Callie Evergreen

What happens when a chef gets elevated to a vice president role? In Daven Wardynski’s case, you can expect lots of creativity, passion, and drive for excellence, whether it’s sourcing high-quality ingredients or exceeding guest expectations. He was recently tapped to oversee the culinary operations and food and beverage strategy at Omni’s portfolio of over […]

FSR’s Rising Stars: 40 Under 40 Are Shining Brighter Than Ever in 2025

Leading the pack of this year’s class of Rising Stars 40 Under 40, Mary Lou Davis—the new 35-year-old executive chef at Ida Claire—is a stellar example of what it means to infuse flavor, creativity, and personality into an emerging NextGen brand. One of her greatest fears is becoming stagnant. That naturally means she has a […]

From washing dishes at Outback Steakhouse at age 18 to leading a 20-year-old full-service brand into its next chapter, John Haggai has built his career on one core belief: Success starts with great people, high standards, and operational excellence. After co-founding upscale casual concept Tazza Kitchen in Virginia, Haggai joined Burtons Grill & Bar in […]

Friendly’s has been a part of Amol Kohli’s life since he was 15 years old, when he started working at the legacy American diner-style chain as a breakfast table server. That evolved into owning, managing, developing, and overseeing more than 30 locations over the last 16 years, with the help of his family and partners […]

Beloved by locals and industry insiders alike, these indie eateries are capturing hearts and leading the charge in community-centered hospitality.

When Greta Gerwig’s Barbie hit theaters, and the Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL) community brought it to life with their unforgettable welcome reception just over a year ago, few expected it to become a masterclass in modern leadership. But just like hospitality, leadership often hides in plain sight, packaged in unexpected places. The Barbie movie, […]

Before Mediterranean cuisine became mainstream in New York City, Nicola Kotsoni was introducing diners to bold Greek flavors and heartfelt hospitality. Since opening her first Manhattan restaurant with husband Steve Tzolis in the late 1970s, her name has become synonymous with culinary innovation and timeless warmth. Over the decades, the duo has co-owned some of […]

Agave and Rye founder Yavonne Sarber is bringing her signature flair and eye for innovation into a new arena with the upcoming launch of BITE ME Cupcakery, an upscale dessert and cocktail bar that’s set to open March 28 in Huntsville, Alabama. “I’ve always had an obsession with cupcakeries—I just think it’s such a canvas […]

How did a chef from the small Waiheke Island in New Zealand end up in Birmingham, Alabama? For Luke Joseph, the path that led him to the kitchen at Current Charcoal Grill was anything but straight, though he recalls having a connection to food at an early age. Foraging, fishing, and cooking over the open […]

Meet seven inspiring leaders who are redefining culinary excellence at Disney as they share their journeys and visions for a more inclusive restaurant industry.

Josh Rossmeisl is a big believer in creating a workplace where employees don’t just work for a paycheck—they work for the good of the brand, because they own an actual stake in that future.  Rossmeisl, founder and chief vision officer of AMP Up1 Hospitality, launched Your 3rd Spot in Atlanta’s Upper Westside, transforming a 26,000-square-foot […]

When Chicago native Donald Young first stepped into the kitchen at Le Francais as a 17-year-old, he still had a preference for only ordering “very plain” burgers with ketchup, mustard, and cheese. The only time he ever really used a knife was peeling potatoes for Thanksgiving and Christmas family meals. But what began as a […]

From a struggling coffee and tea concept to FSR’s Breakout Brand of the Year, Turning Point Restaurants has come a long way since its origin story. Inspired by European coffee culture, the concept was originally called Little Silver Turning Point Coffee & Tea Salon and was focused on cappuccinos, loose-leaf teas, and gourmet sandwiches—but it […]

When you step into Cloak & Petal’s speakeasy Shibuya Nights in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, it’s as if you’ve been transported to a Tokyo speakeasy. The towering cherry blossom tree in the bar, the hand-painted wall murals and graffiti art, and the moody, Harajuku-inspired underground vibe all work together to create an immersive dining […]

The restaurant industry is gearing up for an exciting year of innovation, but not all trends are dominating the headlines. Beyond the usual predictions about new technology, sustainability initiatives, and hot ingredients lie shifts that could change the way restaurants operate. FSR spoke with industry leaders, from chefs and restaurateurs to tech and philanthropic innovators, […]

Chris Porcelli labels himself as “obsessed” with the guest experience, which is why for the first time since 2016, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is launching a new restaurant prototype with a smaller footprint—though slimming down isn’t the only big change. Upgraded tech, a more efficient kitchen, revamped interior and exterior design, and fine-tuned comfortable seating are […]

Chris Porcelli labels himself as “obsessed” with the guest experience, which is why for the first time since 2016, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is launching a new restaurant prototype with a smaller footprint—though slimming down isn’t the only big change. Upgraded tech, a more efficient kitchen, revamped interior and exterior design, and fine-tuned comfortable seating are […]

Eight “cheftestants” from Bravo’s infamous TV cooking competition reveal their learnings and post-show careers.

Michelin-Starred Chef Brandon Sharp Opens Third Concept, Próximo