The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality Podcast

Reviving an Icon: Nate Fowler CEO of Long John Silver’s on Brand Growth and Hospitality Innovation

The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality Podcast

Show Notes

Nate Fowler, CEO of Long John Silver’s, joins Hospitality Hangout live from RFDC in Las Vegas to share insider insights on revitalizing a 56-year-old restaurant brand while maintaining its core identity. This episode dives deep into hospitality trends, focusing on how technology, loyalty programs, and strategic partnerships drive growth and innovation in the restaurant industry. Nate discusses his unique approach to leadership shaped by his background in banking and finance, exploring unit economics and franchise growth during a pivotal turnaround. Listeners will learn about the brand’s investment in technology, including a new mobile app, and creative marketing tactics like the chicken-focused logo stunt that reignited customer interest. The conversation also covers franchisee economics, procurement strategy, and the significance of partnerships with companies like Foodbuy for improving cost structures and attracting new franchisees. Packed with valuable hospitality industry insights, this episode is a must-listen for food service professionals, emerging restaurant brands, and anyone interested in the future of hospitality innovation.

Episode Credits: Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy Frischling Producer: Julie Zucker Creative Director: Adam Levine Show Runner: Drewe Raimi Post Production: Three Cheers Media www.thehospitalityhangout.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More from The Hospitality Hangout | Hospitality Podcast

Oct 20, 2026

From dishwasher at 16 to CMO of Farrelli’s Pizza, Clayton Krueger joins Schatzy and Jimmy on location in Atlanta to talk Northwest-style pizza, unexpected toppings and the family culture behind the brand. Plus: honey cream cheese drizzle, restaurant tech and the Pizzawich debate. Presented by Pizza Cloud.

Oct 15, 2026

What if your daily supplement tasted like chocolate?

Oct 13, 2026

Billy Shore, founder and executive chair of Share Our Strength, joins Hospitality Hangout to talk about building the No Kid Hungry movement and why the restaurant industry can play such a powerful role in ending childhood hunger.

Oct 8, 2026

Nick Wiseman, co-founder of Little Sesame, joins The Foodfluencers to talk about turning a 500-square-foot D.C. basement pop-up into a hummus brand sold in roughly 4,000 stores.

Oct 6, 2026

Greg Zamfotis, founder and CEO of Gregorys Coffee, returns to Hospitality Hangout live from Prosper Forum to talk about taking a New York coffee brand national.

See all episodes →