Together We Win

On this episode of Together We Win, hosts Steve Clark and Kerry Miller sit down with Eli Feldman, Boston-based restaurateur, founder of Shy Bird, and co-founder of Colette, an AI technology company built for the restaurant industry.

With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Eli brings a unique perspective on the intersection of restaurants, technology, and entrepreneurship. From the challenges facing operators today to the growing role of AI in hospitality, the conversation explores how innovation is changing the industry, what it means for the people behind it, and what the future of restaurants could look like.

Join MRA President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller for the latest episode of the MRA’s Together We Win podcast, featuring longtime restaurateur Sean Olson of Salt + Stone in Somerville.

Sean talks about the fire that caused major damage to the restaurant earlier this year, the months spent closed, and the process of getting the business back up and running. He shares what the experience was like for his team, the challenges they faced along the way, and what it took to reopen.

Now that they’re back up and running, we’ll also talk about what’s new at Salt + Stone, including their new cocktail program, with some samples along the way.

It’s a real conversation about what happens when a restaurant faces an unexpected setback - and what comes next.

This month on Together We Win, President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller are joined by entrepreneur and chef Tambo Barrow, founder of BRED in Lower Mills and the visionary behind the newly reimagined BRED Bar in Kendall Square. What started as a neighborhood burger spot has grown into a celebrated brand known for its bold Caribbean and Cajun-inspired flavors, community focus, and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Tambo shares his journey from building BRED from the ground up to expanding into a vibrant new dining and hospitality concept. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a foodie, or someone inspired by stories of perseverance and innovation, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Together We Win, MRA President Steve Clark and Vice President Kerry Miller sit down with Paul Barker to celebrate 15 years of Pauli's. Paul shares the story behind the business's evolution, reflecting on the challenges, opportunities, and pivotal moments that have shaped its success over the past decade and a half.

From adapting to changing market conditions to building a strong team and loyal customer base, this conversation explores what it takes for a business not just to survive, but to thrive for 15 years. Tune in for valuable insights on leadership, resilience, growth, and the power of perseverance from a business owner who has successfully navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

In the May episode of Together We Win, MRA PresidentSteve Clark and VP Kerry Miller sit down with Jack Bardy of Wildlife Hospitality Group to talk about what it takes to keep a nearly 20-year institution like The Beehive relevant in Boston’s ever-evolving dining and nightlife scene.

From the staying power of The Beehive to the energy behind the group’s newer concepts like Cósmica and Spy Bar, the conversation explores how restaurateurs are navigating today’s landscape while appealing to guests across generations.

This April episode of Together We Win features President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller in conversation with Gardy Desrouleaux, Owner & Managing Partner of Craft Food Halls, diving into a fresh perspective on growth in today’s hospitality landscape. From rethinking partner vs. site selection to building community-driven concepts, Gardy shares how his experience scaling Craft Food Halls to 13 locations has shaped his approach to expansion. The conversation also explores his journey from starting as a host to leading a multi-location brand, the importance of strong team culture and transparent communication, and his advocacy for better working conditions and financial literacy within the industry.

If you want to hear more, be sure to join us at the NewEngland Restaurant & Bar Show for Gardy’s session and many more, April 26th and 27th at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, MA.

In the March episode of Together We Win, MRA President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller welcome Aidan McGee, chef and restaurateur behind Iconic Irish hot spots The Dubliner, McGonagle’s Pub and more. Aidan shares how he is bringing authenticity and pride back to Irish cuisine in Boston, challenging long-held perceptions of what Irish food means to American diners. From honoring traditional fare to elevating the guest experience, he discusses building restaurants rooted in culture, community, and quality - all just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

Enjoy this conversation? You can catch Aidan live in Bostonat this year’s New England Restaurant and Bar Show on April 26 and 27, where the dialogue around hospitality, culture, and innovation continues.

In this episode of Together We Win, President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller sit down with Mohamad El Zein, owner of Moona, an Eastern Mediterranean mezza restaurant in Cambridge. Mohamad shares how Moona has grown into a beloved neighborhood destination and why community remains at the center of his vision as he expands with a newCentral Square location opening next month. This powerful conversation is for all independent operators, offering honest insight into scaling with intention, navigating today’s challenges, and building a culture-driven team that can growsustainably.

On this episode of Together We Win, your hosts, President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller, sit down with Chef Eric Leblanc, MRA 2025 Chef of the Year and Culinary Director of Burtons Grill & Bar and Red Heat Tavern. From his early days in the kitchen to leading major restaurant operations, Eric’s career is a masterclass in what a passion for the culinary world can achieve. He shares some of his favorite experiences along the way and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at exciting upcoming projects, including the opening of Burtons Grill & Bar’s 24th location. You won’t want to miss it!

This month on Together We Win, MRA President Steve Clark and Vice President Kerry Miller welcome Jack Maloney, founder of Team Dinner, a podcast and YouTube channel covering all things food and sports in Massachusetts. Last year, Jack set out to create a platform that brings people together over shared meals and meaningful stories. He shares the inspiration behind his community-driven dining initiative, the role food plays in fostering genuine connections, and how Team Dinner is working to create more inclusive and impactful dining experiences. This conversation offers insight and inspiration for restaurant professionals, food lovers, and anyone passionate about bringing people together.