Welcome to Hospitality Bites! Today, I'm thrilled to have Kris Hall, the founder and CEO of The Burnt Chef Project, joining me. We delve into the remarkable expansion of The Burnt Chef ambassador network, Kris's transition from sales to discovering his true calling in hospitality, and the vital significance of mental health awareness within the industry.

Kris openly shares his personal challenges and the pivotal moments that spurred the inception of The Burnt Chef Project, highlighting the crucial role of how community support and the power of shifting perspectives in life and hospitality. Our discussion also explores the impact of COVID-19, the responsibility of managers in promoting mental well-being, the tools and resources needed to run and operate businesses successfully, and the value of cultivating respectful customer relationships.

If you're interested in learning more about The Burnt Chef Project and our efforts to change the narrative around mental health in the hospitality industry, please visit theburntchefproject.com. Feel free to contact me directly at csilk.HBM@gmail.com if you'd like to have a conversation.

We will be attending NAFEM in February, along with other members of our North American team. Be sure to visit our booth and follow me on social media for details about our Welcome Happy Hour meet and greet with our team!

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I am also working on a brand new, unscripted series Beyond the Burn Out, which is in early production, but I need your help to bring it to your screens! I am looking for sponsors who believe in the #hospitalityindustry and want to see these taboo subjects go beyond passing conversations and actually change and evolve the industry.

If you want to learn more about #BeyondTheBurnOut, please email me directly at CSilk.HBM@gmail.com or sponsor directly here!

Today's episode features Michael Tipps, a seasoned food and beverage expert, Co-Founder of Maverick Theory, and advisor for The Bar and Restaurant Expo. We discuss his journey into the hospitality industry, his time in the entertainment industry (including acting, producing, and his time on ‪‪@BarRescue‬ ), and the evolution of becoming the go-to mixologist. We also chat about the challenges faced by restaurant owners, the importance of setting standards, and the mission behind Tipps' consulting firm, Maverick Theory. The conversation highlights the need for integrity in consulting, the significance of guest experience, and the future plans for Maverick Theory as a resource for hospitality professionals.

In today's Season 3 final episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Justin Warner--chef, cookbook author, business owner, and culinary commentator on the Food Network's TOC. During our conversation, Chef Justin shared his journey in the culinary industry, from starting as a front-of-house employee to opening his own restaurant. He also talked about his experiences cooking on Twitch, appearing and working on Food Network, and his passion for hospitality.

Chef Justin emphasized the importance of continuous learning and questioning to be successful in the front-of-house operation. He talked about the challenges of opening a restaurant during the pandemic, the concept of his current restaurant, and the value of working alongside his spouse as an owner. He also discussed the impact of industry relationships and balancing his two careers while maintaining a family life.

We also briefly discussed our shared love for picking crabs, being true Marylanders. Chef Justin stressed the importance of taking breaks and pausing when necessary to maintain a work-life balance.

In today's episode, I am joined by Adrianne Calvo - a cookbook author, entrepreneur, host, and award-winning chef. We discuss how she stumbled into the culinary world, her journey of becoming the youngest cookbook author soon after college, the obstacles she faced while opening her first restaurant, her entrepreneurial achievements, and her show "Searching for Maximum Flavor". We also talked about the loss of her sister and how that has motivated her to pursue her passion for immersive dining experiences and the philanthropic work she does through her Make it Count Foundation.

Chef Adrianne currently owns and manages two restaurants in the Miami area, with another one in the works. She offers her highly-acclaimed French Onion Soup, Braised Short Ribs, and mouth-watering pastries through GoldBelly!

**Trigger Warning** In this episode, we discuss sensitive subject matters about mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline.

In this episode, I am joined by the founder of Not 9 to 5, Hassel Aviles, a non-profit, global leader and organization focused on mental health and well-being in the food and hospitality sector. During our discussion, we talked about Hassel's experience in the service industry, the various challenges and stigma that hospitality professionals face, and the importance of valuing one's lived experience. We also delved into the catalyst that inspired the creation of Not 9to5 and how Anthony Bourdain's death has impacted the organization's work. Furthermore, we talked about their Podcast, We Have Lived, and their award-nominated short film, which seeks to humanize the issues within the industry and share powerful stories.

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Matt Rodbard, a cookbook author, podcast host, and editor-in-chief of TASTE. During our conversation, we delved into Matt's unique background in the culinary hospitality industry and his journey into the food media world. We also discussed the increasing popularity of food media, the inception of TASTE, and the significance of storytelling in the hospitality industry. Matt also shared his experiences in writing best-selling cookbooks. Additionally, his upcoming book, ' Koreaworld,' is now available for pre-order-- get yours here!

In today's episode, I am joined by Restaurant Consultant, Food Media Personality, and Proud Dad, Chef Brian Duffy. We discuss his DEG Consulting Company, and the importance of creating personalized experiences with each business he works with, his background in the restaurant industry, including his time working in Irish pubs and his passion for elevating pub food.

We discusses the impact of his time on Bar Rescue on his career and the realities of the restaurant industry. This leads us to discuss addressing mental health in the industry and outing the toxic environment in the restaurant industry and highlights the importance of transitioning to a healthier approach and prioritizing employee well-being. Chef shares his personal experiences of transformation and emphasizes the need to create positive experiences wherever he goes and with whom he works.

We end this engaging conversation by learning more about his other business ventures and the work alongside his brothers at World Chef and Yum Crunch, and how they are making the culinary world not only accessible but fun and engaging!

In this episode, I am joined by Derek Wallace, the co-founder of Kalamata's Kitchen and Golden Fork Media. We discuss how people's perceptions of dining out are changing and why it's crucial to create more inclusive culinary environments, including family diners.

We also highlight some of Kalamata's Ambassadors, including culinary visionaries such as Eric Ripert, Eric Adjepong, and Kristen Kish, among others.

Additionally, we explore the expansion of opportunities for Golden Fork Media and the importance of taking risks and embracing failure. We also discuss the future and the exciting developments in store for Kalamata's Kitchen and the hospitality industry as a whole, and much more!

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Hospitality Bites is a podcast hosted by Colleen Silk, who is also the founder of Hospitality Bites Media (HBM). HBM aims to promote the human side of hospitality and create a brand that amplifies individual voices while encouraging the industry to prioritize mental well-being, create sustainable workplaces, and foster a culture of inclusivity and support. HBM provides consulting services for restaurateurs, sells products and digital toolkits, and hosts events, workshops, and this podcast.

The hospitality industry is known for its high standards, achievements, and recognition. However, these pressures of perfection and the constant need to be "on" have led to a mental health issue that has been hidden for too long. It is time to bring awareness to these struggles, highlight smaller successes, and offer different career avenues within the industry. This podcast features conversations with a variety of hospitality experts, from lesser-known individuals to celebrities, with the goal of destigmatizing, enlightening, and normalizing a more realistic expectation of the industry.

If you want to work with HBM or be a guest on the show, don't hesitate to reach out and follow Colleen Silk on LinkedIn!