EP 23: A Conversation with Simone Reggie of French Truck Coffee
Simone Reggie is the Director of Sales & Marketing at French Truck Coffee, where she leads marketing, community relations, and partnerships across the company’s 12 locations. Based in New Orleans, Simone brings over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry, with a career defined by meaningful relationships and a strong connection to both brands and the communities they serve. Her work blends strategic vision with a genuine passion for hospitality, making her a trusted voice in the world of coffee and beyond. In this episode, Simone and Steve chat about the impact her Lebanese heritage had on her relationship with hospitality, the doors that honesty opens, and lessons motherhood has taught her in the workplace. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
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EP 22: A Conversation with Lilly Jan, Ph.D of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration
Dr. Lilly Jan is a faculty member at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, where she teaches courses on restaurant design, food and beverage management, and global cuisines. A seasoned educator, consultant, and industry pro, she brings nearly 15 years of hands-on experience in catering, events, retail, and television to her work. Outside the classroom, she specializes in food and beverage entrepreneurship, guiding small business owners through everything from concept development to market launch. Her consulting work has supported a wide range of ventures—from food trucks and on-demand delivery services to CPG startups and community markets—making her a go-to expert for those looking to turn a culinary idea into a thriving business. In this episode, Lilly joins Steve for a conversation about teaching a culinary program without attending culinary school herself, the historical context of different cuisines, and her love for soup dumplings. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
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EP 21: A Conversation with Andrew Carmellini of NoHo Hospitality
Andrew Carmellini is the chef and co-founder of NoHo Hospitality Group, which operates celebrated restaurants including Locanda Verde, The Dutch, Lafayette, Carne Mare, and Bar Primi in New York City, as well as multiple establishments in Miami, Detroit, and Nashville. He has become a defining figure in American hospitality and modern Italian and American cuisine, known for creating restaurants that not only deliver high-level food but also deeply consider atmosphere, culture, and neighborhood, ensuring that every space feels both aspirational and grounded. His culinary identity reflects a mix of his rustic Italian roots, New York innovation, and a deep respect for regional traditions. In this episode, Andrew sits down with Steve to talk about his culinary evolution in Manhattan and beyond, his path from working in restaurants to opening and owning them, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of chefs. Thank you to Melrose Podcasts in New York City for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
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EP 20: A Conversation with Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster
Rob Rubba is the chef and founding partner of MICHELIN-starred Oyster Oyster in Washington, D.C. A James Beard Outstanding Chef (2023) and one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs (2022), Rob brings over 20 years of experience to his work. A passionate vegetarian and sustainability advocate, he’s created a plant-forward, zero-waste dining experience that highlights Mid-Atlantic ingredients, earning national and international acclaim for his innovative approach and deep commitment to responsible sourcing. In this episode, Rob joins Steve to discuss how working in diverse environments helped him build a wide range of skills, the inspiration behind opening a vegetarian restaurant and the challenges and triumphs along the way, and how he's redefining sustainability—both in terms of environmental impact and employee well-being. Thank you to The Study at University City for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
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EP 19: A Conversation with Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable
Debby Soo is a forward-thinking leader reshaping how the restaurant industry engages with technology and advocacy. As CEO of OpenTable since 2020, she has brought a people-first approach to innovation, introducing AI-powered tools, securing major global partnerships, and advocating for legislation to support restaurants against issues such as reservation piracy. Known for her transparency and direct communication style, Debby has built an executive team that embodies her ethos of challenging the status quo and being authentic. Whether working with MICHELIN-starred chefs or neighborhood gems, she’s focused on building trust, driving change, and keeping the hospitality industry at the heart of everything she does. In this episode, Debby sits down with Steve to discuss the challenge of joining OpenTable with no prior hospitality experience, the power of transparency, and how to continue to evolve when you feel fulfilled in your role. Thank you HOST on Howard for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
A soulful exploration of the hospitality industry through the eyes of celebrated restaurateur and author Steve Palmer. Combining the richness of grace—a pre-meal tradition in the South, a gift freely given, and a timeless virtue—with the transformative journey of hospitality, this podcast dives deep into the stories behind the industry. With heartfelt conversations, Palmer uncovers personal journeys of resilience, mental health breakthroughs, and sources of inspiration, showcasing how lives are shaped and changed by the world of service. Say Grace is your place to reflect, connect, and savor thoughtful narratives. Pull up a chair, and join the dialogue about food, people, and the grace that sustains them both.
Brasil