Corner Table Talk

"We wanted to explore the ways that food can be a muse.”  Jamila Robinson Looking through the pages of Bon Appétit’s inaugural Art & Design issue (May 2025), I realized that I wasn’t just reading. Each spread and story resonated with me, reminding me why the hospitality industry initially appealed to me. Yes, great food is essential, but equally important is the way a place makes people feel: the atmosphere, the intention, and the story that lives in the walls and on the plate when it all comes together.With every place I've been involved with, as the final touches and tastings were prepared for friends and family before the first day of serving the public, I would sit in nearly every seat just to feel and observe the room from each vantage point. That same care and design philosophy was baked into every inch of this issue. Whether it was a story about Marcus Samuelsson’s return to Ethiopia, with his restaurant atop the tallest building in East Africa—or the role of color psychology—I felt a visceral connection.Exploring the intersection of food, design, and cultural storytelling with Jamila Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, offers a masterclass on how food media can be both visually stunning and meaningful. She and her team made print feel luxurious again, bringing culture closer and reminding us that food isn't just sustenance, it's connection, it’s memory, it's music, it's art. This special issue is a collector's item. HOW WE MOVEStay tuned to the end of the guest interview when international speaker, writer and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and highlights some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention.   Instagram: @Corner Table Talk  and @Post and Beam Hospitality LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality E.Mail:  [email protected] For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/ Theme Music: Bryce Vine Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Brad Johnson Ventures LLC Corner Table™ is a trademark of Brad Johnson Ventures LLCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"You can't take a photo of hospitality."  Chip Wade When my long-time friend, Eric Williams of Stone Williams Group, offered to connect me with Chip Wade, I immediately said yes. I was curious to learn more about the CEO of legendary New York City restaurateur Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) whose reputation for operating a portfolio of high-level restaurants is tops in the industry. Their slate of restaurants include: Grammercy Tavern, The View, Ci Siamo, Daily Provisions, The Modern, and Union Square Café, to name a few. Chip is a 30-year veteran of hospitality. From his beginnings at TGI Fridays to his leadership roles at Darden Restaurants and Legal Sea Foods, culminating in his current role at USHG, Chip shares insights on leadership qualities he admires including the importance of empathy and feedback. Our conversation also explores the industry's appeal to young Black professionals, and USHG's commitment to diversity and inclusion despite recent political pushbacks. Chip talks about the importance of maintaining high standards and culture within the organization including passionately advocating for understanding and celebrating diverse histories. By doing so, Chip believes we build a more empathetic society. Finally, we learned the term “antiquarian” as we dove into Chip’s passion for Black American history through his rare book collection. Fueled by curiosity, Chip aims to unearth stories celebrating prominent Black figures and share these narratives with broader audiences, honoring those whose shoulders we stand upon. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey with Chip Wade. We hope his story inspires you as much as it did us. For more discussions like these, stay tuned to Corner Table Talk. Instagram: @Corner Table Talk  and @Post and Beam Hospitality LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality E.Mail:  [email protected] For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/ Editing: Journey Media LLC Theme Music: Bryce Vine Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Brad Johnson Ventures LLC Corner Table™ is a trademark of Brad Johnson Ventures LLC See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"When I got burglarized, it really didn't faze me... I went back to that day as a teenager, looking at my father's face, seeing the determination as he swept up that glass." Greg Dulan I met Greg Dulan almost 40 years ago while he and his father, renowned restaurateur Adolf Dulan, were visiting black-owned restaurants in New York City. When I moved to Los Angeles a few years later, Adolf’s beloved Southern-style restaurant, Aunt Kizzy’s Back Porch in Marina Del Rey, with its home-cooked soul food and warm, welcoming atmosphere, was my home away from home. I've enjoyed a close bond with both Adolf and Greg over the years and attended the memorial service for Adolf when he passed away in 2017. Given the Dulan legacy and my long relationship with both father and son, I am especially honored to have my friend and colleague Greg on this episode of Corner Table Talk. Greg, a second-generation restaurateur, shares heartfelt stories of working alongside his late father, a pioneer in Los Angeles’ soul food scene. From the early days of Aunt Kizzy’s Back Porch to the evolution of Dulan’s on Crenshaw, Greg reflects on his lessons, including his father’s philosophy of giving back—whether through ample portions or community support. The conversation also explores Greg’s recent restaurant renovation, his experience as a James Beard Award finalist, and the challenges of maintaining a thriving business amid rising costs and gentrification. Through it all, Greg remains an optimist, fueled by the love of his community and the enduring spirit of his father. Listen now for an inspiring story of resilience, family, and the power of soul food. Instagram: @Corner Table Talk  and @Post and Beam Hospitality LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality E.Mail:  [email protected] For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/ Editing: Glenn Cooper Theme Music: Bryce Vine Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The future in this country is one where the folks setting the pace will be more diverse than ever. That’s baked in, and while there’s backlash, the numbers will ultimately tell the tale." Clarence Otis Clarence Otis Jr., former Chairman and CEO of Darden Restaurants Inc., is busy these days serving on the Boards of Verizon as Lead Director, of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, and as chairman of Jazz at Lincoln Center, among others. During his 10 years of leadership at Darden which ended in 2014, whose brands include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Seasons 52, Yard House, and Capital Grille, the company achieved remarkable sales growth. Otis reflects on his time at Darden and provides insights into the sale of Red Lobster during his tenure, and how public policies often inadvertently favor larger companies, making it difficult for smaller, independent businesses to thrive. Otis reveals his views on immigration’s role in hospitality and discusses AI's potential to automate certain restaurant functions, particularly in back-office tasks. Growing up in Watts shaped Clarence's perspective on fairness and opportunity. He learned from his father that positive family influence and a strong work ethic are crucial to success. Sharing our mutual love of jazz, we discussed the genre's state and its struggle to attract younger audiences in the US. Our discussion concludes with Otis’s optimism about America's diverse future and his belief in resilience amid changing demographics. His journey showcases how leaders can rise to significant roles while staying true to their values, as a model of how strategic vision and a commitment to equity can lead to impactful, lasting success. Thank you my longtime friend Eric Williams for connecting me with Clarence. CHAPTERS [00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Overview [00:02:19] Challenges in the Restaurant Industry [00:07:10] California as a Business Environment [00:12:55] Impact of AI and Technology on Hospitality [00:16:03] Consumer Behavior and Economic Trends [00:17:42] Clarence’s Childhood in South Los Angeles [00:22:34] Navigating Gang Culture and Community Dynamics [00:26:20] Father’s Work Ethic and Life Lessons [00:31:52] Parenting Philosophy [00:33:06] Diversity in Corporate Leadership [00:38:27] The Sale of Red Lobster [00:43:20] Cultural Reflections on Entertainment and Branding [00:50:15] Jazz and the Arts [00:52:36] Effective Communication and Leadership [00:53:39] Optimism About the Future WATCH ON YOUTUBEWatch the full VIDEO episode on the Corner Table Talk channel on YouTube and please subscribe to experience the celebration of food, culture, and community. Instagram: @Corner Table Talk  and @Post and Beam Hospitality LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality E.Mail:  [email protected] more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/ Theme Music: Bryce Vine Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I'm an activist with an artistic mask on."   Jeff Friday The 28th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) takes place in Miami, June 12-16, 2024. This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a stellar lineup of films, panel discussions, parties, workshops, and masterclasses. Notable attendees include Denzel Washington, Kerry Washington, and Issa Rae. I sat down with my long-time friend, Jeff Friday, a trailblazer in the world of black cinema and the mastermind behind ABFF to share the festival’s evolution from Acapulco to Miami, his passion for black culture, and his desire to advance opportunities for black filmmakers. Our discussion includes Jeff’s perspective on the current state of black cinema. He expressed concern about the challenges facing black filmmakers today, particularly the shift away from diversity in Hollywood and the impact of streaming services on the theatrical business. Despite these challenges, Jeff remains optimistic and committed to supporting black filmmakers and promoting their work. Jeff's company, formerly ABFF Ventures and now Nice Crowd, specializes in developing and marketing festivals and live experiences highlighting BIPOC culture and achievements. Jeff's vision for Nice Crowd includes creating events that promote black culture and community in various settings, from film festivals to wellness retreats. A graduate of Howard University with an MBA from NYU's prestigious School of Business, Jeff’s numerous accolades include NYU’s Global Trailblazer Award for Entrepreneurial Innovation, and being named one of Hollywood's Top 50 Power Brokers by Black Enterprise. He has received keys to Miami, Miami Beach, and Newark, which also proclaimed his birthday “Jeff Friday Day.” Jeff Friday's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the impact that one person with keen instincts can have on an entire industry. HOW WE MOVE. Stay tuned to the end of the guest interview when international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion, and highlighting some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention. WATCH on our YOUTUBE channel or SPOTIFY and please subscribe to experience the celebration of food, culture, and community. Instagram: @Corner Table Talk  and @Post and Beam Hospitality LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality E.Mail:  [email protected] For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/ Theme Music: Bryce Vine Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.