Hospitality On The Rise

Culinary Agents
  • 5.0 (3)
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  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Hospitality On The Rise, a weekly podcast hosted by Alice Cheng, featuring conversations with the hospitality leaders shaping the industry. Each episode explores the stories, challenges, pivots, lessons learned, and advice that helped these leaders grow & succeed. Whether you’re building your career, leading a team, or just looking for inspiration, Hospitality On The Rise offers honest insights from the people moving hospitality forward. New episodes every Tuesday. Powered by CulinaryAgents.com, hospitality’s go-to hiring platform connecting top talent with employers since 2012.

  1. 5d ago

    EP 78: Lina Goujjane

    Lina Goujjane, Co-Owner and Sommelier of Kiko and Noury, grew up running around her parents’ restaurant and always assumed she’d take over the family business one day. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Lina shares how one college course changed that plan and set her on a path through openings at The NoMad, Majordomo, and Sushi Noz before launching concepts of her own. She opens up about the realities of leading a team while working the floor alongside them, what it took to earn a two-star review from The New York Times, and how she and her husband, Chef Alex Chang, navigate building a life and a business together.Note: This episode was recorded in April 2026, prior to the opening of Noury.Links- Instagram - Lina Goujjane: https://www.instagram.com/lina_goujjane/- Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/- Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-78-lina-goujjane************Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com.Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com.For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

    EP 78: Lina Goujjane

  2. Sep 1

    EP 77: Thomas Pastuszak

    Thomas Pastuszak, VP of Sales and Hospitality at Grand Cru Selections and Founder of Empire Estate Wine, got his start with a summer job at his godfather’s Shelter Island bed and breakfast. That early experience sparked a passion for hospitality that eventually pulled him away from a medical school track. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Thomas joins host Alice Cheng to share how he discovered the world of wine, built The NoMad’s wine program from the ground up, and eventually launched his own winery without owning a single acre of land. He also shares why wine should feel approachable for every guest, the value of taking chances, and why asking for help can move your career forward. Links - Instagram - Thomas Pastuszak: https://www.instagram.com/thomaspastuszak/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-77-thomas-pastuszak ************ Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com. Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com. For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents. Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

    EP 77: Thomas Pastuszak

  3. Aug 25

    EP 76: Daniel Boulud

    Daniel Boulud, Founder & Chef of The Dinex Group, left home at 14 to apprentice in Lyon’s top kitchens. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, he joins Alice Cheng to share the mentors, risks, and defining moments that shaped his global career as a chef-turned-restaurateur. He reflects on learning from legends like Paul Bocuse, proving himself at Le Cirque, and taking a major risk to open Restaurant DANIEL. He also shares what he looks for in the next generation, why mentorship matters, and what it means to see alumni like Gavin Kaysen and Hooni Kim build careers of their own. Plus, hear what’s next for Dinex, including a new Brasserie Boulud in New York and Blue Box Café in California. Note: This episode was recorded on July 14, 2026. Links - Instagram - Daniel Boulud: https://www.instagram.com/danielboulud/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-76-daniel-boulud ************ Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com. Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com. For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents. Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

    EP 76: Daniel Boulud

  4. Aug 18

    EP 75: Suzanne Cupps

    Chef Suzanne Cupps, owner of Lola's, never planned on a career in kitchens. Yet she spent more than 20 years working her way from peeling potatoes during an externship in the basement of Gramercy Tavern to becoming the chef-owner of her own New York City restaurant. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Suzanne joins host Alice Cheng to share how six years at Anita Lo's Annisa taught her patience, how one conversation with Mike Anthony led to three years as a sous chef at Gramercy Tavern, and how a tasting for Danny Meyer made her the first female executive chef in Union Square Hospitality Group's history. She also reflects on opening Lola's just three months before COVID and the two-year lease battle that nearly kept the restaurant from ever opening. Links - Instagram - Suzanne Cupps: https://www.instagram.com/suzycupps/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-75-suzanne-cupps ************ Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com. Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com. For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents. Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

    EP 75: Suzanne Cupps

  5. Aug 11

    EP 74: Roni Mazumdar

    Roni Mazumdar, Founder and CEO of Unapologetic Foods—the group behind Semma, Dhamaka, Adda, and Rowdy Rooster—didn't open his first restaurant to build an empire, he opened it so his retiring father a renewed sense of purpose. On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, Roni shares with host Alice Cheng how that deeply personal decision became the foundation for a restaurant group redefining how heritage cuisines are experienced and celebrated. He reflects on the uncertainty of the early days, the transformative partnership with Chef Chintan Pandya, and the leadership philosophy that guides him today. Links - Instagram - Roni Mazumdar: https://www.instagram.com/roni.mazumdar/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-74-roni-mazumdar ************ Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com. Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com. For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents. Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

    EP 74: Roni Mazumdar

  6. Aug 4

    EP 73: Jen Hidinger-Kendrick

    Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, Founder and Senior Director of Individual Giving at Giving Kitchen, shares how she built a career rooted in entrepreneurship, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of hospitality. From selling lemonade outside the Indy 500 as a kid to building Atlanta's underground dining scene, co-founding the award-winning Staplehouse, and helping grow Giving Kitchen into a national nonprofit serving food service workers across all 50 states, her journey is a powerful reminder that purpose can evolve through every chapter of a career. Jen reflects on navigating unimaginable personal loss, making bold career decisions, embracing change, and why staying true to your north star can transform life's greatest challenges into lasting impact. Links - Instagram - Jen Hidinger-Kendrick: https://www.instagram.com/jenhidingerkendrick/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-73-jen-hidinger-kendrick ************ Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com. Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com. For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents. Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

    EP 73: Jen Hidinger-Kendrick

  7. Jul 28

    EP 72: Miro Uskokovic

    Miro Uskokovic, Executive Chef-Owner of Hani's Bakery + Café, reflects on his culinary journey, from grilling burgers at a McDonald's in Serbia to becoming one of New York City’s most celebrated pastry chefs. Miro recounts his formative years at The Culinary Institute of America and his rapid ascent through legendary kitchens like Jean-Georges and Gramercy Tavern, where he spent a decade honing both his craft and his business acumen. From the viral success of his artisanal cookies to the strategic "gut feelings" that defined his brand’s identity, Miro emphasizes why persistence and a commitment to continuous learning are the ultimate ingredients for success in the industry. Links - Instagram - Miro Uskokovic: https://www.instagram.com/mirouskokovic/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-72-miro-uskokovic ************ Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com. Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com. For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents. Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

    EP 72: Miro Uskokovic

  8. Jul 21

    EP 71: Ivy Mix

    Ivy Mix — Co-Owner of Whoopsie Daisy and Fiasco!, Beverage Director-Partner of Titán, and Co-Founder of Speed Rack — shares how her hospitality career began. What started as bartending in Guatemala to pay off a bar tab eventually led her to New York, where she was repeatedly told she didn't "fit the image." Instead of giving up, Ivy opened her own bars and co-founded Speed Rack, the all-femme bartending competition that has raised nearly $2 million for breast cancer research. She also shares why true success isn't working every shift—it's building a team that thrives without you. Links - Instagram - Ivy Mix: https://www.instagram.com/ivymix/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-71-ivy-mix ************ Remember, success looks different for everyone in hospitality. No two paths are the same. If you have a leader or a topic you want to hear about, email media@culinaryagents.com. Hospitality On The Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next opportunity, join us at CulinaryAgents.com. For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality On The Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents. Thanks for tuning in! Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. And if you loved this episode, share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

    EP 71: Ivy Mix
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Hospitality On The Rise, a weekly podcast hosted by Alice Cheng, featuring conversations with the hospitality leaders shaping the industry. Each episode explores the stories, challenges, pivots, lessons learned, and advice that helped these leaders grow & succeed. Whether you’re building your career, leading a team, or just looking for inspiration, Hospitality On The Rise offers honest insights from the people moving hospitality forward. New episodes every Tuesday. Powered by CulinaryAgents.com, hospitality’s go-to hiring platform connecting top talent with employers since 2012.

Information

  • Creator
    Culinary Agents
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Culinary Agents
  • Show Website
    Hospitality On The Rise

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