Sara Fetbroth
“I truly believe hospitality can change the world. If everyone’s goal was to be other-centered and take care of each other, imagine how happy and healthy life would be! Food, the table, and hospitality are the most universal of languages, so what better environment to spread the love?
„
Connect to stories. The hospitality industry boils down to relationships and people. While there is so much technical knowledge, everything comes with a story. Learning others’ stories inspires me to figure out what I connect most with and what I want my own story to be.
All you can control is your inner attitude. You can’t control people, but you can control yourself. You can control how you see the world and your reaction to others. Be the positive light. Be honest with others and yourself. Be the happiness.
Breathe. Patience is truly a virtue when working in an industry of people. Every day I have to pick my battles, forgo being right, and decide what is truly important. Staying calm makes everything easier.
Never stop learning. The moment you think you’ve got it all figured out, humility has a way of teaching you a hard lesson. There is so much to learn, why would you ever want to stop?
Be nice; kindness can take you further than you think!
Lead by example. It’s one of the oldest sayings in the book, but it’s for a good reason. Don’t expect anyone to follow you if you don’t walk the talk.
Disclaimer: Individuals featured in the Inspirational Career Timelines section have been nominated by peers, colleagues and/or other members of the hospitality industry. It is to the best of our knowledge that each individual has demonstrated leadership and acted as a positive role model for others.
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If you know of any extraordinary food, beverage and hospitality professionals who inspire others through their hard work and leadership, nominate them now!
Inspirational Career Timelines
Find your inspiration in the unique career timelines and words of advice these industry leaders have shared.
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Avery RuzickaPartner & Head BakerManresa
Chase VoelzChef de CuisineBludorn
Kevin BoehmCo-OwnerBoka Restaurant Group
Keyatta Mincey-ParkerFounder & DirectorA Sip of Paradise Garden
Diego OkaExecutive ChefLa Mar by Gastón Acurio
James KentPartner and Executive Chef Crown Shy & SAGA
Aisha IbrahimExecutive ChefCanlis
Michael LennoxFounder / CEOElectric Hospitality
Jhonatan CanoDirector of OperationsBresca & Jônt
Leah CohenChef / OwnerPig & Khao / Piggyback NYC
Thomas KellerChef/Proprietor Chef, Restaurateur, and Cookbook Author
Myles MoodyChef / OwnerKinship Butcher Sundry
Katie VotaBeverage DirectorBanh Chanh 99
Kara MitchellGeneral ManagerBar Mercado & Recess
Grant AchatzChef and OwnerThe Alinea Group
Philip TessierChef / PartnerPress Restaurant
Devorah AllenGeneral ManagerAi Fiori
Michelle HerndonDirector of Diversity & CommunityBoka Restaurant Group
Ghaya OliveiraExecutive Pastry ChefDaniel
Dina SamsonOwnerRossoblu and Superfine Pizza
Kristina GlinogaButcher & OwnerButchery 101
Cathy MantuanoBeverage and Service DirectorThe Joseph
Jonathan BennoExecutive ChefBenno and Leonelli Restaurants
Richard McBrideAssistant Food & Beverage DirectorThe Reserve at Lake Keowee
Tavel Bristol-JosephPastry Chef / PartnerEmmer & Rye, Henbit, TLV, Hestia and Kalimotxo
Ryan PfeifferOwnerBig Kids
Trace ConwayDirector of OperationsButcher & Bee
Joancarlo ParkhurstChef/OwnerLa Famosa
Zachary ByersHead SommelierBeckon
Ariana QuantExecutive Pastry ChefHai Hospitality
Joe FrillmanExecutive Chef and ProprietorDaisies
Andra JohnsonManaging Partner and Beverage DirectorSerenata & Zumo
Frank ProtoDirector of Culinary OperationsInstitute of Culinary Education
Tie WhittakerOwnerButtermilk Boutique
Damian DiazCo-FounderNo Us Without You & Va'La Hospitality
Othón NolascoCo-FounderNo Us Without You & Va'La Hospitality
Jennie Yip KimFounder & CEOJenjuice Hospitality
Chris ShepherdChef/OwnerUnderbelly Hospitality & Southern Smoke
Jessica CraigPastry ChefAlmond - Bridgehampton
Robert LeBlancFounder and Creative DirectorLeBLANC+SMITH
Brittney WilliamsPrivate Chef and Caterer BWC Catering LLC
Marc FarrellFounder & CEOTen To One Rum
Jocelyn RamirezOwnerTodo Verde
Bryan Lee WeaverExecutive Chef/Partner Butcher & Bee and Redheaded Stranger
Julia ConeyFounderBlack Wine Professionals
Erika ChouCo-Founder & CEORivers & Hills Hospitality Group LLC
Brian LandryOwner/ChefQED Hospitality
Josh WolkonOwnerSecret Sauce Restaurant Group
Cherif MbodjiGeneral ManagerBludorn
Antonio MoraExecutive Chef Quality Bistro
Phil BarnesExecutive ChefThe King's Kitchen
Miguel de LeonGeneral Manager and Wine DirectorPinch Chinese
Kelly JeunExecutive ChefFrasca Food and Wine
Jacob SessomsCo-Owner/Executive ChefCultura
Tiffany BowenProprietorHarlem Hookah
Sarah RobbinsChief Operating Officer21c Museum Hotels
Fabio TrabocchiChef / OwnerFabio Trabocchi Restaurants
Amy RacineBeverage DirectorJF Restaurants
Adam MonetteGeneral Manager and PartnerFlagstaff House Restaurant
Kim LernerLeadership Coach & Hospitality Consultantonly yummy, always
Aria DorseyDirector of Operations & WineRolf & Daughters and Folk.
Dan HonigOwnerHappy Valley Meat Company
DLynn Proctor DirectorFantesca Estate & Winery
Kristine BasasHuman Resources ManagerBoka Restaurant Group
Alice ChengFounder & CEOCulinary Agents
Rayme RosselloOwnerComida
Simon KimProprietorCote Korean Steakhouse
Jasmine CroweFounder & CEOGoodr
Emery WhalenCEO/Co-OwnerQED Hospitality
Jason NeveExecutive ChefRooster’s Wood Fired Kitchen
Rose NoelExecutive ChefMaialino Mare
Ryan PeraChef and Co-OwnerAgricole Hospitality
Jennifer LeuzziHost & ProducerTech Bites
Cannon PorterAssociate PartnerAba, Beatrix Fulton Market, Ema, The Dalcy (LEYE)
Joey WardExecutive Chef and Owner Southern Belle & Georgia Boy
Deanne Steffen Chinn Corporate Pastry ChefBig Heart Hospitality
Alain Verzeroli Director of Culinary OperationsInvest Hospitality
Erica James General Manager Momotaro and the Izakaya
Angie Rito Chef/PartnerDon Angie & Quality Italian
Kimberly GalbanSenior Executive Service and Operations Director Hogsalt
Ian RyneckiExecutive ChefPippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Erin SmithChef/OwnerFeges BBQ
Jason PfeiferDirector of Culinary OperationsManhatta
Carlin KarrWine DirectorFrasca Food and Wine, Inc.
Alexander HarrisCulinary DirectorEmma’s Torch
Samantha ShermanNYC Director of Sales & MarketingCushman Concepts
Ian PurkayasthaFounderRegalis Foods
Karen BornarthHead of Workforce DevelopmentHot Bread Kitchen
Bill Nevruz Vice President and Executive Partner Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
Stephanie JacksonChief People OfficerAurify Brands
Mailea WegerChef/OwnerLOU
Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez Managing Director Daily Provisions
Brent BraunGeneral Manager, Partner, and Wine DirectorOK Omens and Castagna
Victoria James Beverage Director & PartnerCote Korean Steakhouse
Daniel GibsonService ManagerBlue Hill At Stone Barns
Eduardo Porto CarreiroBeverage DirectorRocket Farm Restaurants
Junghyun ‘JP’ ParkChef/OwnerAtoboy and Atomix
Ashley M. Abodeely Executive ChefThe Firehouse Hotel
Jennifer BellChief Marketing OfficerLettuce Entertain You Enterprises
Nicholas TangExecutive ChefDBGB Kitchen & Bar
Rhadia HurseyPresidentNew York Women's Culinary Alliance
Scott WeinerPresidentFifty/50 Management Group, Inc
Julie QiuOyster Sommelier & FounderIn A Half Shell
Tab VolpePastry Chef No. 9 Park
Nadine DonovanExecutive Pastry ChefAce Eat Serve & Ace Juice Bar
Nicholas J. BathurstCo-FounderTH/RST Hospitality Group
Jennifer FoucherHead SommelierFiola
Jack McGarryManaging PartnerBest Bar in The World Group
Anna McGormanDirector of Culinary OperationsMilk Bar
Brad Kilgore Chef/Owner Alter, Kaido, and Ember
Renata AmeniExecutive Pastry ChefCrown Shy
Neal FraserExecutive Chef and OwnerRedbird, Vibiana, Fritzi
Jiho KimExecutive Pastry ChefThe Modern
Pascaline LepeltierMeilleur Ouvrier de France, Best Sommelier de France, Master Sommelier, & Managing PartnerRacines NY
Floyd CardozFormer Vice President CulinaryEstiatorio Milos
Bobby StuckeyOwner and Master SommelierFrasca Food and Wine Group
Eric BostChef and OwnerAuburn
Jen PelkaFounder, CEO & OwnerMagnum PR and The Riddler
Tony CarsonGeneral ManagerThe Modern
Peter HoglundDirector of Operations and PartnerFrasca Food and Wine
Sandra SchäuffeleAssistant General ManagerPer Se
Greg BaxtromChef and OwnerOlmsted
Julia TurshenWriter and Cookbook AuthorSelf-Employed
Harlan ScottPresident Harlan Scott Hospitality
Jeff KatzPartnerThe Restaurants at 70 Pine
Paige LombardiChef de CuisineOleana
Steven SatterfieldCo-Owner and Executive ChefMiller Union
Lindsey BittnerPastry ChefLeonelli Restaurants
Cliff MoriFounder and PresidentBREW-Ed Brewery Tours
Jordan SalcitoFounder / CEORAMONA
Hans LuttmannDirector of Hospitality & Managing PartnerRossoblu
Pat O'MalleyPastry Chef and OwnerHungry Pigeon
Lena CiardulloExecutive ChefUnion Square Cafe
Carina BarreraGeneral ManagerThe Charter Oak
Spike MendelsohnCo-FounderPLNT Burger
Stephen FormanExecutive ChefKeyBank Center - Delaware North
Sam PoguePrincipalPaper to Table
Sabato SagariaMaster Sommelier & Co-FounderApres Cru Hospitality
Patrick O'ConnellChef & ProprietorThe Inn at Little Washington
Khuong PhanFood & Beverage PR, Marketing and Concept DevelopmentAtelier Ace / Ace Hotel
Ashley WaughBar Director / General ManagerBarbara Lynch Collective
Linton HopkinsChef & ProprietorResurgens Hospitality Group
Sarah RosenbergFounder & CEOWicked Good Media
Marjorie Meek-BradleyExecutive ChefSt Anselm
Sean KinoshitaExecutive ChefTIAA Bank Field - Delaware North
Jessica NowickiChef de CuisineSafta
Jonathan SearleExecutive ChefLockbox
Rita JammetOwnerLa Caravelle Champagne / Wines
Lars KristiansenVice President Food & Beverage Great Wolf Lodge
Ryan HardyExecutive Chef and PartnerDelicious Hospitality Group
Dawn HedgesExecutive ChefBuffalo Niagara International Airport - Delaware North
Grayson SchmitzRecipe DevelopmentOlivier Cheng Catering & Events
Nicholas ElmiChef and OwnerNicholas Elmi Restaurants
Katie BellHospitality ConsultantDIG
Evan SungPhotographerEvan Sung Photography
Leigh OmilinskyPastry ChefBellemore, Swift & Sons, Cold Storage Seafood
Katianna HongFormer Executive ChefThe Charter Oak
Diane Moua Executive Pastry ChefSpoon and Stable & Bellecour
Amanda CohenChef/OwnerDirt Candy
Lachlan Mackinnon-PattersonExecutive Chef/OwnerFrasca Food and Wine
François HiegelExecutive Head BakerRestaurants of Chef Thomas Keller
Aimee OlexyOwnerTalula's Table, Talula's Garden, Talula's Daily, The Love
Taylor CrowleyDirector of Sales & MarketingBoka Restaurant Group
Melanie TappF&B Senior Director21c Museum Hotels
Shelley LindgrenCo-Owner and Wine DirectorA16 and SPQR
Adam VavrickOwnerDo Right Distribution LLC
Gayle MinerService ManagerBlue Hill at Stone Barns
Kurt ChenierExecutive ChefTarget Field, Delaware North
Anton BollingExecutive ChefFiola Mare
Camilla MarcusFounderwest~bourne
Vincent SpinosoChief Operating OfficerMetropolitan Hospitality Group
Jen Hidinger-KendrickCo-Founder and PartnerStaplehouse
Alex McCreryCo-OwnerTilit NYC
Andrew IsabellaExecutive ChefBeetlecat
Ben PuchowitzChef and Co-OwnerCheu Noodle Bar, Bing Bing Dim Sum, Cheu Fishtown
Tova du PlessisOwnerEssen Bakery
Nicholas ForresterGeneral ManagerVernick Food & Drink
Anncherie SaludoBeverage DirectorL'Artusi
Benjamin WeisbergerGeneral ManagerLuce Restaurant
Erin ClarkeExecutive ChefSfoglina Rosslyn
Mike RafidiExecutive ChefRequin - The Wharf
Corey ChowChef de CuisinePer Se
Stuart McDonaldDirector of TrainingChick-fil-A
Melissa PerelloExecutive Chef and OwnerM. Georgina, Octavia, and FRANCES
Lou Ann DorneyDirector Of OperationsThe Hamilton Kitchen & Bar
Amalia ScatenaExecutive ChefGoat.Sheep.Cow
Kenneth FolandExecutive Sous ChefBusch Stadium, Delaware North Sportservice
Matt GarlandChef de CuisineEastern Standard
Brooks ReitzFounder and PartnerJack Rudy Cocktail Co., Leon's Oyster Bar, & Little Jack's Tavern, Melfi's, & Monza Pizza Bar
Helen JohannesenPartner and Beverage DirectorHelen's Wines and Jon & Vinny's
Will CostelloMaster Sommelier and Estates AmbassadorBien Nacido and Solomon Hills Estates
Ben PottsBar Director and Partner The Sylvester, Beaker & Gray
Gretchen RicherDirector of People OperationsUnion Square Hospitality Group
Rachel DelRoccoAssociate Editor and Spirits WriterWine and Spirits Magazine
Dominique AnselChef and OwnerDominique Ansel
Melissa RodriguezExecutive ChefDel Posto
George MendesChef and PartnerAldea and Lupulo
Melissa DavisBeverage Director Revelator Coffee Company
Suzanne CuppsExecutive Chef232 Bleecker
Belinda ChangCEOSelf-employed
Dan PerrettaExecutive ChefThe Aviary
Maneet ChauhanPresident and Founding Partner Morph Hospitality
Ken OringerChef and Managing PartnerJK Food Group and Uni Boston
Craig RichardsChef/Owner Lyla Lila
Nancy CushmanCo-Owner and FounderCushman Concepts
José MendinChef and Owner The Pubbelly Group
Jeni Britton BauerFounder and Chief Creative Officer Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Stephanie Castellucci General Manager and OwnerCastellucci Restaurant Group
Daniel RoseExecutive Chef and PartnerChez la Vieille, Le Coucou, La Bourse et la Vie
Nelson DaquipWine and Spirits DirectorCanlis Restaurant
Zachary EngelOwner and Head ChefGalit
James ZollerChef de CuisineTRACE Austin
Mike SolomonovChef / PartnerCook N Solo Restaurants
Marie PetullaDirector Of OperationsTrejo's Tacos
Mike WadjaChef PartnerHonest Hospitality Group LLC
Angel PostellFounderBevCon
Kelly FieldsChef and OwnerWilla Jean
Andrea BorgenOwner and General ManagerBarcito
Alexander BurgerExecutive ChefThe Amsterdam
Sam KimFormer Executive Chef1789 Restaurant
Ben SteigersExecutive ChefPABU
Sarah SimmonsChef and OwnerCITY GRIT Hospitality Group, CITY GRIT, Birds & Bubbles, Rise Gourmet Goods & Bakeshop
Kevin MaxeyVice President of Tex-MexRocket Farm Restaurants
Jonas AndersenBusiness Development ManagerGreat Northern Food Hall
Joanne ChangChef and Co-OwnerFlour Bakery & Café and Myers+Chang
Jean Luc RoyereExecutive ChefThe Post Oak
Sara FetbrothGeneral ManagerOleana Restaurant
Josh EvenExecutive ChefTofino Wines
Matthew RidgwayExecutive ChefCooks & Soldiers
Tessa ThompsonExecutive RecruiterAmy Falbaum & Associates
Philippe BertineauFormer Executive ChefBenoit New York
Josh HendersonChef and FounderHuxley Wallace Collective
Carmen QuagliataVice President of Business DevelopmentSelect Restaurants
Morgan SchickCreative DirectorThe Bon Vivants and Trick Dog
Drew BellineVice President and Culinary DirectorRocket Farm Restaurants
Eddy LerouxChef de CuisineDaniel
Dustin WilsonMaster Sommelier and Co-FounderVerve Wine
Charlotte VoiseyDirector of Brand AdvocacyWilliam Grant & Sons USA
Eric RailsbackPartner and Wine DirectorMason Pacific
Nick AndererExecutive Chef / PartnerAnton’s
Chris CosentinoChef and OwnerCockscomb and Acacia House
Matt AlbaChef de CuisineAd Hoc
Scott BairdCo-FounderThe Bon Vivants
Aggie ChinExecutive Pastry ChefMirabelle
Ezra PattekAttaché The Bon Vivants
Robert Andreozziformer Chef de CuisinePizzeria Locale
Adam NadelExecutive ChefCasa Apicii
Brandon MalzahnExecutive Pastry ChefJW Marriott Marco Island
Michael PaleyExecutive ChefCafé No Sé and Central Standard
Dan SnowdenExecutive ChefBad Hunter
Yehuda SichelExecutive ChefAbe Fisher
Josh HarrisCo-FounderThe Bon Vivants
Rhonda CrossonHead BakerMeyersUSA
Christie DufaultWine Instructor and Beverage InstructorCulinary Institute of America at Greystone
Dan KlugerChef and OwnerLoring Place and Penny Bridge
Simon KingFormer General ManagerThe Modern
Alex SeidelExecutive Chef, Proprietor and FarmerMercantile dining & provision, Fruition Restaurant and Fruition Farms Dairy & Creamery
Travis SwikardChef and OwnerCallie Restaurant
Michael AnthonyExecutive Chef / PartnerGramercy Tavern & Untitled
Wendy KallergisPresident and CEOGreater Miami Beaches and Hotel Association
Anthony StrongFormer Executive ChefDelfina Group
Barbara LynchChef and OwnerBarbara Lynch Collective
Angela NeriVice President and OwnerPony Up
Shawn CirkielExecutive Chef and OwnerParkside Projects
Jennifer CarrollChef and OwnerSpice Finch
Cynthia BilleaudFounder and Chief Recruiting OfficerFnBTalents
Gunnar Karl GíslasonExecutive Chef and OwnerSystir, Dill, Agern Restaurant
Borys SaciukDirector of Trade AdvocacyThe Bon Vivants
Alessandra AltieriDirector of Operations - HospitalityRalph Lauren Corporation
James BriscioneDirector of Culinary DevelopmentThe Institute of Culinary Education
Jean François BruelExecutive ChefDaniel
Aniedra NicholsExecutive Chef and OwnerTammen's Fish Market
Benjamin MurrayChef de CuisinePao by Paul Qui
Charlie ParkerExecutive ChefFlea Street Cafe
Jamie BissonnetteChef / PartnerToro, Coppa and Little Donkey
Vilma MazaiteRegional ManagerDomaine Select Wine & Spirits
Roxanne SpruanceExecutive Chef and Owner Kingsley
Gary ObligacionGeneral ManagerPost Ranch Inn
Matthew McClureExecutive ChefThe Hive
Jeremy SewallChef / PartnerLineage Restaurant, Island Creek Oyster Bar, Row 34 Fort Point, Row 34 Portsmouth
Jonathan DeutschProfessor of Culinary Arts and Food ScienceDrexel University, Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Anita LoFormer Executive Chef / OwnerAnnisa
Bryan DaytonProprietor/Beverage Director Oak at Fourteenth, Acorn, Corrida
Monica GlassCorporate Pastry ChefConstellation Culinary Group
Daniel ToralSommelierAd Lib
Kevin FinkChef/OwnerEmmer & Rye
Kim FlorescaCo-Executive Chef[ONE] Restaurant
Timothy HollingsworthOwner / ChefOtium and Barrel & Ashes
Anthony ChittumExecutive Chef / PartnerIron Gate Restaurant
John RaganMaster Sommelier, Director of Wine and Restaurant OperationsUnion Square Hospitality Group
Aaron BludornExecutive Chef & Owner Bludorn
Joseph YardleyChef de CuisineAgern Restaurant
Chung ChowChef de Cuisine / Co-OwnerNoreetuh
Vivian HowardChef/OwnerBoiler Room, Benny's Big Time Pizzeria, Chef & The Farmer
Eric RiveraFormer Director of OperationsHuxley Wallace Collective
Jeff BenjaminChief Operating Officer & Executive VP Vetri Cucina & Fitler Club
Anthony RudolfPartnerUnion Square Play
Michaël EngelmannBeverage DirectorWS New York at Hudson Yards
Gavin KaysenExecutive Chef / OwnerSpoon and Stable & Bellecour
Jonathan BlackExecutive ChefPost Ranch Inn
Erik DesjarlaisOwner and MakerFitswell Apron Company
Abram BissellVice President, CulinarySydell Group
Johnny IuzziniCulinary DirectorChoLon Restaurant Concepts
Carlton McCoyMaster Sommelier, President and CEOHeitz Cellar
Pierre SiueDirector Of OperationsThe Dinex Group - Chef Daniel Boulud
Melissa WalnockLecturing Instructor / Pastry ChefThe Culinary Institute of America
Jeffrey PorterSelf-employedLearning the Vines Consulting - Hospitality & Beverage Consulting
AJ SchallerExecutive ChefCuisine Solutions; CREA
Jason FraneyCorporate ChefMina Group
Joe CampanaleOwner and Beverage DirectorFausto
Erling Wu-BowerExecutive Chef and Co-OwnerThe Laurel Room, Pacific Standard Time
Sylva SenatChef Partner Senat & Co
Raj VaidyaHead SommelierDaniel
Cesar GutierrezExecutive Sous ChefCAFÉ BOULUD
Chris BaggettaBrand Ambassador ManagerStrategic Group
Edouardo JordanChef and OwnerSalare Restaurant and Junebaby
Jillian RoccoFormer Director of OperationsRow 34 and Island Creek Oyster Bar
Kevin DohertyExecutive ChefDelaware North Companies Sportservice at TD Garden
Graceanne JordanHospitality, Partnerships, and InvestmentsMilstein Companies
Donald MadiaOwner and PartnerOne Off Hospitality Group
Norman Van AkenExecutive Chef and OwnerNorman's
Jenner TomaskaExecutive Chef and OwnerEsmé
Jonathan LindBar DirectorCrown Shy
Rodrigo RodriguezGeneral ManagerQuality Meats, Quality Italian
Alison CatesExecutive Pastry ChefButcher & Bee Charleston
Brooke BobyakWinemakerBella Union
