Hospitality On The Rise
Culinary Agents 86 episodes Nov 10, 2026
Hospitality On The Rise is a weekly podcast hosted by Alice Cheng featuring conversations with leaders in the hospitality industry. Each episode explores the stories, challenges, pivots, and lessons that helped guests grow and succeed. The show offers practical advice for listeners building careers, leading teams, or seeking inspiration. It is powered by CulinaryAgents.com, a hospitality hiring platform that connects talent with employers.
Episodes
EP 87: Dominique Roy
Dominique Roy, Chef de Cuisine at Eleven Madison Park and Partner at Daniel Humm Hospitality, knew he wanted to be a chef by age fourteen. From culinary competitions across Canada to training under Georges Blanc in France, he eventually landed in NYC with just a backpack and a dream: to work at Eleven Madison Park. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Dominique tells host Alice Cheng how he
EP 86: Jill Tyler
Jill Tyler, Owner of Rye Bunny in Washington, DC, went from bartending in high school to opening Michelin-starred Tail Up Goat, but the biggest lessons came when she realized the restaurant model she'd built was no longer sustainable. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Jill shares the hard lessons of opening a restaurant, the turning point that pushed her to rethink everything, and ho
EP 85: Michael Mina
Chef Michael Mina, Founder of MINA Group, went from washing dishes at fourteen to building a hospitality empire with 38 locations and 18 concepts. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, he shares how teamwork, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others fueled his growth, and why smart partnerships helped him scale. From learning that great leaders don’t need all the answers to building
EP 84: Annie Shi
Annie Shi, Beverage Director and Co-Owner of King, Jupiter, and Dean's, and Owner of the James Beard Award-winning wine bar Lei, joins host Alice Cheng on this episode of Hospitality On The Rise. She shares how she left a corporate career in London to open a restaurant in NYC, learned to pivot when the original business plan didn't work, and navigated the growing pains of expansion. Along
EP 83: Brian Lockwood
Brian Lockwood, Chef-Partner at Midōsuji and Gingie (BOKA Restaurant Group), got his start in restaurants at fourteen, washing dishes to pay off a lawyer after getting into trouble as a kid, and forty-seven years later, he’s still in the kitchen.On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Brian tells host Alice Cheng how curiosity took him from Gary Danko and The French Laundry to Maui, kitchens a
EP 82: Melissa Perello
Chef Melissa Perello of Octavia and Frances has built a career on knowing exactly when to push forward and when to pull back. Seventeen years, two San Francisco restaurants, and an upcoming bakery later, she joins Alice Cheng on this episode of Hospitality On The Rise to share her journey: from stepping into an intimidating executive chef role at just twenty-four, through a two-year break that res
EP 81: Danny Garcia
Danny Garcia, Chef and Owner of Only Goods, walked into Top Chef without knowing a single competitor and with one mindset: he was there to win. And he did, taking home Season 21 and the biggest prize in the show’s history.On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Danny joins host Alice Cheng to talk about the journey behind the win, from busing tables as a kid and training with the Bocuse d’Or t
EP 80: Molly Irani
Molly Irani, Co-Founder and Chief Culture Officer of Chai Pani Restaurant Group, spent years running from the restaurant industry that raised her. Then, at 39, she jumped back in headfirst with zero professional training and a wild idea. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Molly tells host Alice Cheng how she and her husband bootstrapped one Asheville restaurant into a multi-city hospitali
EP 79: Ryan Pera
Ryan Pera, Co-Owner of Agricole Hospitality and Executive Chef of Coltivare, started washing dishes at a summer job in high school and never left the kitchen. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Ryan shares how he traded an anthropology degree and archaeological dig for a culinary career that took him to Le Cirque during its four-star era, then to Houston, where he eventually built a resta
EP 78: Lina Goujjane
Lina Goujjane, Co-Owner and Sommelier of Kiko and Noury, grew up running around her parents’ restaurant and always assumed she’d take over the family business one day. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Lina shares how one college course changed that plan and set her on a path through openings at The NoMad, Majordomo, and Sushi Noz before launching concepts of her own. She opens up about
EP 77: Thomas Pastuszak
Thomas Pastuszak, VP of Sales and Hospitality at Grand Cru Selections and Founder of Empire Estate Wine, got his start with a summer job at his godfather’s Shelter Island bed and breakfast. That early experience sparked a passion for hospitality that eventually pulled him away from a medical school track. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Thomas joins host Alice Cheng to share how he dis
EP 76: Daniel Boulud
Daniel Boulud, Founder & Chef of The Dinex Group, left home at 14 to apprentice in Lyon’s top kitchens. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, he joins Alice Cheng to share the mentors, risks, and defining moments that shaped his global career as a chef-turned-restaurateur. He reflects on learning from legends like Paul Bocuse, proving himself at Le Cirque, and taking a major risk to open
EP 75: Suzanne Cupps
Chef Suzanne Cupps, owner of Lola's, never planned on a career in kitchens. Yet she spent more than 20 years working her way from peeling potatoes during an externship in the basement of Gramercy Tavern to becoming the chef-owner of her own New York City restaurant. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Suzanne joins host Alice Cheng to share how six years at Anita Lo's Annisa taught
EP 74: Roni Mazumdar
Roni Mazumdar, Founder and CEO of Unapologetic Foods—the group behind Semma, Dhamaka, Adda, and Rowdy Rooster—didn't open his first restaurant to build an empire, he opened it so his retiring father a renewed sense of purpose. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Roni shares with host Alice Cheng how that deeply personal decision became the foundation for a restaurant group redefining h
EP 73: Jen Hidinger-Kendrick
Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, Founder and Senior Director of Individual Giving at Giving Kitchen, shares how she built a career rooted in entrepreneurship, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of hospitality. From selling lemonade outside the Indy 500 as a kid to building Atlanta's underground dining scene, co-founding the award-winning Staplehouse, and helping grow Giving Kitchen into a
EP 72: Miro Uskokovic
Miro Uskokovic, Executive Chef-Owner of Hani's Bakery + Café, reflects on his culinary journey, from grilling burgers at a McDonald's in Serbia to becoming one of New York City’s most celebrated pastry chefs. Miro recounts his formative years at The Culinary Institute of America and his rapid ascent through legendary kitchens like Jean-Georges and Gramercy Tavern, where he spent a decade h
EP 71: Ivy Mix
Ivy Mix — Co-Owner of Whoopsie Daisy and Fiasco!, Beverage Director-Partner of Titán, and Co-Founder of Speed Rack — shares how her hospitality career began. What started as bartending in Guatemala to pay off a bar tab eventually led her to New York, where she was repeatedly told she didn't "fit the image." Instead of giving up, Ivy opened her own bars and co-founded Speed Rack, the
EP 70: Marcus Samuelsson
Chef Marcus Samuelsson—celebrated restaurateur, author, and eight-time James Beard Award winner behind Red Rooster, Hav & Mar, and a global portfolio of restaurants—traces the remarkable path that shaped his career. From selling fish with his uncles in Sweden to earning a place in a three-star Michelin kitchen in Switzerland and becoming executive chef at Aquavit at just 23, he reflects on the
EP 69: Greg Root
Greg Root, Partner at Defined Hospitality, shares his journey from a 13-year-old golf caddy to helping lead one of Philadelphia's most celebrated restaurant groups. He reflects on cultivating an early career at Burger King, the invaluable lessons from his 13-year tenure at STARR Restaurants, and how those experiences prepared him for restaurant ownership. Greg also discusses Defined Hospitalit
EP 68: Ochi Latjuba Vongerichten
Ochi Latjuba Vongerichten, Co-Owner of Wayan and Ma•dé, shares her journey from growing up in her mother's large-scale catering business in Indonesia to building a restaurant group spanning New York City, the Hamptons, Aspen, and Miami. After leaving an accounting path to study at The Culinary Institute of America, she built expertise in both the kitchen and front of house, shaping her people-
EP 67: Erik Battes
Chef Erik Battes, Executive Vice President of Food and Beverage at STARR Restaurants, shares a candid look at a career built without a blueprint. From his years with the Jean-Georges group to leadership roles in venture-backed food startups, he reflects on the lessons learned from scaling businesses, raising millions in capital, and navigating a sudden company shutdown. Now leading food and bevera
EP 66: Megan Sullivan
Megan Sullivan, Vice President of Operations at Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), reflects on a career defined by intuition and deepening roots within top restaurant groups. She details her bold move from Australia to New York City just months before the pandemic and her rapid ascent from Assistant General Manager at The Modern to overseeing a portfolio of eight iconic USHG brands. Megan shar
EP 65: Bob Bennett
Bob Bennett, Executive Chef of Zingerman's Roadhouse, reflects on his decades-long journey within the Midwest food empire, from working the sandwich line to leading one of its most celebrated kitchens. He shares the challenges of balancing culinary school with the Roadhouse’s opening, the lessons that helped him move beyond the “line cook mentality,” and his evolution into a leader, educator,
EP 64: Brittney "Stikxz" Williams
Chef Brittney “Stikxz” Williams, Culinary Director at Miss Lily's 7A and private chef, shares the unexpected turns that shaped her path from sports management student to one of the boldest voices in Jamaican cuisine. Brittney recounts the "plot twist" of leaving culinary school early to immerse herself in the industry, intentionally rotating through front-of-house roles at Red Lobste
EP 63: Greg Baxtrom
Greg Baxtrom, Chef and Owner of Baxtrom Hospitality Group, shares a deeply personal look at a career shaped by discipline, ambition, and self-awareness. From becoming an Eagle Scout to training under Chef Grant Achatz at Alinea and working at El Bulli, Per Se, and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, his journey includes some of the world’s most influential kitchens. Now five years sober, Greg reflects on hi
EP 62: Hunter Lewis
Hunter Lewis, Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine, shares how his journey from the kitchen line to food media shaped his perspective on leadership, storytelling, and hospitality. From his early days at Jersey Mike's Subs to cooking under Chef Jonathan Waxman at Barbuto, Hunter reflects on mentorship, teamwork, and why he chose to champion the hospitality ecosystem through media instead of becom
EP 61: Jenny Goodman
Jenny Goodman, Co-Founder and CEO of TILIT, reflects on her unique hospitality journey, from being a "not great" server in high school to falling in love with restaurants at the legendary Commander's Palace in New Orleans to eventually becoming the helm of a premium hospitality workwear brand. From bootstrapping a premium brand in a commodity market to expanding into the UTILITY trad
EP 60: Jamie Bissonnette
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Chef Jamie Bissonnette, Founding Partner of BCB3 Hospitality, shares his journey from a punk-rock-loving teenager to a James Beard Award–winning chef. He opens up about the humbling lessons that shaped his early career and his shift from high-profile global ventures to more personal, passion-driven concepts—Somaek, Temple Records, and Zurito—where he’s r
EP 59: Anthony Mangieri
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Anthony Mangieri—Owner & Chef of Una Pizza Napoletana and Founder & CEO of Genio Della Pizza—shares his incredible 30-year journey in the pizza world. From a childhood obsession with pizza to opening his first pizzeria in 1996, Anthony discusses his journey of staying true to his craft while learning how to evolve with changing times, both in the
EP 58: Mashama Bailey
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Alice Cheng is joined by Mashama Bailey, Chef and Co-Owner of Grey Spaces, which includes The Grey in Savannah and L'Arrêt in Paris. Recently named to TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2026, Mashama reflects on being a self-described “late bloomer” and the culture-shaping lessons she learned at Prune.From being fired from social work to finding her
EP 57: Rick Bayless
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Rick Bayless, renowned chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Rick shares his journey from growing up in a family restaurant to becoming a pioneer of authentic Mexican cuisine in the U.S. He talks about opening Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, the challenges of introducing regional Mexican food to a new audience, and
EP 56: Sarah Grueneberg
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Chef Sarah Grueneberg, Chef and Co-Owner of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio in Chicago, shares her remarkable journey in the culinary world. From discovering her passion for cooking through the Food Network to becoming one of the youngest female sous chefs at Brennan's of Houston, Sarah has faced and embraced challenges that have shaped her le
EP 55: Raj Vaidya
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Alice Cheng chats with Raj Vaidya, Founder and Private Wine Consultant at Raj Wine Consulting. With 25+ years in hospitality, Raj talks about his rise from quick-service restaurants to becoming a leader in the wine world as well as his time at DANIEL. He shares insights on mentorship, career growth, and the art of wine consulting. Tune in for Raj's t
EP 54: Caroline Glover
On this episode, Caroline Glover, Chef and Co-Owner of Annette and Traveling Mercies, takes host Alice Cheng through her inspiring journey from working at Chili’s as a teenager to becoming a James Beard Award-winning chef in Colorado. Caroline opens up about the turning points that shaped her career, including dropping out of college to attend culinary school, finding farming as a source of inspir
EP 53: Sam Yoo
This week on Hospitality On The Rise, Sam Yoo, Chef-Owner of Golden Group Foods (Golden Diner and Golden Hof), takes Alice Cheng through his remarkable journey in the hospitality world, from growing up in a restaurant family to being named a James Beard semifinalist. Sam shares the lessons he learned from his early experiences at Dunkin' Donuts, his time working under renowned chefs including
EP 52: Jordan Salcito
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Jordan Salcito, Founder & CEO of Drink RAMONA and author of Smart Mouth, recounts her inspiring journey from a young barista to a leading innovator in the wine industry. With a background that spans from working at Michelin-starred restaurants like Eleven Madison Park to launching her own premium organic beverage brand, Jordan shares how pivotal mome
EP 51: Eli Sussman
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Eli Sussman, Executive Chef & Partner at Gertrude's and mastermind behind The Sussmans on Instagram, takes Alice Cheng through his career shift from marketing to the high-energy kitchens of New York. Leaving a stable desk job in Los Angeles, Eli dove into the restaurant world, quickly moving from line cook to leading his own operations. He shares
EP 50: June Rodil
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by June Rodil, Master Sommelier, CEO and Partner of Goodnight Hospitality, and a 2026 James Beard Semifinalist. June shares how she went from serving at Olive Garden to pursuing law school, and eventually becoming one of just 29 women in the U.S. to earn the prestigious Master Sommelier credential. She opens up about her role w
EP 49: Aldo Sohm
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng chats with Aldo Sohm, Wine Director at Le Bernardin and Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, Winemaker at Sohm & Kracher, and author of Wine Simple and Wine Simple: Perfect Pairings. From discovering his passion for wine after an unexpected encounter to building a career that spans world-class restaurants and writing books, Aldo’s story is one of res
EP 48: Cheetie Kumar
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Cheetie Kumar. She is the Chef and Co-Owner of Ajja, Vice President of the Independent Restaurant Coalition and the Southern Foodways Alliance, and a 2026 James Beard Semifinalist. Cheetie reflects on teaching herself how to cook, opening music venues and bars, and eventually building restaurants of her own. She shares how trust
EP 47: Tyler Akin
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Tyler Akin, Founder of Form-Function Hospitality and Chef-Partner of Bastia and Caletta. From relentlessly pursuing a position at Komi to opening multiple successful ventures of his own, Tyler shares how his experiences in fine dining shaped his approach to leadership and culinary creativity. Tyler also reflects on the challenge
EP 46: Elizabeth Murray
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Elizabeth Murray, Chief Operating Officer of The Marlow Collective. Elizabeth reveals her unconventional path into the hospitality industry, which started with an economics background and a bold decision to leave graduate school. She recounts how a serendipitous encounter at a beach bar in Mexico led to her first restaurant
EP 45: Andrew Black
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Andrew Black, Chief Culinary Officer of Counter Service. He reflects on how his experiences with chefs like Laurent Tourondel and Kevin Binkley, as well as his time as a Sous Chef at Eleven Madison Park, shaped his approach to food and entrepreneurship. Staying true to his passion for exceptional ingredients, Andrew shares his j
EP 44: Shuai Wang
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Shuai Wang, Owner and Chef of Jackrabbit Filly & King BBQ, and runner-up on the 22nd season of Bravo's Top Chef. Shuai reflects on his journey from growing up in Beijing surrounded by incredible food to discovering his passion for cooking through a high school culinary program. He talks about how his experiences led
EP 43: Steve Palmer
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Steve Palmer, Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Vision Officer of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, Co-Founder of Ben's Friends, and host of Say Grace Podcast.Steve reflects on his remarkable journey from washing dishes at 13 to becoming the leader of one of the Southeast's most successful restaurant groups. He
EP 42: Amy Racine
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Amy Racine. She is the Beverage Director and Partner at JF Restaurants, a Wine Consultant for Tatiana at Lincoln Center, and Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 Beverage Director of the Year.Amy reflects on her journey from growing up in a family that loved to entertain to becoming a prominent voice in the beverage world. She shares how her
EP 41: Stefano Secchi
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Stefano Secchi, Chef-Owner of Fai Bravo Hospitality and the acclaimed restaurants Rezdôra and Massara. Stefano traces his path from growing up in a restaurant family to sharpening his craft in Italy and ultimately opening his own renowned kitchens in New York. He discusses learning from master chefs, honoring regional Italia
EP 40: Jack McGarry
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng speaks with Jack McGarry, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Dead Rabbit Group. Recently named one of The Spirits Business's Global Bar Luminaries, Jack reflects on his career. He discusses his early days in the Belfast bar scene, becoming the youngest recipient of the International Bartender of the Year Award, and building one
EP 39: Ti Martin
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng speaks with Ti Martin, Co-Proprietor of the iconic Commander's Palace, Le Petit Bleu, and Picnic Provisions & Whiskey. Ti reflects on growing up in the restaurant industry and eventually taking the helm of her family’s business. She discusses the lessons learned from her experiences in real estate, commercial work, and time spent
EP 38: David Nayfeld
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by David Nayfeld, acclaimed Chef and Co-Owner of Back Home Hospitality (Che Fico, Che Fico Parco Menlo, and Via Aurelia). He details his remarkable career trajectory, from being a 13-year-old dishwasher to mastering fine dining kitchens like Eleven Madison Park and training across Europe. David also recounts the challenging, se
EP 37: Amanda Signorelli
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Amanda Signorelli, CEO and Co-Owner of Golden Steer, a staple in Las Vegas dining. Amanda recounts her unexpected journey into hospitality after transitioning from tech and consulting, reflecting on her entrepreneurial experiences in both industries. She shares valuable insights on leadership and the innovative strategies that h
EP 36: Kyle Knall
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Chef Kyle Knall, Chef and Co-Owner of Birch and Cassis—recognized by Forbes, Conde Nast, and the New York Times—reflects on his journey from early mentorship under culinary legends like Frank Stitt, Mike Anthony, and Stephen Starr to building a hospitality-driven community of his own in Milwaukee. From fine dining in New York to farm-to-table leadership
EP 35: Diane Moua
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Chef Diane Moua, Chef-Owner of Diane’s Place, opens up about her remarkable journey from first-generation Hmong roots to earning national recognition as one of America’s best chefs. Recently named on The New York Times list of the Best Restaurants in America, Food & Wine’s Restaurant of the Year, and The Minnesota Star Tribune's inaugural Culinar
EP 34: Kevin Garry
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Kevin Garry, Managing Partner and Owner of L’Artusi, b’artusi, Via Porta, and L’Artusi Supper Club, takes us through his journey from washing dishes at his uncle’s restaurant to building a thriving restaurant group in New York City. Kevin reflects on his evolution from a young worker in the kitchen to becoming a key player in some of NYC’s most beloved d
EP 33: Stephanie Castellucci
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Stephanie Castellucci, Co-Owner and Director of Human Resources at Castellucci Hospitality Group, shares her family’s deep-rooted passion for hospitality and her journey in growing a restaurant empire across the Southeast. From working the line in her family’s restaurants to overseeing HR for an expanding group, Stephanie reflects on the importance of bu
EP 32: Cherif Mbodji
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng speaks with Cherif Mbodji, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Bludorn Hospitality Group (Bludorn, Bar Bludorn, Navy Blue, and Perseid). Cherif reflects on his journey from Senegal, where hospitality is a cultural way of life, to New York, where he honed his skills working with Chef Daniel Boulud. He shares how his time at Café Boulu
EP 31: Noah Glass
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng features Noah Glass, Founder and CEO of Olo, Board Director of Portillo’s, Board Director at Share Our Strength, and Board Trustee of the Culinary Institute of America. Noah reflects on his unconventional path from delivering pizzas in high school to founding one of the leading digital ordering and delivery solutions for restaurants. He
EP 30: Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel, Co-Owner and Chef of Birdie’s, the acclaimed Austin restaurant recognized by Food & Wine and Bon Appétit. Recently listed as one of the 2025 TIME100 Next Rising Stars, Tracy shares her unique journey from sports and music to the kitchen, highlighting the pivotal moments and mentors that shaped her car
EP 29: Sean Feeney
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng speaks with Sean Feeney, Co-Founder of Grovehouse Hospitality, which includes celebrated restaurants like Lilia, Misi, MISIPASTA, and Fini Pizza. Before entering the restaurant industry, Sean built a successful career in finance. In this conversation, he reflects on how his journey led him to hospitality, the importance of understanding
EP 28: Victoria James
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng chats with Victoria James—Partner and Executive Director of Beverage at Gracious Hospitality Management (COTE, COQODAQ), author of Wine Girl and Drink Pink, and Co-Founder of Wine Empowered. From a greasy spoon diner in New Jersey to the youngest sommelier in the U.S. and now a leader shaping world-class wine programs, Victoria’s story i
EP 27: Jonathan Benno
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Chef Jonathan Benno—Culinary Director at Four Twenty Five (Restaurants by Jean-Georges) and the first American-born and trained chef to earn three Michelin stars during his time at Per Se—shares his remarkable career journey with host Alice Cheng. From his start washing dishes in Connecticut, to formative years at The French Laundry, Gramercy Tavern, and
EP 26: Dustin Wilson
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Master Sommelier Dustin Wilson—Co-Founder of Verve Wine (NYC, San Francisco, Chicago), Co-Founder of Apres Cru, and featured star of the acclaimed documentary SOMM—connects with host Alice Cheng to share his remarkable path through hospitality and wine. From his early days waiting tables to his rise at Eleven Madison Park, to taking the leap into entrepr
EP 25: Missy Robbins
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Chef Missy Robbins—restaurateur, author, James Beard Award winner, and Co-Founder of Grovehouse Hospitality Group (Lilia, Misi, MISIPASTA)—joins host Alice Cheng to share her remarkable journey. From her first nights on the line in Washington, D.C., to pivotal years at Spiaggia in Chicago, to building her own celebrated restaurants in New York, Missy ref
EP 24: Erling Wu-Bower
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Chef Erling Wu-Bower shares his journey from growing up in a food-obsessed family to becoming a three-time James Beard Award finalist and co-founder of Maxwells Trading. He opens up about knowing when the time is right for new ventures, the lessons learned in shifting from the kitchen to the dining room, and why identifying talent and mastering managemen
EP 23: Arjav Ezekiel
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Arjav Ezekiel, 2025 James Beard Foundation Award Winner and Co-Owner and Beverage Director of Birdie’s in Austin—a restaurant redefining what fine dining can look like. Arjav shares his journey from growing up in a food-loving Indian household to honing his craft in acclaimed kitchens in D.C. and New York, before launching Birdi
EP 22: Michael Anthony
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng sits down with the renowned Chef Michael Anthony, Executive Chef and Partner at Gramercy Tavern, for a rich and reflective conversation that spans continents, cultures, and decades. Known for his deep commitment to seasonal cooking and thoughtful leadership, Chef Mike opens up about his unconventional path—from writing a cold letter to a
EP 21: Jeff Benjamin
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by hospitality powerhouse Jeff Benjamin—a key architect of Philadelphia’s rise as a culinary destination, and the guiding force behind beloved brands like Vetri and Federal Donuts.From bussing tables as a teenager to scaling restaurant empires and writing from the heart, Jeff shares the pivotal moments, surprising turns, and ha
EP 20: Dominique Ansel
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Dominique Ansel—James Beard Award-winning pastry chef, inventor of the Cronut®️, and founder of celebrated bakeries around the world—whose path from a modest upbringing in France to international acclaim is a testament to vision, determination, and reinvention.From learning to cook at sixteen out of necessity to crafting cre
EP 19: Pascaline Lepeltier
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Pascaline Lepeltier—Master Sommelier, author, winemaker, educator, and advocate—whose unconventional path has challenged tradition and redefined what it means to lead in hospitality.From studying philosophy to earning one of the most prestigious titles in wine, Pascaline shares how a love of learning, a commitment to care, a
EP 18: Andrew Zimmern
What does a tray of expertly shucked clams in a busy seafood kitchen have to do with a career that would span Emmy-winning television, global advocacy, and redefining how we tell stories through food?For Andrew Zimmern, it was the moment everything clicked. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng sits down with the chef, writer, and TV personality behind Bizarre Foods, The Zim
EP 17: Ellen Yin
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Ellen Yin, the visionary behind Philadelphia’s acclaimed High Street Hospitality Group and the 2023 James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurateur. From her early days bussing tables to building one of the country’s most respected restaurant groups, Ellen shares how a deep sense of purpose and belonging has shaped her journey.
EP 16: Sabato Sagaria
What does a bottle of Heinz ketchup at a mountaintop hotel in Indonesia have to do with a career in hospitality? For Sabato Sagaria, it was the spark that ignited a lifelong passion. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Sabato traces his journey from that moment of unexpected comfort to leading operations at Union Square Hospitality Group, scaling Bartaco across the U.S., and now, as Co-Fou
EP 15: Lee Anne Wong
From Manhattan futons to Maui brunch lines, Chef Lee Anne Wong’s culinary journey is anything but conventional. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng connects with the Top Chef alum, restaurateur, TV producer, and Hawaii-based community builder to talk about the long road from front-of-house server to global brand builder. With humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom, Lee Ann
EP 14: Bobby Stuckey
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng chats with Bobby Stuckey — Master Sommelier, restaurateur, endurance athlete, and champion of what he calls hospitalian culture. From his early struggles with dyslexia to becoming one of the most respected figures in hospitality, Bobby shares a refreshingly grounded and candid look into how service, leadership, and a life lived with purp
EP 13: Maneet Chauhan
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng has a candid conversation with culinary force Maneet Chauhan — President and Founding Partner of Morph Hospitality Group and the only two-time Tournament of Champions winner. Celebrated for her warmth, wit, and unstoppable drive, Maneet shares her remarkable journey from a small town in India to the national spotlight in the U.S., balanc
EP 12: Kevin Boehm
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, industry powerhouse Kevin Boehm, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BOKA Restaurant Group chats with host Alice Cheng. From dropping out of college, lying on his resume and opening a six-table restaurant in Florida to co-leading one of the most respected hospitality groups in the country, Kevin shares the raw, unfiltered story behind his rise. He opens up about ea
EP 11: Michael Shemtov
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng chat with Michael Shemtov, a seasoned hospitality entrepreneur and founder of Honest to Goodness Hospitality, which has made its mark across Charleston, Atlanta, and Nashville. Michael takes us through his inspiring journey from a teenager working his first restaurant job at 13 to founding his own restaurants by 22 — despite the hardship
EP 10: Kimberly Galban
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng connects with Kimberly Galban, Chief Operating Officer of Hogsalt, to explore the remarkable journey of a hospitality leader who has truly climbed the ranks from the ground up. Kimberly shares how her early experiences — from serving at iconic Chicago spots like Como Inn and Blackbird to stepping into hotel management at the Park Hyatt —
EP 9: Philip Tessier
On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Chef Philip Tessier shares his culinary journey with host Alice Cheng. From his early days experimenting with recipes at home to working alongside culinary legends like Thomas Keller (Per Se, The French Laundry) and Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin), Chef Tessier reflects on the key moments that shaped his career. He also opens up about his experience competing
EP 8: Camari Mick
On the latest episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng connects virtually with Camari Mick, the acclaimed Executive Pastry Chef behind The Musket Room, Raf’s, and Cafe Zaffri in New York City — and a partner at Raf’s. Recently named to Forbes 30 Under 30 and recognized as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, Camari opens up about her journey from childhood baking experiments to lea
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