F&B Episodes

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Chef Douglas Keane’s Blueprint for Sustainable Hospitality (and Why Harvard Took Notice)
June 1, 2025

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Chef Douglas Keane’s Blueprint for Sustainable Hospitality (and Why Harvard Took Notice)

Michelin-starred, James Beard award–winning chef Douglas Keane closed his wildly successful restaurant at the peak of its fame, burned out by an industry he felt was broken. A decade later, he returned with Cyrus 2.0, a completely re-engineered dining journey that now pays every employee $75,000, runs a four-day workweek, and delivers higher margins than most fine-dining peers. Harvard Business School made it a case study about it, and here in this episode, he explains exactly how he did it. Lin...
Unlocking Revenue Growth: How Technology Enhances F&B Operations - Christine Lising, Shiji [Sponsor Bonus]
March 13, 2025

Unlocking Revenue Growth: How Technology Enhances F&B Operations - Christine Lising, Shiji [Sponsor Bonus]

In this sponsored episode, Christine Lising , Director of the Solutions Engineering Team at Shiji , shares practical insights on leveraging technology to enhance food and beverage operations in the hospitality industry. Learn more about Infrasys POS : The trusted POS for the world’s top hotels. In this episode, we cover: (01:56) Christine's role at Shiji Group (03:19) Understanding client challenges (04:45) Key questions for identifying business problems (06:10) Evaluating the guest experience (...
How Starwood Used F&B to Delight Guests and Differentiate Brands - Michiel Bakker, Culinary Institute of America
Jan. 28, 2025

How Starwood Used F&B to Delight Guests and Differentiate Brands - Michiel Bakker, Culinary Institute of America

In this episode, Michiel Bakker , President and CEO of the Culinary Institute of America , shares insights on the pivotal role of food and beverage (F&B) programs in enhancing guest experiences in hotels, the brand differentiation strategies at Starwood, and the leadership dynamics in scaling F&B operations. This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group , the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by...
The Secret Sauce of Great Restaurant Concepts - Anthony Torres
Jan. 18, 2025

The Secret Sauce of Great Restaurant Concepts - Anthony Torres

In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares insights on creating standout food and beverage concepts, emphasizing the importance of working with specialists and maintaining concept integrity. More episodes with Anthony: Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B Leadership Why Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative Canvas How Personal Development Transformed My Hospitality Leadership This episode is brought to you with support from Sh...
Hyper-Local F&B Strategies to Keep Your Property Top of Mind - Anthony Torres
Jan. 17, 2025

Hyper-Local F&B Strategies to Keep Your Property Top of Mind - Anthony Torres

In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares essential tactics for keeping your property top of mind, from creating hyper-local strategies to leveraging partnerships with influencers and local businesses. More episodes with Anthony: Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B Leadership Why Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative Canvas How Personal Development Transformed My Hospitality Leadership This episode is brought to you with sup...
Turnaround Story: How We Drove Revenue & Profitability Through F&B - Anthony Torres
Jan. 16, 2025

Turnaround Story: How We Drove Revenue & Profitability Through F&B - Anthony Torres

In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares how he helped drive revenue growth at the Grand Wailea by listening to his team and his guests. More episodes with Anthony: Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B Leadership Why Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative Canvas How Personal Development Transformed My Hospitality Leadership This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group , the global hospitality technology leader...
Collaborating with Auberge, Audi & An Emmy-Nominated Director to Create ThroughLine, Our Immersive Dining Experience - Katina and Kyle Connaughton, SingleThread
Jan. 5, 2025

Collaborating with Auberge, Audi & An Emmy-Nominated Director to Create ThroughLine, Our Immersive Dining Experience - Katina and Kyle Connaughton, SingleThread

In this episode, Katina and Kyle Connaughton, the visionary founders of SingleThread , share the story behind ThroughLine , an innovative dining experience blending storytelling, film, and exquisite cuisine. Learn how their collaborations with artisans, farmers, and partners such as Auberge Resorts, Audi, and OpenTable bring deeper connections to food and its origins while inspiring sustainability and community. If you liked this, you may also like these other episodes with Kyle and Katina: A Ho...
Kimpton’s Formula for Success: Restaurants, Bars, and Neighborhood Connections - Anthony Torres
Nov. 14, 2024

Kimpton’s Formula for Success: Restaurants, Bars, and Neighborhood Connections - Anthony Torres

In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on Kimpton and its influence on hospitality, including how it can inspire innovation and creativity today. Listen now to learn about: How Kimpton Hotels pioneered the boutique hotel movement in the US. The importance of chef-driven restaurants and vibrant bars in creating neighborhood hubs. The unique organizational structure at Kimpton that separates hotel and restaurant manage...
Beyond Rooms: Unlocking F&B’s Power in Hotel Profitability
Nov. 13, 2024

Beyond Rooms: Unlocking F&B’s Power in Hotel Profitability

In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares why food and beverage (F&B) is a crucial component of hotel businesses and how it can significantly impact overall profitability and guest satisfaction. Listen now to learn: The complexities and challenges of managing F&B in a hotel setting. The importance of understanding the economics and financial side of F&B. How to balance costs, labor, and guest expectations in F&B operations. The role...
Why Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative Canvas - Anthony Torres
Nov. 12, 2024

Why Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative Canvas - Anthony Torres

In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on why you should consider a career in hospitality, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Listen now to learn about: The opportunities for growth and mobility within the hospitality industry. The variety of creative and exciting roles available in food and beverage within hotels. How working in a hotel setting allows for diverse and innovative event planning. The benefit...
How We Create Restaurants Worth Talking About (Allday)
Nov. 3, 2024

How We Create Restaurants Worth Talking About (Allday)

What does it take to create a hotel restaurant that becomes a local culinary hotspot that guests can’t wait to experience—and locals can’t stop recommending? In this episode, we dive deep into the art and strategy behind creating unforgettable hotel dining experiences with the experts at Allday , a Milwaukee-based collective of hospitality innovators. Our returning guest, Brigette Harenda , founder of B&Co. , is joined by a powerhouse team: Chef Dan Jacobs , Top Chef finalist and co-owner of Mil...
Theatrical Hospitality: How I Create Magic Through Atmosphere - Chef Tyler Florence
Oct. 11, 2024

Theatrical Hospitality: How I Create Magic Through Atmosphere - Chef Tyler Florence

In this episode, Chef Tyler Florence, a culinary legend with a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants and 27 years as a star on the Food Network, shares his approach to crafting immersive experiences that keep guests coming back. Listeners will learn: The three key elements of an amazing hospitality experience (01:03) How to create a restaurant that transports guests to another time and place (01:25) The importance of building restaurants that feel timeless and timely (03:48) How Tyler sourced mater...
Secrets To Success with Restaurants I've Learned the Hard Way - Johann Moonesinghe, inKind [Sponsor Bonus]
Aug. 15, 2024

Secrets To Success with Restaurants I've Learned the Hard Way - Johann Moonesinghe, inKind [Sponsor Bonus]

This episode is sponsored by inKind . In this episode, Johann Moonesinghe , co-founder and CEO of inKind , shares how his company is empowering restaurants by connecting them with capital, technology, and high-spend guests. Listeners will learn: How Johann's experiences investing in restaurants and running a restaurant incubator led him to start InKind (01:52) The challenges of running restaurants, including the need to be good at everything from procurement to marketing (07:47) How InKind evolv...
Power Up Your Profits with Plant-Based Menu Options - Meredith Marin, Vegan Hospitality
July 20, 2024

Power Up Your Profits with Plant-Based Menu Options - Meredith Marin, Vegan Hospitality

In this episode, Meredith Marin , CEO of Vegan Hospitality , shares insights on how to cater to vegan guests and the importance of plant-based options in the hospitality industry. Why catering to vegan guests matters (01:16) - Understanding the importance of inclusivity and the "veto vote" phenomenon. Common reasons people adopt a plant-based diet (08:22) - Health benefits, sustainability concerns, and animal welfare considerations. Developing a vegan guest strategy (12:14) - Mapping the guest j...
The SingleThread Story - Katina and Kyle Connaughton, SingleThread
June 28, 2024

The SingleThread Story - Katina and Kyle Connaughton, SingleThread

This is part of our series on SingleThread. Listen to episode 1 here . In this episode, Katina and Kyle Connaughton , founders, owners, and leaders of SingleThread , share their unique perspectives on hospitality, which have led to their recognition as one of the best in the business. The Power of Place : Katina discusses how Healdsburg shapes their work and the importance of human connections in their community. [01:32] Culinary Innovation : Kyle reflects on his experiences in Los Angeles, Japa...
How I'm Addressing The “Angry Chef” Stereotype And Making Hospitality Careers More Attractive - Kate Gagliardi, Asbury Collection (Sage Hospitality)
June 7, 2024

How I'm Addressing The “Angry Chef” Stereotype And Making Hospitality Careers More Attractive - Kate Gagliardi, Asbury Collection (Sage Hospitality)

In this episode, Kate Gagliardi , Complex Executive Chef for the Asbury Collection , shares her unique journey from finance to culinary leadership and offers insights on what it takes to create a positive work environment. You'll learn about: Kate's Career Journey (00:42) - Hear about Kate's transition from finance to becoming an executive chef. Creating a Positive Work Culture (01:03) - Learn how Kate encourages her teams to be creative, bold, and take care of themselves. Differences Between Re...
The Story Behind the #1 Hotel In America for Food & Drinks - Andy Chabot, Blackberry Farm
May 21, 2024

The Story Behind the #1 Hotel In America for Food & Drinks - Andy Chabot, Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm was recently named the #1 hotel in America for food and drink by Food and Wine magazine, and in this episode - the first in an exclusive miniseries on this renowned Relais & Chateaux hotel in Tennessee - we're learning from Andy Chabot , who rose from a server at the property to its SVP of Food and Beverage. What You'll Learn: The Art of Hospitality: Understand what makes Blackberry Farm a standout destination in America and how Southern hospitality is woven into its fabric. Culi...
Staying Consistently Creative and Relevant in Food & Beverage - Marc Lores Panades, Aethos Hotels
May 17, 2024

Staying Consistently Creative and Relevant in Food & Beverage - Marc Lores Panades, Aethos Hotels

In this episode, we learn from Marc Lores Panades , VP of Food & Beverage at Aethos Hotels . Listen to learn: The wellness program Marc uses to stay at peak performance The role of mentorship in professional development Techniques for creating memorable guest experiences How to develop innovative F&B concepts Balancing traditional hospitality with modern trends The importance of building strong relationships with local suppliers Ways to engage with and support the local community Strategies for ...
F&B: Top Mistakes & Biggest Opportunities - Scot Turner, Auden Hospitality
March 7, 2024

F&B: Top Mistakes & Biggest Opportunities - Scot Turner, Auden Hospitality

Scot Turner is the Founder & Managing Director of Auden Hospitality . With over two decades of experience working with prestigious brands and culinary icons (including Dorchester Collection, Alain Ducasse, Intercontinental Hotels, Conrad Hotels, Dominique Ansel, Frederic Vardon, and Harrods) he joins us today to share actionable insights for hospitality providers looking to elevate their food and beverage programs. Listen now to learn: Common Pitfalls : Learn where many hoteliers go wrong with t...
How We Created An Award-Winning Collection of Restaurants from Scratch - Sherry Villanueva, Acme Hospitality
Sept. 12, 2023

How We Created An Award-Winning Collection of Restaurants from Scratch - Sherry Villanueva, Acme Hospitality

Sherry Villanueva is the Founder and Managing Partner of Acme Hospitality , an award-winning collection of restaurants and hotels based in Santa Barbara, California. In this episode, Sherry shares her journey of how she accidentally got into the restaurant business and the lessons she learned along the way. From designing and opening her first restaurant to the success of her eclectic collection of properties, Sherry's story is both inspiring and informative for anyone who either works in hospit...
Culinary-Forward Luxury Hospitality - Ed Skapinok, Appellation
Sept. 7, 2023

Culinary-Forward Luxury Hospitality - Ed Skapinok, Appellation

Appellation is a new culinary-forward luxury hotel company co-founded by chef Charlie Palmer and Christopher Hunsberger , the former president of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. In this episode, we speak with Ed Skapinok , the company's chief commercial officer, about the origins of the brand and its unique approach to providing hospitality. Learn more about Appellation Follow Ed on LinkedIn Join the conversation on today's episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page .
Raising the Bar with Beverage and Food - Richard Garcia, Remington Hospitality
June 2, 2023

Raising the Bar with Beverage and Food - Richard Garcia, Remington Hospitality

Ready to shake up your understanding of the hospitality beverage and food world? Join me as I sit down with Richard Garcia, the Senior Vice President of Remington Hospitality, to uncover the secret ingredients behind their innovative beverage and food program. Discover why classic cocktails are still stealing the spotlight, and prepare to raise a glass to Richard's prediction for the next big cocktail trend - which he unveils in this episode. But that's not all - we also dive deep into the world...