The Graffito Podcast

For this bonus episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew passes the hosting duties to his colleague Gustavo, who is joined by Corey and Brooke for a discussion about Graffito’s efforts to build a more anti-racist business and better understand issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The conversation scratches the surface of what the Graffito team has been thinking about, discussing, and working on related to DEI, and previews where we want to head in the months and years to come. We know this pursuit as individuals and as a business is not short-term work, it’s an “always” and “forever” job. And while we aren't always comfortable talking about racism, it's too important of a topic not to try. We hope you'll listen and let us know what you think by emailing [email protected] or tweeting @graffitopodcast.

Host: Gustavo Quiroga

On last week's episode, Alcove's Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli made a surprise appearance to challenge Jesse about some of his comments on the Podcast. After the segment, we had an engaging conversation about a variety of important issues including restaurant worker wages, missteps during the BLM protests, "hospitality" during COVID, and his decision to close the restaurant on November 3rd so his team can vote. Fortunately, the microphones were on and the dialogue was recorded. We enjoyed the chat so much that we decided to publish it as an entire episode so you can listen in. Please check it out and send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz

Ayr Muir, CEO and Founder of Clover Food Lab, joins The Graffito Podcast to discuss real estate, technology, and a few new offerings available to Clover customers. Also on this episode, Drew invited a very special "surprise" guest that wanted to confront Jesse about a few questionable statements he made during our talk with Shore Gregory. All of this and more on episode 6 of The Graffito Podcast! Please send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

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Host: Drew Katz

On this quick and spontaneous 5th episode of The Graffito Podcast, Chef Nookie joins Drew and Dave to discuss why his Kendall Square restaurant, Commonwealth, is now in hibernation mode. This growing trend, which is usually prevalent in seasonal locations, might just be the only way for his restaurant to survive the winter. Well, that and more government funding. Also on this episode, Nookie refuses to reveal the origin of his nickname, Drew hints at a pulled pork challenge, and Dave admits to watching Disney’s Frozen by himself, before he had children. Please send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz

On this very educational bonus segment of The Graffito Podcast, Drew quizzes Angela and Dave on the best ways for retail tenants to talk to their landlords about rent relief. Also, Drew uses the term “outro,” Dave learns the term “outro,” and Angela records a new “outro.” All of this and more, so listen and be sure to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast.

We’ve heard a lot publicly from retail tenants during the pandemic about the difficulties they are facing. In this episode of The Graffito Podcast, we invited two respected Boston landlords to give us their perspective. Leah Harsfield from National Development and Noam Ron from Hudson Group give their side of the story and don’t hold back in the process. Also on this episode, Jesse informs Drew that people like “Podcast Drew” more than the real thing, and Drew confesses that the longest he can tolerate living with people is about 2 days. Needless to say, Drew understands why Podcast Drew seems so appealing. All of this and more on Episode 4!  

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Host: Drew Katz

For this week's episode of The Graffito Podcast, we interviewed our friend, Shore Gregory. If his iconic name doesn't ring a bell, maybe you've heard of a little place called Island Creek Oyster Bar? Got your attention now? Shore is a Founder and Owner of this legendary restaurant with locations in Burlington and Kenmore ("as of right") and Row 34 which is located in South Boston and Portsmouth. As you can imagine, he has a lot to say about the current state of the restaurant industry, and we did our best to squeeze out his deepest, innermost thoughts. He also revealed the history, status, and fate of his Kenmore location. All of this and more on Episode 3!!! 

Host: Drew Katz

In episode 2 of The Graffito Podcast, we interview Josh Shirazi from Shirazi Distributing and Emily Kanter from Cambridge Naturals. First, Josh explains how his company went from one truck to 12,000SF of warehouse space, and he fills us in on how the collapse of the restaurant industry has impacted his business and the overall supply chain. Like most serious discussions with friends, the conversation digresses into less significant things like secondary market Slurpee machines. Fortunately, Emily restores some dignity to the podcast with a Cambridge Naturals history lesson, and explains why, despite an uptick in business during the early days of COVID, they shut their doors to regroup. All of this and more on Episode 2! 

Segments: Josh Shirazi – 4:42

Host: Drew Katz Co-Hosts: Dave Downing and Jesse Baerkahn

Oh, that show Drew recommended to Emily: The Dog House: UK

For more info, visit www.graffito.com/podcast

Drew, Jesse, and Gustavo discuss patio dining in Boston, which is tightly controlled by the State. Also on this bonus episode, Drew can’t pronounce Gustavo’s last name, Jesse can’t remember to turn his phone ringer off, and Gustavo admits to making a prank call to a fire station for research purposes.