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In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Michele Roesch, co-founder of Emerald Cocktail Kitchen, Syracuse’s first rooftop bar located in the historic Tipperary Hill neighborhood.
Michele shares the story behind launching Emerald alongside her mom, Nora — from renovating a nearly 140-year-old family pub to reimagining the space as a multi-level hospitality experience. She reflects on the difficult decision to close The Brasserie Bar & Bistro and what it took to shift focus toward building something new.
The conversation explores how Emerald continues to evolve, including the addition of a coffee lounge, rooftop “bubbles” for winter dining, and creative events designed to meet changing consumer habits and foster connection. Michele also discusses what’s ahead, including New Year’s Eve plans and future experiments in experiential hospitality.
🍸 A conversation about pivoting with purpose, redefining hospitality, and building experiences rooted in community.
💬 Topics we cover:
- Launching Emerald Cocktail Kitchen in a historic Syracuse landmark
- Closing one business to grow another
- Adapting to changing consumer behavior in hospitality
- Expanding experiences through coffee, rooftop dining, and events
- What’s next for Emerald in 2026
Get in touch with Michele: [email protected]
Learn more about Emerald
Follow Emerald on Instagram
Ready to gain access to exclusive discounts on some of our favorite women-owned products and services in Central New York? Introducing the 2025-2026 CNYWN Member's Card! SHOP & SAVE AT 30+ women-owned businesses ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK
Apply to be a guest on Cultivate CNY
Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY: / alexandra.canavan
Follow Cultivate CNY on Instagram
Support this podcast here
Follow the CNY Women's Network on Instagram
Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok: / cnywomensnetwork
This episode is brought to you by the CNY Women’s Network. CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York.
Email [email protected] to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand.
Join The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women.Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective.
This episode is brought to you by Diam Media Group
By CNY Women's Network5
1919 ratings
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Michele Roesch, co-founder of Emerald Cocktail Kitchen, Syracuse’s first rooftop bar located in the historic Tipperary Hill neighborhood.
Michele shares the story behind launching Emerald alongside her mom, Nora — from renovating a nearly 140-year-old family pub to reimagining the space as a multi-level hospitality experience. She reflects on the difficult decision to close The Brasserie Bar & Bistro and what it took to shift focus toward building something new.
The conversation explores how Emerald continues to evolve, including the addition of a coffee lounge, rooftop “bubbles” for winter dining, and creative events designed to meet changing consumer habits and foster connection. Michele also discusses what’s ahead, including New Year’s Eve plans and future experiments in experiential hospitality.
🍸 A conversation about pivoting with purpose, redefining hospitality, and building experiences rooted in community.
💬 Topics we cover:
- Launching Emerald Cocktail Kitchen in a historic Syracuse landmark
- Closing one business to grow another
- Adapting to changing consumer behavior in hospitality
- Expanding experiences through coffee, rooftop dining, and events
- What’s next for Emerald in 2026
Get in touch with Michele: [email protected]
Learn more about Emerald
Follow Emerald on Instagram
Ready to gain access to exclusive discounts on some of our favorite women-owned products and services in Central New York? Introducing the 2025-2026 CNYWN Member's Card! SHOP & SAVE AT 30+ women-owned businesses ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK
Apply to be a guest on Cultivate CNY
Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY: / alexandra.canavan
Follow Cultivate CNY on Instagram
Support this podcast here
Follow the CNY Women's Network on Instagram
Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok: / cnywomensnetwork
This episode is brought to you by the CNY Women’s Network. CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York.
Email [email protected] to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand.
Join The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women.Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective.
This episode is brought to you by Diam Media Group