In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” are joined by Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America, the parent company of Pepper Lunch Restaurants, as well as Elisia Flores, CEO at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue .

Troy has over thirty-one years of experience in the hospitality industry, having grown up helping his father build restaurants and bars in Miami. Troy talks about global expansion, his recent ten-unit deal in Arizona, and modernizing the over-thirty-year-old brand.

Elisia returned to Hawaiian Barbecue five years ago as CEO to take over leadership from her father and company co-founder, Eddie Flores. She credits L&L's success to the strong family-oriented culture amongst employees and franchisees, as well as a delicious, craveable food product that leaves customers demanding more.

Listen to this episode to find out the wild innovation and spicy challenges for the restaurant industry in 2024, and catch their recipes for expanding a gnarly franchise brand without losing cultural flavor.

Key Takeaways:

(00:08 - 01:55) Live from the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Louisville Kentucky

(02:05) Troy grew up in hospitality helping Dad build Miami hotspots.

(02:28) Dad threw parties; Troy handled the catering. Culinary school and then business school.

(03:32) Brought in to spice up Pepper Lunch's US growth.

(05:25) Ten new stores in five years - aloha expansion!

(08:18) Pepper Lunch salsa dances across three countries.

(29:57) Elisia returned as L&L CEO to take over family BBQ biz.

(30:47) Started small but ohana customers couldn't resist the grub.

(31:28) L&L smokin' the franchise competition with tons of awards.

(32:23) Success is in their secret sauce (and culture).

(33:22) Franchisees get schooled in Hawaii for legit tropical vibes.

(34:41) Uh oh—are appetite pills putting restaurants on a diet?

(36:16) Automated kitchens cookin' up some 2024 innovation.