In this episode of ‘Hospitality & Politics,’ powered by the New York City Hospitality Alliance, Andrew Rigie chats with Jeffrey Bank, CEO of the Alicart Restaurant Group (Carmines and Virgil’s), and Bill Bonbrest, former Chief Performance Officer at Tao Group and current president of the NYC Hospitality Alliance. The conversation covers the evolution of the restaurant industry, exploring changes from a historical perspective and examining current challenges, including regulatory issues, and labor dynamics. The dialogue also highlights the importance of building a supportive organizational culture, the role of mentorship, and the need for effective advocacy to ensure the sustainability of independent restaurants.
https://www.thenycalliance.org/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Hospitality and Politics
00:09 Meet the Founding Members
00:31 Humorous Beginnings
01:15 Jeff and Bill's Early Days
02:27 State of the Restaurant Industry
03:50 Challenges and Changes in Hospitality
05:46 Owner's Mindset and Employee Development
08:08 Training and Culture in Restaurants
13:36 Consistency and Growth Strategies
22:06 Importance of Location and Leases
27:18 Support and Advice for Restaurateurs
31:06 Joining the Alliance: A Community of Like-Minded Individuals
31:21 The Importance of Continuous Learning in Hospitality
31:50 Bill's Journey: From Cornell to Carmines
33:47 Mentorship and Networking in the Restaurant Industry
36:29 Spotlight on Emerging Restaurateurs
39:23 Challenges and Realities of Running a Restaurant
40:45 Navigating Regulatory Hurdles in New York City
41:57 The Impact of Outdoor Dining Regulations
45:58 Advocacy and the Role of the Hospitality Alliance
58:01 The Future of the Restaurant Industry
01:02:03 Concluding Thoughts and Predictions
#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness
