Say Grace

Ellen Yin is the founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group, a powerhouse in the dining scene with restaurants in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C. Her portfolio includes acclaimed establishments like Fork, High Street Restaurant & Bakery, a.kitchen+bar, and The Wonton Project. Beyond her restaurants, Yin is committed to community service, supporting organizations like Bakers Against Racism, Everybody Eats Philadelphia, and Let’s Talk. She also co-chairs the Sisterly Love Collective, an organization that empowers women in hospitality. In this episode, Ellen sits down with Steve to chat through what it was like opening a restaurant right after earning her graduate degree from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, how she grew from one restaurant to multiple concepts, and what it’s like being a non-chef restaurant owner. Thank you to The Study at University City for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

Randy Garutti is a legendary figure in the restaurant industry, best known for his role as the CEO who transformed Shake Shack from a single hot dog cart in Madison Square Park into a globally recognized fast-casual brand. Under his leadership, the company expanded to more than 500 locations across the world, went public in 2015, and became known not just for its burgers but for its commitment to quality, community, and a hospitality-driven culture.  In this episode, Randy sits down with Steve to chat through what it was like to grow Shake Shack from a small cart to an iconic public company, the importance of establishing roots in one place for professional and personal growth, and his next chapter mentoring others in the industry. Thank you to WTFMedia Studios for allowing us to use the space to film this Episode.  

Martha Hoover is a pioneering American restaurateur and social entrepreneur, best known for founding Won't Stop Hospitality, a collection of acclaimed restaurant concepts in Indianapolis focused on sustainable, community-driven dining. In 1989, after a career as a sex crimes prosecutor and with no formal culinary training, Martha opened Café Patachou, introducing a new standard of farm-to-table food and hospitality in the Midwest. Today, she continues to shape the industry by advocating for ethical business practices, addressing food insecurity through The Patachou Foundation, and providing leadership as a mentor and changemaker in the hospitality world. In this episode, Martha sits down with Steve to discuss her journey from law school to becoming a leader within the hospitality industry, how culture plays a vital role in her business model, and the importance of giving back and investing in community. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

Stephanie is the editor-in-chief of Eater, a role she’s held since 2022. She leads editorial strategy across more than 20 cities, overseeing writers, editors, and creators. In 2024, she added Punch and Thrillist to her portfolio. Under her leadership, the Eater network has earned 12 James Beard Awards, three National Magazine Awards, and five New York Emmys. Named Adweek’s Editor of the Year in 2024, Stephanie also co-founded Mochi Magazine. Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, she now lives in New York City with her family. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Steve for a thoughtful conversation about how her Asian American heritage has shaped her career and personal journey, her leadership in food and beverage media, and the evolving landscape of both the hospitality industry and the journalism that covers it. Thank you to The Study at University City for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

Smith Hanes is the founder and creative director of Smith Hanes Studio, an interior design firm he founded in 2004. Based in Atlanta with a second studio in New York, the firm is best known for its work in designing restaurants, boutique hotels, and hospitality spaces with a strong sense of mood and place. Hanes has created some of the South’s most iconic restaurants, building a reputation for warm, layered environments where design plays a key role in the guest experience. He has also worked extensively in designing boutique hotels, creating spaces within that feel deeply connected to their local communities.  In this episode, Smith joins Steve for a conversation about the complicated nature of being a creative, what people get right (and wrong) about restaurant design, and the magic that happens when art and commerce intersect. Thank you to the FORTH Hotel for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel are the husband-and-wife team behind Birdie’s, the nationally acclaimed East Austin restaurant known for its fine-dining-caliber food, counter-service format, and values-driven approach. Tracy is a James Beard finalist with a résumé that includes Blue Hill and Gramercy Tavern, known for her deeply seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking. Arjav, named Esquire’s “Wine Guru of the Year” and recently awarded the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service at the 2025 James Beard Awards, brings a thoughtful, values-based approach to wine and hospitality. Together, they’ve built one of the country’s most celebrated and intentional restaurants. In this episode, Tracy and Arjav join Steve in a conversation about how their relationship has evolved since becoming business partners, what they do differently as restaurant owners, and how they overcome self-doubt. Thank you to The Study at University City for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

Neal Bodenheimer is the Managing Partner of CureCo., the group behind New Orleans’ acclaimed bars Cure, Cane & Table, and VALS, and is a partner in Washington D.C.’s legendary restaurant, Dauphine’s. He also oversees beverage operations at Peychaud’s and serves as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. A New Orleans native and pioneer of the city’s craft cocktail scene, Cure has received a James Beard Award, Pinnacle Guide recognition, and was named “Best Bar in the U.S.” by Food & Wine in 2025. His book, Cure: New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix 'Em, won an IACP Award and was a James Beard finalist. In 2023, he was named VinePair’s “Drinks Professional of the Year.” In this episode, Neal joins Steve for a conversation on navigating his career growth and career changes, balancing the economic realities of owning a hospitality concept while taking care of the employees, and how the city of New Orleans has impacted his professional and personal life. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this Episode.

Danny Meyer is one of the most influential voices in modern hospitality. As the founder of Union Square Hospitality Group, he’s built some of New York’s most iconic restaurants—including Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern—and turned Shake Shack from a hot dog cart into a $3 billion global phenomenon. A leader who pioneered the philosophy of “Enlightened Hospitality,” Meyer has reshaped the way we think about service, culture, and leadership in business. Over the course of his career, he’s been recognized with countless accolades, including an impressive 28 James Beard Awards for his restaurants and team, and the prestigious Julia Child Award for his impact on American food culture. In this episode, Danny joins Steve for a conversation in which Danny reflects on four decades of innovation, his growth plans, and the personal values that have shaped his journey from restaurateur to industry icon. Thank you to HOST on Howard for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

Based in Houston, Texas, Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown are the Co-Founders and husband-and-wife team behind Southern Smoke Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides emergency relief funding, mental health services, and other resources for food and beverage industry workers in need of support.  Before taking on a full-time role with Southern Smoke Foundation in 2023, Lindsey looked after the public relations for Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau before opening her own firm where she continued championing Houston’s culinary scene. Today, she serves as both Co-Founder and Executive Director for Southern Smoke Foundation and is heavily involved in other Houston-based non-profits.   A longtime Houstonian, Chris began his fine dining career at Brennan’s Houston, working as a chef and looking after the wine program before opening his own concepts Catalan Food & Wine and Underbelly, where he earned national recognition for his culinary work. Today, in addition to his role at Southern Smoke Foundation, Chris is a cookbook author, a food and beverage writer, culinary consultant, television host, and public speaker.   In this episode, Chris and Lindsey join Steve for a conversation on their journey creating the Southern Smoke Foundation, how the industry shows up to support those in need, and their hopes for the future of hospitality.   Thank you to  Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

Chef and restaurateur Lawrence Weeks channels Southern tradition, global influence, and personal heritage into his Louisville-based restaurants, North of Bourbon and Ensō. A Louisville native, Weeks was drawn to the kitchen at an early age, inspired by his parents’ international travels and his family’s Creole and Cajun roots. In 2021, he opened North of Bourbon, a restaurant that explores the intersection of Kentucky bourbon culture and the bold, soulful flavors of the American South. Building on that momentum, Weeks debuted Ensō in 2023, a concept rooted in Japanese technique and philosophy while remaining grounded in Southern seasonality. In 2024, he was named a James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist for Emerging Chef.   In this episode, Lawrence joins Steve in a conversation that covers his growth from chef to owner, how his exposure to different cultures at a young age shaped his culinary career, and his passion for mentoring young chefs.   Thank you to  Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode. .

Based in Austin, TX, André Natera is a best-selling author, public speaker, and host of Chef’s PSA, one of the top-ranked chef podcasts globally. With 27 years of experience as a professional chef, André now dedicates his work to mentoring the next generation of culinary leaders and sharing unfiltered insights through his books, online courses, and podcast. Known for his honest and impactful style, André blends real-world kitchen wisdom with practical advice for cooks and chefs at every level.   In this episode, André joins Steve in a conversation about working in kitchens and leading them, mentoring the next generation of chefs, and changing career paths within the hospitality industry.   Thank you to  Stolon Food Lab  for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

Celebrated chef, cookbook author, television personality, and restaurateur Vivian Howard’s culinary expertise stretches across multiple mediums while remaining deeply rooted in her Southern upbringing. An author of two cookbooks, her first, Deep Run Roots: Stories & Recipes from My Corner of the South, is a New York Times-bestseller and was named “Cookbook of the Year” by International Association of Culinary Professionals. Vivian is also the creator and host of public television shows Somewhere South and A Chef’s Life, for which she has won Peabody, Emmy and James Beard Awards. Vivian’s culinary expertise is also on full display at her restaurants Lenoir and Hot and Handy, both located in Charleston, SC, and Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, NC.   In this episode, Vivian joins Steve in a conversation that covers her career working in advertising in New York City to creating a side-hustle soup business to returning to her home state of North Carolina to open her first restaurant, which kicked off a journey of building and balancing multiple projects.    Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Chicago-based Boka Restaurant Group Kevin Boehm has established himself as one of the world’s foremost hospitality visionaries. Alongside partner Rob Katz, Kevin has opened 40 restaurants over the last  30 years and built a restaurant group based on great chefs, inspired design, and enlightened hospitality. Under his leadership, the group has earned 18 James Beard Foundation Award nominations, two Food & Wine Best New Chefs, 13 consecutive MICHELIN Guide stars for Boka, and 6 Boka Restaurant Group restaurants on Chicago Tribune’s Top 50 list.  He has also made appearances in shows like The Bear for his work in Chicago restaurants and beyond. Kevin lives in Chicago and frequently spends time in Los Angeles and New York City, where Boka Restaurant Group has opened restaurants in recent years.     In this episode, Kevin joins Steve in a conversation on leading the growth of Boka Restaurant Group, his journey to sobriety, and the trials and triumphs of his career in hospitality.

Longtime teammates of the Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) Jeremiah Bacon, Kimball Brienza, Jennifer Dailey, and Vonda Freeman have played a big part IRHG’s growth within their 15 years of working under IRHG. From leading the beverage program and culinary directions, to growing one concept to multiple locations, to looking after the financial health of the business, each individual has played an important role and brings a unique hospitality philosophy to the company. In this episode, these longtime teammates join Steve to reflect on their journey within IRHG, discuss key learning moments that have strengthened their career in hospitality, and share a few laughs.   

Maître D, foodie, fundraiser, philanthropist, career restaurateur, mentor, and Charleston ambassador – these are just a few titles bestowed upon Mickey Bakst. After nearly 50 years of working in the hospitality industry, Mickey co-founded Ben’s Friends, a support group for members of the food and beverage industry battling substance abuse and addiction, alongside Steve Palmer. The mission of Ben’s Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse and addiction. Mickey has since retired from working full time in the hospitality industry but has dedicated himself to Ben’s Friends and supporting workers in the hospitality industry. In role as Executive Director, he is focused on spreading the word about Ben’s Friends to existing and emerging chapters across the country.   In this episode, Mickey joins his longtime colleague and friend, Steve Palmer, in a candid conversation on  the current state of the hospitality industry, navigating stress and sobriety in his various roles through his career, and the lasting impact of their work with Ben’s Friends.   Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.