The Do’s & Don’t of a Restaurant Group Industry Night with Nycci Nellis

New Residency at The WREN in the Watermark Hotel
Hi there I have a new residency! For December, Industry Night is hosted by WREN in the Watermark Hotel. This area is on fire! An entire town center has built up on the other side of the highway from what you traditionally think of as Tysons. Here in the Watermark Hotel is the Japanese izakaya, Wren. Chef Yo Matsuzaki draws upon locally-grown ingredients and serves Japanese street food with modern American elements. Think shucked oysters and expertly-cut sashimi and wagyu steak. There's also an incredible Omakase menu, and do not get me started on the cocktail program.
And I don't have to because old friend Erik Bergman, Director of Restaurants & Bars is joining me later. Even later in the show, I'm excited to nerd out with two industry veterans, Des Reilly and Kris Carr, both co-founders of SRG Concepts. You may not know the SRG concept name, but you know Chicken and Whisky and Doi Moi!
But first! Where have I been?! Where haven't I?
Centrolina — Been a minute since I've caught up with Amy Brandwien at Centrolina and she is still hitting the ball over the fence. It was a Chefs For Equality celebratory luncheon since we raised a half a million!
-Bombay Club — 35 years young! Congrats to Ashok Bajaj oh this incredible anniversary. This gorgeous reimagined space and anniversary menu features iconic classics like crab masala & spicy green chile chicken
-Corso — It's a new restaurant from Jill Erber of Cheestique. Are you ready? Chef Cathal Armstrong is back in the kitchen spinning up pasta. Classic family Italian - rigatoni bolognese, porchetta, Italian wines - in Shirlington —so needed
-STC — As You Like IT — A mash-up of the Bard and the Beatles equals a toe-tapping, sing a long experience. Who knew I'd be singing and swaying during a Shakespeare performance?!
Oh Erik Berman, you are up!
Erik Bergman Director of Restaurants & Bars at The Watermark Hotel
Now, I remember when the Chicken and Whisky concept opened on 14th Street. I loved that it was all business in the front and party in the back. I didn’t know who was behind the concept — a rarity, I know - but I liked it and thought this is an excellent addition to the 14th Street neighborhood. Fast forward several years, and I finally met Des Reilly. Des & his business partner, Kris Carr are co-founders of SRG Concepts. They both have deep roots in the industry and have their hands in several concepts, including the C&W expansion as well as taking over the beloved Doi Moi — formerly owned by Mark Kuller —
Featured Guests:
Des Reilly and Kris Carr
He/him/his + he/him/his
Des - Managing Principal, Co-Founder, SRG Concepts;
Kris - Managing Principal, Co-Founder, SRG Concepts
Highlites with time stamps:

Guests Social Media Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chickenandwhiskey
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/chickenpluswhiskey https://www.facebook.com/TheWalrusNationalHarbor
https://www.facebook.com/doimoidc
Twitter: https://x.com/chicken_whiskey?s=20
Quotes
"Stay true to yourself, reject BS, and present a united front to earn your staff's support." - Des Reilly
"Our goal: a neighborhood bar that surpasses expectations, ensuring exceptional experiences and a guarantee of fun." - Kris Carr
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
04:02 - Promoting Human Rights Through Culinary Excellence
09:43 - City Center Chronicles: Unveiling the New Development
11:21 - A Decade of Deliciousness: Celebrating 10 Years in the Restaurant Industry
16:19 - From Insight to Success: Jamie Mulholland's Impact
18:04 - Navigating the Unknown: Embracing Fluid Situations
21:21 - Bartenders to Masters: Rising Through Operations and Creativity
24:48 - Vibrant City Vibes: Praising Diversity and Energy
28:35 - The Fortunate Second: Aligning with Key Operators
30:55 - Simplicity as the Backbone: Unveiling the Operational Approach
34:24 - Dive Bar Dreams: Chris' Vision Takes Shape
36:41 - Alma Cucina Latina: A Worthwhile Indulgence
41:05 - Un