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OysterLink's Celebrity Interviews: Meet Top Chefs & Hospitality Pros
OysterLink's Celebrity Interviews: Meet Top Chefs & Hospitality Pros
Author: OysterLink
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Explore exclusive career tips, success stories, and behind-the-scenes insights from leading chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, baristas, hotel managers, and hospitality professionals.
Learn their secrets to success, gain valuable insights, and get inspired to take your career to the next level!
Learn their secrets to success, gain valuable insights, and get inspired to take your career to the next level!
35 Episodes
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In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Chef Anthony Jones shares his journey in the culinary world, discussing his recent James Beard Award nomination, the importance of culinary education, and his hiring philosophy. He emphasizes the significance of hard work, dedication, and a positive kitchen culture while addressing the challenges posed by ego in the industry. The conversation concludes with quickfire questions that reveal Anthony's personal preferences and insights into the culinary scene.
Exclusively on the OysterLink Podcast, Salvatore Procopio, a certified sommelier with over a decade in luxury hotel management, shares his journey. He's worked at Michelin-starred icons and held key roles at the Four Seasons, even serving the royal family! 👑 This episode offers insights into a distinguished career in hospitality.
Did you know that the hospitality industry is all about priorities? Salvatore Procopio emphasizes that understanding your role within a team can make all the difference. Salvatore Procopio's story begins in Naples, Italy, where hospitality is more than just a profession; it’s a family legacy. He’s worked at Michelin-starred icons like The Waterside Inn in the UK and Romeo Restaurant under Alain Ducasse, and held key roles at the Four Seasons in Florence. Now, Salvatore is shaping the next generation of hospitality talent, teaching across campuses in Italy, South Korea, the U.S., and Armenia. One of the key takeaways from Salvatore's experiences is the distinction between a guest and a client.
Christopher Robert went from France to Running Miami's Hottest Restaurant. Here's How! In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Christopher shares his fascinating journey from France to becoming a prominent chef in the U.S. Starting at the age of 16, under the influence of his parents, who ran a catering business, he discusses the challenges he faced when moving to the U.S., including language barriers and adapting to a new culinary culture. Christopher highlights his growth through various roles, including his time at Zuma and Azabu, the unique experiences he gained while working as a private chef during the pandemic; and opening Gordon Ramsay's Lucky Cat in Miami.
From £20k in debt to £250k in just 3 years.Nathan Snoddon spent a decade in Michelin-starred kitchens before launching Food Story Media, the agency behind some of the best chef and restaurant branding online today.In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Nathan shares the mindset and strategies that transformed his career, and how you can do the same.We break down:✅ How personal branding can launch your hospitality career✅ Why chefs need visibility off the pass✅ The 4 pillars of success every F&B brand needs
In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Mattia Cicognani shares his journey from academia to the practical world of hospitality, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections in the restaurant business. He discusses the unique concept of 84 Magic Hospitality, which focuses on simplicity and a no-menu approach, and how curiosity drives customer engagement. Mattia also highlights the significance of hiring passionate staff, retaining talent, and the irreplaceable human touch in hospitality, while sharing insights on future plans and responsibilities in the industry.
Meet Diego Ng, co‑founder of Temple Street Eatery, one of Fort Lauderdale’s top Asian American food spots. he shares valuable insights from his two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, lessons from his journey, and what it takes to stay relevant in today’s fast-moving hospitality world.
Chef Ismael Torres never planned on becoming a chef.Today, he’s an award-winning private chef, host of Chef Ismael’s Kitchen Quest podcast, and the owner of Rough Chop - a leading catering company serving Southern California. In this episode, Ismael shares how adversity shaped his culinary career, what it takes to operate at a high level as a private chef, and why resilience matters more than résumés in hospitality.
On this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, we sit down with Michael Tronn - a legendary nightlife architect who helped shape New York City’s club scene and later redefined Miami’s hospitality landscape.Tronn has produced 1,000+ events, hosted over a million guests, and generated nearly $200M in revenue while raising $1M for charity. He worked with the Mayor of Miami Beach and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau to rebrand Miami and The Beaches, earning recognition as one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Miami and one of the 10 Most Important People in Miami.Today, he’s transforming luxury dining with his new Fort Lauderdale concept, TIMBR, where FOH staff make SIX-FIGURE salaries!
Chef Pedro Mederos went from Miami’s kitchens to Michelin-starred restaurants in Napa, and now, alongside his wife and culinary partner Katherine, he’s redefining fine dining with Kojin - a Coral Gables gem where Japanese precision meets heartfelt hospitality. In this episode, Pedro shares what really makes a great chef , and why the hard work happens before service begins.
In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Olivia Ostrow, CEO of Ostrow Global Corporation and executive chef of Maison Ostrow, shares her colorful journey in the culinary world.From her beginnings as a dishwasher to becoming a celebrated chef in Miami, Olivia discusses the importance of believing in oneself, the dynamics between front and back of house staff, and her unique approach to kosher dining.
In this episode, Terry Lee (Founder & CEO of PLA Holdings) and Adam Flierl (Partner & Executive Vice President) reveal how PLAY Sporting Lounge became one of South Florida’s most innovative hospitality concepts. They break down why emotional connection, not just service, is the real driver behind guest loyalty and unforgettable experiences.From building sports-simulator lounges at the Seminole Hard Rock to launching a new flagship in 2026 and expanding their PLA It Forward Foundation, Terry and Adam share the mindset, grit, and strategy behind PLAY’s rapid growth.If you want to understand what next-level hospitality really looks like, this episode is for you.
Hear the incredible journey of Chef Daniel Lugovtsov on the OysterLink Podcast, from dishwasher to becoming Sous Chef at a 3 Michelin-Starred restaurant at 23 years old in New York's elite restaurants. Discover the demanding realities of chef life and the intricate kitchen hierarchy in fine dining establishments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in a challenging career in hospitality!
In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Milan Blagojevic shares his journey from Europe to the US, detailing his extensive experience in the hospitality industry and his transition into coffee entrepreneurship with Naughty Coffee. He discusses the importance of hospitality, building a brand, and the significance of a strong team culture. Milan also shares insights on customer experience and his future aspirations for expanding his coffee business.
On this episode, meet the entrepreneur behind one of Florida's most popular Asian fusion restaurants - KUBO ! Nok shares her founder story, having moved from Thailand with a dream. Her restaurant is now ranked among the TOP 100 places to eat in USA , proving that hard work and great service can lead to business success in the restaurant business - even with 0 experience! 🍜
Exclusive interview with Chef Jodrick I. Ujaque, a proud Puerto Rican and 10-year SoBeWFF veteran, is the creative force behind Chefs on the Run in Homestead. The restaurant has made the Miami New Times Top 100 Restaurants for a 3rd year in a row.He shares his insights on the restaurant business. As an entrepreneur, he dives into his journey and offers valuable business tips.
Haidar Hachem shares his journey from a civil engineer to becoming the 6th sake master in the world and co-owner of Shojo's Dojo, Florida's first sake brewery. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting a business during the pandemic, the importance of community engagement, and the unique concept behind Shojo's Dojo.
Leandro Cabanillas and Marcos Caillet-Bois, two Argentine entrepreneurs who transitioned from psychology and wine bar ownership to opening a neighborhood cocktail bar called Conventillo in Miami. They discuss their backgrounds, the concept behind their bar, the importance of community building through events, staffing challenges, and offer valuable advice for #jobseekers in the hospitality industry.
Exclusively on the OysterLink Podcast, David Helbraun, founder of Hellbronn Levy, the premier law firm for the hospitality and cannabis industries - discusses the critical role of legal counsel in the food & beverage industry. 🍽️David shares essential tips every restaurant owner must know to avoid legal pitfalls and set up for long-term success. 🌟Key takeaways:✅ Don’t skip legal prep when starting your restaurant✅ Have a solid exit plan for partnerships✅ Trademark protection is vital for future growth✅ Legal advisors can save your business from costly mistakes
Meet Chef Eddie G — lead chef, TV personality, and partner at Locavore Ventures, a culinary experience agency spanning LA, NY, Dallas, and Philly.From washing dishes to owning five restaurants, working in over a thousand kitchens, and cooking across the globe, Eddie G built a career that now reaches the big screen.🎥 Watch the full episode now on YouTube & Apple Podcasts.Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and hospitality insights from OysterLink.#ChefLife #HospitalityCareers #OysterLink #CulinaryJourney #HospitalityIndustry




