Hospitality Now

In this 14th episode of Hospitality Now!, hosts Jeff Nyikos – President & CEO of Leros Transportation Group (LTG)– and Robert Sanders – President of Leros Meetings & Incentives – broadcast from the historic WINDROSE on HUDSON, a world class hotel, conference center and spa in Westchester County, New York. Joined by special guests Luis Fornis, General Manager, and Simon Alperstein, Director of Sales & Marketing, the group dives into the transformation and rich legacy of the former GE conference center now managed by Pyramid Global Hospitality. 

Luis and Simon share the story behind transitioning this magical venue from a private corporate learning hub into a prime location for conferences, retreats and social events. 

They also explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in budget planning, marketing, and business operations, while debating the irreplaceable value of human interaction in guest services. 

Plus there’s a fun discussion on favorite regional "wines". We now know Mr. Fornis' choice....Spain! Mr. Alperstein loves top-shelf, world class tequila picks.........but didn't bring samples.......

Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran, just new to the hospitality sector, an aspiring hotelier, or just curious/nervous about the future of overall guest experience and how to create GREAT guest experiences, take a listen.

It's a fantastic episode!

In this 13th episode of Hospitality Now, Jeff and Robert were on location shooting our latest podcast interviewing Mark Speranza the Director of Sales and Marketing at the beautiful Chemists’ Club in NYC and in walks Glenn Vogt, Owner & Managing partner of RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen in Tarrytown. (If you have not gone, GO)

In his normal, fun, laidback & cool self, he sat with us for almost an hour talking Hospitality, telling stories, talking wine and believe me, he knows Hospitality.

He was the Partner/GM of the Kittle House Restaurant and Inn in Chappaqua, NY and Wine Director of the world-famous wine cellar at the Kittle House and currently still holds that opportunity.

Glenn served as the General Manager of Windows on the World, NYC. Tragically after the attacks on the Towers Windows on the World of course closed. Glenn like so many lost so many loved ones that day as so many did, but he was not be stopped.

Speak personally as Co-host, yes Glenn is an amazing chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur and yes, WINE GURU! His depth of knowledge is expansive and very, very rare in the world.

But I don’t believe any of that maters to Chef Vogt, the awards, accolade’s…….he cares about people, helping people, serving people, teaching people and giving back to the community and those who are underserved. Glenn has and will continue to be a cornerstone of the Westchester County community, and under the radar he has helped thousands along the way asking for nothing but a smile in return.

Take a listen to my friend, Chef Glenn Vogt

In this 12th episode of Hospitality Now CEO Jeff Nyikos and Robert Sanders, President of the Meetings and Incentives Division at Leros Travel Group had the privilege of interviewing Mark Speranza the Director of Sales and Marketing at the beautiful Chemists’ Club in NYC on 52nd & 41st.

Mark is a true Icon within the Hospitality Sector working at several of the world’s most prestigious hotels including, The Intercontinental Barclay back in…….(In 2009).  His true love of Food and Wine is exactly why he selected this path for his career and he is amazing at it!

As his career blossomed, he stayed focused on and is so very passionate about getting the “next” generation into the Hospitality Sector.  Mark said, “Without the next generation of workforce in all areas of hospitality, where are we and how do we move forward?.”

Excellent question and Mark has some amazing insight. Take a listen.

Please enjoy!

CEO Jeff Nyikos and Robert Sanders, President of the Meetings and Incentives Division at Leros Travel Group had the honor of interviewing one of the "Worlds" experts in the Hospitality Sector and specifically in Catering, Joe Cozza.  Joe has spent his career creating and producing amazing events and experiences ranging from 10 guests to 5000+ implementing his philosophy and creativity.

Joe spent over 30 years in New York City market working with the Grand Hyatt, was the Opening Executive Director of Catering at the NY Marriott Marquis, one of Marriott's flagship properties as well as the Cipriani properties.

Joe is currently a Managing Partner with Cayuga Hospitality Consultants.

Joe is very passionate about creating learning opportunities for those coming into Hospitality industry.  His love for the industry is unmatched.

Please take a listen, you will walk away from this month's podcast with a much greater knowledge and understanding about this important sector.  

Leros CEO Jeff Nyikos and Robert Sanders are back for this month's podcast episode #10 for Hospitality Now. We have received such a terrific response on our previous 9 podcasts and welcome you to listen in as Chef Kelly Talks everything Hospitality!!!!

Today we are at one of Chef Kelly's newest restaurant projects called Basso by PXK in downtown Chappaqua. Chef Kelly talks about brunch, pots, pans & pasta.....amazing.

Chef has also opened an amazing new restaurant called Waveny Tavern by PXK in New Cannan, CT, simply amazing.... And to be clear.... Chef Kelly DID BEAT BOBBY FLAY with a Bone-in Cowboy steak to die for..... Congrats Chef Kelly.

Enjoy this month's podcast and go to our YouTube channel to see all episodes.

CEO Jeff Nyikos and Robert Sanders are together for this months podcast episode #9 for the Hospitality Now Podcast.  The response we have received from the audience has been terrific and we look forward to continuing our work within the Hospitality Sector in the up coming months.

So today we are at the Gorgeous Briarcliff Manor and we are hosted by Perry DiNapoli, CEO and Adrianna DiNapoli, Director of Special Events of DiNapoli Hospitality Group.  Perry took over the Manor over 10 years ago and has transformed it into a jewel of Westchester County.  They focus on weddings, special events and Not for Profit.

CEO Jeff Nyikos and Robert Sanders, President of the Meetings & Incentives division at Leros Travel Group, are at the iconic venue The Capitol Theatre & Garcia's in Port Chester. In this episode of Hospitality Now, we have an in-depth conversation with Lauren Northey, the Special Events Sales Manager who has been working directly with Peter Shapiro, owner of The Cap, since 2012. The special events at The Cap and Garcia’s are simply amazing — and if you love rock & roll, this is the place to be.

Lauren discusses how she got into the hospitality business and the major, positive economic impact The Capitol Theatre has had on Port Chester and its surrounding communities. The venue supports local restaurants and bars, keeps economic vitality at the forefront, and continues to showcase its rich musical legacy — from historic legends like the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and Janis Joplin to current icons such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Widespread Panic, Sting, and Tedeschi Trucks Band, to name just a few.

The Cap is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, so there’s so much excitement ahead. Check it out!

Take a listen and enjoy this month’s edition of Hospitality Now.

Jeff Nyikos and Robert Sanders have an in-depth conversation with Natasha Caputo about all of the amazing happenings going on in the Tourism & Film sectors in Westchester County.  Natasha discussed the "huge" positive economic impact Tourism & Film has on the County annually.  She discussed the importance of "true hospitality" at its core enabling she and her team to attract organizations from all over the world to experience Westchester.  She discusses the many positive things that come from people being introduced to Westchester including coming back again and again. 

You will love to hear her passion for what she does, truly inspiring!  Take a listen.  

In this episode we explore the ever-changing environment within the restaurant and catering industry – from culinary excellence to service and hospitality.  Mr. Meade discusses the importance and process by which you can retain long-term outstanding employees and the significant impact they have on your customers.

Chef Goncalves speaks to his true passion of Portuguese cuisine which is at the forefront of today's culinary trends.  Whether you are in the restaurant, catering or hospitality sector, this interactive conversation will offer you valuable insight from two of the country’s most respected Hospitality industry leaders.

In this Episode we sit down with Sean Meade, General Manager of Cambria Hotels White Plains and President of the Westchester Hotel Association.  Sean joined us for a deep dive into the trends, opportunities and challenges shaping the hotel industry- from Staffing and service expectations to technology, group business and the evolving needs of today’s traveler.  Whether you’re in Hospitality, meetings and events or corporate travel this conversation offers valuable insights from one of Westchester’s

most respected industry leaders.