Hospitality On The Rise

Culinary Agents
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Hospitality on the Rise — the podcast about the people shaping the hospitality industry and their journeys. This podcast shares the stories, lessons learned, and advice from hospitality leaders who've carved out their own path to success. After all, this industry is where many get their start and go on to do incredible things. Hospitality on the Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality on the Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

  1. EP 49: Aldo Sohm

    1D AGO

    EP 49: Aldo Sohm

    On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng chats with Aldo Sohm, Wine Director at Le Bernardin and Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, Winemaker at Sohm & Kracher, and author of Wine Simple and Wine Simple: Perfect Pairings. From discovering his passion for wine after an unexpected encounter to building a career that spans world-class restaurants and writing books, Aldo’s story is one of resilience and dedication. He explores how challenges can become valuable learning experiences, emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership, and highlights the joy that comes from fully embracing every moment of what you do. Note: This episode was previously recorded in November 2025. Links - Instagram - Aldo Sohm: https://www.instagram.com/aldosohm/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-49-aldo-sohm ************ 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.

    35 min
  2. EP 48: Cheetie Kumar

    FEB 10

    EP 48: Cheetie Kumar

    On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Cheetie Kumar. She is the Chef and Co-Owner of Ajja, Vice President of the Independent Restaurant Coalition and the Southern Foodways Alliance, and a 2026 James Beard Semifinalist. Cheetie reflects on teaching herself how to cook, opening music venues and bars, and eventually building restaurants of her own. She shares how trusting her creative instincts, building strong teams, and fostering community through food have shaped her leadership approach and deepened her commitment to food advocacy. Links - Instagram - Cheetie Kumar: https://www.instagram.com/cheetieku/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-48-cheetie-kumar ************ 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.

    31 min
  3. EP 47: Tyler Akin

    FEB 3

    EP 47: Tyler Akin

    On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Tyler Akin, Founder of Form-Function Hospitality and Chef-Partner of Bastia and Caletta. From relentlessly pursuing a position at Komi to opening multiple successful ventures of his own, Tyler shares how his experiences in fine dining shaped his approach to leadership and culinary creativity. Tyler also reflects on the challenges of opening restaurants, the lessons he's learned about resilience, and his ongoing work to create positive change in the hospitality industry. Note: This episode was filmed before 2025 Southern Smoke Festival. Links - Instagram - Tyler Akin: https://www.instagram.com/tyler_akin/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-47-tyler-akin ************ 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.

    34 min
  4. EP 46: Elizabeth Murray

    JAN 27

    EP 46: Elizabeth Murray

    On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Elizabeth Murray, Chief Operating Officer of The Marlow Collective. Elizabeth reveals her unconventional path into the hospitality industry, which started with an economics background and a bold decision to leave graduate school. She recounts how a serendipitous encounter at a beach bar in Mexico led to her first restaurant job, and how her career journey took her from a backwaiter at Gramercy Tavern to becoming an industry leader. Elizabeth dives into the importance of finding value in your career, her leadership philosophy, and her diverse ventures, including her advocacy work with the MORE Coalition. Links - Instagram - Elizabeth Murray: https://www.instagram.com/parmerlane/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-46-elizabeth-murray ************ 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.

    37 min
  5. EP 45: Andrew Black

    JAN 20

    EP 45: Andrew Black

    On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Andrew Black, Chief Culinary Officer of Counter Service. He reflects on how his experiences with chefs like Laurent Tourondel and Kevin Binkley, as well as his time as a Sous Chef at Eleven Madison Park, shaped his approach to food and entrepreneurship. Staying true to his passion for exceptional ingredients, Andrew shares his journey from fine dining to creating a unique sandwich concept focused on quality and craftsmanship. Links - Instagram - Andrew Black: https://www.instagram.com/andrewsandwiches/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-45-andrew-black ************ 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.

    30 min
  6. EP 44: Shuai Wang

    JAN 13

    EP 44: Shuai Wang

    On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Shuai Wang, Owner and Chef of Jackrabbit Filly & King BBQ, and runner-up on the 22nd season of Bravo's Top Chef. Shuai reflects on his journey from growing up in Beijing surrounded by incredible food to discovering his passion for cooking through a high school culinary program. He talks about how his experiences led him to start a food truck, and eventually open his own restaurants that put a unique spin on Chinese-American flavors. Along the way, Shuai shares how community has shaped his work, the challenges he faced opening a restaurant during the pandemic, and why creating a supportive, thriving environment for his team is a top priority. Links - Instagram - Shuai Wang: https://www.instagram.com/the_shuaiwang/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-44-shuai-wang ************ 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.

    35 min
  7. EP 43: Steve Palmer

    JAN 6

    EP 43: Steve Palmer

    On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng is joined by Steve Palmer, Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Vision Officer of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, Co-Founder of Ben's Friends, and host of Say Grace Podcast. Steve reflects on his remarkable journey from washing dishes at 13 to becoming the leader of one of the Southeast's most successful restaurant groups. He shares the ups and downs of his career, including overcoming personal struggles and the founding of Ben’s Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to helping industry professionals with mental health and substance abuse issues. Steve also talks about how his leadership style focuses on culture, the importance of creating opportunities for employees, and his positive vision for the future of hospitality. Links - Instagram - Steve Palmer: https://www.instagram.com/stevepalmer12/ - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-43-steve-palmer ************ 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.

    32 min
  8. EP 42: Amy Racine

    12/30/2025

    EP 42: Amy Racine

    On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng welcomes Amy Racine. She is the Beverage Director and Partner at JF Restaurants, a Wine Consultant for Tatiana at Lincoln Center, and Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 Beverage Director of the Year. Amy reflects on her journey from growing up in a family that loved to entertain to becoming a prominent voice in the beverage world. She shares how her passion for wine grew out of her culinary background and how working with some of the nation’s top restaurants and beverage programs shaped her career. Amy also opens up about the challenges and rewards of leading diverse teams across multiple locations, and her deep commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and employees. Links - Instagram - Amy Racine: https://www.instagram.com/amyracine - Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/ - Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-42-amy-racine ************ 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.

    29 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Hospitality on the Rise — the podcast about the people shaping the hospitality industry and their journeys. This podcast shares the stories, lessons learned, and advice from hospitality leaders who've carved out their own path to success. After all, this industry is where many get their start and go on to do incredible things. Hospitality on the Rise is brought to you by Culinary Agents, connecting top talent with employers since 2012. For more inspiration, subscribe to Hospitality on the Rise and visit HospitalityCareerPaths.com, a free platform by Culinary Agents.

Information

  • Creator
    Culinary Agents
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Culinary Agents
  • Show Website
    Hospitality On The Rise

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