The Graffito Podcast

Drew and Jesse are joined by Graffito's newest team member, Melissa Castro, as they wrap up Season 2 of the podcast. What better way to end things than with a game? Drew quotes our nine guests and Jesse has to guess which one said it. How well can you do? Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening and goodbye for now! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Symphony Dragon Slayer by Makai

This week we are joined by Elizabeth Lowrey, principal, director of interior architecture at Elkus Manfredi Architects. Together, we discussed the growing demand for downtown office space, how coronavirus has impacted workplace design, and the relationship between a building's interior and the surrounding community. Also on this episode, Elizabeth is a fan of Jon Hamm, Drew is a fan of Jon Hamm, and Jesse asks, “Who's Jon Hamm?” Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Office Hours by Mixaund

Janelle Nanos, reporter for the Boston Globe, writes about retail, restaurants, and consumer culture. Which, by the way, are things we care a lot about at Graffito. During our conversation we talked about a local company using a restaurant for office space, why people are rethinking their careers post-pandemic, a new adult playground in Natick called Level99, and the recent consumption boom. And, we peppered Janelle with questions to figure out what it's like working for the Globe. Also on this episode, Jesse likes the episode's lead, Drew needs to work on his nut graphs, and Janelle nails the kicker. All of this and more on this week's episode of The Graffito Podcast! Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.comor tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: The Moment of Truth by Komiku

Fresh off her first MBTA ride since last March, C.A. Webb, President of the Kendall Square Association, joins us on this week's episode of The Graffito Podcast. We covered a lot of territory, discussing topics like Cambridge's reduced permitting and licensing fees, the Life Sciences real estate boom in Boston and beyond (looking at you Middlesex, New Jersey), and what makes Kendall Square so unique. Also on this episode, Drew can't read, Jesse loses his train of thought, and C.A. calls Drew a capitalist. All of this and more on this week's episode! Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Beach Time by FSM Team

At the beginning of Season Two of The Graffito Podcast, we promised you conversations with political activists, government officials, and entrepreneurs. On this week's episode, we're delivering all three qualifications with one special guest. Michelle Wu, City Council Member and Candidate for Mayor of Boston, interrupted her busy schedule to join Drew and Jesse to discuss what she's learning while on the campaign trail, why she has a special connection to the restaurant industry, and how she hopes to transform the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA). Also on this episode, Drew's disappointed there wasn't a campaign bus, Jesse questions the plural form of “Matrix,” and Michelle questions the plural form of “Focus.” All of this and so much more on this week's episode! Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Bust Station by Kazoo (Ex Lab Rat)

Nia Grace, owner of Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen and founding member of the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition, joins Drew and Jesse in The Graffito Podcast studio. She tells us about her upcoming venture, The Underground Café + Lounge, what it was like purchasing a legendary Boston restaurant, and how she's fighting to make a difference for the few black owned bars and restaurants in our city. After listening, you'll know why it was no surprise to us that Nia was recently included Boston Magazine's “The 100 Most Influential Bostonians.” Also on this episode, Nia sings Coldplay, Drew fails his own pop quiz, and Jesse conducts some not-so-risky business. Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Lost In Sargam by FSM TEAM FEATURING

Chef, Restaurateur, and (two-time) James Beard Award winner, Jody Adams, joins us this week to talk about her advocacy work with Massachusetts Restaurant United(MRU), working in what has historically been a male dominated industry, the importance of mentors, and her various life mantras. Also on this episode, we hear about Julia Child's role in Jody's career, Drew reveals the amount of weight he's gained during the pandemic, and Jesse makes an inappropriate potato joke. Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Happy Go Lucky By Astrofreq

A lot has changed in the Corporate Catering world since COVID-19 first struck. No one knows that better than Christine Marcus, CEO & Co-Founder of Alchemista, who experienced a total loss of customers, with the exception of one unique Cambridge firm called Moderna. Heard of them? In this episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew and Jesse discuss with Christine how the office lunch culture has changed, and where it's heading. And, we learn how a discovery Christine made before the pandemic started saved her business and perhaps set her up for a more prosperous and exciting future. Also on this episode, Jesse struggles with his Chevy Bolt app, and Drew shares his recipe for homemade fruit rollups. To learn even more, check out these recent articles: Alchemista in the Boston Globe Alchemista on Insider Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Echo Blues Effect by Anonymous420

On this week's episode, Drew and Jesse are joined by Liza Shirazi, owner of Revival Café + Kitchen, which has locations in Back Bay, Davis Square and Alewife. Together, they discuss a variety of topics including the overwhelming demand for restaurant workers, the newly offered and often misunderstood Employee Retention Tax Credit (which if you own a business with employees, need to know about), and Liza's partnership with the colorful Chef Nookie. Also on this episode, Jesse does math and Drew warns us that he will lie to your children. All of this and more on this episode of The Graffito Podcast! Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Green Pig by Soft and Furious

Rachel Miller Munzer (Mamaleh's, State Park, Vincent's Corner Grocery) joins Drew and Jesse to discuss the Big Dipper Hospitality Group's partnership and how they turned to a new online platform to fundraise for their latest venture in Brookline. Also on this episode, Rachel plays with pens while recording, Drew confuses "donations" for "contributions," and the Yiddish term for matchmaker eludes Jesse. After listening, check out these links: Mamaleh's State Park Vincent's Corner Grocery NuMarket Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Buddy by Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)

For the final episode of the season, Drew and Jesse get together to do some reflecting. They discuss the status of the podcast and share a few of their favorite moments from the first episodes, which includes a nice summary of what we've learned about #PodcastDrew. Also on this episode, Jesse forgets to mute his computer (again) and Drew questions Jesse's pronunciation of the word “Already.” Thanks to everyone that's listened to The Graffito Podcast over the last few months! We appreciate all of the kind words and encouragement, and we can't wait to come back with more interviews and commentary. As always, don't forget to send questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

For this bonus episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew passes the hosting duties to his colleague Gustavo, who is joined by Corey and Brooke for a discussion about Graffito's efforts to build a more anti-racist business and better understand issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The conversation scratches the surface of what the Graffito team has been thinking about, discussing, and working on related to DEI, and previews where we want to head in the months and years to come. We know this pursuit as individuals and as a business is not short-term work, it's an “always” and “forever” job. And while we aren't always comfortable talking about racism, it's too important of a topic not to try. We hope you'll listen and let us know what you think by emailing podcast@graffito.com or tweeting @graffitopodcast. Host: Gustavo Quiroga Co-Hosts: Corey Zehngebot, Brooke Porter Music: Equinox by Purrple Cat

On last week's episode, Alcove's Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli made a surprise appearance to challenge Jesse about some of his comments on the Podcast. After the segment, we had an engaging conversation about a variety of important issues including restaurant worker wages, missteps during the BLM protests, "hospitality" during COVID, and his decision to close the restaurant on November 3rd so his team can vote. Fortunately, the microphones were on and the dialogue was recorded. We enjoyed the chat so much that we decided to publish it as an entire episode so you can listen in. Please check it out and send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Tripping by Joel Gion

Ayr Muir, CEO and Founder of Clover Food Lab, joins The Graffito Podcast to discuss real estate, technology, and a few new offerings available to Clover customers. Also on this episode, Drew invited a very special "surprise" guest that wanted to confront Jesse about a few questionable statements he made during our talk with Shore Gregory. All of this and more on episode 6 of The Graffito Podcast! Please send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Segments: Ayr Muir – 19:16 Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Staring At The Sun by The Wrong Sister

On this quick and spontaneous 5th episode of The Graffito Podcast, Chef Nookie joins Drew and Dave to discuss why his Kendall Square restaurant, Commonwealth, is now in hibernation mode. This growing trend, which is usually prevalent in seasonal locations, might just be the only way for his restaurant to survive the winter. Well, that and more government funding. Also on this episode, Nookie refuses to reveal the origin of his nickname, Drew hints at a pulled pork challenge, and Dave admits to watching Disney's Frozen by himself, before he had children. Please send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Dave Downing Music: A Country Romance by Ahjay Stelino

On this very educational bonus segment of The Graffito Podcast, Drew quizzes Angela and Dave on the best ways for retail tenants to talk to their landlords about rent relief. Also, Drew uses the term “outro,” Dave learns the term “outro,” and Angela records a new “outro.” All of this and more, so listen and be sure to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast.

We've heard a lot publicly from retail tenants during the pandemic about the difficulties they are facing. In this episode of The Graffito Podcast, we invited two respected Boston landlords to give us their perspective. Leah Harsfield from National Development and Noam Ron from Hudson Group give their side of the story and don't hold back in the process. Also on this episode, Jesse informs Drew that people like “Podcast Drew” more than the real thing, and Drew confesses that the longest he can tolerate living with people is about 2 days. Needless to say, Drew understands why Podcast Drew seems so appealing. All of this and more on Episode 4! Segments: Leah Harsfield – 6:33 Noam Ron – 42:02 Host: Drew Katz Co-Hosts: Jesse Baerkahn and Dave Downing Music: Slinky by Ron Gelinas

For this week's episode of The Graffito Podcast, we interviewed our friend, Shore Gregory. If his iconic name doesn't ring a bell, maybe you've heard of a little place called Island Creek Oyster Bar? Got your attention now? Shore is a Founder and Owner of this legendary restaurant with locations in Burlington and Kenmore ("as of right") and Row 34 which is located in South Boston and Portsmouth. As you can imagine, he has a lot to say about the current state of the restaurant industry, and we did our best to squeeze out his deepest, innermost thoughts. He also revealed the history, status, and fate of his Kenmore location. All of this and more on Episode 3!!! Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Illusion Music by Aden

Drew, Brooke, and Angela dive deep into grocery shopping during the pandemic. Also on this episode, Angela reveals she is a true Millennial, Brooke yearns for routine trips to Trader Joes, and Drew not-so-surprisingly acknowledges he had a basement full of toilet paper long before the crisis. 

In episode 2 of The Graffito Podcast, we interview Josh Shirazi from Shirazi Distributing and Emily Kanter from Cambridge Naturals. First, Josh explains how his company went from one truck to 12,000SF of warehouse space, and he fills us in on how the collapse of the restaurant industry has impacted his business and the overall supply chain. Like most serious discussions with friends, the conversation digresses into less significant things like secondary market Slurpee machines. Fortunately, Emily restores some dignity to the podcast with a Cambridge Naturals history lesson, and explains why, despite an uptick in business during the early days of COVID, they shut their doors to regroup. All of this and more on Episode 2! Segments: Josh Shirazi – 4:42 Emily Kanter – 39:20 Host: Drew Katz Co-Hosts: Dave Downing and Jesse Baerkahn Music: Madness Is Everywhere by Lobo Loco Oh, that show Drew recommended to Emily: The Dog House: UK For more info, visit www.graffito.com/podcast

Drew, Jesse, and Gustavo discuss patio dining in Boston, which is tightly controlled by the State. Also on this bonus episode, Drew can't pronounce Gustavo's last name, Jesse can't remember to turn his phone ringer off, and Gustavo admits to making a prank call to a fire station for research purposes.

Drew sits with Pagu's Tracy Chang to discuss her COVID pivots and her plans for indoor dining this winter. Nolan DeCoster joins the podcast to talk about Toast's efforts to link businesses with restaurants in Kendall Square. Kate and Trevor Smith explain their inspiration for their new restaurant, Thistle & Leek, and why they didn't let the pandemic get in the way of their dreams. Segments: Tracy Chang – 4:23 Nolan DeCoster – 25:24 Kate and Trevor Smith – 45:10 Host: Drew Katz Co-Hosts: Dave Downing and Jesse Baerkahn Music: Left for Deadish by Junior 85 For more information, visit Gaffito.com/podcast!

During the first episode ever of The Graffito Podcast, Drew and Jesse try out the new equipment. They discuss their vision for the Podcast. Jesse uses the term "regurgitate" while teasing his next client update, and this choice of words displeases Drew.