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It’s been an amazing Super Bowl week in New Orleans, and there's no better time to reflect on the city's vibrant culinary scene. To help us do that, we had the pleasure of speaking with Scot Craig, co-owner and executive chef of two incredible New Orleans restaurants: Katie's and Francesca. Scott's journey into the restaurant business is not just a tale of success; it’s a testament to resilience and dedication.

Scot’s story began in college, where he started bartending and quickly moved up the ranks in the hospitality industry. His passion for food and service led him to purchase Katie's in 1994, a restaurant that has since become a Mid-City staple. With a menu that boasts a variety of delicious offerings, Katie's has earned a reputation for being one of the best brunch spots in the city. Francesca opened in 2018 and has become another gem thanks to Scot’s commitment to quality, consistency, and the incredible team he has built over the years.

We’re grateful for the chance to spend some time with Scot to hear more about his journey, how they survived Katrina, what makes a restaurant successful in New Orleans, and, of course, the Super Bowl. Join us for a lively discussion about food, sports, and local passion.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro 

1:00 – How he got started

4:25 – Management style

7:24 – Succeeding in a competitive industry

10:08 – Hurricane Katrina recovery

14:50 – Francesca restaurant

17:25 – Scot on sports radio

22:22 – Future of the Saints

32:21 – Super Bowl                        

39:05 – Empowerment Project

44:57 – Overruled segment 

About our guest: https://katiesinmidcity.com/about/ 

Visit us online: https://www.scottvicknair.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3TgD9jP