Restaurant Ready

Ben Shewry, chef-owner of Melbourne’s acclaimed Attica, shares the personal journey and leadership philosophy behind one of Australia’s most thoughtful restaurants. In this heartfelt conversation, Ben opens up about the power of empathy, accountability, and sustainability—not just in sourcing, but in how we treat people. He discusses breaking the cycle of toxic kitchen culture, the importance of m...

Brazilian chef Manu Buffara shares how food, community, and sustainability come together to create real change—inside the kitchen and far beyond. As the force behind the award-winning restaurant Manu, and founder of Instituto Manu Buffara, she’s redefining the role of chefs as leaders, educators, and community connectors. Buffara opens up about transforming leftovers into opportunity, elevating he...

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Tyler Florence dives deep into the business of hospitality, the realities of leadership, and the mindset behind building a lasting restaurant empire. With nearly 30 years on Food Network, 17 cookbooks, and restaurants spanning airports to Union Square, Tyler opens up about the lessons behind the wins and the losses. From a surprise service meltdown to scaling steakh...

In this engaging conversation, Chef Emily Lucchetti shares her journey through the culinary world, highlighting her experiences in California cuisine, the importance of mentorship, and her passion for writing cookbooks. She discusses the evolution of her career, the significance of community in the culinary arts, and her current projects, including a culinary memoir. Emily emphasizes the value of...

Award-winning chef Kevin Gillespie discusses his background, accomplishments, and approach to running restaurants.  He emphasizes the importance of recruiting the right team and creating a supportive and diverse work environment. Gillespie also shares his leadership style, which involves leading by example and fostering self-motivation and accountability. He acknowledges the challenges of the indu...

Chef Ron McKinlay discusses his culinary journey and the influence of his upbringing in Vancouver on his cooking style. He emphasizes the importance of using local and seasonal ingredients and incorporating nature into his dishes.  Chef Ron also talks about his role as a mentor to young cooks and the challenges of leading a large kitchen. He shares his approach to social media and how it has helpe...

Zach Field, founding partner of Field Artist Management, discusses his journey in the entertainment and culinary worlds and the challenges and changes in the hospitality industry.  He emphasizes the importance of hospitality and service in the industry and the need to balance self-promotion with genuine care for others. Field also reflects on the impact of shows like Top Chef and Food Network on t...

Maria Mazon is the executive chef and owner of Boca Tacos and Sona Bodega in Tucson, Arizona. Maria talks about her journey into the food world and the challenges she faces as a restaurant owner.  She emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients and educating customers about the true value of Mexican cuisine. Maria also discusses the costs of running a restaurant and the unique connectio...

Norman Van Aken is a celebrated chef and restaurateur known for introducing fusion into global cookery. He pioneered New World Cuisine, a fusion of Latin, Caribbean, Asian American, and African flavors. Van Aken's career has been decorated with awards and accolades, including being inducted into the James Beard Foundation list of who's who in American food and beverage. He has authored cookbooks a...

Alex Stupak is a chef and co-owner of the Empellón restaurant group in New York City. He has a unique approach to cooking that challenges traditional views of cuisine. He focuses on allowing all cuisines to explore and evolve, rather than being limited by tradition or authenticity.  Alex has opened multiple restaurants under the Empellón brand, with a focus on Mexican cuisine. When this podcast wa...

Chef Karen Akunowicz, a renowned chef and restaurateur, shares her passion for owning her own restaurant and the challenges she faced in making that dream a reality.  Karen also talks about the importance of having a clear vision and a good business sense when starting a new venture. She emphasizes the value of having a supportive team and the role they played in the success of Fox and the Knife....

Duff Goldman isn’t just a baker—he’s a creative force, a rule-breaker, and a storyteller, all rolled into one. From the wild success of Ace of Cakes to mentoring the next generation of bakers on Kids Baking Championship, Duff has carved out a career that’s as sweet as it is inspiring. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on his journey, sharing the lessons he’s learned from designing an...