On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Chef Missy Robbins—restaurateur, author, James Beard Award winner, and Co-Founder of Grovehouse Hospitality Group (Lilia, Misi, MISIPASTA)—joins host Alice Cheng to share her remarkable journey. From her first nights on the line in Washington, D.C., to pivotal years at Spiaggia in Chicago, to building her own celebrated restaurants in New York, Missy reflects on mentorship, patience, and the power of finding the right partners. She opens up about evolving as a leader, creating a culture of kindness and collaboration, and why slowing down can be the key to long-term success in hospitality.

Links

- Instagram - Missy Robbins: https://www.instagram.com/missyarobbins/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-25-missy-robbins

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Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email [email protected].

Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Chef Erling Wu-Bower shares his journey from growing up in a food-obsessed family to becoming a three-time James Beard Award finalist and co-founder of Maxwells Trading. He opens up about knowing when the time is right for new ventures, the lessons learned in shifting from the kitchen to the dining room, and why identifying talent and mastering management matter just as much as cooking. With candid insights on leadership, balance (or lack thereof), and creating a restaurant he truly wants to be in, Erling offers an inspiring look at building a career—and a life—on your own terms.

Links

- Instagram - Erling Wu-Bower: https://www.instagram.com/erlingwubower/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-24-erling-wu-bower

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Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email [email protected].

Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Arjav Ezekiel, 2025 James Beard Foundation Award Winner and Co-Owner and Beverage Director of Birdie’s in Austin—a restaurant redefining what fine dining can look like. Arjav shares his journey from growing up in a food-loving Indian household to honing his craft in acclaimed kitchens in D.C. and New York, before launching Birdie’s with his wife, Chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel. He reflects on the challenges and creativity sparked by opening during the pandemic, why sustainability starts with owners taking care of themselves, and how pushing beyond his comfort zone into wine has shaped his leadership and vision.

Links

- Instagram - Arjav Ezekiel: https://www.instagram.com/arjavezekiel/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-23-arjav-ezekiel

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Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email [email protected].

Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng sits down with the renowned Chef Michael Anthony, Executive Chef and Partner at Gramercy Tavern, for a rich and reflective conversation that spans continents, cultures, and decades. Known for his deep commitment to seasonal cooking and thoughtful leadership, Chef Mike opens up about his unconventional path—from writing a cold letter to a food critic in Japan that launched his culinary journey, to finding his voice in the kitchens of Paris and New York, and ultimately leading one of America’s most celebrated restaurants for nearly two decades. With wisdom shaped by resilience, curiosity, and mentorship, he shares powerful lessons about asking for help, staying grounded in the face of pressure, and constantly evolving in an industry that never stands still. Whether you're an aspiring chef, a seasoned restaurateur, or simply someone who loves a good origin story, this is an episode that will stay with you.

Links

- Instagram - Michael Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/chefmikeanthony/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-22-michael-anthony

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Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email [email protected].

Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by hospitality powerhouse Jeff Benjamin—a key architect of Philadelphia’s rise as a culinary destination, and the guiding force behind beloved brands like Vetri and Federal Donuts.

From bussing tables as a teenager to scaling restaurant empires and writing from the heart, Jeff shares the pivotal moments, surprising turns, and hard-earned lessons that have shaped his 30+ year journey.

Tune in as he reflects on the entrepreneurial itch that changed everything, why “taking the meeting” is his golden rule, and how staying rooted in people and purpose continues to drive his next chapter.

Links

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-21-jeff-benjamin

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Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email [email protected].

Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Dominique Ansel—James Beard Award-winning pastry chef, inventor of the Cronut®️, and founder of celebrated bakeries around the world—whose path from a modest upbringing in France to international acclaim is a testament to vision, determination, and reinvention.

From learning to cook at sixteen out of necessity to crafting creations that spark global culinary trends, Chef Dominique shares how discipline, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality shaped his journey—and why he's now focused on building a more connected, cross-cultural future through food.

Rooted in craft, driven by curiosity, and guided by heart, Dominique Ansel’s story is a powerful reminder that innovation begins with intention — and that hospitality, at its best, is as much about care and culture as it is about flavor.

Links

- Instagram - Dominique Ansel: https://www.instagram.com/dominiqueansel/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-20-dominique-ansel

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Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email [email protected].

Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Until next time, keep rising!

On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Pascaline Lepeltier—Master Sommelier, author, winemaker, educator, and advocate—whose unconventional path has challenged tradition and redefined what it means to lead in hospitality.

From studying philosophy to earning one of the most prestigious titles in wine, Pascaline shares how a love of learning, a commitment to care, and a refusal to accept limits have shaped her journey—and why she’s now focused on making the industry more inclusive, sustainable, and human.

Rooted in discipline, driven by curiosity, and fueled by joy, Pascaline Lepeltier’s journey proves that the best careers often unfold off-script—and stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful leadership and joyful persistence can create lasting change.

Links

- Instagram - Pascaline Lepeltier: https://www.instagram.com/pascalinelepeltier/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-19-pascaline-lepeltier

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Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email [email protected].

Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Until next time, keep rising!

What does a tray of expertly shucked clams in a busy seafood kitchen have to do with a career that would span Emmy-winning television, global advocacy, and redefining how we tell stories through food?

For Andrew Zimmern, it was the moment everything clicked. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng sits down with the chef, writer, and TV personality behind Bizarre Foods, The Zimmern List, and Family Dinner, to trace a life lived at the intersection of culinary grit, personal redemption, and a deep love for hospitality.

From kitchens in New York to recovery in Minnesota, Andrew reflects on second chances, service, and the power of purpose in an industry that changed—and saved—his life.

Links

- Instagram - Andrew Zimmern: https://www.instagram.com/chefaz/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-18-andrew-zimmern

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Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email [email protected].

Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Until next time, keep rising!

On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Ellen Yin, the visionary behind Philadelphia’s acclaimed High Street Hospitality Group and the 2023 James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurateur. From her early days bussing tables to building one of the country’s most respected restaurant groups, Ellen shares how a deep sense of purpose and belonging has shaped her journey. Tune in to hear how she’s navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—and why community remains central to everything she does.

Links

- Instagram - Ellen Yin: https://www.instagram.com/therealellenyin/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-17-ellen-yin

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Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email [email protected].

Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Until next time, keep rising!

What does a bottle of Heinz ketchup at a mountaintop hotel in Indonesia have to do with a career in hospitality? For Sabato Sagaria, it was the spark that ignited a lifelong passion. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Sabato traces his journey from that moment of unexpected comfort to leading operations at Union Square Hospitality Group, scaling Bartaco across the U.S., and now, as Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Apres Cru Hospitality, helping other passionate founders grow their concepts. From hotel school at Cornell to becoming a Master Sommelier, from front desk intern to president, his path has many twists and turns. Equal parts serendipity, hustle, and heart, Sabato shares insights on cross-training, culture-building, and the hard-won importance of balance in a fast-paced industry. With honesty, humor, and “Eat, Pray, Surf” wisdom, he invites us to rethink career paths, shake the Etch A Sketch, and grow what truly matters—concepts, people, and purpose.

Links

- Instagram - Sabato Sagaria: https://www.instagram.com/sabato3/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-16-sabato-sagaria

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Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email [email protected].

Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Until next time, keep rising!