Hospitality & Politics with Andrew Rigie

NYC Hospitality Alliance

Hospitality & Politics is where the worlds of restaurants, nightlife, and policy collide. Hosted by Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, listen as he dives deep into the intersections of business, politics, and everyday life. Join Andrew as he sits down with restaurateurs, nightlife operators, elected officials, and influential thought-leaders to explore the real stories, challenges, and innovations shaping the hospitality industry and beyond.

  1. FEB 26

    Grace Young: The ‘Wok Therapist’ and Stir Fry Guru Helping Save America’s Chinatowns

    Grace Young is a cookbook author, culinary historian, filmmaker, and advocate for America’s historic Chinatowns. Grace is the recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, a USA Today Women of the Year honoree for her work to save America’s Chinatowns and has been dubbed the “accidental voice for Chinatown”. In this conversation, we discuss her viral ‘Wok Therapist’ video, the importance of maintaining legacy in America’s Chinatowns, and the challenges Chinatowns are facing across the US. https://www.thenycalliance.org/ https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/  TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome Grace to Hospitality & Politics 00:24 Stir Fry Guru Origins 02:12 Becoming the Wok Therapist 06:15 Julia Child Spark 09:38 Why Chinatown Matters 14:34 Wo Hop and Family Stories 21:06 Affordable Lunch Economics 24:28 Hidden Gems to Try 28:18 Tea Shop Storytelling 32:54 COVID Hits Chinatown 38:19 Chinatown Stories Project 44:48 Congestion Pricing Fallout 48:11 Keeping Legacy Alive 52:00 New Wave Restaurants 57:27 Support Chinatown Now #newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

    56 min

  2. JAN 27

    How Melba Wilson Built A Culinary Empire In Harlem

    Melba Wilson is a chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and the owner of Melba’s Restaurant, a beloved Harlem comfort food and soul food institution. In this conversation, she shares her journey from humble beginnings in Harlem to becoming one of New York City’s most celebrated restaurant owners. We discuss lessons learned at iconic restaurants like Sylvia’s, Rosa Mexicano, and Windows on the World, navigating the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her role as president of the NYC Hospitality Alliance. Melba also talks leadership, community impact, and expanding the Melba brand through television projects and food product lines. https://www.thenycalliance.org/ https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/  TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome Melba To Hospitality & Politics 2:43 - Melba’s Journey to Opening Her Restaurant 5:57 - Sylvia’s Restaurant 12:25 - Opening Melba’s in Harlem 16:27 - Challenges Of Operating A Restaurant 24:27 - Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere 27:12 - Hiring the Right People 28:04 - Outdoor Dining During the Pandemic 32:31 - Challenges During The Pandemic 39:25 - Empowering the Team 46:41 - Advocating for the Industry 50:50 - Future Projects in TV & Food Products 53:00 - Thanks Melba For Joining! #newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

    54 min

  3. JAN 20

    How the Meatpacking District Became a Cultural Hub in NYC

    In this episode, we sit down with Jeffrey LeFrancois, Executive Director of the Meatpacking District Management Association, to explore the transformation of NYC’s Meatpacking District—from an industrial hub to a global destination for culture, nightlife, fashion, hospitality, and the arts. Jeffrey explains the role of Business Improvement Districts in city planning, how public–private partnerships shape urban identity, and what it takes to manage a world-renowned neighborhood. We also discuss the future of the district, tourism’s impact, moments like the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and the cultural influence of institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. https://www.thenycalliance.org/ https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/  TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome Jeffrey Lefrancois To Hospitality & Politics! 1:47 - The History & Evolution of the Meatpacking District 5:49 - The Whitney Museum 8:55 - The High Line 12:43 - Public Activations & Community Engagement 15:59 - Retail Diversity 18:59 - Outdoor Dining, Cafe Culture 22:02 - Partnerships with the city, World Cup 28:34 - Business Improvement Districts 30:15 - Revitalizing the Meatpacking District 33:59 - Strategic Planning 36:09 - Managing Diverse Stakeholders 39:17- Restaurants and Nightlife in the Meatpacking District 43:55 - Future Vision for the Meatpacking District 48:00 - Thanks Jeffrey For Joining! #newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

    49 min

  4. JAN 13

    35 Years At Tribeca Grill: Tracy Nieporent on Resilience and Legacy in NYC Hospitality

    Tracy Nieporent is a Partner and Director of Marketing at the Myriad Restaurant Group. In this conversation, Tracy shares insights into marketing some of the city’s most iconic restaurants, the vital role of tourism, the history of Restaurant Week, and reflections on more than 30 years of Tribeca Grill. We explore the parallels between restaurateurs and professional athletes, the challenge of rebuilding after 9/11, the resilience required to survive in the restaurant industry, and what the future holds for Tracy. https://www.thenycalliance.org/ https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/  TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome Tracy Nierporent To Hospitality & Politics 4:34 - The Power of Marketing and Branding 7:45 - Modern Marketing In Social Media vs. Legacy Media 09:10 - The Origins and Impact of NYC Restaurant Week 14:40 - Tourism in NYC’s Economy 17:00 - Restaurants Act As A ‘Memory Machine’ 21:20 - The Farewell At Tribeca Grill with Kenny Albert 25:00 - Common Traits Of Pro Athletes & Restaurant Owners 26:40 - Tribeca Grill - The Secret To Success 30:25 - Learning from Industry Veterans 33:25 - How Tracy Evaluates Restaurants - What Does Tracy Prefer? 39:56 - The Impact of 9/11 on the Restaurant Industry 45:41 - Reflections on Resilience and Family 48:33 - Tracy’s Future Plans and Final Thoughts #newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness https://www.thenycalliance.org/ https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/  TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome Tracy Nierporent To Hospitality & Politics 4:34 - The Power of Marketing and Branding 7:45 - Modern Marketing In Social Media vs. Legacy Media 09:10 - The Origins and Impact of NYC Restaurant Week 14:40 - Tourism in NYC’s Economy 17:00 - Restaurants Act As A A ‘Memory Machine’ 21:20 - The Farewell At Tribeca Grille with Kenny Albert 25:00 - Common Traits Of Pro Athletes & Restaurant Owners 26:40 - Tribeca Grill - The Secret To Success 30:25 - Learning from Industry Veterans 33:25 - How Tracy Evaluates Restaurants - What Does Tracy Prefer? 39:56 - The Impact of 9/11 on the Restaurant Industry 45:41 - Reflections on Resilience and Family 48:33 - Tracy’s Future Plans and Final Thoughts #newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

    53 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    How Zohran Mamdani and City Council Will Impact Hospitality, Eric Adams’ Legacy, and NYC Government

    Ben Max is  a veteran journalist, host of ‘Max Politics’ and Executive Editor and Program Director at the Center for New York City and State Law. In this conversation, we discuss the political landscape at the end of 2025 as New York City prepares for new mayor Zohran Mamdani. We get into the dynamics between the mayor’s office and city council, small business regulations, housing, childcare, public safety, Mayor Eric Adams’ legacy, the role of the presumptive next city council speaker Julie Menin, and the new administration’s impact on the hospitality industry. https://www.thenycalliance.org/ https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/  TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome Ben Max To Hospitality & Politics 0:41 - New Year, New Political Climate 4:07 - Understanding the Role of the Mayor 12:22 - City Council’s Legislative Process 15:11 - Balancing Government Efficiency and Oversight 18:55 - Small Business Regulations and Reforms 27:26 - Challenges Facing Small Businesses 28:22 - Impact of Private Right Lawsuits 29:48 - Insurance Costs and Business Sustainability 30:07 - Policy Discussions with Julie Menin 30:48 - Balancing Progressive Policies and Business Needs 32:42 - Mayor’s Transition and Small Business Support 40:43 - Universal Childcare and Housing 47:23 - Eric Adams’ Mayoral Legacy 51:30 - ‘City Of Yes’ Achievements 52:30 - Thanks Ben For Joining The Show! #newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

    53 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    The Man Behind Nobu, Tribeca Grill & Montrachet Tells How He Built Iconic NYC Restaurants

    Drew Nieporent, founder of the Myriad Restaurant Group, and is the author of the book “I’m Not Trying To Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches”. this conversation, we discuss Drew’s mutli-decade career establishing iconic Michelin star and beloved restaurants like Nobu, Tribeca Grill, Bâtard, and Montrachet. We get to hear a ton of old New York City stories, how Drew built these legendary restaurants, the standards his restaurants set that are still being used today, navigating the darkest times in the city, the state of NYC restaurants, and the importance of good food & fair pricing. https://www.thenycalliance.org/ https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/  TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome Drew Nieporent To Hospitality & Politics!  00:32 - Drew’s Restaurant Journey - Early Influences and Family Background 05:27 - Opening Iconic NYC Restaurants 08:50 - The Evolution of Tribeca Grill 16:22 - Designing Successful Restaurants 21:34- The State of NYC’s Restaurant Industry - How Drew’s Ideas Influenced Today’s Restaurants  23:51 - Opening Montrachet 23:59 The Evolution of Sommeliers 24:00 - The expenses of running a restaurant  25:25 - Pandemic Impacts - Tasting Menu, Single Seating 26:50 - Feeding First Responders After 9/11 32:31 - The Enormous Success of Nobu 37:13 - The Importance of Good Food and Fair Pricing 42:57 - Navigating Financial Challenges in the Restaurant Business 44:55 - Thanks Drew For Joining The Show! Like & Subscribe  #newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

    45 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    How Bungalow Became One of the Hottest Restaurants in NYC | Jimmy Rizvi and Chef Vikas

    Jimmy Rizvi and Chef Vikas Khanna are the restaurateurs behind Bungalow, the New York City Indian restaurant that earned three stars from The New York Times. In this episode, they share the personal journey behind creating Bungalow, the whirlwind of its explosive popularity, and the unique dynamic between front-of-house and back-of-house operations. They open up about the pressures of living up to the hype, staying authentic to their cuisine and culture in the East Village, and the moving stories they’ve heard from guests. We also dive into the challenges and opportunities of running a restaurant in New York City, their mentorship and training philosophies, their expansion into consumer packaged goods, and their vision for the future of hospitality. https://www.thenycalliance.org/ https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/poTFuHIZX9w TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome Jimmy Rizvi & Chef Vikas! 0:58 - The Story Behind Bungalow 4:47 - The Rise of Indian Cuisine in New York 9:51 - Maintaining High Standards and Consistency 12:11 - How The Menu Evolves 17:31 - Culture & Promoting from Within 21:37 - Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs 26:26 - Why The Chef’s Presence in the Dining Room Is Important 28:34 - The Latest Tech Used In Restaurant Operations 33:45 - Offering Consumer Packaged Goods 37:03 - Challenges in the Restaurant Business 38:13 - The State of Indian Restaurants in NYC 45:04 - What Are Your Favorite Comfort Foods 46:45 - Future Plans For Jimmy Rizvi & Chef Vikas 47:00 - Thanks For Watching! Like & Subscribe #newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness

    47 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    How Queens Together Has Helped Feed 500,000 People & Boost Local Restaurants

    Jonathan Forgash is the founder of Queens Together. In this conversation, we discuss how the organization formed, its work during the pandemic from his kitchen table and how they eventually helped feed over 500,000 people in Queens. We get into the evolution into advocacy and support for small businesses, the importance of strong community ties, the must-visit restaurants in Queens, the International Food Expo, the importance of resilience, and the pivotal role of small businesses in a boroughs like Queens https://www.thenycalliance.org/ https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/  TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome Jonathan Forgash To Hospitality & Politics 0:50 - Queens Together: Mission and Impact 2:27 - Pandemic Response 10:27 - Jonathan’s Culinary Journey 13:27 - Formation and Evolution of Queens Together 15:19 - Current Initiatives for Queens Together 19:14 - Events and Fundraising 23:31 - The Must Visit Restaurants 27:25 - Current State of Queens’ Restaurant Industry 35:48 - The Impact From Community Work 39:48 - Future Plans and Advice for Aspiring Community Leaders 43:58 - Celebrating Queens’ Diversity and Culture 46:54 - Thanks Jonathan For Joining The Show! #podcast #restaurant #politics #hospitality #newyorkcity #business #smallbusiness

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hospitality & Politics is where the worlds of restaurants, nightlife, and policy collide. Hosted by Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, listen as he dives deep into the intersections of business, politics, and everyday life. Join Andrew as he sits down with restaurateurs, nightlife operators, elected officials, and influential thought-leaders to explore the real stories, challenges, and innovations shaping the hospitality industry and beyond.

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