Her Seat At The Table

Liz Grandchamp shares how she built Grandchamp Hospitality from pop-ups and catering into a consulting practice shaped by years in restaurants, construction-heavy projects, and a deep network in Raleigh’s food scene. Sara Abernethy and Liz talk through the realities of restaurant openings, the emotional weight of ownership, and why flexibility, boundaries, and community matter as much as culinary...

This conversation follows Melissa Katrincic, co-founder and CEO of Durham Distillery, through a year of major transition, from trademark chaos and misleading headlines to a sharper focus on community, authenticity, and profitability. It’s part business strategy, part founder therapy, and part candid look at what it takes to keep leading when the industry, the economy, and the rules keep shifting....

Sara Abernethy sits down with Noelle and Simone, the sisters behind Sassool, for a conversation about growing up in their family restaurant, navigating leadership with their father, and building new experiences through FigMINT Farms. They also get candid about motherhood, maternity leave, and how family, work, and ambition all collide in real life. We discuss how the sisters divide responsibilitie...

Award-winning chef, culinary story teller, and documentary film maker Adé Carrena shares the personal and political layers behind her food, her documentary work, and the mission driving iLeWA Foods and Dounou Supper Club.  In this episode, Adé opens up about her experience as an older adopted child and her experience both from her native country of Benin and assimilating to western culture at age...

Deirdre Auld, CEO of the Coda Group and leadership coach, shares her journey of professional evolution, the importance of reflective practice, and balancing growth with authenticity. Perfect for hospitality leaders and entrepreneurs looking to level up personally and professionally. ‼️ JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY 🥰 to support this work and keep these conversations going for the women who need them...

Dana Cowin is an award-winning editor, author and convener who propels change through food and joy. Founder of Progressive Hedonist , Cowin has launched a national event series to build resilience, support local food, reduce food waste and deepen commitments to healing the planet through joyful gatherings. Since 2024, she's hosted dozens of events in 15 states, as well as produced a podcast that w...

Discover the inspiring journey of Andia Xouris, from her childhood in Cyprus to building an award-winning, nationally acclaimed ice cream brand in North Carolina. This episode explores themes of manifesting your dreams, resilience, self-discovery, balancing the desire for both a stable home life with a hunger for more, and how making yourself visible can be incredibly scary.   🥰 JOIN OUR PATREON...

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...