Hospitality & Politics with Andrew Rigie

In this episode, we’re joined by Bobbie Lloyd, the Chief Baking Officer and CEO of Magnolia Bakery. We get into Magnolia Bakery’s journey from its humble beginnings on a quiet street corner in the West Village to becoming a globally recognized brand. Bobbie shares how a 30-second feature on ‘Sex and the City’ catapulted the bakery to fame and discusses the intricacies of scaling and maintaining qu...

In this episode, we welcome Shaw-naé Dixon of Shaw-naé’s House. They discuss Shaw-naé's inspiring journey in the hospitality industry, her establishment's unique atmosphere, and the heartfelt hospitality that defines her restaurant. Shaw-naé shares her experiences with Pete Wells' New York Times review, the challenges and rewards of running a family-operated restaurant, and her rich fa...

In this episode, renown experts Robert and Max Bookman join us to break down the complexities of liquor licensing and outdoor dining regulations in New York City. They explore the legacy of Prohibition, the impact of zoning laws on dancing at bars and clubs, and the real-world challenges restaurant and nightlife operators face today. We dive into the 200- and 500-foot laws, navigating community bo...

Julie Coker, CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, joins Andrew to discuss how tourism drives New York City’s $79 billion economy and supports over 400,000 jobs. She outlines her strategy to keep NYC a top global destination through major initiatives like Restaurant Week, Broadway Week, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while addressing the critical need for increased tourism funding compared to other majo...

In this episode, Andrew sits down with renowned chef, restaurateur, and TV host Tom Colicchio. They discuss the evolving concept of his restaurant Craft, industry challenges, and the impact of inflation on menu pricing, tipping, and hunger relief. Colicchio shares the importance of staying relevant and the operational differences between New York City and Las Vegas. They also talk about the role o...

On this episode, we welcome Rosanna Scotto, anchor at Fox Five New York and co-owner of the family-run restaurant, Fresco by Scotto. We discuss history and evolution of Fresco by Scotto over 31 years, including the significant challenges faced during the pandemic and the ongoing adjustments in Midtown Manhattan's dynamic business environment. We also get into the impact of congestion pricing on sm...

In this episode of ‘Hospitality & Politics,’ powered by the New York City Hospitality Alliance, Andrew Rigie chats with Jeffrey Bank, CEO of the Alicart Restaurant Group (Carmines and Virgil’s), and Bill Bonbrest, former Chief Performance Officer at Tao Group and current president of the NYC Hospitality Alliance. The conversation covers the evolution of the restaurant industry, exploring chang...