Her Seat At The Table

Sara hangs out with Anna Edwards, sommelier of the iconic, Michelin-starred Poole's Diner in Raleigh, NC.  In this conversation, they discuss imposter syndrome in wine, what it's like running an award-winning wine program, and looking toward the next chapter of their careers. Main topics include: The evolution of Poole’s Diner in Raleigh with its Michelin recognition and approachable fine dining A...

You know her from Queer Eye in New Orleans, you know her from Chopped, OR you know her for her social media sensation, "The Pho-rrito" - meet Anh Luu! In this episode, Anh shares her story of navigating the restaurant industry, resilience after personal loss, and embracing a flexible, self-directed culinary career. We explore her experiences with restaurant ownership, the industry’s challenges, an...

In this episode, Randi Weinstein shares her journey of founding and growing the FAB Conference—a vibrant space for women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Listen to insights on event innovation, community building, balancing motherhood, and embracing bold ideas. Key topics:   The origins and evolution of FAB Conference over its 10-year history Randi's transition from hospitality r...

Explore how the James Beard Foundation is driving impact through innovative programs, advocacy, and educational resources in the food industry. Sara Abernethy interviews Dr. Anne McBride, Vice President of Impact, to uncover insights on leadership, mentorship, and fostering resilience in hospitality professionals. Main Topics Covered:   The role of the James Beard Foundation in industry advocacy a...

Discover the inspiring journey of Inie Ribustello, a Tarboro-based restaurateur, author, and hospitality leader, as she navigates career transitions, personal growth, and community impact. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone contemplating change, overcoming burnout, or seeking purpose beyond entrepreneurship. Key Topics:  Inie's transition from restaurant owner to W2 employee and dire...

Most entrepreneurs never reveal the messy, real behind-the-scenes stories that shape their success. Molly Irani — founder of the James Beard Award-winning Chai Pani restaurant group — exposes the grit, chaos, and heart of building a meaningful culture in hospitality in her newly released memoir, "Service Ready".  Imagine maxing out personal credit cards, navigating midlife pivots, and managing hig...

This episode explores the vital (and often tenuous) relationship between ownership and management in restaurants. It's kind of a catch 22 - owners need talented leaders who can operate the concept well, make decisions in real time, and build teams. In order to run a concept well, operators need owners who trust them to do all of those things - and this relationship based on mutual trust and respec...

Sara Abernethy chats with Tiffany Welton, Owner and Founder of RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar in Cary, NC. Yes, THAT RBF!   Check out RBF's upcoming events and their WILDLY impressive list of bubbles by the glass at www.rbf.wine If you're someone considering leaving corporate and taking the plunge into a hospitality business - this conversation is for you.   Tiffany shares the real deal about t...

What does it look like to build a business that reflects your values—and still make room for joy, family, and rest? In this episode of Her Seat at the Table, host Sara Abernethy sits down with Petrushka Bazin Larsen, co-founder of Sugar Hill Creamery, Harlem’s first family-owned handmade ice cream shop. Petrushka shares her journey as an entrepreneur, mom of three, and community builder, opening u...

Sara Abernethy chats with Sandi Kronick, Founder & CEO of Happy Dirt, a Durham-based company that is creating sustainable food systems, by not only being a release valve for farmers, but providing a much more direct route right to your table.  In this episode, Sara and Sandi jam on how the importance of how staying curious played such a vital role in Sandi's longevity in the food space, what s...

What does it really take to evolve and thrive as a woman in hospitality? In this special live episode of Her Seat at the Table , we bring you Evolving in Hospitality: A Woman’s Perspective , a powerful panel conversation recorded at Glasshouse Kitchen in RTP. Host Sara Abernethy is joined by industry leaders Samantha Kotey, Vivian Howard, Caroline Morrison, and Preeti Waas for a candid discussion...