Hospitality On The Rise

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, self-taught process of becoming an operator and shares crucial advice on maintaining health for a successful career in hospitality.Links- Instagram - David Nayfeld: https://www.instagram.com/davidnayfeld/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-38-david-nayfeld************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 helped Golden Steer thrive — especially during the challenges of COVID. This episode is packed with lessons on resilience, risk-taking, and the power of human connection.Links- Instagram - Amanda Signorelli: https://www.instagram.com/signorelliamanda/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-37-amanda-signorelli************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 in the Midwest, Kyle shares the lessons that shaped his approach to patience and people-first hospitality. His story is one of purpose, passion, and creating spaces where both guests and teams truly feel seen.Links- Instagram - Kyle Knall: https://www.instagram.com/kyleknallyall/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-36-kyle-knall************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 Culinary North Stars, Diane reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from mentors like Gavin Kaysen and Tim McKee, the challenges of opening her own restaurant, and how trust, perseverance, and humility have shaped her leadership. Her story is one of pride and power, and how to honor your heritage while forging your own path.Links- Instagram - Diane Moua: https://www.instagram.com/pastrydiane/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-35-diane-moua************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 dining spots. He also opens up about how his experiences, both in fine dining and fast casual at Shake Shack, shaped his approach to leadership and business growth.Links- Instagram - Kevin Garry: https://www.instagram.com/kevinwgarry/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-34-kevin-garry************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 building strong teams, creating authentic guest experiences, and the challenges of leading during periods of growth. Tune in for a candid discussion on leadership, sustainable growth, and the personal values that shape her career.Links- Instagram - Stephanie Castellucci: https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_castellucci/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-33-stephanie-castellucci************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 Boulud led to a daydream with Aaron Bludorn about one day opening a restaurant together. That daydream turned into a leap of faith and a courageous move to Houston, where Cherif helped open four successful restaurants. Cherif talks about how human connection and the philosophy of teranga (hospitality) have always guided his work, and how he navigated the challenges of opening these restaurants, including during the pandemic. He also shares how his work with the Southern Smoke Foundation supports the hospitality industry.Links- Instagram - Cherif Mbodji: https://www.instagram.com/cherifmbodji/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-32-cherif-mbodji************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 also discusses the challenges and triumphs of building Olo over two decades, the importance of persistence, and how technology can transform the hospitality experience for guests and operators alike.Links- Instagram - Olo: https://www.instagram.com/olo_skiptheline/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-31-noah-glass************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 career. She reflects on her experiences from training at prestigious kitchens to building her own restaurant, emphasizing the importance of leadership, creativity, and taking care of your team. Tracy’s story is a testament to the power of following your passion and staying true to your vision in the hospitality industry.Links- Instagram - Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel: https://www.instagram.com/tracymalechek/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-30-tracy-malechek-ezekiel************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 when to pivot, and his passion for creating a work environment where people thrive. Sean also shares his insights on scaling a hospitality business thoughtfully and the power of vulnerability in leadership.Links- Instagram - Sean Feeney: https://www.instagram.com/seanbfeeney/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-29-sean-feeney************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 is one of determination, creating equity, and empowering others through education.Links- Instagram - Victoria James: https://www.instagram.com/victoria___james/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-28-victoria-james************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 Per Se, to leading acclaimed projects of his own, Jonathan reflects on resilience, mentorship, and the lessons of navigating both triumphs and setbacks. He opens up about the business side of hospitality, the challenge of adapting across generations, and why continuous learning is essential for leadership today.Links- Instagram - Jonathan Benno: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanbenno/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-27-jonathan-benno************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 entrepreneurship, Dustin reflects on the determination, mentorship, and resilience that fueled his journey. He opens up about the highs and lows of building businesses, why failure can be a powerful teacher, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your mission.Links- Instagram - Dustin Wilson: https://www.instagram.com/dustinwilsonms/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-26-dustin-wilson************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 reflects on mentorship, patience, and the power of finding the right partners. She opens up about evolving as a leader, creating a culture of kindness and collaboration, and why slowing down can be the key to long-term success in hospitality.Links- Instagram - Missy Robbins: https://www.instagram.com/missyarobbins/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-25-missy-robbins************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 management matter just as much as cooking. With candid insights on leadership, balance (or lack thereof), and creating a restaurant he truly wants to be in, Erling offers an inspiring look at building a career—and a life—on your own terms.Links- Instagram - Erling Wu-Bower: https://www.instagram.com/erlingwubower/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-24-erling-wu-bower************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 Birdie’s with his wife, Chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel. He reflects on the challenges and creativity sparked by opening during the pandemic, why sustainability starts with owners taking care of themselves, and how pushing beyond his comfort zone into wine has shaped his leadership and vision.Links- Instagram - Arjav Ezekiel: https://www.instagram.com/arjavezekiel/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-23-arjav-ezekiel************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 food critic in Japan that launched his culinary journey, to finding his voice in the kitchens of Paris and New York, and ultimately leading one of America’s most celebrated restaurants for nearly two decades. With wisdom shaped by resilience, curiosity, and mentorship, he shares powerful lessons about asking for help, staying grounded in the face of pressure, and constantly evolving in an industry that never stands still. Whether you're an aspiring chef, a seasoned restaurateur, or simply someone who loves a good origin story, this is an episode that will stay with you.Links- Instagram - Michael Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/chefmikeanthony/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-22-michael-anthony************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 hard-earned lessons that have shaped his 30+ year journey.Tune in as he reflects on the entrepreneurial itch that changed everything, why “taking the meeting” is his golden rule, and how staying rooted in people and purpose continues to drive his next chapter.Links- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-21-jeff-benjamin************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

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 creations that spark global culinary trends, Chef Dominique shares how discipline, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality shaped his journey—and why he's now focused on building a more connected, cross-cultural future through food.Rooted in craft, driven by curiosity, and guided by heart, Dominique Ansel’s story is a powerful reminder that innovation begins with intention — and that hospitality, at its best, is as much about care and culture as it is about flavor.Links- Instagram - Dominique Ansel: https://www.instagram.com/dominiqueansel/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-20-dominique-ansel************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.New episodes every Tuesday.Until next time, keep rising!

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, and a refusal to accept limits have shaped her journey—and why she’s now focused on making the industry more inclusive, sustainable, and human.Rooted in discipline, driven by curiosity, and fueled by joy, Pascaline Lepeltier’s journey proves that the best careers often unfold off-script—and stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful leadership and joyful persistence can create lasting change.Links- Instagram - Pascaline Lepeltier: https://www.instagram.com/pascalinelepeltier/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-19-pascaline-lepeltier************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.New episodes every Tuesday.Until next time, keep rising!