Branded Hospitality Media named official podcast partner for NRA Show 2026

By AI, Created 4:48 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Branded Hospitality Media said The Hospitality Hangout will serve as an official podcast partner for the National Restaurant Association Show 2026, set for May in Chicago. The deal puts the podcast on the floor to record live episodes, interview industry leaders and cover themes including AI, automation and restaurant technology.

Why it matters: - The partnership gives The Hospitality Hangout direct access to one of North America’s biggest restaurant trade shows. - Branded Hospitality Media will use the event to reach operators, suppliers, investors, franchise leaders and hospitality technology companies. - The Show remains a key venue for tracking where restaurant trends, technology and dealmaking are heading.

What happened: - Branded Hospitality Media announced that The Hospitality Hangout is now an official podcast partner of the National Restaurant Association Show 2026. - The event takes place this May in Chicago at McCormick Place. - Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling lead The Hospitality Hangout. - The partnership was announced from New York City on May 12, 2026.

The details: - Branded Hospitality Media and The Hospitality Hangout will record live podcast conversations throughout the Show. - The team will film immersive hospitality content on-site. - The team will interview restaurant industry leaders and cover trends, products, technology and innovations shaping foodservice. - Planned coverage includes live podcast episodes, Flavor Safari episodes from the show floor, and spotlights on restaurant technology, foodservice products and hospitality solutions. - The team also plans to interview operators, founders, franchisees, investors and emerging brands. - The Show is expected to highlight restaurant AI, automation, labor solutions, operational efficiency, guest experience technology, menu innovation, global food trends and data-driven decision making. - Attendees can expect behind-the-scenes coverage, executive interviews, trend analysis, social-first content and real-time storytelling from McCormick Place. - Branded Hospitality Media says The Hospitality Hangout has expanded into a leading hospitality podcast covering restaurant technology, foodservice innovation, franchising, operations, leadership, investment and culture. - The Hospitality Hangout released a preview episode with Technomic’s David Henkes and Lisa Malikow ahead of the Show. - The episode covered emerging trends, AI and automation, menu innovation, operational efficiency, restaurant technology and why the Show remains a major industry event. - The Hospitality Hangout website is thehospitalityhangout.com. - The National Restaurant Association Show website is nationalrestaurantshow.com. - Attendees can save $26 on badge registration by using promo code HOSPITALITYHANGOUT26.

Between the lines: - The partnership extends Branded Hospitality Media’s role beyond commentary and into live event coverage at a marquee industry gathering. - The focus on AI, automation and operational efficiency reflects the restaurant industry’s push to solve labor and margin pressure. - The preview episode with Technomic helps frame the podcast as a lead-up channel for operators and suppliers trying to read the market before the Show opens.

What’s next: - The Hospitality Hangout will continue building toward the National Restaurant Association Show 2026 with additional coverage and interviews. - The team will be on-site in Chicago during the event to capture live content and industry reactions. - Industry professionals attending the Show are encouraged to connect with the Branded Hospitality Media team during the event.