Kira O’Brien is the Chief Impact Officer at Emma’s Torch, where she leads the organization’s culinary training program and social ventures. She joins the show to discuss the mission of Emma’s Torch, the success stories of her students, and how everyone can support immigrants in this current political climate. In this conversation we explore the data and demographics behind Emma’s Torch, the skills she teaches her students to thrive in some of the world’s best kitchens, and building a community through food in the New York City restaurant industry.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

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

0:00 - Intro

0:44 - What is Emma’s Torch?

6:50 - Kira’s background and what brought her to Emma’s Torch

11:33 - The demographics and details behind Emma’s Torch

17:17 - The restaurant partners of Emma’s Torch

28:45 - The hard skills and soft skills taught at Emma’s Torch

34:40 - The feel-good stories of students coming out of Emma’s Torch

36:23 - Emma’s Torch cafes and catering

40:20 - Building community through food

43:00 - Supporting immigrants in the current political climate

50:50 - The current state of the NYC restaurant industry 

52:30 - What’s next for Emma’s Torch?

53:45 - How to support Emma’s Torch

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

James Shrum is a bartender at Blue Ribbon Brasserie and the recent recipient of the NYC Hospitality Alliance’s Bartender of the Year Award. He joins the show to discuss the challenges of running a bar in New York City, the lessons he’s learned over his years at Blue Ribbon, and the importance of creating an environment that makes both patrons and employees want to stick around. In this conversation we explore the recent trends in NYC nightlife, the business side of running a bar, and what James has seen from his time behind the bar.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

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

0:00 - Intro

0:45 - Who is James Shrum?

3:33 - Blue Ribbon Brasserie

13:34 - The restaurant industry from a bartender’s perspective

18:27 - The skills James has learned over his time bartending

24:08 - The business side of running a bar

27:30 - How has the business changed from James’ perspective

34:00 - The regulatory challenges of running a bar in NYC

43:00 - Creating an environment where people want to stay

53:03 - James winning the NYC Hospitality Alliance’ Bartender of the Year Award

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

John Wang is a former lawyer turned food entrepreneur and advocate when he founded the Queens Night Market in 2015. He joins the show to discuss the challenges of putting together New York’s first Night Market, how the diversity of Queens has helped serve up a robust and unique offering of food and vendors, and how his “bad business model” has ultimately led to the night market’s success. In this conversation we explore the best way to experience the Night Market, finding love in a field in Queens, and the leadership lessons John has learned along the way. 

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

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

0:00 - Intro

0:35 - What is the Queens Night Market?

10:06 - John’s learning curve of running the Queens Night Market

15:30 - Why has the Queens Night Market been successful?

17:27 - Vendors at the Queens Night Market

25:28 - What is the best way to experience the Queens Night Market?

29:16 - Love at the Queens Night Market

32:17 - How John does Market research

35:09 - John’s advocacy for the restaurant industry

39:07 - The entrepreneurial aspect of John launching the Queens Night Market

42:54 - How the diversity of Queens has been an asset for the Night Market

44:48 - Leadership lessons from building the Queens Night Market

49:49 - John’s cookbook

51:37 - What’s next for John & the Queens Night Market?

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

Terence Tubridy is a founder of IGC Hospitality. He joins the show to discuss the evolution of a local empire, pulling back the curtain on his journey from running a neighborhood bar at 26 to managing a portfolio of 18 diverse concepts, including the groundbreaking Rockaway Hotel. In this conversation, we dive deep into the "H4" framework—the four pillars that guide every business decision Terence makes—and explore the complex intersection of entrepreneurship and city politics.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Intro

00:28 – The IGC story: Starting with Metro 53 and expanding to 18 concepts

01:43 – Terence’s roots: Growing up in a "big Irish family" and early restaurant work

03:06 – Opening the first family-run bar and the impact of 9/11 on NYC nightlife

06:59 – The "4-H" Framework: Human, Hospitable, Humble, and Hungry

09:49 – Diversifying business verticals: Rooftops, taverns, and hotel F&B

13:08 – The Rockaway Hotel: Developing the first luxury hotel in Rockaway Beach

16:51 – Workforce development and creating ladders of opportunity in the community

18:22 – Management philosophy: Why the best managers start as the best hosts

22:15 – Navigating the challenges of "transportation deserts" and seasonal business

27:40 – The importance of hospitality in real estate and community building

32:15 – Resilience through crisis: From the 2008 crash to Hurricane Sandy

36:53 – Hospitality and Politics: Advocacy, "Shed-gate," and the legislative megaphone

42:10 – The operational reality of running a multi-concept group in New York

48:30 – Building for the next generation: Keeping the hospitality "gene" alive

53:12 – The Impact Foundation: Scholarships and the culinary arts

55:52 – Giving back: Thanksgiving with NYCHA and "Honorable Work"

57:15 – Closing remarks

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

Megan Rickerson is the owner of Someday Bar in Brooklyn. In this conversation, we discuss Megan’s experience bartending in New York, the trends and changes she is seeing in what customers are drinking, and the opportunities and challenges she has experienced since opening Someday Bar right before the pandemic. Megan explores the importance of properly training her staff, advocating for fellow bar owners in the city, and building a welcoming community in Brooklyn.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Intro

0:40 - Who is Megan Rickerson?

2:48 - Lessons from bartending

8:50 - What are people drinking these days?

10:40 - How is the economy impacting bars?

14:08 - Non-alcoholic drinks

19:00 - Marketing Someday Bar

22:15 - How Megan trains her staff

27:00 - The unexpected challenges of owning a bar

31:05 - Megan’s experience as an advocate with the NYC Hospitality Alliance

35:13 - Breaking down the costs of outdoor dining in NYC

42:17 - What do government officials need to know from a bar owner’s perspective?

47:10 - What does Megan look for when she goes to other bars?

49:15 - How Megan has built a community around Someday Bar

53:53 - Megan’s love for dogs

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

Grace Young is a cookbook author, culinary historian, filmmaker, and advocate for America’s historic Chinatowns. Grace is the recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, a USA Today Women of the Year honoree for her work to save America’s Chinatowns and has been dubbed the “accidental voice for Chinatown”. In this conversation, we discuss her viral ‘Wok Therapist’ video, the importance of maintaining legacy in America’s Chinatowns, and the challenges Chinatowns are facing across the US.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome Grace to Hospitality & Politics

00:24 Stir Fry Guru Origins

02:12 Becoming the Wok Therapist

06:15 Julia Child Spark

09:38 Why Chinatown Matters

14:34 Wo Hop and Family Stories

21:06 Affordable Lunch Economics

24:28 Hidden Gems to Try

28:18 Tea Shop Storytelling

32:54 COVID Hits Chinatown

38:19 Chinatown Stories Project

44:48 Congestion Pricing Fallout

48:11 Keeping Legacy Alive

52:00 New Wave Restaurants

57:27 Support Chinatown Now

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

Melba Wilson is a chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and the owner of Melba’s Restaurant, a beloved Harlem comfort food and soul food institution. In this conversation, she shares her journey from humble beginnings in Harlem to becoming one of New York City’s most celebrated restaurant owners. We discuss lessons learned at iconic restaurants like Sylvia’s, Rosa Mexicano, and Windows on the World, navigating the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her role as president of the NYC Hospitality Alliance. Melba also talks leadership, community impact, and expanding the Melba brand through television projects and food product lines.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Melba To Hospitality & Politics

2:43 - Melba’s Journey to Opening Her Restaurant

5:57 - Sylvia’s Restaurant

12:25 - Opening Melba’s in Harlem

16:27 - Challenges Of Operating A Restaurant

24:27 - Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere

27:12 - Hiring the Right People

28:04 - Outdoor Dining During the Pandemic

32:31 - Challenges During The Pandemic

39:25 - Empowering the Team

46:41 - Advocating for the Industry

50:50 - Future Projects in TV & Food Products

53:00 - Thanks Melba For Joining!

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

In this episode, we sit down with Jeffrey LeFrancois, Executive Director of the Meatpacking District Management Association, to explore the transformation of NYC’s Meatpacking District—from an industrial hub to a global destination for culture, nightlife, fashion, hospitality, and the arts. Jeffrey explains the role of Business Improvement Districts in city planning, how public–private partnerships shape urban identity, and what it takes to manage a world-renowned neighborhood. We also discuss the future of the district, tourism’s impact, moments like the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and the cultural influence of institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Jeffrey Lefrancois To Hospitality & Politics!

1:47 - The History & Evolution of the Meatpacking District

5:49 - The Whitney Museum

8:55 - The High Line

12:43 - Public Activations & Community Engagement

15:59 - Retail Diversity

18:59 - Outdoor Dining, Cafe Culture

22:02 - Partnerships with the city, World Cup

28:34 - Business Improvement Districts

30:15 - Revitalizing the Meatpacking District

33:59 - Strategic Planning

36:09 - Managing Diverse Stakeholders

39:17- Restaurants and Nightlife in the Meatpacking District

43:55 - Future Vision for the Meatpacking District

48:00 - Thanks Jeffrey For Joining!

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

Tracy Nieporent is a Partner and Director of Marketing at the Myriad Restaurant Group. In this conversation, Tracy shares insights into marketing some of the city’s most iconic restaurants, the vital role of tourism, the history of Restaurant Week, and reflections on more than 30 years of Tribeca Grill. We explore the parallels between restaurateurs and professional athletes, the challenge of rebuilding after 9/11, the resilience required to survive in the restaurant industry, and what the future holds for Tracy.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Tracy Nierporent To Hospitality & Politics

4:34 - The Power of Marketing and Branding

7:45 - Modern Marketing In Social Media vs. Legacy Media

09:10 - The Origins and Impact of NYC Restaurant Week

14:40 - Tourism in NYC’s Economy

17:00 - Restaurants Act As A ‘Memory Machine’

21:20 - The Farewell At Tribeca Grill with Kenny Albert

25:00 - Common Traits Of Pro Athletes & Restaurant Owners

26:40 - Tribeca Grill - The Secret To Success

30:25 - Learning from Industry Veterans

33:25 - How Tracy Evaluates Restaurants - What Does Tracy Prefer?

39:56 - The Impact of 9/11 on the Restaurant Industry

45:41 - Reflections on Resilience and Family

48:33 - Tracy’s Future Plans and Final Thoughts

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

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Tracy Nierporent To Hospitality & Politics

4:34 - The Power of Marketing and Branding

7:45 - Modern Marketing In Social Media vs. Legacy Media

09:10 - The Origins and Impact of NYC Restaurant Week

14:40 - Tourism in NYC’s Economy

17:00 - Restaurants Act As A A ‘Memory Machine’

21:20 - The Farewell At Tribeca Grille with Kenny Albert

25:00 - Common Traits Of Pro Athletes & Restaurant Owners

26:40 - Tribeca Grill - The Secret To Success

30:25 - Learning from Industry Veterans

33:25 - How Tracy Evaluates Restaurants - What Does Tracy Prefer?

39:56 - The Impact of 9/11 on the Restaurant Industry

45:41 - Reflections on Resilience and Family

48:33 - Tracy’s Future Plans and Final Thoughts

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

Ben Max is  a veteran journalist, host of ‘Max Politics’ and Executive Editor and Program Director at the Center for New York City and State Law. In this conversation, we discuss the political landscape at the end of 2025 as New York City prepares for new mayor Zohran Mamdani. We get into the dynamics between the mayor’s office and city council, small business regulations, housing, childcare, public safety, Mayor Eric Adams’ legacy, the role of the presumptive next city council speaker Julie Menin, and the new administration’s impact on the hospitality industry.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

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

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Ben Max To Hospitality & Politics

0:41 - New Year, New Political Climate

4:07 - Understanding the Role of the Mayor

12:22 - City Council’s Legislative Process

15:11 - Balancing Government Efficiency and Oversight

18:55 - Small Business Regulations and Reforms

27:26 - Challenges Facing Small Businesses

28:22 - Impact of Private Right Lawsuits

29:48 - Insurance Costs and Business Sustainability

30:07 - Policy Discussions with Julie Menin

30:48 - Balancing Progressive Policies and Business Needs

32:42 - Mayor’s Transition and Small Business Support

40:43 - Universal Childcare and Housing

47:23 - Eric Adams’ Mayoral Legacy

51:30 - ‘City Of Yes’ Achievements

52:30 - Thanks Ben For Joining The Show!

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