Pamela Silvestri is the Food Editor for the Staten Island Advance and SI Live. In this episode, we discuss the current state of Staten Island's restaurant scene, challenges faced by restaurateurs, notable dining spots on the island, the significance of consumer feedback, and the evolving demographic in Staten Island's food landscape. Pamela shares insights from her background in the restaurant industry and touches on the importance of food writing.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome Pamela Silvestri To Hospitality & Politics
0:29 - Andrew Receives A Gift of Tomatoes
01:18 - Pamela's Job and Staten Island's Restaurant Scene
04:24 - Old School vs. New School Restaurants
07:12 - Pamela's Restaurant Experience & Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
11:44 - Impact of Social Media on Restaurants
17:36 - Pam's Controversial Stories - Which Ones Get The Most Attention?
23:19 - Labor Issues in the Restaurant Industry
25:57 - Exploring Newer Staten Island Restaurants
28:45 - Challenges of Running Family-Owned Restaurants
32:57 - Staten Island's Restaurant Scene
45:16 - Politics in the Restaurant Industry
48:48 - Celebrating Staten Island's Culinary Diversity
53:36 - Thanks Pamela For Joining! Like & Subscribe
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
Matt Jozwiak is the Founder & CEO of Rethink Food, a non-profit organization founded in 2017 that tackles food insecurity by funding restaurants to prepare meals for community centers. In this conversation, we discuss how Matt serves the community with Rethink, raising millions of dollars and working with restaurants like Eleven Madison Park and Beatstro to support businesses before, during and post-pandemic, the importance of community partnerships, cultural sensitivity in food relief, legislative push for a tax credit to incentivize restaurant participation, and Matt's advice for nonprofits after years of experience.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/dGvHFxLb18E
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome Matt Jozwiak to Hospitality & Politics
0:57 - Matt's Culinary Journey, Starting Rethink Food
7:45 - Starting Food Relief/Nonprofit
9:50 - Pandemic Response To Help New Yorkers, Saving Restaurants,
13:36 - Raising $37 Million, Converting Eleven Madison Park To Community Relief
17:00 - Economic Development, Serving The Community with Rethink
20:37 - Support From Mayor & Local Government, Future Plans
25:24 - Advice For Anyone Starting A Nonprofit
28:39 – What Restaurants Have Been Supportive (Marlow Bistro, Benny's Café, etc)
30:00 - Creating Dietary Guidelines
31:32 - Advocating for a Tax Credit for Donated Meals
35:15 - Connecting With People Who Receive The Meals & Community Leaders
38:53 - The Future For Rethink
43:24 - The Role of Community and Events
46:42 - Advice for Aspiring Cooks
49:00 - Thanks Matt For Joining! Like & Subscribe
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
Elizabeth Murray is the Chief Operating Officer at Marlow Collective (a group of restaurants by Andrew Tarlow that include, Diner, Borgo, Roman’s, She Wolf Bakery among others) and a co-founder of Women in Hospitality United, a non-profit organization dedicated to reimagining the hospitality industry. In this conversation, we discuss the evolution of the Marlow Collective, growing community, eliminating tipping and bringing it back, and the courage involved in building a successful restaurant culture. Elizabeth also shares insights into her personal growth why she refers to her work in hospitality as “sacred care”.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/hUy-nSQq8zA
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome Elizabeth Murray To Hospitality & Politics
2:00 The Marlow Collective Origins
4:11 - Community Impact and Restaurant Culture
7:01 - Balancing Idealism and Realism in Operations
10:40 - Employee Development and Accountability
19:49 - Challenges and Changes in the Industry
22:06 - The Anti-Tipping Model - Challenges of No-Tipping Policies
34:39 - The Joy of Dining Out
38:54 - What Makes A Successful Restaurateur?
41:37 - ‘Sacred Care’ Work in the Restaurant Industry
44:09 - Inside The Economic Engine of Restaurants
49:35 - Elizabeth’s Personal Growth In The Industry
52:00 - Thanks Elizabeth For Joining! Like & Subscribe
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
Jeffrey Garcia is the Executive Director of the New York City’s Office of Nightlife. In this episode, we discuss the importance of the Office of Nightlife, working as a liaison between the nightlife industry and the city government and the current state of nightlife. We highlight various initiatives such as the Narcan Behind Every Bar campaign and establishing the CURE campaign aimed at improving relationships between nightlife businesses and city agencies. Jeffrey also discusses the challenges and benefits of NYC’s vibrant nightlife scene, the importance of dancing, music and expression in nightlife and how it’s regulated, and provides advice on navigating regulatory landscapes and community board interactions.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome Jeffrey Garcia to Hospitality & Politics
1:12 - The Role of the Office of Nightlife
2:56 - Economic Impact of Nightlife
04:55 - Navigating City Bureaucracy
06:35 - Supporting Small Business Owners
11:51 - The State of New York City Nightlife
19:17 - Community Engagement and Mediation
24:51 - Policy Achievements and Reforms (CURE)
30:16 - Jeffrey’s Career in the Police Department
31:53 - Transitioning to the Restaurant Business
35:46 - Narcan Behind Every Bar Campaign
38:20 - The Importance of Dancing and Expression
46:31 - Engaging with Community Boards
48:18 - Future Goals
55:33 - Thanks For Watching! Like & Subscribe
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
Cortney Bond is the owner of The Bond Group. In this conversation, we discuss Cortney’s journey from growing up in a true hospitality family in Las Vegas to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and “speakeasy queen” in New York City. We get into the stories behind her venues (UES, Not a Speakeasy, Champagne Problems) and her unique approach to nightlife, design, and community. Cortney discusses NYC nightlife, the importance of fun and authenticity, adapting to changing drinking trends, and her vision for the future of hospitality and city government.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome Cortney Bond to Hospitality & Politics
1:27 - Growing Up in Las Vegas: Family & Nightlife DNA
3:16 - The State of Nightlife in NYC & Globally
5:00 - Cortney’s NYC Venues: UES, Not a Speakeasy, Champagne Problems
9:00 - Designing Unique Experiences
12:00 - The Role of Ice Cream in UES
18:00 - Dress Codes, Lessons Learned As An Owner
24:00 - Learning What Makes a Great Bar or Restaurant
29:00 - People Are Drinking Less - The Changing Drinking Trends
32:00 - Going Viral & Becoming A Taylor Swift Bar
41:00 - Government, Policy, and Cortney’s Political Ambitions
46:00 - Closing Thoughts & Hospitality Wisdom
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
Ben Gollan is a sandwich connoisseur & New York tour guide. In this episode, we discuss Ben’s journey from being a lawyer in Australia to becoming a sandwich aficionado in New York City. We get into the debate over what qualifies as a sandwich, and the best sandwich spots in New York, what makes a perfect sandwich & the importance of family-run establishments. We also get his insights over what makes a great restaurant and why you need to go on one of his tours. Ben is a blast to listen to and this is a must watch for anyone who looking to explore NYC’s best spots.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x72VcazzrN4
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome Ben Gollan To Hospitality & Politics!
0:19 - The Love For Sandwiches
05:24 - The History of Sandwiches
08:21 - Qualifications To Be Defined As A “Sandwich”
17:24 - New York’s Iconic Sandwiches
19:46 - The Sandwich Tour Experience
32:29 - How Social Media Changed Everything
36:57 - Ben’s Consulting for Restaurants
37:36- Importance Of Simplicity in Menus
38:39 - Pop-ups & Collaborations
40:33 - The Most Funny & Memorable Tour Moments
42:18 - Ben’s Favorite Foods and Cuisines
46:20 - Controversial Food Opinions!
54:03 - Raising A Family Of Adventurous Eaters
01:00:00 - How To Go On A Tour With Ben
1:01:10 - Thanks Ben For Joining The Show! Like & Subscribe
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
On this episode, we’re joined by Loycent Gordon. We discuss the rich history of the nearly 200-year-old tavern, including its role during the Civil War, its transformation over the decades, and its feature in the movie ‘Goodfellas.’ Gordon shares his personal journey from an FDNY firefighter to a community-focused savior of the tavern. He explains the ‘Community Conquers All’ philosophy, focusing on community engagement as a core strategy for business success. We also discuss recipe cards, building the experience for customers, and fostering customer connections.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome Loycent Gordon To Hospitality & Politics!
0:25 - Dinner with Shaw-naé’s House
02:43 - Neir’s Tavern 200 Year History
05:03 - Tavern and Community Support
11:01 - How Saving The Tavern Became A Community Effort
22:13 - Advice for Bar Owners
26:02 - How To Run A Tavern: Menu Optimization, First Impressions & The Sensory Experience
30:58 - The Famous ‘Goodfellas’ Moment
38:35 - Future Goals and Personal Legacy
41:47 - Reflections On The Journey, Why Community Is So Important
47:00 - Thanks Loycent For Joining The Show! Like & Subscribe
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
Roger Clark is a journalist at Spectrum News NY1. In this episode, Roger shares insights about his unique job, his favorite places in New York City, and the changes brought about by the pandemic. They also delve into the rich food culture across the five boroughs that you won’t find anywhere else!
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome Roger Clark To Hospitality & Politics!
0:42 - Roger Clark’s Career Journey
01:47 - A Day in the Life of a Features Reporter
06:00 - Memorable Interviews and Experiences
14:23 - The Impact of Social Media on Journalism
16:17 - Exploring New York’s Food Scene
31:43 - Exploring Manhattan’s Food Scene
38:50 - Best Concert Venues
39:43 - Pandemic Challenges & Changes in Job Roles
48:27 - Reflections on New York City’s Evolution
51:53 - The Importance of Classic Restaurants and Signs
56:19 - Thanks Roger For Joining The Show! Like & Subscribe
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
In this episode, we’re joined by Bobbie Lloyd, the Chief Baking Officer and CEO of Magnolia Bakery. We get into Magnolia Bakery’s journey from its humble beginnings on a quiet street corner in the West Village to becoming a globally recognized brand. Bobbie shares how a 30-second feature on ‘Sex and the City’ catapulted the bakery to fame and discusses the intricacies of scaling and maintaining quality across multiple locations. Bobbie explains the complexities of entering the consumer packaged goods market, the importance of authentic brand collaborations, and the unique challenges and rewards of franchising, and the business climate in New York City.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome Bobbie Lloyd To Hospitality & Politics
0:39 - How Sex and the City Changed Magnolia
03:38 - The Viral Impact of SNL’s Lazy Sunday
06:05 - Chief Baking Officer: A Day in the Life
12:05 - Collaborations with Top Brands
25:45 - Recruiting and Training the Magnolia Way
29:29 - Entering the CPG Market
32:24 - Hiring an R&D Scientist
36:30 - Franchising Magnolia Bakery
41:57 - Magnolia Bakery Cookbooks
46:42 - Banana Pudding Innovation
50:47 - The State of the Food Service Industry
57:40 - Being a Woman CEO in the Food Industry
1:03:00 - Thanks Bobbie For Joining The Show! Like & Subscribe
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
In this episode, we welcome Shaw-naé Dixon of Shaw-naé’s House. They discuss Shaw-naé's inspiring journey in the hospitality industry, her establishment's unique atmosphere, and the heartfelt hospitality that defines her restaurant. Shaw-naé shares her experiences with Pete Wells' New York Times review, the challenges and rewards of running a family-operated restaurant, and her rich family heritage on Staten Island, and what Shaw-naé has planned for the future.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome Shaw-naé Dixon To Hospitality & Politics
02:45 - New York Times Review and Its Impact
05:32 - Managing a Popular Restaurant
10:01 - Challenges and Community Engagement
13:46 - Maintaining Quality and Hospitality
20:50 - Empowerment and Influence
26:33 - Creating a Phone-Free Dining Experience
32:13 - Balancing Family and Business in the Restaurant
35:00 - Shaw-naé's Family History
36:52 - Future Plans and Expanding The Restaurant
43:35 - Highlighting Shaw-naé's Favorite Dishes
45:12 - The New York City Soul Food Festival
48:44 - Final Thoughts
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
In this episode, renown experts Robert and Max Bookman join us to break down the complexities of liquor licensing and outdoor dining regulations in New York City. They explore the legacy of Prohibition, the impact of zoning laws on dancing at bars and clubs, and the real-world challenges restaurant and nightlife operators face today. We dive into the 200- and 500-foot laws, navigating community board influence, and why late-night spots may be on the decline due to regulation in the ever-evolving NYC hospitality landscape.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome Rob and Max Bookman
01:19 - Prohibition and the Origins of Liquor Laws
07:41 - Modern Challenges in Liquor Licensing
13:41 - Temporary Permits and COVID-19 Changes
19:32 - What Is The 200-Foot Law: History and Impact
27:34 - How The 500-Foot Law is Different
32:01 - Navigating Community Board Approvals, Community Input
41:07 - Regulatory Reforms To Fix Old Laws
50:41 - Outdoor Dining: Challenges and Solutions
57:05 - Advice for Business Owners & Why The Alliance Is So Important
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
Julie Coker, CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, joins Andrew to discuss how tourism drives New York City’s $79 billion economy and supports over 400,000 jobs. She outlines her strategy to keep NYC a top global destination through major initiatives like Restaurant Week, Broadway Week, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while addressing the critical need for increased tourism funding compared to other major U.S. cities. From world-renowned food and theater to rich cultural experiences across all five boroughs, this episode dives into the heartbeat of what makes NYC truly one of a kind
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/nRs8Bh46EIM
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Welcome Julie Coker To Hospitality & Politics
01:30 - Understanding NYC Tourism
03:35 - Economic Impact of Tourism
06:10 - Domestic vs. International Visitors
08:42 - Marketing Strategies for NYC
12:31 - Funding Challenges and Comparisons
23:52 - Julie’s Initial Impressions and Experiences
25:08 - Experiencing Queens and Staten Island
26:14 - Discovering the Bronx and Brooklyn
27:36 - The Unique Charm of New York City
35:23 - Supporting Local Businesses and Tourism
39:10 - Vision for the Future of NYC Tourism
42:44 - Thanks To Julie For Joining Us! Like & Subscribe!
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospitality #business #smallbusiness
In this episode, Andrew sits down with renowned chef, restaurateur, and TV host Tom Colicchio. They discuss the evolving concept of his restaurant Craft, industry challenges, and the impact of inflation on menu pricing, tipping, and hunger relief. Colicchio shares the importance of staying relevant and the operational differences between New York City and Las Vegas. They also talk about the role of politics in the restaurant industry, Colicchio’s activism around policy issues, and his personal passion for fishing.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 -Welcome Tom Colicchio to Hospitality & Politcs
00:25 - State of Restaurant Industry
02:15 - Business Performance and Public Perception
05:46 - Operating Conditions in Different Cities
8:00 - Politics In Restaurants
10:36 - Tom Colicchio's Political Activism
12:29 - The Importance of Food Policy
17:13 - Supporting Local Restaurants and Communities
21:10 - Challenges for Young Professionals in NYC
25:05 - The Transformation of Fort Green
25:40 - Lessons from Top Chef
27:32 - Balancing Restaurant Life and Personal Life
28:31 - Creating Vallata
34:49 - Why I Cook | Tom's Personal Journey To Write The Book
42:33 - NYC Restaurants In The Next Year
45:17 - Favorite Sandwiches Vallata
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
On this episode, we welcome Rosanna Scotto, anchor at Fox Five New York and co-owner of the family-run restaurant, Fresco by Scotto. We discuss history and evolution of Fresco by Scotto over 31 years, including the significant challenges faced during the pandemic and the ongoing adjustments in Midtown Manhattan's dynamic business environment. We also get into the impact of congestion pricing on small businesses, the changes brought by government regulations, and Rosanna's perspectives on balancing her career in TV with her involvement in the family restaurant. You'll hear Rosanna's full insights into the resilience of family-run businesses and their ongoing adaptation to the challenges of operating in New York City.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Welcome Rosanna Scotto To Hospitality & Politics!
01:04 - Rosanna's Family Restaurant: Fresco by Scotto
02:48 - Challenges and Changes in the Restaurant Business
06:29 - The Impact of Congestion Pricing
13:03 - Balancing TV Career and Restaurant Management
22:56 - Financial Uncertainty and Outdoor Dining Challenges
23:13 - Advocating for Policy Changes
23:34 - Impact of New Policies on Restaurants
26:01 - Election Year Concerns and Public Sentiment
27:18 - Government's Role in Business
28:01 - Nightlife and Community Board Challenges
31:49 - Congestion Pricing and Transportation Issues
41:43 - Family Dynamics in the Restaurant Business
43:51 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
In this episode of ‘Hospitality & Politics,’ powered by the New York City Hospitality Alliance, Andrew Rigie chats with Jeffrey Bank, CEO of the Alicart Restaurant Group (Carmines and Virgil’s), and Bill Bonbrest, former Chief Performance Officer at Tao Group and current president of the NYC Hospitality Alliance. The conversation covers the evolution of the restaurant industry, exploring changes from a historical perspective and examining current challenges, including regulatory issues, and labor dynamics. The dialogue also highlights the importance of building a supportive organizational culture, the role of mentorship, and the need for effective advocacy to ensure the sustainability of independent restaurants.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Hospitality and Politics
00:09 Meet the Founding Members
00:31 Humorous Beginnings
01:15 Jeff and Bill's Early Days
02:27 State of the Restaurant Industry
03:50 Challenges and Changes in Hospitality
05:46 Owner's Mindset and Employee Development
08:08 Training and Culture in Restaurants
13:36 Consistency and Growth Strategies
22:06 Importance of Location and Leases
27:18 Support and Advice for Restaurateurs
31:06 Joining the Alliance: A Community of Like-Minded Individuals
31:21 The Importance of Continuous Learning in Hospitality
31:50 Bill's Journey: From Cornell to Carmines
33:47 Mentorship and Networking in the Restaurant Industry
36:29 Spotlight on Emerging Restaurateurs
39:23 Challenges and Realities of Running a Restaurant
40:45 Navigating Regulatory Hurdles in New York City
41:57 The Impact of Outdoor Dining Regulations
45:58 Advocacy and the Role of the Hospitality Alliance
58:01 The Future of the Restaurant Industry
01:02:03 Concluding Thoughts and Predictions
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness