Wolfgang & Me

Hey there, it’s me—Nycci Nellis—and welcome back to Industry Night! Today’s show is a big one. We’re talking steak, style, and serious star power. That’s right, I’m coming to you from the stunning CUT DC, the sleek, modern steakhouse tucked inside Rosewood Washington, D.C., right in the heart of Georgetown. Now, if you’ve ever had a dry-aged ribeye that made you want to cry happy tears or a martini that just hit different, then you’ve likely been touched by the culinary genius of Wolfgang Puck—a global hospitality icon whose name is synonymous with innovation, elegance, and incredible food - smoked salmon pizza anyone? Wolfgang’s CUT concept has evolved into a powerhouse brand with locations around the globe, and CUT DC—helmed by Executive Chef Andrew Ho—is his Mid-Atlantic love letter, bringing refined service and bold flavors to one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods. And now, CUT is adding weekday lunch to the mix, raising the stakes on the return of the business lunch. (Yes, martinis included.) So today, we’re diving into the evolution of CUT, what’s inspiring Wolfgang right now, and how he sees the dining landscape shifting, both here in the U.S. and around the world. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - Catching Up with Wolfgang Puck 06:06 - Smoked Salmon Bread Dilemma 06:35 - Spontaneous Salmon Pizza Creation 09:47 - Global Dining Challenges and Opportunities 15:07 - Trends Inspiring Global Restaurateur 17:40 - Finding Your Unique Voice 22:02 - Passionate Chef's Lifelong Dedication 22:38 - Empty Nest: Adapting Together 23:14 - Outro Quotes: “Making my team feel good ensures our guests do too. Hospitality is everything.”- Wolfgang Puck “It’s not just great food—it’s about connecting, building community, and making a meaningful impact with passion.”- Nycci Nellis Key Takeaways: Humble Roots, Bold Dreams The Power of Mentorship Reinventing Restaurant Culture Hospitality Is Everything Global Influence, Local Roots Evolving Through Adversity Never Stop Creating Connect with Wolfgang Puck Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfgangpuck/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfgangpuck Website: https://wolfgangpuck.com/ Featuring Nycci Nellis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/ Website: https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/ Produced by Heartcast Media http://www.heartcastmedia.com