Curious to hear the insights and experiences of the head of development at Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken and how integrating hospitality into your mindset and operational framework can elevate your business and brand?

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy interviews Sam Stanovich, the head of development at Big Chicken, a concept founded by Shaquille O'Neal. They discuss various topics related to the hospitality industry and the growth of the Big Chicken brand.

Sam shares more on these topics:

- His personal journey from a Greek household upbringing to working in Marriott and becoming a franchisee.

- His definition of hospitality being the privilege to serve others and care about the community.

- Highlights on the significance of having a personal board of directors for guidance and support in his career.

- He discusses the growth plans for Big Chicken, including expanding domestically and internationally.

- The brand benefits from the reputation and network of its founder, Shaquille O'Neal.

You can connect with Sam on LinkedIn and Instagram.

To learn more about Big Chicken, connect with them on LinkedIn, check out their website, and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

Looking for inspiration to transform your family-owned business into a thriving brand?

Don't miss this episode of The Pineapple Perspective featuring CEO Michael Ungaro of San Pedro Fish Company. From humble beginnings to becoming a top ten Instagram restaurant, CEO Michael Ungaro takes us on a journey of resilience, innovation, and the power of storytelling. Discover the secrets behind his success, how he’s created a culture of hospitality that has captivated customers and led to incredible growth and learn how you can apply these strategies to your own business.

Get ready to be motivated and discover the keys to building a successful multi-generational business.

Listen in as Troy and Michael highlight these topics:

- The challenges and successes of running a multi-generational family-owned restaurant.

- The importance of hospitality, community, and adaptability in restaurant business operations.

- Treating employees and customers like family is a core value of San Pedro Fish Company.

- The challenges of transitioning to the fourth generation and ensuring the business's continued success.

- The evolution of their service model from fast-casual to an experiential dining experience.

- The significance of creating a sense of connection and value for employees and customers.

- The impact of social media and storytelling in promoting their brand.

- Future plans for expansion and innovation.

You can learn more about San Pedro Fish Company on their website.

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

Curious about the challenges and rewards of leaving a corporate career for the restaurant industry and becoming a multi-unit franchisee?

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper interviews Lauren Fernandez, CEO of Full Course, a company that invests in and supports early-stage food and restaurant brands. Here are the key points discussed in the interview:

- Lauren shares her deep connection to the hospitality industry.

- She discusses how her upbringing and cultural background have shaped her to make a positive impact.

- Lauren’s journey from lawyer to multi-unit franchisee and starting Full Course.

- Challenges faced by the industry, like lack of available debt and scarcity of affordable real estate.

- Creative solutions to challenges including private credit and crowdsourcing.

You can learn more about Lauren Fernandez on LinkedIn.

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

Episode author:

Troy Hooper, Lauren Fernandez