Ellen Yin on Building a Culinary Empire: Vision, Collaboration, and Empowering Women in Hospitality

06/18/24 • 62 min

1 Listener

#64. In this episode of the meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey welcomes Ellen Yin, the esteemed founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group. Ellen has garnered acclaim for her work, including being honored with the Outstanding Restaurateur Award by the James Beard Foundation. She also serves on the board of Open Table (among many other boards) and is the co-chair of the Sisterly Love Coalition, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the Philadelphia hospitality industry.
Josh and Ellen dive into her decades of experience running High Street Hospitality Group, discussing the challenges and successes she has encountered along the way. Despite not being a chef herself, Ellen has a clear vision for her business and has successfully collaborated with numerous talented chefs. The conversation explores how Ellen balances the creative vision of her chefs with her business objectives, offering valuable insights into her hiring process and leadership style.
Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with industry wisdom, stories of resilience, and Ellen's inspiring journey in the world of hospitality.
Where to find Ellen Yin:

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

In this episode, we cover:

(03:11): Ellen's thoughts on awards
(04:44): High Street Hospitality's new growth (07:24): How Ellen is adapting to opening restaurants in different cities
(10:12): Community involvement in new cities
(14:20): Pros and cons of being a restaurateur and not a chef
(26:55): How Ellen measures team growth and happiness
(32:21): The uniqueness of the Philly restaurant scene
(40:21): Today's cost of food and service charges
(46:26): Sisterly Love Collective and The Wonton Project

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

In this episode, we cover:

Previous Episode

Tracy Malecheck-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel on Their Thriving Restaurant, Birdie’s, and the Keys to Its Success

#63. In the latest episode of The meez Podcast, we're sitting down with Tracy and Arjav, the dynamic duo behind Birdie's, a cherished eatery in Austin, Texas. Not only are they partners in life, having met and fallen in love in the bustling New York restaurant scene, but they've also ventured into the world of business together, creating a dining experience that's both successful and beloved.

Their journey began over shared Negronis and led to the opening of Birdie's, which has since become a testament to their hard work and dedication. Impressively, they managed to pay back their investors within just 7 to 9 months of opening, a feat that speaks volumes about their commitment and the restaurant's instant appeal.

Tracy, recently nominated for Best Chef Texas by the James Beard Foundation, has a rich history of working in prestigious restaurants such as Del Posto and Blue Hill. Together with Arjav, who curates an exceptional wine list, they've embraced a counter service model that emphasizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor.

In this episode, the power couple shares insights into their daily menu changes, their approach to maintaining consistency, and the recipes that have become staples. They also delve into the personal side of their lives, discussing the challenges and joys of balancing parenthood with running a restaurant.

The conversation extends to the vibrant Austin food scene and the business strategies that have contributed to their long-term success. Join us for a deep dive into the story of Birdie's, where simplicity meets sophistication, and discover why this restaurant is a must-visit on your next trip to Austin.
Where to find Tracy Malecheck-Ezekiel:

Where to find Arjav Ezekiel

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

In this episode, we cover:

(06:16): Arjav and Tracy's background
(07:28): How and why Birdie's was created(26:53): The couple's attempt at creating a more sustainable industry
(33:11): How raising margins will help with overall industry culture
(41:10): Separating self-worth from restaurant reviews
(46:16): How Tracy's mentors show up in her cooking
(52:28): How Tracy consistently changes the menu and maintains quality
(56:58): Arjav's opinion on wine enhancing the meal
(1:00:38): Being a parent and running a successful business

Next Episode

Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher on Austin’s Dining Scene, Building Lenoir, and Balancing Life as Restaurateurs

#65. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey catches up with old friends who are also amazing chefs and restaurateurs. The guests are Jess Maher and Todd Duplechan, a dynamic duo Josh has known for nearly two decades. Their paths first crossed while working together at Bouley and Danube in New York City, and they've remained close ever since.
Listeners will hear them reminisce about their time at renowned restaurants like Bouley, Danube, Gray Kunz’s establishments, and Tabla with Floyd Cardoz. They dive into Jess and Todd's journey to Austin, where they opened their celebrated restaurant, Lenoir. The conversation covers the evolution of the Austin dining scene, the operation of their restaurant, and the challenges and rewards of running a business as a married couple with children.
Josh, Jess, and Todd also touch on their future ventures and how they've adapted to changes in the industry over the years. This episode is filled with insights, laughter, and the warmth of reconnecting with good friends. If you're ever in Austin, a visit to Lenoir is highly recommended—it's truly amazing.
Tune in for an engaging episode that highlights the intersection of friendship, food, and the dynamic world of the restaurant industry.
Where to find Todd Duplechan:

Where to find Jess Maher:

LinkedIn

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

In this episode, we cover:

(02:43): Reminiscing all the Austin guests on The meez Podcast
(04:27): How Jess and Todd met & family meals(17:29): The backstory of Lenoir
(25:57): What makes an Austin diner different than a NYC diner
(28:42): How Jess & Todd describe the food at Lenoir
(37:05): Lenoir's CSR program
(48:02): What it's like working together as a couple
(53:36): When to introduce work to kids
(58:25): Being a mom and a business owner
(1:02:43): Other upcoming projects

The meez Podcast - Ellen Yin on Building a Culinary Empire: Vision, Collaboration, and Empowering Women in Hospitality

Transcript

[00:00:00] Josh Sharkey:

You're listening to season two of The meez Podcast. I'm your host, Josh Sharkey, the founder and CEO of meez, a culinary operating system for food professionals. On the show, we're going to talk to high performers in the food business, everything from chefs to CEOs, technologists, writers, investors, and more about how they innovate.

[00:00:19]

And operate and how they consistently execute a