.
This global event convenes leaders from regulatory agencies, industry, and academia to explore the transformative role of digitalization in food safety, with a focus on AI, data traceability, and international information sharing.
Mr. Civitillo will speak on the role of digital traceability solutions and data standards in addressing interoperability challenges and building more connected, transparent, and trusted food systems.
The Branded Team is super proud to see our partner at Starfish contribute to this important global conversation.
Our boy Wiggs is smart, very smart! 😊
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Branded invites readers of the H^2 that are interested in learning more about our portfolio companies, and investment strategies to become part of our Access Hospitality Network ("AHN").
This week’s Access Hospitality Network section going to our partners at Brooklyn Dumpling Shop (“BDS”) and no, you didn’t take the blue pill and you’re not experiencing a moment of déjà vu.
Yes, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop has been in this section before, but when you have the kind of week like this emerging QSR, foodservice and CPG company (Branded’s triple-threat) just had, we’re happy to bring them back into the AHN section!
BDS opened its 18th location down in Miami this week and we couldn’t be more excited. The location is fantastic, and we’re thrilled with the incredible reception Miami has given BDS, along with the strong collaboration with the newest members of the BDS family, Voytek Faber and Marc Silverstone (welcome to the party Voytek & Marc)!
But wait, there’s more.
This week we also saw BDS make a splash at Costco and not just in filling the freezers, but they kicked off its first-ever Costco Roadshow. The day was a huge hit as the BDS team posted up at Costco Teterboro slinging samples, serving smiles and stacking BDS' awesome dumplings sky-high. This is a huge milestone for the brand as bringing Brooklyn Dumplings into Costco is something BDS has been working on for a long time.
If you want to part of this Costco Roadshow, here’s the line-up of locations and dates!
📍 Costco Teterboro (2 Landing Dr, NJ)
📆 June 12–15
📍 Costco Montgomeryville (740 Upper State Rd, PA)
📆 June 19–22
📍 Costco North Brunswick (100 Grand Ave, NJ)
📆 June 26–29
But wait, there’s more!
In connection with BDS’s CEO, Jeff Galletly, being in Miami for the opening of unit #18, he also made a visit to Branded’s friends and partners at SupplyCaddy, a restaurant packaging company that makes an impact! In addition to delivering customizable packaging solutions for every need, its leadership team, the dynamic duo that is CEO Zachary Stein and President & COO Bradley Saveth (a younger, far better-looking and healthier duo. when compared to Schatz and myself) also have a super cool podcast, Delivered: The Journey of Packaging!
This week the fellas hosted Mr. Galletly on their podcast, and they dove into all things brand growth, packaging innovations, marketing strategies and what’s next for Brooklyn Dumpling Shop.
You can check out the episode of Delivered: The Journey of Packaging with Jeff here:
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/d6pTYwxT
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/Gp0cB
🍏 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/goEkN
For those that would like to explore areas of collaboration with Branded and Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, please contact me directly.
Everything is better in a dumpling!
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Featured Episodes - The Smart Playbook for Digital Hospitality & Restaurant Growth & Bold Moves & Better Bowls: Restaurant Transformation with WOWorks CEO Kelly Roddy
This week on Hospitality Hangout, we’re bringing you not one, but two back-to-back episodes featuring hospitality leaders who are rewriting the rules of the industry.
First up, we chop it up with Kelly Roddy, CEO of WOWorks—the brand group behind better-for-you favorites like Saladworks and Frutta Bowls. Kelly dives into the future of fast casual, from embracing AI and digital hospitality to building purpose-driven brands that are making wellness more accessible (and delicious) than ever.
Then, we sit down with Alison Quinn, CEO of Dinova, to explore how business dining is evolving and why smart tech, strategic partnerships, and authentic leadership are the keys to growth in today’s competitive market. Alison shares bold insights on how to win in the digital hospitality era—especially when guest expectations are higher than ever.
Both episodes are packed with trend-forward takes, insider strategies, and the kind of candid conversation you’ve come to expect from The Restaurant Guy and The Finance Guy. If you care about where hospitality is headed, these are must-listens.
Tune in on:
Spotify: Click Here
Apple Podcasts: Click Here
Watch on YouTube: Click Here
Are you loving the Hospitality Hangout? Let us know! Please leave us a review here!
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MARKETING
Restaurant Marketing – Turns Out We’re Doing it Wrong!
By: Rev Ciancio, Head of Revenue Marketing at Branded Hospitality Ventures
After attending a ridiculous number of trade shows and conferences (8 so far this year!), helping dozens of restaurant brands as a fractional CMO, and owning a quick-service spot in New York City… I’ve come to a big realization.
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AI
Unlocking the Power of Restaurant AI: Transforming Guest Acquisition in the Digital Age
By: Michael L. Atkinson ResTech Entrepreneur, Investor, and Co-founder of ARI Venture Studio
Guest acquisition costs are rising. Operators today are spending more per new guest than ever before, and the returns are often diminishing. Without intelligent targeting, much of that spend is wasted.
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Today's Thought
Elevate Your Thinking to Solve Bigger Problems
By: David Meltzer
Albert Einstein once said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” That wisdom is at the heart of this week’s lesson: learning to rise above your current mindset and approach problem-solving from a higher level of consciousness
Food For Thought
The Power of Reciprocity
By: Melissa Hughes
There’s a reason guests feel compelled to tip a little extra when a server goes above and beyond—or why that free amuse-bouche makes your whole evening feel more elevated. It’s not just good hospitality.
Maple-Glazed Takes
20 Psychology-Driven Tactics to Engineer Restaurant Menus That Actually Work
By: Jay Ashton
When we talk about what makes a great menu, the conversation often stops at formatting, food cost and layout. But the most profitable menus today are not just smart, they’re psychological. They tap into how humans feel, choose, and connect in the moment.
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That’s it for today!
See you next week, same bat-time, same bat-channel.
It takes a village!
Jimmy Frischling
Branded Hospitality Ventures
jimmy@brandedstrategic.com
235 Park Ave South, 4th Fl | New York, NY 10003
Branded Hospitality Ventures ("Branded") is an investment and solutions platform at the intersection of foodservice, technology, innovation and capital. As experienced hospitality owners and operators, Branded brings value to its partners through investment, strategic counsel, and its deep industry expertise and connections.
Learn more about Branded here: Branded At-A-Glance