Ep 8: FEAST Dialogue – Next Course: Dining in 2026 & Beyond

In this episode of FEAST: Dish & Dialogue, chefs from across the country come together to explore what the future of dining could look like in 2026 and beyond. Moderated by John Tsou, VP of Marketing at OpenTable, the panel features Leah Cohen (Pig and Khao), Francis Ang (Restaurant Abacá), Brady Ishiwata Williams (Tomo) , Brandon Jew (Mister Jiu's), and Robynne Maii (Fête). Together, they discuss how evolving diner expectations are shaping everything from menus and service models to restaurant design and guest experience. From changing diner behavior to technology, content creation, and the business realities of modern restaurants, the conversation highlights how chefs are adapting to a more experience-driven industry while staying grounded in authenticity. Recorded live at the FEAST Summit during the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival, this episode offers a chef-driven perspective on what’s next — and how hospitality leaders can stay ahead in an ever-evolving culinary landscape.