In this episode of The Perfect Bite, host Sarah Perkins sits down with Chef BJ Lieberman, the award-winning restaurateur behind Chapman’s Eat Market, Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge, and Metsi’s Wood-Fired Italian — three of Columbus’s most beloved culinary concepts.

BJ shares how he transitioned from graphic design to culinary arts, his time earning Michelin stars at Rose’s Luxury and Little Pearl in Washington DC, and the decision that brought him to Ohio to build restaurants that feel as timeless as they are innovative. From neighborhood dining to jazz lounges and wood-fired Italian concepts, BJ’s vision is rooted in community, culture, and craft.

He also discusses his deep involvement with Freedom a la Cart, a non-profit helping survivors of human trafficking through culinary training and job placement — and how purpose and hospitality intersect in his work.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How BJ shifted from marketing to Michelin-starred chef and restaurant owner
• What it takes to open and sustain multiple venues in a competitive food scene
• How to build a team-driven culture in the restaurant industry
• Why storytelling and history are essential ingredients in his food
• The importance of mentorship and purpose-driven leadership in hospitality
• His work with Freedom a la Cart and the upcoming Eat Up benefit event

You can visit Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge and Metsi’s Wood-Fired Italian in the Short North neighborhood of Columbus. 

You can follow BJ Lieberman on Instagram @bjlieberman; Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge @gingerrabbitjazz; and Metsi’s Wood-Fired Italian @eatmetsis.

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