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 42: The Weirdness is Profound

Things are getting weird and we aren’t just talking about the three month hiatus of What’s with the Pineapple. Justin and Emily kick things off celebrating National Slap Your Coworker Day (HR would like a word) and their Halloween costumes of choice. The pair dives into McDonald's unexpected political spotlight, Massachusetts giving Michigan a master class in common sense on tip credit, the cage-free egg law scrambling industry preparations for 2025, and Michigan hotels earning their Michelin Keys. Breaking records (on the) left and right,  political strategists Adrian Hemond and John Selleck make their three-peat appearance in the second half of the episode to break down Michigan's role as the ultimate battleground state. The powerhouse pair lay out the stakes for the presidential, senate, and congressional races while attempting to untangle Michigan's increasingly complex political web. As promised in the title, the weirdness gets profound: from tip credit to turnout, demographics to Doritos, and the very real possibility of a deadlocked legislature in 2025. This episode covers what the hospitality industry needs to know as Michigan heads into what could be its weirdest election yet. 

​Episode 41: Non-Negotiables

You may be feeling the need for a “sleepcation” at this point in the summer, but you don’t want to sleep on this episode. The MRLA’s Content Room is breaking records with the most in-person contributors as Justin, Emily, Johnny Mac and Producer Joe circle up to deep dive, evaluate, analyze and argue about season three of The Bear while sporting matching BERF t-shirts. Before the arguments start, the group volleys topics back and forth from hotel must-haves, the relevance of the Olympics, Matty Matheson (also known as Fak) coming to Michigan, and some subtle shade (again) towards Ohio. The group also discusses successes with the budget for Pure Michigan – referred to as a legislative symphony – and short-term rentals regulation developments. One non-negotiable on this podcast: no one is going to completely agree about anything but it will always be an environment that encourages razzle dazzle in the dream weave.
 
Presented by the MRL Fund. Find more information at mrla.org/mrl-fund.html

Episode 40: Grit & Grace: An American (Coney Island) Story

Grace Keros, co-owner of American Coney Island, joins What’s with the Pineapple and not just for a call-in interview. In true Grace-level of dedication she joins Justin and Emily in-person for all of the segments to add an operator perspective and, well, some tell-it-like-it-is truth. The three talk about the prospect of Michigan losing the tip credit (better referred to as careening off a cliff into the abyss ), a new app that allows restaurants to sell leftover food instead of throwing it out, the new City of Detroit health inspection color coding ordinance and way more before getting into Grace’s story. As a family-owned business since 1917 and a Detroit staple, Grace talks about her family story, what makes American Coney stand out, her innovation into Coney Kits, and relives the NFL Draft experience. Justin and Grace are also both confused and concerned for the future of America after Emily illuminates the concept of coastal grandma aesthetic. Grab a coney and listen in!

Episode 39: The Cherry on Top

​Today’s episode is a true fruit salad of topics as Justin and Emily talk about the upcoming National Restaurant Show, the new season of The Bear, chocolate chip cookie preference, and proposed smoking fee laws. Emily also finally finds her platform to vent about the state of construction in Michigan. (Hint: she’s angry). As the cherry on top, Kat Paye, who eats, sleeps, works and lives all things cherries as the Executive Director of the National Cherry Festival, joins the podcast. She shares what to expect in Traverse City next month, how restaurants can incorporate more cherries into their dishes, and the other events that support the foundation! To learn more and plan your experience, visit https://www.cherryfestival.org. 

Presented by the MRL Fund. Find more information at mrla.org/mrl-fund.html.

Episode 38: Big Problems, Littler Solutions

After a short break, What’s with the Pineapple is back on the saddle. There are a lot of new regulations, or landmines, on the horizon for the hospitality industry and luckily we have Mickey Chichester with Littler, the MRLA Legal Center partner that specializes in labor and employment law. Mickey is here to help listeners navigate the new overtime rule, how to start preparing for the July 1 change, the ban on non-compete agreements, and the new test for independent contractor classifications. Beyond Mickey’s irreplaceable expertise, Justin and Emily are being outshined this week as they welcome a third host to the show. Everyone, meet Rodney. The new co-host helps the host recap the NFL Draft, discuss the growth of hotels in the U.S., talk about the new (celebrity) Board Member targets (hint: Mom’s Spaghetti), and provide updates on the budget placeholders including Pure Michigan funding for 2025.
​

Episode 37: On the Clock

The world’s first-ever CVB, Visit Detroit, is reporting into the game and joining today’s episode to talk about the NFL Draft coming to town in just a few weeks. As the city prepares for hundreds of thousands of visitors and a tourism-funded boost to Michigan’s economy, Claude and Chris are here for the assist to discuss what operators can expect, how they can best prepare, and how a touchdown success sets the stage for more largescale events to come to town. Did someone say NBA All Star Game? Well, Justin did and he’s laser focused on making that happen. In a new tradition enjoyed pretty much exclusively by the hosts, Justin and Emily talk national day-of holidays (vegan corndogs, anyone?), throw shade at Ohio (technically the moon is throwing the shade), swipe left on MasterCard and Visa temporary swipe fee reduction, and set an ominous tone for the preparation on what’s to come for Michigan’s tip credit. Listeners are finally getting what they’ve been demanding too: a full review of the Starbucks Oleato coffee. Presented by Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLDC. Find more information at https://fsbrlaw.com/.
​

Episode 36: Detroit Women Hustle Harder

There’s a lot to celebrate on this episode: Women’s History Month, Pi(e) Day, National Potato Chip Day, Producer Joe being back for the first time this year… and he’s engaged! Justin and Emily also celebrate International Women’s Day by welcoming Katy McBrady, President of Atwater Brewery, to discuss the second annual limited time launch of Ping Gang IPA which is a woman-powered brew crafted to celebrate the hard-working women in Michigan. The three also talk about how Katy’s career brought her back to Michigan from Southern California, her insight on the next generation of drinkers and the perfect Double IPA to have in hand. After discovering differences in chip and pie preferences, the hosts talk non-alcoholic drink trends in Detroit, Zoup’s rebrand, the new Independent Contractor Rule and Joint-Employer updates.

Presented by Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLDC. Find more information at https://fsbrlaw.com/.
​

Episode 35: Hospitality Hits... the Slopes

This episode hits different… as Justin and Emily assume the kids of today would say. Brad Keen, Chief Operating Officer of Boyne Resorts, joins the call today to talk about his career climb from line cook internship at Boyne Highlands to his role today overseeing five full-service, four-season resorts. The three reminisce on the pathway to merging lodging into the association and Brad’s leadership in his two orbits through the executive track at the MRLA to serve as Chair in 2013 and 2017. Brad shares his insights on the impacts of Pure Michigan, his approach to retaining a strong workforce and even the magic (read: science) behind snowmaking. Before hitting the slopes, Emily tries to convince Justin that Leap Day should get more attention, the two do a deep dive analysis of the National Restaurant Association’s State of the Industry Report, and update listeners on new H2B Visa proposals and how to take the Pure Michigan Pledge.

• Download NRA’s State of the Industry Report: https://bit.ly/3OZVNeX
• Take the Pure Michigan Pledge: themichiganalliance.org/pledge
• Presented by Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLDC. Find more information at https://fsbrlaw.com/.

​

Episode 34: Avengers, Assemble! 

We’re back with a vengeance in today’s episode after our brief stint on Zoom. We kick off the show with an overview of the newly-formed Michigan Hospitality & Tourism Alliance assembling 11 of the state’s leading advocates for our industry to share a unified voice. The first all-call: $50 million for Pure Michigan funding. Your hosts also deep dive into the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (HR 7024) and the state of the industry reports from our national partner associations, the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, outlining themes of growth, competition, shifts in consumer behavior and more. We know you’ve been wondering Starbucks’ olive oil-infused coffee since it was mentioned a year ago and we have that update for you! HR complaints are filed due to not getting Team MRLA into Miles Teller's recent visit to Crunchy's in East Lansing and we explore AHC Hospitality's expansion into the vibrant Muskegon market. All of that before welcoming industry titan Jeff Lobdell to delve into his remarkable journey from a bagel bakery and coffee shop to owning over 20 restaurants and 2 hotels. Jeff shares his vision for the National Restaurant Association as the newly elected Chairman for 2024, insights on fostering industry unity, and his passion for advocating for both his communities and fellow restaurant owners. Make yourself Jeff’s favorite cocktail, sit back and tune in! Presented by Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLDC. Find more information at https://fsbrlaw.com/.


Black Manhattan
2 ounces of Old Forester Rye Whiskey
1 dash of Angostura bitters
1 ounce Punt e Mes vermouth
Orange peel garnish 
​

Episode 33: Whac-A-Mole of Issues 

To kick off the new year, Justin is carrying today’s episode just like the Detroit Lions are carrying Michigan (hopefully) to the Big Game as Emily calls in remotely from the ice storm. But nothing – not even awkward streaming lags – will stop them from getting a new episode to listeners! Main topics of discussion include restoring the roar at Ford Field and beyond as the hospitality industry benefits from a successful football season, population growth or lack thereof (again), Burger King franchisees not having it their way and more. The hosts also welcome back Franklin Coley of Align Public Strategies, a return guest all the way from the beginning, to talk about the what’s the horizon for 2024 with regulations, rules and other policy issues. Franklin breaks down labor organizing, tip credit elimination impacts, industry standards boards and beyond with a view from the national scope. What’s your new year’s resolution? Ours is more dad-jokes. Check out Align Public Strategies podcast, Working Lunch, by clicking here.

Presented by Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLDC. Find more information at https://fsbrlaw.com/.

Episode 32: That's a Wrap

That’s a wrap on What’s with the Pineapple… well, just for 2023. We could never abandon our listeners. The 2023 Wrapped edition episode is inspired by Spotify even though Justin has cut off his premium subscription and sparked some serious internal debate. Producer Joe is also in the house, er, studio for the first time since Justin and Emily built out their own space in the office and he’s adding his own commentary as the three reflect on the year’s most interesting stories, the biggest headlines, favorites and trends. From saving the tip credit, to Taylor Swift, cocktails-to-go, The Bear and everything in between it was quite the year for Michigan hospitality. The three also cover the typical segments with debates over gift cards, if Emily will really drive to CosMc’s during the holiday rush, what’s going on with FTC’s service fee rules and the Pistons breaking records in all the wrong ways. Happy holidays – see you in 2024!  

Episode 31: Chicken & Christmas

As the holidays approach, What’s with the Pineapple welcomes Martha Zehnder Kaczynski straight out of a hallmark movie right here in Michigan. Martha, Vice President of Bavarian Inn Lodge, joins Justin and Emily to talk about the history of hospitality in Frankenmuth – a town with 5,000 residents that welcomed more than 3.5 million people last year (that’s more than the Statue of Liberty or Yellowstone National Park). They also delve into Martha’s family legacy in Frankenmuth, what growing up in the industry has instilled in her, their approach to growing their teams, investment in the future of hospitality in Michigan and their plans to unveil 140,000 sq. feet of family fun at the Bavarian Inn Lodge including Michigan’s first swim up bar! Justin and Emily also discuss new details released ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft in Detroit, the power of authenticity in a world obsessed with AI, restaurants’ employment drop in October and more. Why does Emily hate the holidays? Maybe we’ll unpack that next time. 

Episode 30: What Up Doe?

How do you say hello in Detroit? Easy: “What up doe?” How do you say growing Michigan’s population? Also easy: “What up Doe?” Justin and Emily welcome Michigan’s first-ever Chief Growth Officer, Hilary Doe, to the podcast today to talk about the Growing Together Council, how to increase Michigan’s population and how Pure Michigan and the hospitality industry overall fits into that discussion. The hosts don’t skimp on the tough questions either: is it Michigander or Michiganian? We need answers! It’s not all growing together on this episode though as a healthy debate breaks out about Celsius and light vs. dark roast coffee. Justin breaks down the updates on saving the tip credit after last week’s Board of Canvassers meeting that rejected the ballot proposal to remove the tip credit as well as the Choice-Wyndham merger and restaurant sales growth last month. Cheers to the pod turning 30 episodes old!
​

Episode 29: Surcharges & Service Fees, Oh My!

This is your public notice disclaimer that the What’s with the Pineapple Podcast will now be charging a service fee to list to our episodes. Well, not really. But if you are an operator who has implemented or is considering implementing a service fee or surcharge, you do not want to skip over this episode. Helen “Lizzie” Mills, a partner at Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, Rhodes PLC, joins the podcast to break down the basics, deeper details and do’s and don’t of implementing these fees. And in the name of being completely on brand for the podcast, breaking news about the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed rule on service fees came out during the recording of this episode so listeners will also get a brief update on those details. Justin and Emily also review the newly launched You Can in Michigan campaign (as well as its correct pronunciation), discuss the landscape in Lansing as this year’s session schedule potentially ends, Chicago’s tip credit changes, and a few personal jabs along the way. Luckily, the Lions won again this past weekend otherwise we might have had to quit the pod altogether.
​

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.
​

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.
​

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
​

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/
​

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/.
​

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/
​

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/
​

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/
​

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.
​

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.​
​​

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.​
​

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!
​

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.
​

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.
​

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.
​

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.
​

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/
​

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.
​

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.  
​​

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.
​

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.
​

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.
​