About this podcast
A podcast that spotlights the women reshaping the hospitality industry, breaking barriers, and carving their paths in the ever-evolving world of restaurants, food, and community.
Episodes
- It Takes A Village (And Sometimes A Messy Middle) with Niki Toscani & Francesca Galarus · 1 h 8 min · Episode 214It Takes a Village (and a Messy Middle) | Niki Toscani & Francesca Galarus Hi friends - today we’re taking a little field trip to Fishtown, Philadelphia!! 🍷🥒 Niki Toscani of…
- Liz Grandchamp on Building a Consulting Business in Hospitality · 56 min · Episode 213Liz Grandchamp shares how she built Grandchamp Hospitality from pop-ups and catering into a consulting practice shaped by years in restaurants, construction-heavy projects, and a…
- Don't Have A Conniption: Melissa Katrincic of Durham Distillery · 51 min · Episode 212This conversation follows Melissa Katrincic, co-founder and CEO of Durham Distillery, through a year of major transition, from trademark chaos and misleading headlines to a…
- Simone Saleh Lawson and Noelle Saleh on Family Business, Motherhood, and Building FigMINT Farms · 1 h 0 min · Episode 211Sara Abernethy sits down with Noelle and Simone, the sisters behind Sassool, for a conversation about growing up in their family restaurant, navigating leadership with their…
- Adé Carrena on the Beauty of Delusion, Lineage, and Storytelling in Cooking and Business · 1 h 42 min · Episode 210Award-winning chef, culinary story teller, and documentary film maker Adé Carrena shares the personal and political layers behind her food, her documentary work, and the mission…
- Deirdre Auld: The Path from Service to CEO · 1 h 10 min · Episode 209Deirdre Auld, CEO of the Coda Group and leadership coach, shares her journey of professional evolution, the importance of reflective practice, and balancing growth with…
- Dana Cowin on Progressive Hedonist & Community-Driven Food Initiatives · 1 h 2 min · Episode 208Dana Cowin is an award-winning editor, author and convener who propels change through food and joy. Founder of Progressive Hedonist, Cowin has launched a national event series…
- Andia Xouris: The Best Is Yet To Be · 1 h 7 min · Episode 207Discover the inspiring journey of Andia Xouris, from her childhood in Cyprus to building an award-winning, nationally acclaimed ice cream brand in North Carolina. This episode…
- Anna Edwards: A Day In The Life of an Award-Winning Sommelier · 1 h 10 min · Episode 206Sara hangs out with Anna Edwards, sommelier of the iconic, Michelin-starred Poole's Diner in Raleigh, NC. In this conversation, they discuss imposter syndrome in wine, what it's…
- Anh Luu on Chef-ing On Your Own Terms · 1 h 3 min · Episode 205You know her from Queer Eye in New Orleans, you know her from Chopped, OR you know her for her social media sensation, "The Pho-rrito" - meet Anh Luu! In this episode, Anh shares…
- Randi Weinstein on 10 Years of the FAB Conference: The Power of Community with Restaurant Owners · 55 min · Episode 204In this episode, Randi Weinstein shares her journey of founding and growing the FAB Conference—a vibrant space for women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Listen…
- Anne McBride Ph.D. on Supporting Restaurants through the James Beard Foundation · 47 min · Episode 203Explore how the James Beard Foundation is driving impact through innovative programs, advocacy, and educational resources in the food industry. Sara Abernethy interviews Dr. Anne…
- Inez Ribustello on the Sweet Life of Retiring From Business Ownership · 52 min · Episode 202Discover the inspiring journey of Inie Ribustello, a Tarboro-based restaurateur, author, and hospitality leader, as she navigates career transitions, personal growth, and…
- LIVE from The Durham Hotel - Molly Irani on "Service Ready" · 1 h 3 min · Episode 201Most entrepreneurs never reveal the messy, real behind-the-scenes stories that shape their success. Molly Irani — founder of the James Beard Award-winning Chai Pani restaurant…
- Balancing Ownership and Operations in Hospitality with Maggie Kane and Ashley Malinowski · 1 h 2 min · Episode 3This episode explores the vital (and often tenuous) relationship between ownership and management in restaurants. It's kind of a catch 22 - owners need talented leaders who can…
- Tiffany Welton on Taking The Leap and Staying True To Your Vision · 1 h 6 min · Episode 4Sara Abernethy chats with Tiffany Welton, Owner and Founder of RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar in Cary, NC. Yes, THAT RBF! Check out RBF's upcoming events and their WILDLY…
- Petrushka Basin Larsen on working with your Partner, Motherhood and Scaling Your Business · 58 min · Episode 2What does it look like to build a business that reflects your values—and still make room for joy, family, and rest? In this episode of Her Seat at the Table, host Sara Abernethy…
- Sandi Kronick on Creating More Sustainable Food Systems Through Connection · 1 h 2 min · Episode 4Sara Abernethy chats with Sandi Kronick, Founder & CEO of Happy Dirt, a Durham-based company that is creating sustainable food systems, by not only being a release valve for…
- Live from the "Evolving in Hospitality: A Woman’s Perspective" Panel · 1 h 11 min · Episode 1What does it really take to evolve and thrive as a woman in hospitality? In this special live episode of Her Seat at the Table, we bring you Evolving in Hospitality: A Woman’s…







