Hospitality On The Rise

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!

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 Zimmern List, and Family Dinner, to trace a life lived at the intersection of culinary grit, personal redemption, and a deep love for hospitality.From kitchens in New York to recovery in Minnesota, Andrew reflects on second chances, service, and the power of purpose in an industry that changed—and saved—his life.Links- Instagram - Andrew Zimmern: https://www.instagram.com/chefaz/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-18-andrew-zimmern************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 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. Tune in to hear how she’s navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—and why community remains central to everything she does.Links- Instagram - Ellen Yin: https://www.instagram.com/therealellenyin/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-17-ellen-yin************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!

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-Founder and Managing Partner of Apres Cru Hospitality, helping other passionate founders grow their concepts. From hotel school at Cornell to becoming a Master Sommelier, from front desk intern to president, his path has many twists and turns. Equal parts serendipity, hustle, and heart, Sabato shares insights on cross-training, culture-building, and the hard-won importance of balance in a fast-paced industry. With honesty, humor, and “Eat, Pray, Surf” wisdom, he invites us to rethink career paths, shake the Etch A Sketch, and grow what truly matters—concepts, people, and purpose.Links- Instagram - Sabato Sagaria: https://www.instagram.com/sabato3/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-16-sabato-sagaria************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!

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 Anne opens up about navigating early career pivots, working behind the scenes in food television, rebuilding after loss, and what it takes to cultivate culture — both on the line and in life.Links- Instagram - Lee Anne Wong: https://www.instagram.com/leeannewong/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-15-lee-anne-wong************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 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 purpose can create something truly enduring. Whether you’re in the weeds or dreaming big, this conversation will leave you rethinking what hospitality really means.Links- Instagram - Bobby Stuckey: https://www.instagram.com/bobbystuckeyms/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-14-bobby-stuckey************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 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., balancing the demands of restaurant life, television, authorship, and entrepreneurship. Hear her unfiltered insights on resilience, leadership, embracing failure, and why authenticity remains her greatest asset. This episode is a powerful reminder that Maneet Chauhan isn’t just rising in hospitality — she’s redefining it.Links- Instagram - Maneet Chauhan: https://www.instagram.com/maneetchauhan/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-13-maneet-chauhan************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, 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 early failures, building lasting partnerships, evolving through personal wellness that led to launching one of his newest ventures, BIAN. It’s a conversation packed with hard-earned wisdom, hilarious origin stories, and a powerful look at how personal transformation can fuel professional success. This is an episode every hospitality leader—and dreamer—won’t want to miss.LinksInstagram - Kevin Boehm: https://www.instagram.com/kevinboehmboka/Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-12-kevin-boehm************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 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 hardships and sacrifices along the way. Michael shares the raw realities of restaurant ownership, from long hours and minimal pay to his unyielding dedication to providing benefits like health insurance for his employees — well before it became more of an industry standard. He also offers advice on the importance of aligning with the right partners and staying true to your passion, while shedding light on the challenges of keeping morale high and expectations grounded in this unpredictable business. Tune in for a candid conversation on the highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes decisions that shape the future of hospitality.LinksInstagram - Michael Shemtov: https://www.instagram.com/abumosleyInstagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-11-michael-shemtov************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 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 — shaped her philosophy on leadership, team culture, and lifelong learning. With heartfelt stories, sharp insights, and a passion for people, Kimberly reflects on her evolution in the industry and how she now leads Hogsalt’s growing portfolio across Chicago, New York, Las Vegas, and even Paris. Tune in for an episode packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration.LinksKimberly’s Hospitality Career Path: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/career_paths/kimberly-galbanInstagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-10-kimberly-galban************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!