By Haley Harward With a generational proclivity for restaurants, Federico Castellucci III grew up with an affection for the industry. Eventually, he followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps to take over the family business after graduating from Cornell University’s Hospitality Management program as the business faced compelling hardships. Castellucci … [Read more...] about Pivoting in the Face of Change: Q&A with Fred Castellucci
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Andrés Loaiza: GRACE 2019 Restaurant Manager of the Year
By Christy Simo Andrés Loaiza has a strong belief system that guides his work as general manager and head sommelier at the award-winning Aria in Buckhead. “Our role at Aria is defined not only by what we do but most importantly by what we believe,” he says. “We believe in excellence. We believe in consistency. We believe in people and gracious hospitality. We … [Read more...] about Andrés Loaiza: GRACE 2019 Restaurant Manager of the Year
Meherwan Irani, 2019 GRACE Diversity Leadership Winner
By Nancy Walker “To be in the service industry means to actually be of service.” While many may espouse this philosophy, one restaurateur in Atlanta is living it: Meherwan Irani, CEO, executive chef and founder of Chai Pani Restaurant Group. Just a decade ago, the native of India not only decided to change the perception of Indian food in the United States, he began a … [Read more...] about Meherwan Irani, 2019 GRACE Diversity Leadership Winner
Q&A with Canoe Executive Chef Matthew Basford
By Aja Arnold Matthew Basford always knew he was headed for a career in the restaurant business ever since he took his first restaurant job as a teenager in his native Australia. Once he committed to his culinary journey, he won second Place in Tasting Australia two years in a row and placed in the Nestle Junior Chefs of Australia Competition, which honors the top … [Read more...] about Q&A with Canoe Executive Chef Matthew Basford
2018 GRACE Diversity Leadership Award: Eddie Hernandez
by Candice Dyer Eddie Hernandez is part of a generation of immigrants who landed in the American South, where they explore their culinary roots using locally sourced ingredients. His restaurant, Taqueria del Sol, specializes in playful, flavorful mashups of Mexican food with homegrown fare. His spicy turnip greens, Memphis pork barbecue tacos and weekly blue plate … [Read more...] about 2018 GRACE Diversity Leadership Award: Eddie Hernandez
Gerry Klaskala
For Gerry Klaskala, the kitchen is where art and food collide. In high school, Klaskala was on a path for fine art school when he stumbled upon his true calling while working at a restaurant. “The chef that I worked with, he was into doing ice carvings and buffet work and pulled sugar. ... I said that’s really cool. Can you teach me this stuff?,” Klaskala recalls. “And he … [Read more...] about Gerry Klaskala
