The restaurant industry has long been a place where hard work, passion, and perseverance can open doors to opportunity. Time and again, we’ve seen people begin their journey at the entry level and grow into leaders who make a lasting impact on the industry. In recent years, the hospitality world has also evolved into a more inclusive and people-focused environment — one that … [Read more...] about Meet the 2026 Rising Stars
Rising Stars
Rising Stars 2026: Frank Fodor
While studying chemistry and business at Mercer University, Frank Fodor was known for one thing outside the classroom: making food for his whole fraternity. He was the tailgate cook and his friends would always compliment on his food. And, while he nodded at the compliments, he didn't take them too seriously. Cooking was something he enjoyed, something he thought he was good … [Read more...] about Rising Stars 2026: Frank Fodor
Rising Stars 2026: Michaela Finlayson
“Combining a clear hospitality ethos with the professional grit of a seasoned executive, Michaela Finlayson embodies the future of the restaurant industry. She is a powerhouse of integrity, a relentless developer of people and undeniably a Rising Star,” according to her nominator Doug Warner, Chief Solutions Officer for Your 3rd Spot. “What truly sets Mich apart is her … [Read more...] about Rising Stars 2026: Michaela Finlayson
Rising Stars 2026: Austin Goetzman
Before he ever touched a knife, Executive Chef Austin Goetzman stood at a sink. He was a dishwasher, watching the line, and what he saw changed the direction of his life. The heat, the noise, the controlled chaos of a kitchen mid-service. It did not intimidate him. It gave him a sense of direction. “It was very sports like; it’s competitive,” Goetzman recalls. “When service … [Read more...] about Rising Stars 2026: Austin Goetzman
Rising Stars 2026: Remy Loet
As Senior Sommelier at Aria, Remy Loet brings heart and hospitality to everything he does. A first-generation Cambodian-American, Loet says his background really shapes how he approaches hospitality. “Gratitude, generosity and creating a sense of belonging are at the core of everything I do.” That sense of belonging is one he finds through exploring wine with other wine … [Read more...] about Rising Stars 2026: Remy Loet
Rising Stars 2026: Sebastián Montero-Hernández
Sebastián Montero-Hernández never planned on bartending. Born in Venezuela, raised in Atlanta and newly moved to Savannah, he found himself working in a restaurant that suddenly needed a bartender. He did not have any formal training, experience or a clear cocktail point of view. However, he brought curiosity, grit and a willingness to learn. When asked if he could step in, he … [Read more...] about Rising Stars 2026: Sebastián Montero-Hernández
Rising Stars 2026: Alexandria Rogers
Alexandria Rogers didn't grow up dreaming about a career in restaurants. A University of Miami graduate who studied sports administration and Spanish, she spent more than a year teaching English in the Dominican Republic before returning to Atlanta with a sensible plan: pick up a quick job to get through October, November and December, then pivot to something in her field come … [Read more...] about Rising Stars 2026: Alexandria Rogers
Rising Stars 2026: Richard Wilson
When Richard Wilson started in the industry 10 years ago, his chef at Superica’s Krog Street location told him a bit of a fable. Anyone who started with the company as a dishwasher and made it to Executive Chef would be given a “Golden Spoon.” Up until that point, Wilson had just been working different sorts of jobs around the Atlanta area: warehouse worker, forklift operator. … [Read more...] about Rising Stars 2026: Richard Wilson
