Cortney Bond is the owner of The Bond Group. In this conversation, we discuss Cortney’s journey from growing up in a true hospitality family in Las Vegas to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and “speakeasy queen” in New York City. We get into the stories behind her venues (UES, Not a Speakeasy, Champagne Problems) and her unique approach to nightlife, design, and community. Cortney discusses NYC nightlife, the importance of fun and authenticity, adapting to changing drinking trends, and her vision for the future of hospitality and city government.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/ 

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Cortney Bond to Hospitality & Politics

1:27 - Growing Up in Las Vegas: Family & Nightlife DNA

3:16 - The State of Nightlife in NYC & Globally

5:00 - Cortney’s NYC Venues: UES, Not a Speakeasy, Champagne Problems

9:00 - Designing Unique Experiences

12:00 - The Role of Ice Cream in UES

18:00 - Dress Codes, Lessons Learned As An Owner

24:00 - Learning What Makes a Great Bar or Restaurant

29:00 - People Are Drinking Less - The Changing Drinking Trends

32:00 - Going Viral & Becoming A Taylor Swift Bar

41:00 - Government, Policy, and Cortney’s Political Ambitions

46:00 - Closing Thoughts & Hospitality Wisdom

#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

Ben Gollan is a sandwich connoisseur & New York tour guide. In this episode, we discuss Ben’s journey from being a lawyer in Australia to becoming a sandwich aficionado in New York City. We get into the debate over what qualifies as a sandwich, and the best sandwich spots in New York, what makes a perfect sandwich & the importance of family-run establishments. We also get his insights over what makes a great restaurant and why you need to go on one of his tours. Ben is a blast to listen to and this is a must watch for anyone who looking to explore NYC’s best spots.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/ 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x72VcazzrN4

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Ben Gollan To Hospitality & Politics!

0:19 - The Love For Sandwiches

05:24 - The History of Sandwiches

08:21 - Qualifications To Be Defined As A “Sandwich”

17:24 -  New York’s Iconic Sandwiches

19:46 - The Sandwich Tour Experience

32:29 - How Social Media Changed Everything

36:57 - Ben’s Consulting for Restaurants

37:36- Importance Of Simplicity in Menus

38:39 - Pop-ups & Collaborations

40:33 - The Most Funny & Memorable Tour Moments

42:18 - Ben’s Favorite Foods and Cuisines

46:20 - Controversial Food Opinions!

54:03 - Raising A Family Of Adventurous Eaters

01:00:00 - How To Go On A Tour With Ben

1:01:10 - Thanks Ben For Joining The Show! Like & Subscribe

#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

On this episode, we’re joined by Loycent Gordon. We discuss the rich history of the nearly 200-year-old tavern, including its role during the Civil War, its transformation over the decades, and its feature in the movie ‘Goodfellas.’ Gordon shares his personal journey from an FDNY firefighter to a community-focused savior of the tavern. He explains the ‘Community Conquers All’ philosophy, focusing on community engagement as a core strategy for business success. We also discuss recipe cards, building the experience for customers, and fostering customer connections.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/ 

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Loycent Gordon To Hospitality & Politics!

0:25 - Dinner with Shaw-naé’s House

02:43 - Neir’s Tavern 200 Year History

05:03 - Tavern and Community Support

11:01 - How Saving The Tavern Became A Community Effort

22:13 - Advice for Bar Owners

26:02 - How To Run A Tavern: Menu Optimization, First Impressions & The Sensory Experience

30:58 - The Famous ‘Goodfellas’ Moment

38:35 - Future Goals and Personal Legacy

41:47 - Reflections On The Journey, Why Community Is So Important

47:00 - Thanks Loycent For Joining The Show! Like & Subscribe

#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

Roger Clark is a journalist at Spectrum News NY1. In this episode, Roger shares insights about his unique job, his favorite places in New York City, and the changes brought about by the pandemic. They also delve into the rich food culture across the five boroughs that you won’t find anywhere else!

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/ 

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Roger Clark To Hospitality & Politics!

0:42 - Roger Clark’s Career Journey

01:47 - A Day in the Life of a Features Reporter

06:00 - Memorable Interviews and Experiences

14:23 - The Impact of Social Media on Journalism

16:17 - Exploring New York’s Food Scene

31:43 -  Exploring Manhattan’s Food Scene

38:50 - Best Concert Venues

39:43 - Pandemic Challenges & Changes in Job Roles

48:27 - Reflections on New York City’s Evolution

51:53 - The Importance of Classic Restaurants and Signs

56:19 - Thanks Roger For Joining The Show! Like & Subscribe

#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

In this episode, we’re joined by Bobbie Lloyd, the Chief Baking Officer and CEO of Magnolia Bakery. We get into Magnolia Bakery’s journey from its humble beginnings on a quiet street corner in the West Village to becoming a globally recognized brand. Bobbie shares how a 30-second feature on ‘Sex and the City’ catapulted the bakery to fame and discusses the intricacies of scaling and maintaining quality across multiple locations. Bobbie explains the complexities of entering the consumer packaged goods market, the importance of authentic brand collaborations, and the unique challenges and rewards of franchising, and the business climate in New York City.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/ 

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Bobbie Lloyd To Hospitality & Politics

0:39 - How Sex and the City Changed Magnolia

03:38 - The Viral Impact of SNL’s Lazy Sunday

06:05 - Chief Baking Officer: A Day in the Life

12:05 - Collaborations with Top Brands

25:45 - Recruiting and Training the Magnolia Way

29:29 - Entering the CPG Market

32:24 - Hiring an R&D Scientist

36:30 - Franchising Magnolia Bakery

41:57 - Magnolia Bakery Cookbooks

46:42 - Banana Pudding Innovation

50:47 - The State of the Food Service Industry

57:40 - Being a Woman CEO in the Food Industry

1:03:00 - Thanks Bobbie For Joining The Show! Like & Subscribe

#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

In this episode, we welcome Shaw-naé Dixon of Shaw-naé’s House. They discuss Shaw-naé's inspiring journey in the hospitality industry, her establishment's unique atmosphere, and the heartfelt hospitality that defines her restaurant. Shaw-naé shares her experiences with Pete Wells' New York Times review, the challenges and rewards of running a family-operated restaurant, and her rich family heritage on Staten Island, and what Shaw-naé has planned for the future.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/ 

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Shaw-naé Dixon To Hospitality & Politics

02:45 -  New York Times Review and Its Impact

05:32 - Managing a Popular Restaurant

10:01 - Challenges and Community Engagement

13:46 - Maintaining Quality and Hospitality

20:50 - Empowerment and Influence

26:33 - Creating a Phone-Free Dining Experience

32:13 - Balancing Family and Business in the Restaurant

35:00  - Shaw-naé's Family History

36:52 - Future Plans and Expanding The Restaurant

43:35 -  Highlighting Shaw-naé's Favorite Dishes

45:12 - The New York City Soul Food Festival

48:44 - Final Thoughts

#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

In this episode, renown experts Robert and Max Bookman join us to break down the complexities of liquor licensing and outdoor dining regulations in New York City. They explore the legacy of Prohibition, the impact of zoning laws on dancing at bars and clubs, and the real-world challenges restaurant and nightlife operators face today. We dive into the 200- and 500-foot laws, navigating community board influence, and why late-night spots may be on the decline due to regulation in the ever-evolving NYC hospitality landscape.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/ 

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Rob and Max Bookman

01:19 - Prohibition and the Origins of Liquor Laws

07:41 - Modern Challenges in Liquor Licensing

13:41 - Temporary Permits and COVID-19 Changes

19:32 - What Is The 200-Foot Law: History and Impact

27:34 - How  The 500-Foot Law is Different

32:01 - Navigating Community Board Approvals, Community Input

41:07 - Regulatory Reforms To Fix Old Laws

50:41 - Outdoor Dining: Challenges and Solutions

57:05 - Advice for Business Owners & Why The Alliance Is So Important

#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

Julie Coker, CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, joins Andrew to discuss how tourism drives New York City’s $79 billion economy and supports over 400,000 jobs. She outlines her strategy to keep NYC a top global destination through major initiatives like Restaurant Week, Broadway Week, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while addressing the critical need for increased tourism funding compared to other major U.S. cities. From world-renowned food and theater to rich cultural experiences across all five boroughs, this episode dives into the heartbeat of what makes NYC truly one of a kind

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/ 

Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/nRs8Bh46EIM

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Welcome Julie Coker To Hospitality & Politics

01:30 - Understanding NYC Tourism

03:35 - Economic Impact of Tourism

06:10 - Domestic vs. International Visitors

08:42 - Marketing Strategies for NYC

12:31 - Funding Challenges and Comparisons

23:52 - Julie’s Initial Impressions and Experiences

25:08 - Experiencing Queens and Staten Island

26:14 - Discovering the Bronx and Brooklyn

27:36 - The Unique Charm of New York City

35:23 - Supporting Local Businesses and Tourism

39:10 - Vision for the Future of NYC Tourism

42:44 - Thanks To Julie For Joining Us! Like & Subscribe!

#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospitality  #business #smallbusiness

In this episode, Andrew sits down with renowned chef, restaurateur, and TV host Tom Colicchio. They discuss the evolving concept of his restaurant Craft, industry challenges, and the impact of inflation on menu pricing, tipping, and hunger relief. Colicchio shares the importance of staying relevant and the operational differences between New York City and Las Vegas. They also talk about the role of politics in the restaurant industry, Colicchio’s activism around policy issues, and his personal passion for fishing.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/ 

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 -Welcome Tom Colicchio to Hospitality & Politcs

00:25 - State of Restaurant Industry

02:15 - Business Performance and Public Perception

05:46 - Operating Conditions in Different Cities

8:00 - Politics In Restaurants 

10:36 - Tom Colicchio's Political Activism

12:29 - The Importance of Food Policy

17:13 - Supporting Local Restaurants and Communities

21:10 - Challenges for Young Professionals in NYC

25:05 - The Transformation of Fort Green

25:40 - Lessons from Top Chef

27:32 - Balancing Restaurant Life and Personal Life

28:31 - Creating Vallata

34:49 - Why I Cook | Tom's Personal Journey To Write The Book

42:33 - NYC Restaurants In The Next Year

45:17 - Favorite Sandwiches Vallata

#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

In this episode: In this episode, Andrew  sits down with renowned chef, restaurateur, and TV host Tom Colicchio. We discuss the evolving concept of his restaurant Craft, the challenges of the restaurant industry post-pandemic, and the impact of inflation on menu pricing. Colicchio shares the importance of staying relevant and the operational differences between New York City and Las Vegas. They also talk about the role of politics in the restaurant industry, Colicchio’s activism around policy issues, and his personal passion for fishing

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/ 

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 -Welcome Tom Colicchio to Hospitality & Politcs

00:25 - State of Restaurant Industry

02:15 - Business Performance and Public Perception

05:46 - Operating Conditions in Different Cities

8:00 - Politics In Restaurants 

10:36 - Tom Colicchio's Political Activism

12:29 - The Importance of Food Policy

17:13 - Supporting Local Restaurants and Communities

21:10 - Challenges for Young Professionals in NYC

25:05 - The Transformation of Fort Green

25:40 - Lessons from Top Chef

27:32 - Balancing Restaurant Life and Personal Life

28:31 - Creating Vallata

34:49 - Why I Cook | Tom's Personal Journey To Write The Book

42:33 - NYC Restaurants In The Next Year

45:17 - Favorite Sandwiches Vallata

#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusinessTom Colicchio