OysterLink's Celebrity Interviews: Meet Top Chefs & Hospitality Pros

One of Houston’s most talked about chefs, Ryan Lachaine, explores the differences between owning a restaurant and working at one. He reflects on the decade-long journey of owning his restaurant, Riel, and the relief of moving back to a corporate-supported role. 

Exclusively on the OysterLink Podcast, the fastest growing hospitality job platform in the US. -  Chef David Skinner discusses his journey from oil and gas to creating Eculent, an avant-garde multisensory restaurant, and Ishtia, a Native American fine dining concept. He also shares insights on consulting with NASA and the power of food storytelling. 

In this episode of OysterLink Podcast, we are honored to host a true industry legend: Chef Hugo Ortega. His story is a masterclass in resilience and ambition. Arriving in Houston from Mexico with nothing, Hugo began his career as a dishwasher, climbing every rung of the culinary ladder to become the first Mexican-born chef to win the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2017. Today, as Executive Chef and Co-owner of H Town Restaurant Group, Hugo leads a culinary empire that includes icons such as Hugo's, Xochi, Caracol, and Urbe.

Chef Gabriel Balderas, , Owner @elcaboverde @zuzulcoastalcuisine @nourishingfarmla Shreveport, Louisiana @papalotloaxAt his restaurants, El Cabo Verde and Zuzul Coastal Cuisine, Chef Gabriel Balderas is thinking beyond farm-to-tableIn this revealing short, Chef Balderas explains why farm-to-table isn't always the romantic ideal it's made out to be. Discover the untold challenges of sourcing fresh, local ingredients and the sheer hard work involved in bringing truly sustainable food to your table.

What started as a passion for BBQ in the backyard soon turned into a lifelong dedication to the art of BBQ for Pitmaster Will Buckman. After years of experimenting with different rubs, smoking techniques, Will has earned a reputation as a top-tier pitmaster in the BBQ world and is known for crafting mouthwatering, award-winning BBQ. Nicole and Will Buckman share their 15-year journey in hospitality management, starting from a family driveway and reaching a Michelin Star destination. They offer insights into the importance of work life balance while maintaining a Michelin Star, and the power of organic social media marketing.

Nicolas Kurban shares his extensive journey through the hospitality industry, from Lebanon to the US, highlighting key lessons on career growth, entrepreneurship, and expanding restaurant concepts in South Florida.Discover how he went from managing a half-billion-dollar F&B portfolio at Four Seasons to opening a 40-seat Lebanese restaurant in Delray Beach.

Eric San Pedro shares his extraordinary journey from mental health counseling to building a successful Wagyu beef business during the pandemic. Discover how serendipity, community, and relentless passion transformed a casual discovery into a thriving brand, Palm Beach Meats.

From the kitchen at Eleven Madison Park to opening Driftwood in his Florida hometown, Chef Jimmy Everett’s journey is all about passion, persistence, and building something of your own. In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Jimmy shares lessons from fine dining, what it takes to launch a restaurant, and why coming home to cook meant everything.

From Chef Villain to Industry Leader: Chef John Tesar shares his extensive journey in the culinary world, emphasizing the importance of real-life experience over online fame. He discusses the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, the impact of social media, and the significance of education and mentorship. Tesar offers candid insights into hiring practices, the challenges of restaurant ownership, and the signs of a failing establishment.

Samuel Ghouzi co-founder of Otto & Pepe shares his story, from France to creating one of Miami's top restaurants, the basics of operations to mastering the art of the perfect pasta. 

On this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, we sit down with Chef Joseph VanWagner, Managing Partner and Executive Chef at Echelon Kitchen and Bar in Ann Arbor, Michigan.In just one year, Echelon has made a huge impact on the culinary scene — earning national recognition and helping Chef Joseph land a 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalist nomination in the Emerging Chef category.Chef Joseph shares how his journey began in rural Michigan, the experiences that shaped his approach to cooking, and what it takes to build a standout restaurant in today’s competitive hospitality industry.If you're a chef, restaurant professional, or aspiring culinary leader, this episode is packed with insights on creativity, perseverance, and building something meaningful in hospitality.Follow OysterLink: https://www.instagram.com/oysterlink/Follow Chef Joseph: https://www.instagram.com/josephvanwagner/

In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Chef Anthony Jones shares his journey in the culinary world, discussing his recent James Beard Award nomination, the importance of culinary education, and his hiring philosophy. He emphasizes the significance of hard work, dedication, and a positive kitchen culture while addressing the challenges posed by ego in the industry. The conversation concludes with quickfire questions that reveal Anthony's personal preferences and insights into the culinary scene.

Exclusively on the OysterLink Podcast, Salvatore Procopio, a certified sommelier with over a decade in luxury hotel management, shares his journey. He's worked at Michelin-starred icons and held key roles at the Four Seasons, even serving the royal family! 👑 This episode offers insights into a distinguished career in hospitality.

Did you know that the hospitality industry is all about priorities? Salvatore Procopio emphasizes that understanding your role within a team can make all the difference. Salvatore Procopio's story begins in Naples, Italy, where hospitality is more than just a profession; it’s a family legacy. He’s worked at Michelin-starred icons like The Waterside Inn in the UK and Romeo Restaurant under Alain Ducasse, and held key roles at the Four Seasons in Florence. Now, Salvatore is shaping the next generation of hospitality talent,  teaching across campuses in Italy, South Korea, the U.S., and Armenia. One of the key takeaways from Salvatore's experiences is the distinction between a guest and a client.

Christopher Robert went from France to Running Miami's Hottest Restaurant. Here's How! In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Christopher shares his fascinating journey from France to becoming a prominent chef in the U.S. Starting at the age of 16, under the influence of his parents, who ran a catering business, he discusses the challenges he faced when moving to the U.S., including language barriers and adapting to a new culinary culture. Christopher highlights his growth through various roles, including his time at Zuma and Azabu, the unique experiences he gained while working as a private chef during the pandemic; and opening Gordon Ramsay's Lucky Cat in Miami.

From £20k in debt to £250k in just 3 years.Nathan Snoddon spent a decade in Michelin-starred kitchens before launching Food Story Media, the agency behind some of the best chef and restaurant branding online today.In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Nathan shares the mindset and strategies that transformed his career, and how you can do the same.We break down:✅ How personal branding can launch your hospitality career✅ Why chefs need visibility off the pass✅ The 4 pillars of success every F&B brand needs

In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Mattia Cicognani shares his journey from academia to the practical world of hospitality, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections in the restaurant business. He discusses the unique concept of 84 Magic Hospitality, which focuses on simplicity and a no-menu approach, and how curiosity drives customer engagement. Mattia also highlights the significance of hiring passionate staff, retaining talent, and the irreplaceable human touch in hospitality, while sharing insights on future plans and responsibilities in the industry.

Meet Diego Ng, co‑founder of Temple Street Eatery, one of Fort Lauderdale’s top Asian American food spots. he shares valuable insights from his two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, lessons from his journey, and what it takes to stay relevant in today’s fast-moving hospitality world. 

Chef Ismael Torres never planned on becoming a chef.Today, he’s an award-winning private chef, host of Chef Ismael’s Kitchen Quest podcast, and the owner of Rough Chop -  a leading catering company serving Southern California. In this episode, Ismael shares how adversity shaped his culinary career, what it takes to operate at a high level as a private chef, and why resilience matters more than résumés in hospitality. 

On this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, we sit down with Michael Tronn - a legendary nightlife architect who helped shape New York City’s club scene and later redefined Miami’s hospitality landscape.Tronn has produced 1,000+ events, hosted over a million guests, and generated nearly $200M in revenue while raising $1M for charity. He worked with the Mayor of Miami Beach and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau to rebrand Miami and The Beaches, earning recognition as one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Miami and one of the 10 Most Important People in Miami.Today, he’s transforming luxury dining with his new Fort Lauderdale concept, TIMBR, where FOH staff make SIX-FIGURE salaries!

Chef Pedro Mederos went from Miami’s kitchens to Michelin-starred restaurants in Napa, and now, alongside his wife and culinary partner Katherine, he’s redefining fine dining with Kojin - a Coral Gables gem where Japanese precision meets heartfelt hospitality. In this episode, Pedro shares what really makes a great chef ,  and why the hard work happens before service begins. 

In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Olivia Ostrow, CEO of Ostrow Global Corporation and executive chef of Maison Ostrow, shares her colorful journey in the culinary world.From her beginnings as a dishwasher to becoming a celebrated chef in Miami, Olivia discusses the importance of believing in oneself, the dynamics between front and back of house staff, and her unique approach to kosher dining.

In this episode, Terry Lee (Founder & CEO of PLA Holdings) and Adam Flierl (Partner & Executive Vice President) reveal how PLAY Sporting Lounge became one of South Florida’s most innovative hospitality concepts. They break down why emotional connection, not just service, is the real driver behind guest loyalty and unforgettable experiences.From building sports-simulator lounges at the Seminole Hard Rock to launching a new flagship in 2026 and expanding their PLA It Forward Foundation, Terry and Adam share the mindset, grit, and strategy behind PLAY’s rapid growth.If you want to understand what next-level hospitality really looks like, this episode is for you.

Hear the incredible journey of Chef Daniel Lugovtsov on the OysterLink Podcast, from dishwasher to becoming Sous Chef at a 3 Michelin-Starred restaurant at 23 years old in New York's elite restaurants. Discover the demanding realities of chef life and the intricate kitchen hierarchy in fine dining establishments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in a challenging career in hospitality!

In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, Milan Blagojevic shares his journey from Europe to the US, detailing his extensive experience in the hospitality industry and his transition into coffee entrepreneurship with Naughty Coffee. He discusses the importance of hospitality, building a brand, and the significance of a strong team culture. Milan also shares insights on customer experience and his future aspirations for expanding his coffee business.

On this episode, meet the entrepreneur behind one of Florida's most popular Asian fusion restaurants - KUBO ! Nok shares her founder story, having moved from Thailand with a dream. Her restaurant is now ranked among the TOP 100 places to eat in USA , proving that hard work and great service can lead to business success in the restaurant business - even with 0 experience! 🍜

Exclusive interview with Chef Jodrick I. Ujaque, a proud Puerto Rican and 10-year SoBeWFF veteran, is the creative force behind Chefs on the Run in Homestead. The restaurant has made the Miami New Times Top 100 Restaurants for a 3rd year in a row.He shares his insights on the restaurant business. As an entrepreneur, he dives into his journey and offers valuable business tips.

Haidar Hachem shares his journey from a civil engineer to becoming the 6th sake master in the world and co-owner of Shojo's Dojo, Florida's first sake brewery. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting a business during the pandemic, the importance of community engagement, and the unique concept behind Shojo's Dojo.

Leandro Cabanillas and Marcos Caillet-Bois, two Argentine entrepreneurs who transitioned from psychology and wine bar ownership to opening a neighborhood cocktail bar called Conventillo in Miami. They discuss their backgrounds, the concept behind their bar, the importance of community building through events, staffing challenges, and offer valuable advice for #jobseekers in the hospitality industry.

Exclusively on the OysterLink Podcast, David Helbraun, founder of Hellbronn Levy, the premier law firm for the hospitality and cannabis industries - discusses the critical role of legal counsel in the food & beverage industry. 🍽️David shares essential tips every restaurant owner must know to avoid legal pitfalls and set up for long-term success. 🌟Key takeaways:✅ Don’t skip legal prep when starting your restaurant✅ Have a solid exit plan for partnerships✅ Trademark protection is vital for future growth✅ Legal advisors can save your business from costly mistakes

Meet Chef Eddie G — lead chef, TV personality, and partner at Locavore Ventures, a culinary experience agency spanning LA, NY, Dallas, and Philly.From washing dishes to owning five restaurants, working in over a thousand kitchens, and cooking across the globe, Eddie G built a career that now reaches the big screen.🎥 Watch the full episode now on YouTube & Apple Podcasts.Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and hospitality insights from OysterLink.#ChefLife #HospitalityCareers #OysterLink #CulinaryJourney #HospitalityIndustry

Burned out by long nights in the kitchen? 🔥 You’re not alone.Chef Juan Fortunato walked away — and built a career of travel, storytelling, and cooking from inspiration, not just orders.Hospitality has many faces, and not every path looks the same.Discover Juan’s journey in our exclusive OysterLink Podcast — now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. 🎧#ChefLife #HospitalityCareers #OysterLink #HospitalityJobs #CareerGrowth

Eduardo Burkard is a hospitality expert with over 10 years of experience. He started his career with Hyatt in hotel operations and later moved to the vendor side, specializing in revenue management technology. Currently, Eduardo works with BITAC events and Hotel Interactive and runs a monthly LinkedIn newsletter, offering brief industry insights and updates.

🎙️ Welcome back to another episode of the OysterLink Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of hospitality with industry leaders who have shaped the dining experience as we know it.Today, we’re joined by Paul Downie, a hospitality powerhouse whose career spans over 30 years. From serving as the General Manager at the Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park in New York to becoming the Director of Restaurants and Hospitality for STARR Restaurants, Paul has played a key role in opening and operating 40 restaurants across the U.S.In this episode, Paul shares his journey, the challenges and triumphs of building world-class dining experiences, and invaluable career advice for those looking to break into – and thrive in – the hospitality industry. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to succeed in this fast-paced world, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

In this episode, hospitality industry expert Andres Goeta shares his insights on what it takes to break into the field and thrive.From landing your first job to advancing your career, Andres breaks down thekey skills, strategies, and mindsetneeded to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this conversation is packed with actionable advice, networking tips, and inspiration to help you master the hospitality world.

Join us as we chat with Renee Petitjean, Recruiting Manager at Marriott International, who gives us insider tips on landing a job in hospitality in 2025. From starting as a host to becoming a manager, Renee shares her valuable experiences, advice on what skills to showcase, and key steps to get promoted. Plus, she reveals secret strategies for landing a job at Marriott and how to grow within the company. Whether you're just starting out or looking to climb the career ladder, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you succeed in the hospitality industry.

In this Episode we spoke with Chintan Dadich, General Manager At Conrad New York Downtown and Hospitality Leader for over two decades. Chintan Dadhich shares valuable advice on what it takes to move into management roles, top interview questions, red flags to watch out for, and why mentorship is essential for success. Whether you're just starting in the hospitality field or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help elevate your career!

Join us as we chat with Sarah Diel, business owner of Empowered Hospitality. She shares actionable tips for both job seekers and business owners on navigating the hospitality industry, staying healthy, acing interviews, and attracting young talent. Whether you're looking to land a job or build a successful business, this episode is filled with expert advice that can help you thrive in the fast-paced world of hospitality.

In this episode, we meet Gregory León, the owner and chef of Amilinda in downtown Milwaukee. He’s been nominated for Best Chef in the Midwest in 2022 and 2023 by the James Beard Foundation and this year — he got one at the national level for Outstanding Chef.

In the hospitality community Salar Sheik is known as the LA Restaurant Rescue Guy. Salar is a restaurant consultant with over 20 years of experience. He currently specializes in restaurant growth, revenue increase and opening of new locations. Salar shares practical strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, the importance of fostering a positive work environment, and how technology can help streamline operations. If you're a restaurant owner or job seeker, you won’t want to miss this episode packed with valuable insights!

In this episode of the OysterLink Podcast, we sit down with restaurant veteran Kyle Inserra to discuss the challenges facing restaurant owners today and how to turn those problems into opportunities for growth. Don’t miss these valuable insights!

Meet Michael Leonard (MasterChef Season 14 Champion) and Christopher Murt, the standout stars of last season's MasterChef! 🎬 In this episode, we dive into what the competition is really like, the biggest challenges they faced during and after the show, and their exciting future plans. Don't miss their behind-the-scenes stories!

Chef Claudia Sandoval went from winning MasterChef to becoming a powerhouse in the culinary world. After launching her successful catering and consulting company, Claudia's Cocina, she transitioned from contestant to judge on top shows like Chopped, MasterChef Latino, and Chopped Jr., and now she’s making waves on MasterChef Latinos and her new food travel show Taste of the Border on Discovery+. Who better to share the inside scoop on becoming a culinary star? Tune in for her expert advice on navigating the competitive food industry, building your brand, and making your way to the top. 🌟🍴

In this episode, we sit down with the multifaceted Justin Khanna – renowned chef, mentor, content creator, enterpreneur and culinary innovator. Justin spent over eight years training at Michelin-Starred and critically acclaimed restaurants: Per Se, Grace, The French Laundry, Frantzen, Noma, and Lysverket, among others. We dive into his journey, exploring work-life balance, what it takes to succeed as a young cook, and how to create cover letters that stand out in the culinary world. Whether you're an aspiring chef or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

Andres Goeta, an industry expert in hospitality, shares his insights on what it takes to break into the field and thrive. From landing your first job to advancing in your career, Andres breaks down the skills, strategies, and mindset needed to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Whether you’re looking to start your hospitality career or level up, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Tune in for valuable tips on networking, career growth, and mastering the hospitality industry!

In this episode, we’re joined by Jimmy Chill, renowned restaurateur and chef. Jimmy dives into the critical skill that could either elevate or derail your journey in the fast-paced world of hospitality. Plus, if you’ve ever dreamed of making it on TV, Jimmy has some pro tips on how to stand out and succeed on screen. Whether you’re looking to refine your kitchen game or step into the spotlight, this episode is packed with advice that could transform your career.