By Josh Sharkey
Josh Sharkey (Entrepreneur, professional chef, and founder/CEO of meez, the culinaryOS for food professionals) interviews world class entrepreneurs in the food space that are shifting the paradigm
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The podcast currently has 82 episodes available.
#79. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with Basu Ratnam, founder of karma-infused restaurant group, INDAY. INDAY came to life while Basu was working in finance in New York City. As his career progressed, he felt increasingly disconnected from what he truly cared about. With lifelong memories of being around food and a mother who instilled the belief that food can nourish the mind, body, spirit, and community, he saw the potential of pursuing that idea through INDAY.
This conversation offers an insightful look into the challenges and rewards of scaling restaurants. Basu discusses his role as a founder, emphasizing the importance of supporting and nurturing the chefs he works with, ensuring their success and happiness.
Where to find Basu Ratnam:
Where to find INDAY
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(01:17): Basu's background at Brown and favorite Providence restaurants
(07:29): Basu's familial background and what his mom used to cook
(10:53): Why Basu decided to open a fast-casual Indian space
(16:04): The impetus for store number two
(21:55): Opening restaurants and stress management
(24:21): The why behind INDAY existing
(32:22): Infusing mindfulness into INDAY's culture
(34:57): Acquiring Beatnic
(43:10): What keeps Basu up at night
(47:34): What makes Basu angry
#78. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with Chef Opie Crooks, a culinary talent and soon-to-be dad. Josh shares the story of how he first met Opie at an event in Washington, D.C., where Opie's graciousness and exceptional cooking left a lasting impression. Now based in Savannah, Georgia, Opie oversees culinary operations for FARM Hospitality Group, managing multiple concepts with his characteristic warmth and expertise.
Recorded from the quietest spot Opie could find—a car, away from the restaurant’s generators—this conversation offers an insightful look into the challenges and rewards of growing a hospitality group. Opie discusses his role as a culinary director, emphasizing the importance of supporting and nurturing the chefs he works with, ensuring their success and innovation.
Join Josh and Opie as they catch up on life, leadership, and the journey that has brought Opie to this exciting moment, just before he embarks on the new adventure of fatherhood. Congratulations, Opie!
Where to find Opie Crooks:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(03:45): Opie's background
(05:19): Culinary community in Savannah
(12:56): All about FARM Hospitality Group
(19:38): How Opie and his team continue to learn
(25:11): The value of culinary consistency
(31:50): How Opie and his wife Annie are preparing for their first child
#76. On this episode of The meez Podcast, we sit down with Alice Cheng, founder and CEO of Culinary Agents, a groundbreaking platform connecting talent and businesses in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Alice shares her incredible journey from a role in IBM's mailroom to executive ranks on a global scale at the company.
After a decade-plus career climbing the corporate ladder at lightning speed, Alice made the bold decision to leave and launch her own start-up. Inspired by helping her friends in the restaurant world with resume writing and contract negotiations, she realized the industry lacked the online tools needed for finding jobs and hiring the right people for their restaurants.
In 2012, Culinary Agents was born, a place for workers to easily discover and apply to great opportunities and an all in one hiring and recruiting solution for restaurants. Tune in to hear how Alice turned a personal problem into a pioneering solution that's reshaping the future of hospitality.
Where to find Alice Cheng:
Where to find Culinary Agents:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(01:07): Alice's background
(08:46): What influenced Alice's determination and hard work
(14:21): Finding mentors and asking questions
(19:36): Culinary Agents 101
(24:14): How Culinary Agents has changed over the years
(29:33): The future of Culinary Agents
(31:56): What keeps Alice up at night
(33:30): Thoughts on hiring
(43:49): What makes Alice blood boiling mad
#75. In this episode of The meez Podcast, we dive deep into the culinary world of Tyler Akin, founder of Form-Function Hospitality, and a celebrated chef and restaurateur who has left an indelible mark on the East Coast's dining scene. From his early days in Wilmington, Delaware, where he was inspired by his Southern grandmother's meticulous cooking, to his time at prestigious kitchens like minibar by José Andrés and Michelin-starred Komi, Akin's journey is anything but ordinary.
After leaving law school to follow his passion for food, Akin honed his craft under the mentorship of renowned chefs Johnny Monis and Michael Solomonov. His own ventures, including the acclaimed Stock in Fishtown and Res Ipsa Cafe, have garnered national recognition and cemented his reputation as a key figure in Philadelphia’s culinary renaissance.
Akin's latest project, Bastia, is set to open in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. This new venture, a collaboration with Foyer Project, will transform Hotel Anna & Bel into a vibrant space, offering a leisurely café experience by day and a coastal Mediterranean restaurant by night, drawing inspiration from the sun-drenched shores of Corsica and Sardinia.
As Form-Function Hospitality continues to expand with concepts like Bastia and the upcoming Caletta, Akin remains at the forefront of creating memorable dining experiences in historic spaces. Join us as we explore Tyler Akin's remarkable career, his passion for preserving culinary traditions, and the exciting new projects on the horizon.
Where to find Tyler Akin:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(05:40): Tyler's Delaware roots
(10:09): How Tyler got into cooking
(17:57): The worst kitchen injury Tyler's seen
(23:21): All about Form and Function Hospitality
(30:28): Hotel Du Pont and Le Cavalier
(37:46): Batista Restaurant
#74. In this episode of The meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey reconnects with Darleen Scherer, the founder of Black Sheep and a pioneering force in the specialty coffee world. With over 20 years of experience, Darleen has been at the helm of several successful coffee roasting companies, including Gorilla Coffee, Supercrown Coffee Roasters, and Taylor Lane Organic Coffee. Known as "The Godmother of New York Coffee," she has been recognized by The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Time Out, The Food Network, The Today Show, and The Wall Street Journal for her contributions to the industry.
Darleen brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, offering insights into coffee agriculture, the art of grading beans, and what it takes to brew an exceptional cup. Beyond coffee, she delves into her alter ego as a marketer, sharing lessons from her early career in NYC ad agencies. Now, with her consultancy, she helps coffee brands grow by meeting owners and executives where they are, leveraging her own successes and challenges in the industry.
Whether you're passionate about coffee or interested in brand building, this episode is a rich source of inspiration and expertise.
Where to find Darleen Scherer:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(05:40): Darleen's background
(09:41): How Darleen got into coffee
(15:09): The process of the bean to your cup
(26:02): Frozen coffee
(40:49): A typical margin or EBITDA of a coffee shop when it's successful
(56:06): Black Sheep and marketing on unique qualities
#73. In this episode of The meez Podcast, we sit down with Chef Jesse Ito, the Chef and Co-Owner of Royal Sushi & Izakaya in Philadelphia. A first-generation Japanese Korean American and multiple James Beard nominee, Jesse shares his remarkable journey from growing up in his family’s renowned restaurant, Fuji, in Cinnaminson, NJ, to becoming one of Philly’s most celebrated chefs.
Jesse reflects on his early years learning the art of sushi from his father, Masaharu Ito, and the unique dynamic of now having his father work alongside him at his own restaurant. We explore how the traditional skills passed down from his parents have shaped his culinary approach and the challenges and joys that come with running a restaurant.
Beyond his culinary expertise, Jesse opens up about the role therapy has played in his life, and how he manages stress in the demanding world of restaurant ownership. This intimate conversation offers a glimpse into the life of a chef dedicated not only to his craft but also to his personal growth.
We also dive into the experience of dining at Jesse’s 8-seat sushi counter at Royal Sushi & Izakaya, where he meticulously prepares a 17-course omakase menu nightly. With exciting new ventures on the horizon, Jesse’s story is as inspiring as it is mouthwatering. Whether you’re a food lover or simply curious about the life of a top chef, this episode is a must-listen.
Where to find Jesse Ito:
Where to find Royal Izayaka:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(05:40): When Jesse started learning sushi from his dad
(17:54): What makes a great Tamagoyaki and other cooking ingredient recommendations
(26:02): Jesse's preferences on uni
(32:43): How Jesse deals with the tension between classical and modern sushi styles
(42:12): The biggest misconception about sushi
(44:28): Jesse's sobriety journey
(51:53): What's next for Jesse
#72. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey welcomes Will Guidara, a renowned figure in the culinary world. Will is the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, once ranked as the number one restaurant in the world. He recently co-produced the hit show "The Bear" and writes the fascinating newsletter "Pre-Meal," which draws inspiration from the daily pre-meal rituals at Eleven Madison Park.
Will is also the author of the acclaimed book "Unreasonable Hospitality". The book delves into the concept of unreasonable hospitality and its application in various organizations, making it essential reading for anyone in business or customer-facing roles. Will's journey includes founding the consulting firm, Thank You, and co-founding The Welcome Conference, a platform for hospitality professionals to share insights and experiences.
Josh and Will share a long history, having worked together at the restaurant Tabla under Chef Floyd Cardoz over two decades ago. In this episode, they discuss a wide range of topics, including the power of journaling, leadership, management strategies, and the art of decision-making. They also touch on the challenges and joys of practicing unreasonable hospitality, even in unexpected ways.
This conversation offers a rare glimpse into Will's experiences and insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in hospitality, leadership, or personal growth. Tune in to hear more about Will Guidara's remarkable journey and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.
Where to find Will Guidara:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(02:35): Will Guidara's thoughts on daily journaling
(14:18): How Will recalls important moments from the past
(17:47): How Will's dad went above and beyond in parenting
(27:05): How parenting evolves into leadership
(29:39): The most important "unreasonable" thing that has happened to Will
(34:25): The 95/5 rule
(42:09): How to jumpstart a culture of Unreasonable Hospitality
(43:33): What's next for Will Guidara
#71. In this episode of The meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey sits down with Drew Skolnik, a partner at KarpReilly, a prominent private growth equity firm known for its successful investments in the food and beverage industry. KarpReilly has invested in well-known brands such as Habit Burger Grill, Cooper’s Hawk, Made In, S&S and Spindrift.
The discussion delves into the intricacies of growth equity, exploring how it differs from venture capital, what firms like KarpReilly look for when investing in restaurants and food brands, and the typical scale at which they get involved. With insights from Drew, listeners will gain an understanding of the common indicators of success that these investors seek, the duration of their investments, and the due diligence process. This episode offers a deep dive into the role of growth equity in helping restaurants and food brands scale and succeed.
Where to find Drew Skolnik:
Where to find KarpReilly:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(02:35): Drew's background
(04:32): Why Drew and KarpReilly (KR) invest in restaurants and food
(15:52): At what stage does KR get involved?
(22:16): Ways in which KR assesses a team's quality
(27:03): What Drew looks for in ownership stakes
(33:55): How long KR holds investment for
(39:01): What Drew is interested in regarding the food space
(46:37): What Drew is interested in outside his portfolio
#70. Join host Josh Sharkey as he welcomes an old friend and pioneering entrepreneur, Alex Beltrani, the founder and CEO of Tattle, to the show. In this engaging episode, Josh and Alex dive into the story of Tattle, a revolutionary tech company that digitizes the customer feedback experience for restaurants.
Alex shares his journey from the inception of Tattle to its impressive growth, providing insights into how his platform quantifies and drives restaurant success by analyzing customer feedback on service, quality, and consistency. With clients ranging from Chili's and Mod Pizza to Hooters and Dave's Hot Chicken, Tattle's impact on the industry is undeniable.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation as Josh and Alex reminisce about their early collaborations, discuss the importance of metrics and results, and explore the future of restaurant success through innovative technology. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, restaurant management, and the power of data-driven decision-making.
Where to find Alex Beltrani:
Where to find Tattle:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(05:11): Where Alex's passion for helping others comes from
(13:56): How the definition of "the grind" has changed for Alex
(19:43): Raising capital
(22:12): Where Alex spends most of his time at Tattle
(27:24): Being a founder: Addiction? Or passion?
(39:09): Tattle 101
(1:02:08): Reminiscing on Tattle's launch party at Bark
#69. Join host Josh Sharkey on today's meez Podcast as he delves into the world of barbeque with Jessica Bograd, the Senior Director of Culinary for City Barbeque. Jessica is not only an incredible chef but also runs an exceptional operation at City Barbeque. Before her tenure at City Barbeque, Jessica was deeply involved in R&D, creating menu items for well-known brands like Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, TGI Fridays, Inspire Brands, and Focus Brands.
In this episode, we explore Jessica’s extensive experience in R&D at scale, highlighting her insights and expertise. Discover the fascinating world of food competitions, where Jessica has been a fierce competitor since a young age, excelling in sandwich and barbeque contests with her dedicated team.
The conversation takes a deep dive into the intricacies of barbeque, including the training and culture at City Barbeque. Jessica shares how they educate their team on different styles, smoking processes, and safety protocols, fostering a culture of learning and growth. The company’s commitment to excellence has earned them a spot in the top 100 fast-casual movers and shakers.
Tune in to hear Jessica's inspiring journey and gain a new appreciation for the art and science of barbeque at scale. This episode is a must-listen for barbeque enthusiasts and culinary professionals alike.
Where to find Jessica Bograd:
Where to find City Barbeque
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(03:28): Jessica's background
(04:35): Jessica's passion for competing
(10:13): How Jessica defines barbeque
(19:25): Wood preference for smoking
(23:23): Jess's experience in the R&D world
(36:56): A day in the life of Jess at City Barbeque
(42:16): Upward mobility options for City Barbeque employees
(47:25): The hardest and best part of Jess's job
(50:16): What Jess is looking forward to for the future of City Barbeque
The podcast currently has 82 episodes available.
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