Hospitality Strategy Lab with Jason Littrell

AI as a Pressure Test

Ashley explores the difference between outsourcing your judgment to AI and using it to pressure-test your thinking, with a practical framework for hospitality operators.

The Quiet Exit

Ashley breaks down why the best people in hospitality leave without warning, and what operators can do to stop losing the people they need most. https://hospitalitystrategylab.com

NYC Hospitality Law: HR, Paperwork & Growth Strategies with David Helbraun

Jason Littrell sits down with David Helbraun, a hospitality law expert, to break down the legal challenges that restaurant owners face in NYC and beyond. From HR and employee handbooks to leases, ADA compliance, and AI-driven operations, this episode gives practical advice to help restaurants grow while staying compliant and efficient. Key Topics: * Common legal issues in the restaurant and hospitality industry * Ensuring ADA compliance and avoiding lawsuits * The importance of employee handbooks and clear HR policies * Engaging younger workers who know their rights * Using AI to improve efficiency and compete with larger hospitality groups * Navigating delivery apps and building direct customer relationships * Planning for restaurant expansion and long-term growth Timestamps: * 00:00 – Introduction to Hospitality Law and Strategy * 01:09 – Common Legal Issues in the Hospitality Industry * 04:18 – Understanding ADA Compliance and Lawsuits * 07:14 – Starting a Hospitality Business: Key Considerations * 09:55 – The Importance of Employee Handbooks * 11:50 – Engagement of New Generation Workers * 12:11 – Leveraging AI in Hospitality * 15:02 – The Future of Delivery Apps and Customer Acquisition * 24:09 – Expansion and Growth in the Hospitality Sector About David Helbraun [linkedin.com/in/david-helbraun-53742553]: Hospitality law expert specializing in restaurant operations, compliance, and growth strategies. He helps restaurant owners navigate legal challenges while building successful, scalable businesses. | helbraunlevey.com  [http://www.helbraunlevey.com/] Subscribe to the Hospitality Strategy Lab Podcast for more insights on leadership, operations, law, and innovation in hospitality. https://hospitalitystrategylab.com [https://hospitalitystrategylab.com] | https://jlittrell.com [https://jlittrell.com]

Why We Buy: The Neuroscience of Pricing with Dr. Kai-Markus Mueller

Ever wonder why you buy what you buy? Jason sits down with behavioral scientist Dr. Kai-Markus Mueller to explore the fascinating intersection of consumer psychology, neuroscience, and pricing strategy. From the subtle influence of choice architecture to the surprising power of free offers, this episode uncovers the hidden forces shaping decisions in hospitality and beyond. Key Topics: * How consumer decisions are shaped by choice architecture * The psychology of anchoring and perceived value * How pricing communicates identity and social status * The surprising impact of free offers on spending and satisfaction * Common pricing mistakes in hospitality and their effects * How reciprocity drives consumer behavior * The neuroscience behind how the brain processes price * The potential future of AI in shaping consumer decisions Timestamps: * 00:00 – Introduction to Consumer Neuroscience * 02:36 – The Psychology of Decision Making * 05:03 – Anchoring and Pricing Strategies * 07:38 – Pricing and Identity * 10:14 – Common Pricing Mistakes in Hospitality * 12:51 – The Impact of Choice on Consumer Behavior * 15:23 – The Power of Free Offers * 17:33 – Neuroscience of Pricing Perception * 20:07 – Reciprocity and Consumer Spending * 22:34 – AI and Consumer Decision Making About Dr. Kai-Markus Mueller [https://www.kai-markus-mueller.com/]: Behavioral scientist and expert in consumer psychology and pricing strategy, Dr. Mueller combines insights from neuroscience and hospitality research to help businesses understand why people make the choices they do. Subscribe to the Hospitality Strategy Lab Podcast for more deep dives into leadership, operations, innovation, and the science behind consumer behavior. https://hospitalitystrategylab.com [https://hospitalitystrategylab.com] | https://jlittrell.com [https://jlittrell.com]

“Win the Morning” Strategy with Spread Bagelry CEO Tom Selementi

Jason sits down with Tom Selementi, CEO of Spread Bagelry, to discuss how a strong morning strategy can set the tone for team performance and customer experience. They dive into operational habits, team dynamics, and leadership approaches that make breakfast service more efficient and memorable. Key Topics: * Building a “Win the Morning” mindset for teams * Ensuring bagel quality and consistency under pressure * Leadership strategies in restaurant operations * Effective employee training and feedback systems * Scaling operations without losing culture or quality Timestamps: * 00:00 – Introduction and background on Spread Bagelry * 03:15 – “Win the Morning” mindset * 08:40 – Bagel quality and consistency * 14:20 – Leadership strategies * 19:50 – Employee training & feedback * 25:30 – Scaling operations * 30:10 – Final thoughts About Tom Selementi [linkedin.com/in/tom-selementi-aa794719]: CEO of Spread Bagelry, with extensive experience in restaurant management, team leadership, and customer experience optimization. Subscribe to the Hospitality Strategy Lab Podcast for more conversations on leadership, operations, and innovation in the hospitality industry. https://hospitalitystrategylab.com [https://hospitalitystrategylab.com] | https://jlittrell.com [https://jlittrell.com]