OysterLink's Celebrity Interviews: Meet Top Chefs & Hospitality Pros

One of Houston’s most talked about chefs, Ryan Lachaine, explores the differences between owning a restaurant and working at one. He reflects on the decade-long journey of owning his restaurant, Riel, and the relief of moving back to a corporate-supported role. 

Exclusively on the OysterLink Podcast, the fastest growing hospitality job platform in the US. -   Chef David Skinner  discusses his journey from oil and gas to creating Eculent, an avant-garde multisensory restaurant, and Ishtia, a Native American fine dining concept. He also shares insights on consulting with NASA a nd the power of food storytelling. 

In this episode of OysterLink Podcast, we are honored to host a true industry legend: Chef Hugo Ortega. His story is a masterclass in resilience and ambition. Arriving in Houston from Mexico with nothing , Hugo began his career as a dishwasher, climbing every rung of the culinary ladder to become the first Mexican-born chef to win the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2017....

Chef Gabriel Balderas, , Owner @elcaboverde @zuzulcoastalcuisine @nourishingfarmla Shreveport, Louisiana @papalotloaxAt his restaurants, El Cabo Verde and Zuzul Coastal Cuisine, Chef Gabriel Balderas is thinking beyond farm-to-tableIn this revealing short, Chef Balderas explains why farm-to-table isn't always the romantic ideal it's made out to be. Discover the untold challenges of sourcin...

What started as a passion for BBQ in the backyard soon turned into a lifelong dedication to the art of BBQ for Pitmaster Will Buckman. After years of experimenting with different rubs, smoking techniques, Will has earned a reputation as a top-tier pitmaster in the BBQ world and is known for crafting mouthwatering, award-winning BBQ. Nicole and Will Buckman share their 15-year journey in hospitalit...

Nicolas Kurban shares his extensive journey through the hospitality industry, from Lebanon to the US, highlighting key lessons on career growth, entrepreneurship, and expanding restaurant concepts in South Florida. Discover how he went from managing a half-billion-dollar F&B portfolio at Four Seasons to opening a 40-seat Lebanese restaurant in Delray Beach.

Eric San Pedro shares his extraordinary journey from mental health counseling to building a successful Wagyu beef business during the pandemic. Discover how serendipity, community, and relentless passion transformed a casual discovery into a thriving brand, Palm Beach Meats.

From the kitchen at Eleven Madison Park to opening Driftwood in his Florida hometown , Chef Jimmy Everett’s journey is all about passion, persistence, and building something of your own. In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast , Jimmy shares lessons from fine dining, what it takes to launch a restaurant, and why coming home to cook meant everything.

From Chef Villain to Industry Leader: Chef John Tesar shares his extensive journey in the culinary world, emphasizing the importance of real-life experience over online fame. He discusses the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, the impact of social media, and the significance of education and mentorship. Tesar offers candid insights into hiring practices, the challenges of restaurant ow...

Samuel Ghouzi co-founder of Otto & Pepe shares his story, from France to creating one of Miami's top restaurants, the basics of operations to mastering the art of the perfect pasta. 

On this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, we sit down with Chef Joseph VanWagner , Managing Partner and Executive Chef at Echelon Kitchen and Bar in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In just one year, Echelon has made a huge impact on the culinary scene — earning national recognition and helping Chef Joseph land a 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalist nomination in the Emerging Chef category. Chef Joseph shares...

In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Chef Anthony Jones shares his journey in the culinary world, discussing his recent James Beard Award nomination, the importance of culinary education, and his hiring philosophy. He emphasizes the significance of hard work, dedication, and a positive kitchen culture while addressing the challenges posed by ego in the industry. The conversation concludes wi...

Exclusively on the OysterLink Podcast, Salvatore Procopio, a certified sommelier with over a decade in luxury hotel management, shares his journey. He's worked at Michelin-starred icons and held key roles at the Four Seasons, even serving the royal family! 👑 This episode offers insights into a distinguished career in hospitality.

Did you know that the hospitality industry is all about priorities? Salvatore Procopio emphasizes that understanding your role within a team can make all the difference. Salvatore Procopio's story begins in Naples, Italy, where hospitality is more than just a profession; it’s a family legacy. He’s worked at Michelin-starred icons like The Waterside Inn in the UK and Romeo Restaurant under Alai...

Christopher Robert went from France to Running Miami's Hottest Restaurant. Here's How! In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Christopher shares his fascinating journey from France to becoming a prominent chef in the U.S. Starting at the age of 16, under the influence of his parents, who ran a catering business , he discusses the challenges he faced when moving to the U.S., including l...

From £20k in debt to £250k in just 3 years. Nathan Snoddon spent a decade in Michelin-starred kitchens before launching Food Story Media , the agency behind some of the best chef and restaurant branding online today. In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast , Nathan shares the mindset and strategies that transformed his career, and how you can do the same. We break down: ✅ How personal branding...

In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast , Mattia Cicognani shares his journey from academia to the practical world of hospitality, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections in the restaurant business. He discusses the unique concept of 84 Magic Hospitality, which focuses on simplicity and a no-menu approach , and how curiosity drives customer engagement. Mattia also highlights the sign...

Meet Diego Ng, co‑founder of Temple Street Eatery , one of Fort Lauderdale’s top Asian American food spots.  he shares valuable insights from his two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, lessons from his journey, and what it takes to stay relevant in today’s fast-moving hospitality world. 

Chef Ismael Torres never planned on becoming a chef. Today, he’s an award-winning private chef, host of  Chef Ismael’s Kitchen Quest  podcast, and the owner of Rough Chop -  a leading catering company serving Southern California.  In this episode, Ismael shares how adversity shaped his culinary career, what it takes to operate at a high level as a private chef, and why resilience matters more than...

On this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, we sit down with Michael Tronn - a legendary nightlife architect who helped shape New York City’s club scene and later redefined Miami’s hospitality landscape. Tronn has produced 1,000+ events, hosted over a million guests, and generated nearly $200M in revenue while raising $1M for charity. He worked with the Mayor of Miami Beach and the Greater Miami Co...

Chef Pedro Mederos went from Miami’s kitchens to Michelin-starred restaurants in Napa, and now, alongside his wife and culinary partner Katherine, he’s redefining fine dining with Kojin - a Coral Gables gem where Japanese precision meets heartfelt hospitality.  In this episode, Pedro shares what really makes a great chef ,  and why the hard work happens before service begins. 

In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Olivia Ostrow, CEO of Ostrow Global Corporation and executive chef of Maison Ostrow, shares her colorful journey in the culinary world. From her beginnings as a dishwasher to becoming a celebrated chef in Miami, Olivia discusses the importance of believing in oneself, the dynamics between front and back of house staff, and her unique approach to kosher di...

In this episode, Terry Lee (Founder & CEO of PLA Holdings) and Adam Flierl (Partner & Executive Vice President) reveal how PLAY Sporting Lounge became one of South Florida’s most innovative hospitality concepts. They break down why emotional connection, not just service, is the real driver behind guest loyalty and unforgettable experiences. From building sports-simulator lounges at the Sem...

Hear the incredible journey of Chef Daniel Lugovtsov on the OysterLink Podcast , from dishwasher to becoming Sous Chef at a 3 Michelin-Starred restaurant at 23 years old in New York's elite restaurants. Discover the demanding realities of chef life and the intricate kitchen hierarchy in fine dining establishments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in a challenging career in h...

In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Milan Blagojevic shares his journey from Europe to the US, detailing his extensive experience in the hospitality industry and his transition into coffee entrepreneurship with Naughty Coffee. He discusses the importance of hospitality, building a brand, and the significance of a strong team culture. Milan also shares insights on customer experience and his...