Corner Booth Podcast
1) Episode 122: Billy Downs with Ford's Garage
Billy Downs learned the meaning of hospitality from his grandmother. âWith 30 grandchildren, Grandma Betty was always ready to entertain,â he recalls, adding, âShe was welcoming and appreciative of th...Show More
2) Episode 121: Dan Sidner with Black Shoe Hospitality
A Cornell University School of Hotel Administration graduate, Dan Sidner worked in country clubs, mastering the art of service and enology before leaving to spend a few years working throughout France...Show More
3) Episode 120: Aaron Anderson with Sunrise Social
Aaron Andersonâs restaurant career began as a five-unit franchisee of The Hot Dog Factory in Philadelphia prior to creating his own concept. "I felt there was a void in the casual breakfast-brunch mar...Show More
4) Episode 119: Jeff Mauro a Food Network Celebrity Chef
Jeff Mauro's influence on hospitality started at a very young age. "My family always entertained. Our house was the place to be for good food and fun with family and friends." Mauro graduated from Le ...Show More
5) Episode 118: John Young with Young's Jersey Dairy
John Young is CEO of Young's Jersey Dairy, a 120-acre family-owned and operated Yellow Springs, Ohio, hospitality destination established 156 years ago. As its name suggests, the business began as a d...Show More
6) Episode 117: Bryan Lockwood with Artistry Restaurants
Growing up in Peoria, Bryan Lockwoodâs first job in the restaurant business was working with his mother at a diner. Fast forward to his first industry career position as a manager at Bonanza Steakhous...Show More
7) Episode 116: Troy Hooper with Pepper Lunch
In 2022, Troy Hooper was introduced to the private equity owner of Pepper Lunch. He had assumed they would be discussing a short-term consulting position; however, it became a full-time position as CE...Show More
8) Episode 115: Shahpour Nejad with Pizza Guys
While in college studying mechanical engineering in the â80s, Shahpour Nejad worked part-time making and delivering pizzas. "It stuck with me. I am still loving the pizza business."Â Â After moving fro...Show More
9) Episode 114: George McLaughlin with Vicious Biscuit
George McLaughlin had been a successful McAlister's Deli franchisee prior to selling his interest in 2007. "Being out of the business was tough on me," he recalls. "I really missed the guest interacti...Show More
10) Episode 113: Jose Salazar with Safi Wine Bar, Salazars, & more
Award-winning Chef Jose Salazar was born in Colombia and raised in Queens, New York. His career includes working with Jean George Vongerichten, Thomas Keller, and other culinary luminaries. In 2008, h...Show More