In today’s episode of the Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy”, and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy”, are joined by 5-time returning guest Josh Halpern, founder and CEO of Big Chicken and Beer Park.

Josh narrates how he began his business and how the relationships he has fostered with shareholders like Dr. Shaquille O’Neal has become invaluable. He also delves into what it is like to own a franchise, walks us through the mindset needed to run one, and uncovers the often forgotten demographics businesses must consider serving in pursuit of success. describes what it takes to bridge the gap between coworkers from multiple generations.

Key Takeaways:

Breaking News: Josh Halpern’s business Big Chicken goes global with its first international location opening in the United Kingdom. Having started originally in Seattle, when Co-Op Live, Europe’s largest live music venue, opens this year, Big Chicken will be revealed. Josh shares that Big Chicken will be introduced to Canada in a similar fashion later this year. On top of this, Big Chicken will be expanding to parts of Central America where brick-and-mortar restaurants are already being built.
Market Growth Strategy: Josh opens up about his strategic plan to expand globally and his mindset behind it. When franchising a business, Halpern says, you are not simply in the restaurant business, but also the franchise business. From the time he first dreamt of this idea to now global expansion, Josh has always made it known his sole business objective is a maniacal focus, meaning they are constantly optimizing their product and business model.
Developing Relationships: The business relationship and friendship Josh has developed with Dr. O’Neal is one he deeply charishes and appreciates. Josh stresses the importance of finding sponsors that identify with your brand the same way Shaquille O’Neal resonated with Big Chicken, being reminded of his mother’s cooking when he was a child.
Do Fathers Ever Get to Choose? Sit back and enjoy listening to Jimmy, Schatz, and Josh discuss who gets to pick where to eat out and why it’s never the father.
Michael Schatzberg never fails to make guests of the podcast laugh with his playful nature and quick wit and today is no different. Enjoy as Jimmy lets him narrate Josh and his road to success with plenty of repartee to go around.
You came for the entree, but stay to indulge in the best dessert the show can offer as Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy”, quizzes Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy”, in today’s episode of Trivia Tuesday.