Podcasts about hospitality alliance

John Barker, President of the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance says yes as both sides of the isle are looking at this proposal

Andrew talked with Len Berman and Michael Riedel about people selling restaurant reservations on the black market.

John Barker, President of the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance, updates us on the state of the industry

There are some important restaurant states this year with minimum wage and tip credit elimination measures on the November ballot. Ohio is at the top of that list. We are joined by John Barker, CEO of the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance as well as Tod Bowen, their head of External Affiars & Government Relations, to level set on their pending measure to both incease the minimum wage to $15/hr and eventually eliminate the tip credit. We will also review the general state of play of those wage issues across the country as many legislative sessions are close to wrapping up. We'll talk about those issues and wrap it up with the legislative scorecard.

Rigie talked with Len Berman and Michael Riedel about the change of tipping being proposed. The restaurants want to keep it the way it is. If the tipping does change look for restaurants to start closing.

John Barker, President of the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance gives us some info on area restaurants that are offering great deals this week, so get out there and enjoy an affordable night out!

Glenn Mandziuk, Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, The Bench discuss net positive hospitality in our latest podcast episode. The hospitality industry is a major contributor to society and the environment which places greater onus of responsibility on it to pivot and transform into a sustainable driver. Diving into the development of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, they discuss the importance of building a wider network of hotels and organisations with the right kind of technology to affect the global chain. Hear their insights on the hospitality industry's growing focus on innovation, the demands of the employee of the future, and the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge's winner idea for 2023 in the podcast.

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Jonathan Horowitz of the Houston Hospitality Alliance. Jonathan speaks with Eric about his recent time/career in the hospitality industry, the work he's done with Buffalo Bayou Brewing leading him to what he's currently doing with the Houston Hospitality Alliance, what the Houston Hospitality Alliance is, what they're trying to accomplish, his role as the president of HHA, how they're looking to bring all the different corners of Houston's hospitality industries together, the issues the city of Houston has from a hospitality business standpoint, what they are looking to do to change some of that, his future goals, where he would like the organization to be a year from now, and why their common goal of improved business in Houston is so important. Plus, Eric gets Jonathan's thoughts on the overall state of Houston restaurants and where some of his biggest concerns are. Also the sudden surge of seafood spots in Houston and what is on the horizon for food and hospitality in Houston. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Local Foods Relocates to Post Oak Dining and Shopping Destination Along with 2 Luxury Retailers Original Ninfa's Recruits Culinary Dream Team, Including Houston's First Beard Award-Winning Chef Houston Restaurants Unite for One-Day Citywide Fundraiser to Feed Israelis in Crisis Reliable River Oaks Staple Plans New Memorial-Area Restaurant with All the Relish and Twice the Size Landmark Rice Village Restaurant Readies to Relocate - But Thankfully, Not Too Far Favorite Memorial-Area Neighborhood Restaurant Taps Bellaire for 2nd Locale

Andrew talked with Len Berman and Michael Riedel about the Biden administration refusing to fast-track the migrant work permits.

Rigie and the guys talked about restaurants helping with the rat problems. And outdoor dining will be back for the Summer. NYC has come up with a permit system for merchants.

Andrew and the guys talked about the outdoor eating sheds will they stay or go? Rigie said there are 10,000 fewer jobs for food service workers because of the pandemic.

Elliott Ferguson is President and CEO of Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC. A 33-year veteran of the travel and hospitality industry, Ferguson leads DDC's efforts to generate economic opportunity for the District through meetings and tourism, overseeing the organization's convention and tourism sales, marketing, finance and business development operations. Ferguson celebrated his 20-year anniversary with DDC in December 2021. He began his tenure in December 2001 as the Vice President of Convention Sales, became Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Services in 2005 and has served as President and CEO since 2009. Prior to DDC, he was Director of Sales and Vice President of Sales at the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Director of Sales at the Savannah CVB. In January 2021, he was named Board Chair of Tourism Diversity Matters, an organization focused on creating diversity, equity and inclusion opportunities at all levels of the workforce. He has been instrumental in advancing conversations about race and racism throughout the hospitality industry. Ferguson was National Chair of the board of directors for the U.S. Travel Association from February 2019 to February 2021 and is currently chair of the compensation committee. He serves on the board of Brand USA from December 2021-December 2024. As the tourism industry faces the COVID-19 pandemic, Ferguson is focused on strategic recovery with many organizations including DDC's Recovery Advisory Committee, Connected DMV, the Downtown Recovery Work Group. He is on the board or a member of: Advisory Board of the Smithsonian National Zoo; DC Jazz Festival; Ryan Kerrigan “Blitz for the Better” Foundation and the United Way of the National Capital Area. He represents DDC as part of the Hospitality Alliance of Washington, D.C. Ferguson received a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Business Administration from Savannah State University. His many industry memberships include Professional Conference Management Association, International Association of Exhibition Executives, Destinations International, National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, Meeting Professionals International and American Society of Association Executives. Ferguson and his wife, Telesa Via, also a hospitality industry veteran, are longtime residents of Capitol Hill. He is active with Capital Partners for Education, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Delta Sigma Pi. Destination DC: the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC. Bio comes from Destination DC. Music Intro: John Tyler produced: www.acutevisions.com www.nopixafterdark.com Sponsors of NoPixAfterDarkPodcast Zeke's Coffee www.zekescoffee.com Maggies Farm www.maggiesfarm.com FoundStudio Shop www.foundstudioshop.com United Way Central Maryland https://uwcm.org Charm Craft City Mafia www.charmcitycraftmafia.com Siena Leigh https://www.sienaleigh.com Open Works https://www.openworksbmore.org Snug Books Baltimore https://www.snugbooks.com Baltimore Fiscal https://www.baltimorefiscal.com Pandora Box Boutique https://pandorasboxboutique.com CarVer Communications Group https://www.therealcarver.com  

77WABC Early News Host Deborah Valentine spoke to Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, about a lawsuit that holds the key to the future of outdoor dining in the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He's known as “the Jackie Robinson of restaurants,” an African-American who made his name in the business back in the early ‘60s, when people of color were seldom found in the front of house, never mind with their name on the deed. Through his dignity, business acumen and warmth for all as a host, Ernie Royal proved that the skin color of anyone you put in chef's whites is as insignificant to their success as the sort of socks they wear. It all came down to skill and drive, the ingredients that made his Hearthside restaurant one of the most celebrated dining establishments in the country. Never mind that he had to pay $10,000 more than a white bidder for the place, or that it was located in Ruttledge, Vt., a community as white as the state's legendary snowfalls. While marchers were fighting for civil rights in the South, Royal was changing racial attitudes and setting an example for young people of color with his undeniable success. Yet his name is unfamiliar today to many inside or outside of the industry. This week's edition of Restaurant Rewind, the retro-focused podcast, delivers an introduction. Host and Restaurant Business Editor At Large Peter Romeo interviews Gerry Fernandez, the CEO of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance and one of the young people who was inspired by Royal.

77WABC Early News Host Deborah Valentine spoke to Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, about the city now beginning to tear down abandoned outdoor dining sheds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

77WABC Early News Host Deborah Valentine spoke to Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, about the return of Restaurant Week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew tells the guys restaurants and bars are still not as busy as they should be. One of the biggest problems is getting workers.

Len and Michael check in on how NYC night life is going with violent crimes and the dangerous atmosphere. Restaurants are packed in the early evening, but clear out as darkness descends on the city.

Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance Andrew Rigie explains how to bring tourists back to NYC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Order Up, Karly is joined by Damian Hanft, Vice President and Brand & Culture Ambassador for Inspire Brands, and Isaac Rocha, Director of West Zone McDonalds and Chief Inclusion Officer at Bama Companies, to discuss Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community's essential role in the restaurant industry. Tune in to learn more about the significance of LGTBQ+ visibility in industry leadership and the policies and programs being enacted to support and protect individuals, in which everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves to the workplace. (1:35) - Introducing Damian Hanft (3:09) – Introducing Isaac Rocha (4:38) – The impact of Pride Month (8:30) – Celebrating diversity and inclusion at Inspire Brands (9:41) – A people-first strategy (10:46) – Enacting a transition policy and communication plan at Bama Companies (14:45) – Creating structures to help a diverse workforce ascend industry ranks (18:55) – Loren Eiseley's “The Star Thrower” (20:22) – Educating yourself Damian and Isaac are members of the board of directors for the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance. To learn more about the organization, visithttps://mfha.net/ ( https://mfha.net/). For more information on Inspire Brands, visithttps://inspirebrands.com/ ( https://inspirebrands.com/). For more information on Bama Companies, visithttps://www.bama.com/ ( https://www.bama.com/).  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the National Restaurant Association (Association) and its affiliates. The Association does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or suitability of any information offered. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consider the applicability and suitability of the information provided for their own individual circumstances. If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to https://www.restaurant.org/events/learning/podcasts/order-up (Order Up) in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts), https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9IcFhHRHhqVQ (Google Podcasts), https://open.spotify.com/show/3SOAkud8tkbaLCaU8W4Ne5 (Spotify) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts). It really helps others find the show. https://www.dante32.com/ (Podcast episode production by Dante32.)

Global Hotel Alliance is helping brands build loyalty and drive revenues but using their combined influence to provide rewards and loyalty programs to guests across the different brands. CEO of GHA, Chris Hartley, and CEO of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Jeff Wagoner, join the show to talk about how the alliance is helping brands grow their influence across the world.

Andrew is involved in the new outdoor dining issues after a judge put the idea on hold. Did liquor store owners donate a large amount of cash to certain politicians.

Rigie talks about the dire-straits NYC restaurants are in. Thousands of jobs were lost, and many more workers were laid off. NYC office workers have still not returned to work in large numbers.

We talk with Andrew about indoor and outdoor dining in NYC plus how getting rid of the restaurant sheds will be handled.

Get ready for a knowledge-packed episode! Kelley Jones is the Principal of Kelley Jones Hospitality and a sought after speaker who has spoken at the world's largest conferences. He also works as the President & COO of Hospitality Alliance, and has developed several other successful restaurant organizations. On this episode, Kelley and host Zack Oates discuss: Interactive dining experiencesWhy service is more important than foodThe importance of recipe costingMaking the guest feel importantDeliveryMoreThanks, Kelley!

Dominique Greco is the former Night Mayor for Orlando and the founder of Orlando Hospitality Alliance. OHA unites local & social businesses serving as a dedicated voice for eating, drinking, dining, dancing, entertainment and live event experiences that distinctly personify Orlando's colorful hospitality community. Watch this podcast ➔ http://bit.ly/pigfloydsyoutube Produced by BrandCrumbs Media in Orlando, FL Filmed and Recorded at Venture X Downtown Orlando

Claire Whitley, Head of Environment at Sustainable Hospitality Alliance shares insights on free resources/tools available for Hospitality. Sustainable Hospitality Alliance brings together engaged hospitality companies, and uses the collective power of the industry to deliver impact at scale. They assist with measurement and benchmarking for Carbon, Water consumption, Guidance for Human Rights, Youth Employment. They have some of the excellent resources and reports backed by science. Some of the points we discuss in the episode are: - Two reports from the alliance that are top of the charts - Feasible advise for hotels as we bounce back - Sustainable Supply Chain Decisions - What is Net Zero? About the guest: Claire manages the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance's environmental sustainability strategy, including their work on climate action, water stewardship and responsible resourcing. She drives collaborative action between 14 member companies (including Hilton, IHG and Marriott) to enable to whole hospitality industry to have a lasting positive impact on our planet. Claire has nearly a decade's experience driving sustainability progress for Hilton. During this time, Claire worked on a wide range of projects including updating Hilton's global CR strategy, leading their water stewardship efforts and creating behaviour change campaigns, as well as leading initiatives focused on issues such as energy efficiency, single-use plastic reduction and responsible sourcing. She has a BSc in Environmental Science and an MSc in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. She is also a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability.

The Hospitality Alliance of Dallas, Texas recently formed the Hospitality Coalition Against Domestic Violence (HCADV), an organization that is taking a stand for women in abusive situations. CEO Kevin Lillis and Genesis' own Amy Norton provide details on the HCDAV - how it works, who it helps and why all hospitality venues have an obligation to support patrons who feel threatened by a partner, date, or encounter in a restaurant or bar. With the holiday season approaching, women everywhere should learn how to stay safe and get help when celebrating a night on the town.

When businesses are represented by leaders from within the communities they serve, those businesses thrive. PepsiCo and the National Restaurant Association have been honoring successful restaurant industry professionals of diverse backgrounds for 14 years now with the Faces of Diversity Award. Today on Order Up, Merary Simeon, VP of global diversity, equity, and inclusion at PepsiCo, and Elisia Flores, CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, join us to discuss the importance of recognizing the health and economic disparities that disproportionately affect minority communities, investing in these communities to counter this, and ensuring diverse voices are represented within every organization.  (01:49) -https://chooserestaurants.org/Industry-Involvement/Awards/faces-of-diversity-awards ( Faces of Diversity Awards) (04:43) - American dream come true (06:28) -https://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/ ( The comfort food of Hawaii) (08:00) - Generational passion (09:59) - Angel in disguise (12:11) - Rejoining L & L (15:18) - A big unknown (16:50) - Staying in the fight (19:59) - Franchisee focused (24:50) -https://mfha.net/pathways-to-black-franchise-ownership-program/ ( Pathways to Black Franchisee Ownership Program ) (27:04) -https://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/franchise/ ( Become an L & L Hawaiian Barbecue franchisee) (28:16) - Diversity, equity, and inclusion This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice, and nothing in this podcast shall be deemed to create or grant any rights to any third parties. Podcast listeners are encouraged to do their own research, and where appropriate, obtain the advice or guidance of legal counsel or the input of other experts with respect to their practices and/or applicable laws. Listeners are encouraged to consider the applicability and suitability of the information provided for their own individual circumstances, and the National Restaurant Association, Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance and their affiliates cannot warrant the applicability of the information to any particular listener or party. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, guidance may change as our understanding of unique challenges that COVID-19 poses within each country, state, and locality evolves. If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to https://www.restaurant.org/events/learning/podcasts/order-up (Order Up) in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts), https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9IcFhHRHhqVQ (Google Podcasts), https://open.spotify.com/show/3SOAkud8tkbaLCaU8W4Ne5 (Spotify) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts). It really helps others find the show. https://www.dante32.com/ (Podcast episode production by Dante32.)

This week on Order Up, we're celebrating 25 years of MFHA!  Diversity, equity and inclusion have become an integral part of the foodservice industry. But it hasn't always been that way. Gerry Fernandez joins us to talk about how his vision has evolved since he first founded MFHA in 1996, why addressing inequities has become the focus of modern businesses, and the importance of incentivizing people of all backgrounds to join the hospitality industry. (01:11) - 25 years of MFHA (04:06) - Creating access (08:42) - Evolution of vision (13:46) - Dish room to board room (17:40) - Pandemic shifts (22:12) - Leaders in diversity & inclusion (25:40) - Passion for the work Nothing in this podcast shall be deemed to create or grant any rights to any third parties. Listeners are encouraged to consider the applicability and suitability of the information provided for their own individual circumstances, and the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance, the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, and their affiliates cannot warrant the applicability of the information to any particular listener or party. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, guidance may change as our understanding of unique challenges that COVID-19 poses within each country, state, and locality. If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to https://www.restaurant.org/events/learning/podcasts/order-up (Order Up) in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts), https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9IcFhHRHhqVQ (Google Podcasts), https://open.spotify.com/show/3SOAkud8tkbaLCaU8W4Ne5 (Spotify) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts). It really helps others find the show. https://www.dante32.com/ (Podcast episode production by Dante32.)

Andrew Rigie is the Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance. Andrew was a driving force behind the recent set of NYC legislation that regulates restaurant delivery commissions charged by third-party marketplaces as well as data sharing provisions. We chat about how the regulations shifted from temporary to permanent, the externalities of fee caps, and the latest set of legislation designed to improve the brutal working conditions for bikers in the city.

https://mfha.net/ (The Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance) (MFHA) wants to change this. Gerry Fernandez of the MFHA and his associate Karim Webb recently gave a presentation on their newest initiative, https://mfha.net/pathways-to-black-franchise-ownership-program (Pathways to Black Franchise Ownership). On today's episode of Order Up, we are rebroadcasting this important conversation. Listen in to learn how the Pathways initiative will help educate, finance, and promote Black entrepreneurs to be stewards of their communities and build generational wealth. Any brands interested in participating in this program should contact Gerry for more information. (01:35) -https://mfha.net/pathways-to-black-franchise-ownership-program ( Pathways to Black Franchise Ownership) (01:45) -https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3264007/A9BD17D3313B8FDA13444FF32408AD2C ( Full recording with slide visuals) (05:03) -https://www.4thmvmt.com/ ( 4thMVMT) (09:14) - Targeting brands (12:11) -https://www.everytable.com/ ( Everytable) (18:08) - Commit to the vision To learn more about Pathways, visit https://mfha.net/pathways-to-black-franchise-ownership-program (MFHA.net) or email info@mfha.net to speak with a member of the team. You can also view this https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3264007/A9BD17D3313B8FDA13444FF32408AD2C (full presentation with slide visuals here).  Nothing in this podcast shall be deemed to create or grant any rights to any third parties. Listeners are encouraged to consider the applicability and suitability of the information provided for their own individual circumstances, and the National Restaurant Association, the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance, and their affiliates cannot warrant the applicability of the information to any particular listener or party. If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to https://www.restaurant.org/events/learning/podcasts/order-up (Order Up) in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts), https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9IcFhHRHhqVQ (Google Podcasts), https://open.spotify.com/show/3SOAkud8tkbaLCaU8W4Ne5 (Spotify) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts). It really helps others find the show. https://www.dante32.com/ (Podcast episode production by Dante32.)

The restaurant industry is one of the most diverse industries in America. According to today's guest, Gerry Fernandez, it is one of the few career paths that can take you from the dish room to the board room. That diversity is a key reason why it is imperative that senior leadership in the restaurant industry stop shying away from tough conversations about race, sexual orientation, and gender. Gerry is the President and Founder of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance, and it is his life's work to help restaurant leaders see the value in building a diverse, equitable culture for both employees and guests. Listen to our conversation with Gerry for tips on improving your cultural fluency and learn how to approach uncomfortable conversations. Gerry makes the case for how diversity, equity, and inclusion can increase your bottom line. (01:05) - Building a diverse and inclusive culture (02:42) - The impact of race relations (06:09) - Cultural fluency (10:09) - Setting the stage for tough conversations (16:59) - Conversation guidelines (20:08) -https://mfha.net/ ( Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance) (21:40) - One person can make a change Nothing in this podcast shall be deemed to create or grant any rights to any third parties. Listeners are encouraged to consider the applicability and suitability of the information provided for their own individual circumstances, and the National Restaurant Association, the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance, and their affiliates cannot warrant the applicability of the information to any particular listener or party. This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, guidance may change as our understanding of unique challenges that COVID-19 poses within each country, state, and locality. If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to https://www.restaurant.org/events/learning/podcasts/order-up (Order Up) in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts), https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9IcFhHRHhqVQ (Google Podcasts), https://open.spotify.com/show/3SOAkud8tkbaLCaU8W4Ne5 (Spotify) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts). It really helps others find the show. https://www.dante32.com/ (Podcast episode production by Dante32.)

With 18 years of service experience in the DFW area, Alex Fletcher has gone on to run and design some of Dallas most well-known beverage programs. From Irish pubs and New Orleans style dive bars to speak easy and cocktail lounges. After opening The People's last stand in 2012 he quickly was promoted to General Manger where he learned to build a business from scratch. Helping to drive the craft cocktail movement in DFW and change the drinking culture as a whole. After 3 years with People's Alex was asked to head up the cocktail program at a well renowned cocktail den called Victor Tangos. There he really was able to slowly concentrate on fast paced high quality interesting cocktails and refine his craft and leading amazing team. After Victor Tangos Alex was approached to build a brand new program bar from scratch Henry's Majestic. After the opening and success of Henry's Majestic, Alex designed one of Dallas' most unique cocktail experiences, a tiny 900 sqft cocktail den in the back of an alley, Atwater Alley, which quickly became a drinking destination in Dallas. From there Alex was prompted to be Beverage Director of the Dog and Pony Show including, Bread Winners Café's, Atwater Alley, The Quarter Bar Dallas, The Quarter Bar Trophy Club, Harlowe MXM, Trick Pony, Shaken and Stirred Services 4 of these concepts he helped design and concept from scratch. After 5 years with the Dog and Pony show group he was invited to work on an amazingly game changing concept with Hospitality Alliance and help to design and run the Beverage portion of the new downtown AT&T Discovery District . --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/grayson-mask/support

Trey sits down with CEO Kevin Willis and Executive Chef Brian Zenner of Hospitality Alliance.

We have the great pleasure of speaking to yet another icon in our industry today, Elliott Ferguson. He is the President and CEO of Destination DC and the current national chair of the board of directors of the U.S. Travel Association. In this episode, we will be talking about three main topics. We will discuss how DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) can help business owners navigate the current situation and what will come after the pandemic. We will also talk about diversity, equality, and inclusion and the leading role Elliott has taken in that area. Finally, we will look at Elliot's role as the chair of U.S. Travel and what will be coming next for our industry. We hope you will enjoy our fascinating conversation with Elliott as much as we did! Elliott Ferguson's bio  Elliott Ferguson serves as President and CEO of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC. A 30-year veteran of the travel and hospitality industry, Ferguson leads Destination DC's efforts to generate economic opportunity for the District through meetings and tourism, overseeing the organization's convention and tourism sales, marketing, finance, and business development operations. Ferguson began his tenure with Destination DC in December 2001 as the Vice President of Convention Sales, became Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Services in 2005, and has served as President and CEO since 2009. Before working at Destination DC, he served as Director of Sales and Vice President of Sales at the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has also served as Director of Sales at the Savannah CVB. Ferguson currently serves as National Chair of the board of directors for the U.S. Travel Association, where he guides the board and association's efforts to advance policies that facilitate more international and domestic travel. He also serves on the board of directors for the following organizations: Advisory Board of the Smithsonian National Zoo; DC Jazz Festival; Ryan Kerrigan “Blitz for the Better” Foundation and the United Way of the National Capital Area. He represents Destination DC as part of the Hospitality Alliance of Washington, D.C. Ferguson received a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Business Administration from Savannah State University. His many industry memberships include Professional Conference Management Association, International Association of Exhibition Executives, Destinations International, National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, Meeting Professionals International, and American Society of Association Executives. Ferguson and his wife, Telesa Via, a hospitality industry veteran, are longtime residents of Capitol Hill. He is active with Capital Partners for Education, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Delta Sigma Pi. Joining the industry In the early 1990s, Elliott got an opportunity to work with the Savannah Economic Development Authority organization. The focus was on economic development and bringing business to Savannah and Georgia by way of industry relocating or expanding. The person running the Business Bureau was on the board of that organization, and he approached Elliott one day to offer him the opportunity to join the Business Bureau. Back then, there was not much diversity in the industry, and the board member of the Business Bureau liked what Elliott was doing and felt that he and Elliott would work well together. Being young and naïve at the time, Elliott avoided him for six months.  Joining the organization After spending six months thinking about it, doing some research, and learning about what the organization did, Elliott joined the organization. Now, more than thirty years later, he is still doing that. Moving to Washington DC Elliott moved to Washington DC in December of 2001, just after 9/11.  The last twelve months Having lived through 9/11, Elliott felt accustomed to things affecting business travel and tourism to Washington DC. Although the last twelve months have been the hardest to deal with, there is strength in numbers. After coming out of a state of denial and dealing with the shock of the reality of the situation, all Elliott's peers around the country started talking about recovery, being more proactive, and looking towards the future. What Americans need to work on As Americans, we need to work on our tendency to believe that some things that affect the global community will never happen to us here, in America.  The Da Vinci Code You can visit Washington DC, based on the book, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. There is a program that shows the different places from the book in Washington. There was also a tour that showed Washington through the eyes of those who followed the Dan Brown movies. Diversity, equality, and inclusion  Elliot feels that things are improving slightly in terms of diversity, equality, and inclusion because when he entered the industry in 1992, there was only one black male who was the CEO of a DMO.  The National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners  Elliott was actively involved in the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners. He realized that there were opportunities and diversity at the lower level of the pyramid in our industry, but as you got further up the pyramid, there were fewer and fewer opportunities. Diversity and inclusion within DMOs In 2021, America is a nation with 600-700 DMOs, and less than ten of them are run by people of color and females. There are still many opportunities and enough time to look at that and dissect it through a different lens. A wake-up call Last year was a wake-up call for Elliott. He realized that COVID could happen in America, and he needed to do a lot more in terms of diversity and inclusion within the industry.  Elliott Ferguson's idea of doing better Doing better for Elliott Ferguson is not only about white people recognizing and understanding the plight of the black community. It is about understanding that there is something wrong with being one of only two black people walking into a room filled with white people in 2021. Also, when representing an industry that he loves and not seeing the diversity, seeing the opportunities to have conversations about that. Discrimination Most discrimination comes from ignorance. Seeing diversity in the future Because of the things they have seen and experienced, kids entering the workforce in the next few years will expect to see some diversity in the companies for which they work. If not, they won't want to work for those companies. Those who want to believe that it is just a black problem, a Jewish problem, or a problem that does not affect them will be left behind. Diversity within companies Sometimes, people don't even realize that the things they are saying are racist. So, people need to challenge themselves to be more purposeful with the conversations they have within their companies. They need to understand that those diverse companies are the most profitable and they are usually the places where the most people want to work. Elliott's role is coming to an end In the next few weeks, Elliott's role as the chair of U.S. Travel will end. He spent two years in that role, and it was an interesting time for him. Dealing with a pandemic As we continue to focus on stressors like Black Lives Matter, the change of administration, and homeschooling, we realize that we are dealing with a pandemic, and people will be losing their lives. Elliott appreciates the direction the Biden administration is taking in terms of prioritizing the focus on the pandemic.  The focus of the U.S. Travel Association In the short-term, the U.S. Travel Association is focusing on domestic markets and on building relationships. Now, when there is no travel at all, people are paying attention to what is missing and how important the travel industry is. The new chair of the U.S. Travel Association  The new chair of the U.S. Travel Association will be focusing on ensuring that the U.S. Travel Association is dealing with the priorities tied to recovery and getting back on track so that people can start traveling again. Something to be proud of The U.S. Travel Association has done two webinars with NDEI, focused on diversity from the standpoint of being black in America. There were more than two thousand people on each Zoom.  Racism that Elliott Ferguson experienced at IMEX The U.S. Travel Association won two awards at IMEX. A few seconds after Elliott Ferguson got off the stage to accept the awards, someone came up to him and asked him to fill their glass of wine. Everyone was shocked! Although Elliott's first inclination was to reassure everyone and make them feel okay, he felt deflated. Creating awareness After that incident, he decided that he would no longer focus on making other people feel comfortable in those situations. Going forward, he would rather prioritize helping people understand what is being referred to, in terms of marginalizing people because of the color of their skin.  Leading the way Elliott feels that the hospitality industry should be leading the way in terms of understanding people's cultural differences. Connect with Eric On LinkedIn On Facebook On Instagram On Website Connect with Elliot On LinkedIn On Website

2020 was the year of the pivot for restaurants. The COVID-19 pandemic forced restaurant operators to get creative with their menu offerings and delivery options. This week on Order Up, Tom Bené, CEO of the National Restaurant Association, returned to give some details about industry priorities for 2021 as well as some encouraging news for recovery efforts. He dove into topics such as the trend of ghost kitchens, Guy Fieri's restaurant recovery efforts, and increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Listen to the episode for more insight on what to expect in the year ahead. (00:56) - Growing challenges (02:33) - Changing priorities (04:32) - Continuing trends (07:19) - Permanent changes (09:36) - Restaurant Employee Relief Fund (11:43) - Additional relief measures (19:09) - Diversity, equity, and inclusion (23:41) - Upward trajectory This episode was sponsored by Winpak. Whether you offer takeout or in-house dining, your customers' experience can be enhanced by presenting your chef's exact portions of sauces, dressings and condiments. Winpak single serve packets can even include a QR code connecting diners to your website, menu or specials. See http://www.winpak.com/ (www.winpak.com) to learn more.  This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice.  Adherence to any suggestions regarding the COVID-19 viral disease cannot ensure prevention of infection. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, guidance may change as per our understanding of the unique challenges that COVID-19 poses within each country, state, and locality.  Neither the National Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance nor their affiliates warrant or guarantee the accuracy or suitability of any information offered, and the podcast listener is encouraged to do their own research, and where appropriate, obtain the advice or guidance of legal counsel or the input of other experts with respect to their practices and/or applicable laws. Nothing in this podcast shall be deemed to create or grant any rights to any third parties. If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to https://www.restaurant.org/events/learning/podcasts/order-up (Order Up) in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts), https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9IcFhHRHhqVQ (Google Podcasts), https://open.spotify.com/show/3SOAkud8tkbaLCaU8W4Ne5 (Spotify) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts). It really helps others find the show. https://www.dante32.com/ (Podcast episode production by Dante32.)

“I was trying to make sure that none of my identities were distracting from the message and being able to represent my company well.” - Isaac Rocha Diversity and inclusion does not begin and end with race. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are still in an uphill battle for protections and representation. Isaac Rocha is the Regional Development and Inclusion Officer for The Bama Companies. As a Hispanic gay man, Isaac has spent a lifetime navigating discrimination against the intersection of both of his identities. Isaac is our guest this week on A Seat at the Table and explains covering behavior, misconceptions against LGBTQ+ people, and the idea of psychological safety in the workplace. He also discusses how movies and TV have helped humanize LGBTQ+ people and have led to greater mainstream acceptance. Please listen to the episode for suggestions on how to be a better ally to our LGBTQ+ friends and colleagues. (00:32) - Isaac's lived experience (03:07) - Defining covering and intersectionality (04:24) - Coming out within machismo culture (06:49) - Bama Companies (08:54) - Psychological safety (12:00) - Good allyship (13:12) - Transgender marginalization (14:43) - The impact of COVID-19 (16:03) - Misconceptions and microaggressions (19:12) - Building rapport with pronouns (21:07) - Religious congruency (22:25) - Egregious discrimination (25:55) - The Will & Grace effect (27:31) - Preparing for work (29:54) - Announcing who you are (32:07) - Learning resources (34:04) - Humanizing a community https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacrocha/ (Isaac Rocha) is a Regional Development and Inclusion Officer at The Bama Companies. He strategically helped align the company's philanthropic giving, public and government affairs, foundation fundraising efforts, and community impact. Rocha executes Bama's Inclusion & Diversity strategy reinforcing Bama's commitment to multicultural intelligence and creating inclusivity for all team members. Rocha currently serves on the advisory board of the national Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance. He is also a co-owner and managing partner of Black Rain Glacier, LLC which owns Glacier Confection, a high-end confection chocolatier, with two retail store fronts in Tulsa. A Seat at the Table is hosted by Gerald “Gerry” A. Fernandez, the founder and President of the MFHA, an educational non-profit organization that makes the business case for developing cultural intelligence in the workplace. Gerry has been recognized for his decades of work in educating and advocating for the business benefits of cultural diversity and inclusion in the foodservice & hospitality industry. Gerry was honored in the Nation's Restaurant News 2018 Power List among “the definitive list of industry leaders who are not only setting trends today but also shaping them for tomorrow." You can find more information about the MFHA on https://twitter.com/mfhanet (Twitter), https://www.linkedin.com/company/mfha/ (LinkedIn), https://www.instagram.com/mfhalliance/ (Instagram), and https://www.facebook.com/MFHA.net/ (Facebook). Learn more about the MFHA, their resources, and available training at https://mfha.net (https://mfha.net). If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to https://mfha.net/podcast (A Seat at the Table) in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-seat-at-the-table/id1529193882 (Apple Podcasts), https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9yZkc5MmhORw%3D%3D (Google Podcasts), https://open.spotify.com/show/5X18cAKlbuF8RSlT8v3ijV (Spotify), or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-seat-at-the-table/id1529193882 (Apple Podcasts). It really helps others find the show. https://www.dante32.com/ (Podcast episode production by Dante32.)

In this episode, CEO Terry Montesi, and Chief Investment Officer Tommy Miller speak with Kevin Lillis, CEO of Hospitality Alliance. Kevin shares how he got started in real estate and transitioned to the world of food & beverage and food halls, as well as the work his company is doing with AT&T in downtown Dallas. They also discuss the role of trendy food halls and food & beverage in experiential retail and how these areas have been impacted by COVID-19, including how to move forward. Kevin also shares some unconventional thoughts on the future of retail and the role technology will continue to play. For more information about Hospitality Alliance, visit hospitalityalliance.co

The conversations we have with others every day form our view of the world. If all we do is ever talk with people like us, our world becomes or stays small. You start getting the idea that these narrow subjects and solutions are the only way to act and think…whatever that may look like. The MFHA or Multi-Racial Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance has been having eye-opening conversations with major chains, vendors, franchisees, and others for 20 years. Their mission stated on the front of their web site clearly lays it out. “Since 1996, MFHA has been making the business case for diversity and inclusion in the foodservice & hospitality industry. Over the years, MFHA has evolved its mission from advocating for career opportunities for people of color, to building Cultural Intelligence.” Andre Howell's job is not as simple. As he put it, he manages the back of house making things happen while Gerry Fernandez, President and Founder, creates the opportunities for change.  Episode Notes; MFHA – Multi Racial Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance, Building Culturally Intelligent Brands & Leaders Andre's Bio White Fragility, Robin DiAngelo   Music; Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The  Queens Memory Project  brings you the seventh episode of season two of the  Queens Memory Podcast.  This season we have collected the documented experiences of Queens residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic. On this episode Queens leaders talk about campaigning during a quarantine and ways they have found to continue to support their communities.    Unemployment filings skyrocketed as COVID-19 settled upon New York City and the world as businesses closed and workers were laid off. By early May, the New York Department of Labor  announced they had paid $6.8 billion in unemployment since the start of the pandemic. This number is nearly three times greater than the total unemployment payments made in 2019. While  food pantries  and other nonprofits scrambled to answer the call for help, their resources were  strained  by the sharp spike in need. On August 1st, Queens residents gathered outside the New York Hall of Science to receive food distributions. Senator Jessica Ramos hosted the event, which also offered  free COVID-19 testing.  Senator Ramos hosted regular fresh food  distribution events  in the months after the pandemic upended life and income for many Queens residents. The event on August 1st was the 14th distribution. Michael Pereira, who was born and raised in Queens, was in attendance and talked about how this time away from work  has enabled him to take better care of himself physically and mentally. He also talks about the  systemic dietary oppression  Latinx families face, as well as, the negative health impacts of  low-income, predominantly minority neighborhoods due to low housing quality.  Meanwhile, politicians and aspiring leaders try to adapt to campaigning and staying in touch with communities while social distancing.  Queens resident  Mary Jobaida  was forced to derail her campaign for the New York State Assembly District 37 when the shutdown began. Jobaida immigrated to Queens from Bangladesh in 2001 and has lived in the area ever since. She talks about watching the gentrification of neighborhoods, pricing herself and her neighbors out of options. A 2019  report  by the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development found that, in Queens, the neighborhoods of Jamaica and Hollis were most at risk. This  map  shows gentrification throughout all of New York City. Jobaida decided to run for State Assembly in District 37 to help those who have been affected, against incumbent  Catherine Nolan  who was first elected in 1984. Jobaida says she originally thought about running for State Assembly in 2018. She filed the paperwork to do so in spring of 2019, using her professional name “Mary.” In April 2020, the board of elections removed her from the ballot upon learning her full name is Meherunnisa. Their stated reason being that the name in the application filing must match the candidate’s legal name. Jobaida, along with Moumita Ahmed, who was also removed for the same reason,  sued the BOE,  claiming xenophobia was behind the decision. In May, a  judge ruled  the two women will appear on the ballot. Continuing her campaign while social distancing, Jobaida was severely limited. A number of her organizers and campaigners contracted COVID-19, four of whom died.  One month before the election, unable to afford mailers, Jobaida utilized volunteers to operate phone banks. The Democratic Primary Election took place on June 23, 2020.  Jobaida lost  to incumbent Catherine Nolan by 1,153 votes. Jobaida won 5,041 votes, while Nolan won 6,554. Jobaida suspects if she had been able to campaign in person, she would have won, and vows to continue the fight.  Brent O’Leary  of Long Island City is running for City Council, District 26, which includes Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, and part of Astoria. O’Leary  announced his campaign  in the summer of 2018 - three years before the 2021 election. Now, he’s glad his campaign launched so early, as they were able to build momentum. However, the pandemic has slowed fundraising, he said, as most funds are normally raised during in-person events. He is also reluctant to ask people for money in the midst of the pandemic. Instead, O’Leary co-founded two emergency food pantries, in  Sunnyside  and  Woodside.  Ultimately, official campaign events ceased, but remaining active in his community helped keep O’Leary in the public eye, and demonstrated his priorities, he said. The campaign is now getting back on its feet. O’Leary talks about his support of the current  Senate bill  to cancel rent for small businesses who are struggling due to COVID-19. On last week’s episode of Queens Memory Podcast, we heard from local small business owners about the impact the pandemic has had on their businesses. According to a Hospitality Alliance  survey,  only 19% of New York City businesses paid rent in June, and only 26% of landlords waived any rent. With the primary election less than a year away, O’Leary wonders what campaigning will look like in the coming months. Across the country, candidates have had to transition their campaigns to socially distanced tactics. Read about what State Congressional and Senate candidates are doing differently to campaign in the  New Yorker  and  NY1. With an uncertain future, O’Leary commits  to heed  professional advice  regarding COVID-19, praises New York City for its  effective response  to the virus, and voices support for the effective  use of masks  in preventing the spread of the disease.   This episode of Queens Memory was produced by Jordan Gass-Poore’ in conjunction with Anna Williams, Giulia Hjort, Roshni Khatri, Jo-Ann Wong, and Natalie Milbrodt.  Mixing and editing by Briana Stodden with music composed by Elias Ravin and the Blue Dot Sessions.  Special thanks for funding support from the New York Community Trust. Queens Memory is an ongoing community archiving program by the Queens Public Library and Queens College, CUNY.

The  Queens Memory Project  brings you the sixth episode of season two of the  Queens Memory Podcast. This season we have collected the documented experiences of Queens residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In this episode, Queens small business owners share what it has been like to operate in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic -- their struggles and perseverance.   On March 20th, Governor Cuomo announced  that New York City was going “on PAUSE” with an executive order, wherein all non-essential businesses were to close their doors. This included restaurants, shops, and other small businesses to reduce their workforce by 100%. Food service was hit especially hard. New York lost an estimated $1.9 billion in sales and 250,000 jobs  in March, according to a survey conducted by the New York State Restaurant Association. Local advertising company and community blog, Give Me Astoria, established a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money for the  Astoria Relief Fund. Founder of Give Me Astoria, Sonia Mylonas, along with designer Eleni Louca and Editor-in-Chief Lou Lou Chryssides, successfully raised $25,000 -- delivering over 5,000 meals to essential workers from over 100 local restaurants. The fund provided monetary compensation for restaurants to bring back their employees to prepare and deliver meals to essential workers, though the team says many restaurant owners contributed more, as they were grateful to have a reason to work again. Meanwhile, other non-essential businesses found new ways to work within the guidelines of the executive order. Local audio and video business owner Jonathan Jetter was able to operate his company, Right Angle Productions, from his office, as the only person there. Jetter recalls working long hours in the uncertain days leading up to the lockdown as he tried to finish projects in case he was forced to halt his work. However, while business has slowed, Jetter has been able to keep his company up and running. Jetter laments that no rent relief program for businesses has been instituted. (Note: Jetter was interviewed on 07/23/2020 and this episode was posted on 09/10/2020). According to a  Hospitality Alliance survey, only 19% of New York City businesses paid rent in June, and only 26% of landlords waived any rent. An estimated 64% of restaurants  in New York State may close as a result of the impact of COVID-19. Food blog Eater NY  provides an ongoing list  of local restaurants that closed their doors permanently during the pandemic. Several  bills have been proposed  by New York politicians, including a  bill to the New York City Council  that would repeal commercial rent tax for the remainder of the pandemic. However, nothing has been enacted yet. While the struggle to remain open has hit many business owners, those that have been able to remain operational have had to learn new ways of staying safe.  Demetrios Vasiadis, owner of  14th Street Laundry  in Astoria, talks about navigating the safe operation of his laundromat -- deemed an essential business -- during COVID-19. Vasiais maintains a  blog for the laundromat,  in which he describes everything from new safety measures to changes in traffic conditions. He attributes an increase in business to the security and comfort the blog provides customers.   This episode of Queens Memory was produced by Jordan Gass-Poore’ in conjunction with Anna Williams, Briana Stodden, Jo-Ann Wong, and Natalie Milbrodt. Mixing and editing by Briana Stodden with music composed by Elias Ravin and the Blue Dot Sessions.  Special thanks for funding support from the New York Community Trust. Queens Memory is an ongoing community archiving program by the Queens Public Library and Queens College, CUNY.

Diversity and inclusion are no longer just about awareness, it's about action. Business success will depend on how well leaders manage and engage today's diverse workforce and customer base. The foodservice and hospitality industry is incredibly diverse, but we have yet to see that broader community reflected in leadership and in the boardroom. This is why we invite you to take A Seat at the Table. The Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance is the leading advocate of representation, advancement, and development of multicultural employees and businesses in our industry. On our new podcast, we'll help you understand how building cultural intelligence will give you the tools and language to effectively communicate with, and invest in, both customers and employees from different cultural backgrounds. In this series, you can expect deep conversations with experts and leaders on how to build an authentic brand in communities of color, anti-racism best practices for businesses, and navigating the minefield of language. By developing culturally intelligent leadership practices you can raise your topline, improve relationships with employees and customers while making deeper connections within your community. An inclusive business is a profitable business.  So take your seat at the table. A Seat at the Table is hosted by Gerald “Gerry” A. Fernandez, the founder and President of the MFHA, an educational non-profit organization that makes the business case for developing cultural intelligence in the workplace. Gerry has been recognized for his decades of work in educating and advocating for the business benefits of cultural diversity and inclusion in the foodservice & hospitality industry. Gerry was honored in the Nation's Restaurant News 2018 Power List among “the definitive list of industry leaders who are not only setting trends today but also shaping them for tomorrow." You can find more information about the MFHA on https://twitter.com/mfhanet (Twitter), https://www.linkedin.com/company/mfha/ (LinkedIn), https://www.instagram.com/mfhalliance/ (Instagram), and https://www.facebook.com/MFHA.net/ (Facebook). Learn more about the MFHA, their resources, and available training at https://mfha.net (https://mfha.net). If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to https://mfha.net/podcast (A Seat at the Table) in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-seat-at-the-table/id1529193882 (Apple Podcasts), https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9yZkc5MmhORw%3D%3D (Google Podcasts), https://open.spotify.com/show/5X18cAKlbuF8RSlT8v3ijV (Spotify), or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-seat-at-the-table/id1529193882 (Apple Podcasts). It really helps others find the show. https://www.dante32.com/ (Podcast episode production by Dante32.)

In this episode of The Real Market, Chris chats with Kevin Lillis, CEO of Hospitality Alliance, a consultancy and management group made up of award-winning experts in different areas of the hotel and food and beverage industry. Chris and Kevin chat about the state of the restaurant industry, cloud kitchens, and what the future of big and small cities looks like. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrymfha/ (Gerry Fernandez) has been a leader of diversity and inclusion in the restaurant industry for more than 25 years. Even with his track record of bringing change to the industry, he never thought he'd see the day where restaurant owners, employees, and customers are openly discussing issues of race and privilege. Gerry is our guest this week on Order Up and explains why his organization, Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Association, is focused on advancing racial, ethnic and gender diversity to improve the bottom line. Listen for Gerry's thoughts on how restaurant stakeholders can improve diversity and become even more profitable. (01:03) - Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance (01:49) - Gerry's background (04:06) - How BLM intersects with the restaurant community (07:44) - If you listen you will learn (11:39) - The ownership factor (15:36) - Moving forward (19:43) - Empathy training (22:07) -https://www2.smartbrief.com/signupSystem/subscribe.action?pageSequence=1&briefName=mfha&campaign=pd_MFHA_websitesignup ( SmartBrief) (25:28) - Purposeful & intentional outreach  If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to https://www.restaurant.org/events/learning/podcasts/order-up (Order Up) in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts), https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9IcFhHRHhqVQ (Google Podcasts), https://open.spotify.com/show/3SOAkud8tkbaLCaU8W4Ne5 (Spotify) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/order-up/id1511211971 (Apple Podcasts). It really helps others find the show. https://www.dante32.com/ (Podcast episode production by Dante32.)