On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Cheetie Kumar. She is the Chef and Co-Owner of Ajja, Vice President of the Independent Restaurant Coalition and the Southern Foodways Alliance, and a 2026 James Beard Semifinalist. Cheetie reflects on teaching herself how to cook, opening music venues and bars, and eventually building restaurants of her own. She shares how trusting her creative instincts, building strong teams, and fostering community through food have shaped her leadership approach and deepened her commitment to food advocacy.

Links

- Instagram - Cheetie Kumar: https://www.instagram.com/cheetieku/

- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-48-cheetie-kumar

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