Show Notes
Welcome to this week's episode of the Food & Beverage Magazine Podcast! Join the Food & Beverage Magazine Editors as they take you behind the scenes of our blockbuster August 2026 issue. In this episode, we explore the trailblazing innovators, brands, and culinary concepts that are raising the standard of the hospitality industry. For the full stories and profiles featured in today's discussion, visit us at fbmagazine.com.
Here is what we are covering on this week’s program:
- The New Standard for Spirited Wellness: The Food & Beverage Magazine Editors sit down to discuss our visionary cover star, Meagan Good, and her organic partnership with founder Keith Davis for Nebula9 Spirits. Discover how this ready-to-drink brand is crafting premium potato vodka infused with organic apple cider vinegar to appeal to today's wellness-minded consumer.
- Vision, Grit, and Hot Chicken: We dive into the remarkable hot chicken empire of David Mkhitaryan. Hear the story of the high school dropout who built Angry Chickz into a $100M-plus restaurant powerhouse based on passion, obsession, and unapologetic heat.
- Purpose-Driven Craft Brewing: We highlight Paskenta Mad River Brewing, one of the nation's few Indigenous-owned breweries. Owned by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, they are carving out a distinct space in the craft beer scene by focusing on stewardship, community, and food-friendly ales.
- Pop Culture Partnerships & Indulgent Launches: Learn how Zevia is teaming up with GRAMMY-winner Cardi B for their "Real Talk Interpreter" campaign. Plus, we explore Black Tap NY's decadent new tower of CrazySundaes and Tender Crush's "5 Boroughs of Flavors" lineup celebrating National Chicken Tender Day.
- Experiential Dining and Elite Hospitality: From sbe's exclusive Katsuya Brentwood dinner honoring NBA All-Star Kawhi Leonard to the grand opening of The Addison in Midtown Manhattan, and the legendary waterfront views of The Boathouse on Naples Bay, we break down the venues setting the benchmark for guest experiences.
As always, the Food & Beverage Magazine Editors are committed to bringing you the people, brands, and operational ideas shaping what's next in food, beverage, and hospitality. For more operator guides and trade secrets—including Michael Politz's Guide to Restaurant Success—be sure to visit fbmagazine.com. Catch the latest insights and read the complete coverage of all these stories at fbmagazine.com.