What's with the Pineapple?
A Podcast by the MRLA

Welcome to What’s with the Pineapple? A podcast about what’s happening in Michigan’s hospitality industry delivered directly through your speakers brought to you by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. We know that pineapples don’t grow in Michigan, but just trust us.

​Throughout this podcast, the MRLA will share a deeper, more informal approach to sharing industry news with you about current events, major headlines and trends, updates on what's happening at the Capitol in Lansing and Washington D.C., as well as welcome a new interview to each episode.

Episode 28: Defend the Den

Let’s start with a warning: this episode was recorded last week when the Detroit Lions were still undefeated. Beyond the loudness of the roar, Justin and Emily aren’t just loyal to their NFL team, they also discuss loyalty programs changing across the restaurant sector along with their favorites to use and rack up points. Looking at you, Dominos. The duo also walk listeners through the details of upcoming excise tax bills that have the potential to impact hotels in many major cities before welcoming Mike Whatley, Vice President of State Affairs & Grassroots Advocacy at the National Restaurant Association. Whatley joins to talk about the FAST Act success in California, the implications of that success across the country, and real-life case study of Washington DC eliminating the tip credit. Hint: it’s not going well. Whether it’s sports or legislative threats, today’s episode is all about defending the den.
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Episode 27: Pickleball Beer City

Justin and Emily spend a lot of time in the kitchen in today's episode…the one on the pickleball court, that is! They welcome guest George Aquino to talk about his journey in the industry from busser to Vice President and Managing Director of AHC Hospitality and Co-Founder of 20 x 44 Sports, a pickleball hospitality company focused on promoting the sport through camps, tournaments and travel. Spoiler alert: the long-time pickleball debate is settled and someone (Justin) accepts final defeat. Beyond the court, George also shares stories from his time as a food critic and travel writer, his time in the British Virgin Islands and his experience watching the growth of Grand Rapids from the mid-90's to now. Justin and Emily are also volleying topics from their brand new content studio! The two mash together a cold-cut combo of topics and cover the Subway purchase by Roark Capital plus their favorite sandwiches new data that sheds some light on the future for independent hotels in Michigan, a new collaboration with KitchenAid, the boost for lodging per diems for government travel, potential changes to the joint-employer rule and much more.
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Episode 26: Fingers Crossed

Listeners don’t have to keep their fingers crossed that this will be an interesting episode – it already is as Justin and Emily welcome David Kwiatkowski of Detroit Optimist Society. As a long time listener of the podcast, David joins to talk about his experience over the last nearly 15 years of operating in the hospitality industry after transition from trading equity options in Chicago to opening Detroit’s first craft cocktail bar, tremendous expansion within the city and his new venture into Northern Michigan. Time Will Tell if you like the name. All of the usual segments are full of updates as well – take a sip of your brunch-time mimosa every time someone uses the term “daypart.” New hotels are opening in Lansing, others are winning top spots from Travel + Leisure Magazine, state budgets have been signed and so much more.

Episode 25: Every Second Counts

Hulu's The Bear. Have you seen it? If you haven't, listen to the first 18 minutes of today's podcast episode, go binge all 10 episodes, and then come back for a full analysis of season two. Every second counts as Producer Joe joins Justin and Emily to discuss favorite episodes, themes, what the show gets right about the hospitality industry, product placements and more. We would be lying if we said some friendships didn't teeter on ending because of some of the opinions shared. Before the deep dive, all of the standard segments are covered talking about the Pure Michigan Mix, Taco Bell's latest marketing (per ususal), Toast's 99-cent fiasco and cocktails to go crossing the finish line. Fire up 10 beef. Turn your volume up. Let it rip, chef. 
 
Don't miss the season two soundtrack either: https://bit.ly/3O1uQq6
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Episode 24: The National

The National is not just a great dad rock indie band (according to Justin) it also embodies our robust travel schedule in June and the scope of much to be discussed on this episode of What's with the Pineapple. In a new format, the hosts hit For Fork’s Sake news first to talk through updates on the adopt-and-amend case that came out this week, what to expect from the legislature as things (hopefully?) wrap up for the summer, and how Justin’s DC trip went (3:55). Then it’s onto the “fun” topics: fake priests, Grimace’s birthday, T. Swift helping Detroit hotels cash in, the updated PPP eligibility guidelines and another generational debate about marketing and nostalgia. Somehow, we are still talking about Pete Davidson (16:17) . Following the theme of a new format, this episode wraps up with a recorded fireside chat between Justin and Chip Rogers, AHLA President & CEO, from last week’s AHLA On the Road Detroit event (28:40). 


​Presented by Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLC. Find more information at https://fsbrlaw.com/
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Episode 23: Growing Michigan (Taylor's Version)

It’s us, hi, we’re the problem it’s us. Taylor Swift is coming to town, selling out Detroit, and Justin and Emily are not missing this opportunity to talk about their Swiftie status. While the entire episode could be about “T. Swizzle” the two hosts move past it to recap the Detroit Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference, Michigan’s success at the James Beard Awards earlier this week, and unfortunately Justin is proven right on the perennial QR code menu topic. They’re also talking about a laundry list of issues facing the industry at the Capitol in Lansing including budget targets to secure some workforce support for the industry as well as post labor day school start. Emily passes the mic to Justin to break down everything happening at the federal level as well: Credit Card Competition Act, the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Bill and the Tipped Employee Protection Act. Detroit Free Press’ State Politics & Government Editor Emily Lawler joins the podcast to discuss her hot-takes on politics, growing Michigan’s population, gravel bikes, baking and so much more (28:08).


​Presented by Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLC. Find more information at https://fsbrlaw.com/.
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Episode 22: Not Just Filler

Listener’s ears will be thankful to hear that What’s with the Pineapple is back in a professional studio this week to welcome its first-ever elected official to the mic. Representative Graham Filler joins us (26:13) to discuss what it’s really like day-to-day to be a Michigan Legislator right now, how government can help (and back off) our hospitality industry, what his new bill allowing alcohol in college stadiums will do, and the lessons he learned from his community restaurants during COVID. We didn’t have so much Backstreet Boys talk on our bingo card for this interview, but alas, there was even some karaoke. Before Justin and Emily get to the interview they cover a backlog of segment content including coverage of the National Restaurant Show in Chicago, their summer jobs and the current teen employment landscape, what to expect as budgets are voted on in Lansing, and the personal conflict that is everyone in the world finding out about Mackinac Island. Listen in as you travel to your holiday weekend destination. Cheers to summer!

​Presented by Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLC. Find more information at https://fsbrlaw.com/
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Episode 21: Capitol Prime

Today’s What’s with the Pineapple podcast episode is a special edition as we record in-house for the first time during the MRLA’s annual Capitol Day (que the airhorn) and serve up four different interviews. Unfortunately, or more likely fortunately for most, Justin and Emily skip over the standard segments to instead talk with guests throughout the day about their meetings with legislators, their priorities to protect our industry, and other important topics like New Orleans compared to Pure Michigan and our favorite wing sauces.

Guest lineup:

• Quentin Messer, CEO of Michigan Economic Development Corporation (1:55)
• Peter Beukema, CEO & Co-Founder, 6PM Hospitality Partners (17:15)
• Jean Lanfear, Vice President of Human Resources, Patton Wings (29:50)
• Billy Downs, Franchise Partner, Ford’s Garage & MRLA Board Chairman (36:25)

​Presented by Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLC. Find more information at https://fsbrlaw.com/
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Episode 20: A(I) Lot of Content 

Everyone’s finally back in the same room for this week’s episode with a lot of content to cover. Records are broken as Justin and Emily go national with the most topics discussed in the Pineapple Express (1:49) segment from California’s overturn of the gas-fueled kitchen equipment ban, Frankfort’s (Michigan, not Germany) approach to affordable housing, industry trends from the Restaurant Leadership Conference, and Justin admits (kind of?) that he was wrong about Pickleball. Emily and Justin also do a deep dive in For Fork’s Sake (18:50) on filing an amicus brief for the adopt and amend case with the Michigan Supreme Court, how Arizona is handling requirements for hotels to house homeless populations, and the new 17-bill package introduced to change employment laws. Like we said, a LOT of content. Dave Dittenber, President & CEO of Downtown Restaurant Investments and Co-Founder of Bring Your Own Data (BYOD) also joins the pod (29:24) to discuss the investment in approachable tech and balancing the people-first core of hospitality with the future needs of our industry. Meet Mabel: the world’s first virtual restaurant assistant. 


Presented by Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLC. Find more information at https://fsbrlaw.com/
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Episode 19: The Micropolis of Traverse City

For the first time in the history of What’s with the Pineapple, Justin and Emily are not in the same room to record an episode of the pod. That doesn’t stop them from tackling what’s been happening in the industry over the last couple of weeks including the Starbucks Senate hearing (still waiting to secure Mr. Schultz as a guest), Guy Fieri’s presence in our Great Lakes State, and the onslaught of legislative priorities for the upcoming Capitol Day. Also for the first time in the history of the podcast, producer Joe actually agrees with Justin, which causes a near-walk out from Emily. We also take listeners to the Northern Michigan micropolis of Traverse City for an interview with Traverse City Tourism President & CEO, Trevor Tkach. The three discuss the tourism landscape in TC, the capacity for growth, the unique challenges faced in a region that contracts and expands in the tourism sector depending on the season, an important perspective on Pure Michigan, and round out with the most unique Lightning Round to date. Lastly, it’s April Fool’s Day, and if you thought that we forgot then this must be your first time listening to the podcast.
 
Presented to you by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Fund! Learn more at mrlfund.org.

Episode 18: Detroit Rock (Restaurant) City

It's St. Patrick's Day and March Madness and a new What's with the Pineapple podcast episode... and still somehow not yet Spring! Justin and Emily charge straight ahead into the depths of content covering the topics of EV chargers at restaurants or hotels, Starbucks hot topics including CEO Howard Schultz testifying to a US Senate Committee on unions, if Lake Michigan should be drained completely (hint: Justin has passion on this one), bubble tea talk, and much more. The co-hosts really say For Forks Sake when delving into everything that's moving - so, so quickly - at the Capitol such as Cocktails To Go, Right to Work, and Predictive Scheduling while also providing an update on Ann Arbor's attempt at a gas ban. Saving the best for last: Melody Baetens Malosh, reporter and restaurant critic for The Detroit News, joins the podcast to talk about the city's restaurant scene, its renaissance, its state of being post-pandemic, and the garage band resurgence of the early 2000s. American or Lafayette? Listen in to find out.  Presented to you by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Fund! Learn more at mrlfund.org.
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Episode 17: Gin Holton

Your What’s with the Pineapple hosts are on the verge of a breakdown fueled by an upcoming office renovation, but despite all odds, bring you a new episode of the pod. What are you doing for The Big Game this weekend? Do you now what the term The Big Game means? Well, Justin doesn’t. Listen in as Justin and Emily have their high-quality audio back up and running to debate the hospitality industry’s hottest topics. Such as Valentine’s Day, Pete Davidson skyrocketing restaurant sales, and the subpar quality of Netflix (despite paying for 4K). The For Fork’s Sake segment (18:35) delivers an update on the governor’s budget proposals, the status of tax cuts or lack thereof, and the association’s support for the updates to the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act. In honor of the highest of pineapple plaudits, the MRLA’s Distinguished Service Award 2023 winner, Jim Holton, joins in (24:25) to talk about his experience of going from college kid in Mount Pleasant to starting his own restaurant and being just the sixth microbrewery license in the state to owner of multiple restaurants and breweries in Mid-Michigan. Here’s to a round of HOPSpitality on us! Presented to you by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Fund! Learn more at mrlfund.org.​
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Episode 16: An Epoch Two Years

Justin and Emily have a little bit of a rough start to the first podcast episode of the new year with some audio issues in the first half, but the interview with MRLA Chairman Paul Hess of Epoch (pronounced Epic) Hospitality is unaffected. If you turn up your volume to the max for the first 26 minutes of the episode, you’ll hear your What’s with the Pineapple hosts discuss the Court of Appeals 3-0 ruling that protects the tip credit, industry trends in the year ahead from hotel occupancy to non-alcoholic beverages, and pineapple plaudits from all the way in the Upper Peninsula. They end the segments by recapping the State of the State address, discussing the gas stove ban (or lack thereof) and the legislative priorities the industry should keep its eye on with a new legislature. The episode takes a significantly positive turn both in audio quality and guest as Paul Hess joins to discuss his career from could-be “tech-giant” to hospitality industry leader, his lessons along the way, and his approach to leading an industry out of the pandemic and into an Epoch comeback. Presented by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Fund. Learn more at mrlfund.org. Presented to you by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Fund! Learn more at mrlfund.org.​
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Episode 15: Hot Toilet Water

​Justin and Emily couldn’t let the year end without one final episode to celebrate the one year anniversary of the podcast! It truly is the Return of Mac(k) as we welcome back MRLA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, John McNamara, to break down what happened – or more accurately, what did not happen – during Lame Duck at the Capitol this year as well as what to expect legislatively in 2023. Johnny Mac stays with us for the entirety of the episode as we work through the typical segments to discuss how far is too far with tipping, holiday traditions and hot takes, Atwater’s new brewing scholarship, and a Mad Nice restaurant coming to Detroit. Have you ever wondered what the temperature of the toilet water is at Capitol? We haven’t either, but we have the answer!
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Episode 14: Full Plates, For Real

​Hopefully your BeReal alert catches you while you’re listening to the newest podcast episode today. Speaking of, what is BeReal? Emily breaks it down for Justin, how it could be used by industry, and furthers the generational divide between the two hosts. They also discuss the jobs data released for October and get into a deep debate on Daylight Savings Time. The curtain drops a bit as well as the podcast’s producer, Joe, weighs in with his opinion on some of these topics. Disclaimer: this episode was recorded on Election Day and Justin and Emily are not psychics. Chef Petro Drakopoulos also joins the discussion to talk about his expansive career in hospitality ranging from work with corporate brands to opening his own restaurants in Detroit to being the Executive Chef for Penn Gaming. As the upcoming Chair of the Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association Chef Petro shares his passion for the city and impact the hospitality industry makes on it. We also don’t let him off the line without forcing a hot take on Detroit sports. Why does this Chicago-native consider himself a “Detroit Chef”? Listen in to find out.
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Episode 13: Of Trolls & Tinder

In our latest episode, we travel all the way to the Upper Peninsula, somehow a place Emily has never... seriously, never... been to in her entire life to learn about Marquette and the historic Landmark Inn with special guest Stefanie Congdon. Emily spends too much time talking about pickleball (again) before turning to a "saucy" new promotion from KFC and a more substantive discussion on consumer response to the expanding use of service charges in the hospitality industry. The two try out a new segment to highlight Michigan-specific hospitality news and recap what is in store when (if?) the legislature returns after the election.
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Episode 12: Pickleball & Politics 

Did you know that the fastest growing segment of pickleball players is ages 8-18 and 19-28 year olds? Did you know that Justin is too good for the game? Listen in as Justin and Emily cover all things pickleball, fall activities, and what’s happening in Lansing this week as the House and Senate floor lights finally get turned back on. They also have their first Q&A segment that Emily has been trying make happen for months answering the big question mark of “How are you saving the tip credit?” Grab a cocktail-to-go (forevermore) and settle in as the podcast welcomes back its first time ever repeat guests: John Sellek, Founder & CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, and Adrian Hemond, CEO of Grassroots Midwest, to discuss what will happen in the November election in the House, Senate and the impact ballot proposals will have on voter turnout. If you’re only here for the Pistons analysis… skip to the end. 

September is also National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Visit mrla.org/mentalhealth for more resources and remember that 988 is the number to call, text or chat with to talk with a licensed professional at anytime.

Episode 11: STR - Straight to Rick's 

Hospitality professionals might think Smith Travel Research or possibly Short-Term Rental when they see the acronym STR. But to MSU and U of M grads and all others who seek to be forever young, STR can only mean one thing... Straight to Rick's! Thomas “Dewey” Bramson, President & Owner of Equity-Vest, which owns college town staples such as Rick’s, Harrison Roadhouse (and yes, the Roadhouse Pub), Beggar’s Banquet, several others, joins the podcast this week in a unique format. Dewey adds his commentary and insight as Justin and Emily cruise through discussing the status on the tip credit, the role technology will play in survival of hospitality, the FAST Act, and more. Dewey then shares stories of his path from lacrosse player to restaurant owner, his experiences from 20 years on the MRLA Board and his plans as he becomes Chair of the MRL Fund Board. And just for the record: no one from Team MRLA got married this weekend… we think.

Episode 10: An Industry in Purgatory 

Justin and Emily are back from a week on Mackinac Island, you know, the #1 Island in the Continental U.S. and today’s episode shakes things up a bit by starting with a breakdown of this week’s Court of Claims ruling on the adopt-and-amend strategy for minimum wage and paid sick leave in 2018. The podcast then welcomes Patrick Theisen from KMC Strategies and American’s for a Modern Economy to discuss new approaches to doing business in the hospitality industry: the gig economy, portable benefits, telehealth, affordable housing and others. For the first time ever, a guest turns the table as Patrick asks the two hosts questions after doing his own research. And, as always, no guest gets out of sharing some sort of sports-related take that ends in an argument with Justin.
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Episode 9: Happy Pork of July!

​In the first podcast episode of the summer, Justin and Emily match the temperature outside by discussing several hot topics: Pork of July, er, 4th of July plans, gas prices, an analysis of the current economic state of the industry, Little Caesars taking over the NFL, and Justin finally losing his cool about QR codes. Hint: he hates them and he doesn’t care who knows it. After calming down, the two welcome Dr. Patty Janes, PH. D, a professor at Grand Valley State University in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and founder of Michigan Cares for Tourism. Michigan Cares for Tourism is a volunteer-based program that coordinates an annual clean-up event at a Michigan tourism treasure. For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, visit michigancaresfortourism.com.
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Episode 8: Three-Legged Stool of Misery 

Mental Health Awareness Month takes center stage in today's episode as Justin and Emily welcome Mickey Bakst, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Ben's Friends, a support group for members of the food and beverage industry battling substance abuse and addiction. Mickey shares the history of Ben's Friends, the experience one can expect from being a part of it, how operators can support their teams on the subject, and how to set up a local chapter. As a Michigan native, Mickey tells stories from his time running Tapawingo and Tribute Restaurant. Emily carries most of the show this week as Justin drags himself to the mic after staying out past 11PM (gasp!) on a Wednesday. Why? It's an immersive story that you'll have to tune in to hear. The two (again, mostly Emily) also set a record for most topics covered in an episode as they analyze new operational data for the industry, Starbucks (again), the inevitable robot takeover, the time Justin shredded his boss' bill proposal, and so, so much more.
 
For more information about Ben's Friends and how to get involved, visit bensfriendshope.com/
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Episode 7: The Mother of All Election Cycles

In this Mother’s Day preview edition of the pod, Justin and Emily skip the always-highly-anticipated episode segments and instead jump right into welcoming Lansing insiders John Sellek of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs and Adrian Hemond of Grassroots Midwest for an in-depth 2022 election preview. The discussion covers the innumerable competing narratives that will impact this election before going deep on the race for governor, especially the very crowded Republican primary field. Adrian and John also review Michigan’s new Congressional maps and the hot races that will make up our federal delegation before diving into the Michigan Senate, Michigan House of Representatives and which of the many legislative initiatives and constitutional amendments are poised to make the ballot.  As avid basketball fans, John, Adrian, Justin and Emily wrap the pod with a brief discussion of the upcoming NBA draft and who the lowly (but ascendent) Detroit Pistons should select.
 
Throughout the pod several specific electoral districts are referenced by number, so attentive listeners can follow more closely by referencing the new legislative district maps available HERE.

Episode 6: Detroit Style vs. Everybody

​Spending 45 years in Michigan’s hospitality industry produces a lot of insight. Today’s episode takes listeners to where Detroit-Style Pizza was born by welcoming Wesley Pikula, Chief Brand Officer of Buddy’s Pizza, to the mic. Wesley started working for the famous Detroit brand at age 17 and discusses what he’s learned, how to get back to the basics to welcome in new workforce, and what lies ahead for the industry in Michigan. Justin and Emily run through the always-on-the-brink-of-changing episode segments to update listeners about what’s on the agenda at the Capitol for the limited time left before legislators break for the summer and what Justin will be up to in Washington D.C. Everyone’s sick of hearing the word inflation, but the two share some new statistics coming out of the Restaurant Leadership Conference anyway. It wouldn’t be an MRLA podcast without a few plugs: Industry Insights and HTIM to tease just a few.
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Episode 5: Return of the Mac

After a longer than usual delay (with few noticing frankly), Justin and Emily are back to discuss MRLA Capitol Day, the emotional return of the statewide ProStart competition, why cabbage is a St. Patrick’s Day loser and what’s happening around the Capitol during a very busy legislative session. We then searched the world for the best possible guest and found him right down the hall! MRLA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, John McNamara, joins the pod to share insights from the lobbyist trenches, how he stumbled into this profession and why he came to love it. Finally, we give the people what they want – the oral history of how Johnny came to star in the quirkiest restaurant commercial ever to grace mid-Michigan airwaves. Check it out HERE. Trust us.  
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Episode 4: HGTV or H-2B on Mackinac Island?

In the newest episode of What’s with the Pineapple? Justin and Emily take listeners up north, onto a ferry (or plane, or ice bridge), across Lake Huron and onto Michigan’s most treasured tourism destination: Mackinac Island. Liz Ware joins the podcast from her family-owned Mission Point Resort property to share the unique experiences that come with operating on an island, her thoughts on H-2B visas, the importance of not standing on the sidelines, and much more. They also cover the important topics such as what to eat during the Big Game, what’s going to happen at the Half Time show, a budget analysis of the Governor’s proposed $74 billion in spending, new national data on the State of the Industry, the launch of the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan – or is there just a new guy named Tim in the office? - and even feature their first ad read. Have they figured out a title for the Current Events segment yet? You’ll have to listen to find out.
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Episode 3: The Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid of Hospitality External Affairs

In our third episode we welcome Align Public Strategies founding partner Joe Kefauver and managing partner Franklin Coley for a deep dive into the quickly changing landscape around labor organizing in the hospitality sector. We analyze the ubiquitous NLRB filings tied to Starbucks (including Michigan) and debate whether this recent trend will create a tectonic shift that will forever change the industry or something more ephemeral and less significant in nature. Emily and Justin also quickly go around the horn on the MRLA’s grassroots effort to secure a second round of RRF funding, recap the governor’s State of the State address, review the state of Restaurant and Hotel weeks across Michigan and brace for the potentiality of a Snowpocalypse in Michigan this week.
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Episode 2: A Swift Kick to the "*%&$"

Emily and Justin are back against all odds for a second episode to discuss how Omicron is “like a swift kick to the *&^% “ according to one brutally honest operator quoted in Restaurant Business magazine.  They also discuss a big advocacy win for the MRLA that will help afflicted restaurants and hotels, the possibility of yet another ballot proposal seeking to eliminate the tip credit in Michigan and the appropriate cut off date for wishing someone “Happy New Year”.  Then, Restaurant Business magazine Editor in Chief, Jonathan Maze, joins the pod to discuss 2022 industry trends, the marketability of Detroit-style pizza and who owns the rights to most tortured fan base – Minnesota Vikings or Detroit Lions fans.  It was an insightful, but also very fun conversation with a national guest. We told you we’d get better! Enjoy. 

Episode 1: Not a Podcast for Swingers

MRLA's Justin Winslow and Emily Daunt launch the first-ever podcast from the Association, curiously entitled "What's with the Pineapple?". In this inaugural episode listeners learn the origins of the name, why it is critically important to get it right and then Justin and Emily provide an industry and government affairs update. Then, visionary restaurateur, Jeremy Sasson, of Heirloom Hospitality shares his experience navigating his business through COVID-19 shutdowns, what sets Heirloom Hospitality apart and where he sees the industry going in the years ahead. Listener Note: It's our first episode. We'll get better. We promise.
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