Music That Motivates Hospitality Pros

Quality ingredients are essential for not only a great dish but also for creating an ideal atmosphere within the walls of a restaurant for its guests and team. Music is one of those critical ingredients. We asked hospitality leaders to share songs that spark motivation and inspiration -- and then we made a playlist! Give it a listen the next time you need to kickstart yourself (or your whole team) before service or anytime you need a soundtrack to get going.

Here are the go-to songs by some of today's hospitality leaders (and because many couldn't pick just one, we've added all of their picks to the playlist):

• "Brightside" by The Lumineers
  - Alon Shaya, Founder & Owner of Pomegranate Hospitality
  
  
• "Count Me Out" by Kendrick Lamar
  - Andre Sykes, Co-Founder of Black On Both Sides
  
  
• "Light My Fire" by The Doors
  - Francisco Ramirez, Executive Chef at LMNO
  
  
• "Wolf Like Me" by TV on the Radio
  - Jean Tomaro, Co-Founder & Beverage Specialist at Hogsalt
  
  
• "Funkin' for Jamaica" by Tom Browne
  - Jeff Katz, Managing Partner of 85 Tenth Restaurants (Al Coro, Discolo and Mel's)
  
  
• "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John
  - Iliana de la Vega, Chef / Owner of El Naranjo and Mexican Culinary Traditions, Consultant at Stanford University Dining Enterprises
  
  
• "Together Again" by Janet Jackson
  - Lauren Paylor, Owner & Co-Founder of Focus on Health and R&D Production Chef at Silver Lyan
  
  
• "Doing It To Death" by Fred Wesley & The J.B.'s
  - Mariya Russell, Chef & Entrepreneur
  
  
• "Empire State of Mind" by Jay Z and Alicia Keys
  - Markus Glocker, Executive Chef / Partner at Koloman
  
  
• "Run the World" by Beyonce
  - Nokkie Lipsey, Director of Operations & Expansion/Events at Id Est Hospitality
  
  
• “The Walker” by Fitz and The Tantrums
  - Orlando Soto, Executive Pastry Chef at Le Bernardin
  
  
• "Bulls on Parade" by Rage Against The Machine
  - Russell Jackson, Owner / Chef of Reverence
  
  
• "Sunshine" by Evil Ebenezer
  - Sara Maranzana, Head Pastry Chef at Benoit New York
  
  
• "Naña" by Polo & Pan
  - Téa Ivanovic, Co-Founder & COO of Immigrant Food
  
  
• "Can't Stop" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
  - Watson Brown, Corporate Wine Director at Mattos Hospitality Group
  
  
• "Silence Must Be Heard" by Enigma
  - Zorica Vukovic, Director of Operations & Hospitality at The Group NYC

We want to hear from you, share your top songs for consideration to be added to the playlist.