Hospitality Bites Previous Seasons

Welcome back to Hospitality Bites, hosted by Colleen Silk. On today's episode, I am joined by Nesha Abarno, a seasoned hospitality professional with an incredible background in the industry. We discuss her journey within the hospitality space, from growing up in a family-run golf course to managing high-end dining experiences in New York City to now being a key team member of the incredible Maverick Theory.  We also examine the importance of creating safe spaces for future generations, addressing misogyny, standing up against inappropriate behavior, and the challenges many women encounter in the hospitality industry. These challenges include sexism, the necessity of establishing boundaries, the significance of having the right people in leadership positions, and the journey toward entrepreneurship. If you want to learn more about Nesha Abarno and the entire team at Maverick Theory, please visit www.mavericktheory.com and follow them on social!

Welcome back to Hospitality Bites! In today's episode, I am joined by Christin Marvin, a seasoned hospitality professional, podcast host of "No Hesitations," and author of "The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap." We discuss Christin's extensive career journey in the restaurant industry, her personal challenges with burnout and lifestyle changes, and her transition into coaching and consulting.  Christin shares her experiences of hitting rock bottom and emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships within the hospitality community. She offers valuable insights on empowering business owners in the hospitality sector, the necessity of setting boundaries, and her journey of writing a book.  We also highlight the need for community support and collaboration among industry professionals, as well as the significance of mental health resources for those in the hospitality sector, including CHOW, where Christin actively serves on the Board.

Welcome to Hospitality Bites! Today, I'm thrilled to have Kris Hall, the founder and CEO of The Burnt Chef Project, joining me. We delve into the remarkable expansion of The Burnt Chef ambassador network, Kris's transition from sales to discovering his true calling in hospitality, and the vital significance of mental health awareness within the industry.  Kris openly shares his personal challenges and the pivotal moments that spurred the inception of The Burnt Chef Project, highlighting the crucial role of how community support and the power of shifting perspectives in life and hospitality. Our discussion also explores the impact of COVID-19, the responsibility of managers in promoting mental well-being, the tools and resources needed to run and operate businesses successfully, and the value of cultivating respectful customer relationships. If you're interested in learning more about The Burnt Chef Project and our efforts to change the narrative around mental health in the hospitality industry, please visit theburntchefproject.com. Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] if you'd like to have a conversation. We will be attending NAFEM in February, along with other members of our North American team. Be sure to visit our booth and follow me on social media for details about our Welcome Happy Hour meet and greet with our team!   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am also working on a brand new, unscripted series Beyond the Burn Out, which is in early production, but I need your help to bring it to your screens! I am looking for sponsors who believe in the #hospitalityindustry and want to see these taboo subjects go beyond passing conversations and actually change and evolve the industry.   If you want to learn more about #BeyondTheBurnOut, please email me directly at [email protected] or sponsor directly here!

Today's episode features Michael Tipps, a seasoned food and beverage expert, Co-Founder of Maverick Theory, and advisor for The Bar and Restaurant Expo. We discuss his journey into the hospitality industry, his time in the entertainment industry (including acting, producing, and his time on ‪‪@BarRescue‬ ), and the evolution of becoming the go-to mixologist. We also chat about the challenges faced by restaurant owners, the importance of setting standards, and the mission behind Tipps' consulting firm, Maverick Theory. The conversation highlights the need for integrity in consulting, the significance of guest experience, and the future plans for Maverick Theory as a resource for hospitality professionals.

In today's Season 3 final episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Justin Warner--chef, cookbook author, business owner, and culinary commentator on the Food Network's TOC. During our conversation, Chef Justin shared his journey in the culinary industry, from starting as a front-of-house employee to opening his own restaurant. He also talked about his experiences cooking on Twitch, appearing and working on Food Network, and his passion for hospitality.  Chef Justin emphasized the importance of continuous learning and questioning to be successful in the front-of-house operation. He talked about the challenges of opening a restaurant during the pandemic, the concept of his current restaurant, and the value of working alongside his spouse as an owner. He also discussed the impact of industry relationships and balancing his two careers while maintaining a family life.  We also briefly discussed our shared love for picking crabs, being true Marylanders. Chef Justin stressed the importance of taking breaks and pausing when necessary to maintain a work-life balance.