Daniel Boulud, Founder & Chef of The Dinex Group, left home at 14 to apprentice in Lyon’s top kitchens. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, he joins Alice Cheng to share the mentors, risks, and defining moments that shaped his global career as a chef-turned-restaurateur. He reflects on learning from legends like Paul Bocuse, proving himself at Le Cirque, and taking a major risk to open Restaurant DANIEL. He also shares what he looks for in the next generation, why mentorship matters, and what it means to see alumni like Gavin Kaysen and Hooni Kim build careers of their own. Plus, hear what’s next for Dinex, including a new Brasserie Boulud in New York and Blue Box Café in California.

Note: This episode was recorded on July 14, 2026.

Links

- Instagram - Daniel Boulud: https://www.instagram.com/danielboulud/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-76-daniel-boulud

************

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.

Chef Suzanne Cupps, owner of Lola's, never planned on a career in kitchens. Yet she spent more than 20 years working her way from peeling potatoes during an externship in the basement of Gramercy Tavern to becoming the chef-owner of her own New York City restaurant. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Suzanne joins host Alice Cheng to share how six years at Anita Lo's Annisa taught her patience, how one conversation with Mike Anthony led to three years as a sous chef at Gramercy Tavern, and how a tasting for Danny Meyer made her the first female executive chef in Union Square Hospitality Group's history. She also reflects on opening Lola's just three months before COVID and the two-year lease battle that nearly kept the restaurant from ever opening.

Links

- Instagram - Suzanne Cupps: https://www.instagram.com/suzycupps/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-75-suzanne-cupps

************

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.

Roni Mazumdar, Founder and CEO of Unapologetic Foods—the group behind Semma, Dhamaka, Adda, and Rowdy Rooster—didn't open his first restaurant to build an empire, he opened it so his retiring father a renewed sense of purpose. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Roni shares with host Alice Cheng how that deeply personal decision became the foundation for a restaurant group redefining how heritage cuisines are experienced and celebrated. He reflects on the uncertainty of the early days, the transformative partnership with Chef Chintan Pandya, and the leadership philosophy that guides him today.

Links

- Instagram - Roni Mazumdar: https://www.instagram.com/roni.mazumdar/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-74-roni-mazumdar

************

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.

Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, Founder and Senior Director of Individual Giving at Giving Kitchen, shares how she built a career rooted in entrepreneurship, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of hospitality. From selling lemonade outside the Indy 500 as a kid to building Atlanta's underground dining scene, co-founding the award-winning Staplehouse, and helping grow Giving Kitchen into a national nonprofit serving food service workers across all 50 states, her journey is a powerful reminder that purpose can evolve through every chapter of a career. Jen reflects on navigating unimaginable personal loss, making bold career decisions, embracing change, and why staying true to your north star can transform life's greatest challenges into lasting impact.

Links

- Instagram - Jen Hidinger-Kendrick: https://www.instagram.com/jenhidingerkendrick/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-73-jen-hidinger-kendrick

************

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.

Miro Uskokovic, Executive Chef-Owner of Hani's Bakery + Café, reflects on his culinary journey, from grilling burgers at a McDonald's in Serbia to becoming one of New York City’s most celebrated pastry chefs. Miro recounts his formative years at The Culinary Institute of America and his rapid ascent through legendary kitchens like Jean-Georges and Gramercy Tavern, where he spent a decade honing both his craft and his business acumen. From the viral success of his artisanal cookies to the strategic "gut feelings" that defined his brand’s identity, Miro emphasizes why persistence and a commitment to continuous learning are the ultimate ingredients for success in the industry.

Links

- Instagram - Miro Uskokovic: https://www.instagram.com/mirouskokovic/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-72-miro-uskokovic

************

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.

Ivy Mix — Co-Owner of Whoopsie Daisy and Fiasco!, Beverage Director-Partner of Titán, and Co-Founder of Speed Rack — shares how her hospitality career began. What started as bartending in Guatemala to pay off a bar tab eventually led her to New York, where she was repeatedly told she didn't "fit the image." Instead of giving up, Ivy opened her own bars and co-founded Speed Rack, the all-femme bartending competition that has raised nearly $2 million for breast cancer research. She also shares why true success isn't working every shift—it's building a team that thrives without you.

Links

- Instagram - Ivy Mix: https://www.instagram.com/ivymix/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-71-ivy-mix

************

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.

Chef Marcus Samuelsson—celebrated restaurateur, author, and eight-time James Beard Award winner behind Red Rooster, Hav & Mar, and a global portfolio of restaurants—traces the remarkable path that shaped his career. From selling fish with his uncles in Sweden to earning a place in a three-star Michelin kitchen in Switzerland and becoming executive chef at Aquavit at just 23, he reflects on the defining moments that changed everything. Marcus also opens up about the lack of women and people of color in the kitchens where he trained, how that experience became the driving force behind his restaurants, and why creating more opportunities for the next generation matters more than any accolade.

Links

- Instagram - Marcus Samuelsson: https://www.instagram.com/marcuscooks/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-70-marcus-samuelsson

************

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.

Greg Root, Partner at Defined Hospitality, shares his journey from a 13-year-old golf caddy to helping lead one of Philadelphia's most celebrated restaurant groups. He reflects on cultivating an early career at Burger King, the invaluable lessons from his 13-year tenure at STARR Restaurants, and how those experiences prepared him for restaurant ownership. Greg also discusses Defined Hospitality's role in transforming Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood through passion projects including Suraya, Pizzeria Beddia, and the 2026 James Beard Award-winning Kalaya, revealing how shared values, intentional growth, and a people-first philosophy have fueled the group's lasting success.

Links

- Instagram - Greg Root: https://www.instagram.com/greg__root/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-69-greg-root

************

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.

Ochi Latjuba Vongerichten, Co-Owner of Wayan and Ma•dé, shares her journey from growing up in her mother's large-scale catering business in Indonesia to building a restaurant group spanning New York City, the Hamptons, Aspen, and Miami. After leaving an accounting path to study at The Culinary Institute of America, she built expertise in both the kitchen and front of house, shaping her people-first leadership style. Ochi shares lessons on navigating the chaos of opening a restaurant, leading with your team first, and trusting your timing.

Links

- Instagram - Ochi Latjuba Vongerichten: https://www.instagram.com/ochilatjuba/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-68-ochi-latjuba-vongerichten

************

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.

Chef Erik Battes, Executive Vice President of Food and Beverage at STARR Restaurants, shares a candid look at a career built without a blueprint. From his years with the Jean-Georges group to leadership roles in venture-backed food startups, he reflects on the lessons learned from scaling businesses, raising millions in capital, and navigating a sudden company shutdown. Now leading food and beverage growth at STARR Restaurants, Erik offers practical advice on career transitions, strategic job searches, and why your identity should never be defined by your title.

Links

- Instagram - Erik Battes: https://www.instagram.com/ebattes/

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

- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-67-erik-battes

************

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.