#50. This week's guest likely needs no introduction. He's one of the most successful chefs and restaurateurs in America, with dozens of restaurants both in the U.S. and abroad. Chef Michael Mina is a three-time James Beard award winner, has earned Michelin stars, five Diamond Awards, and accolades from Wine Spectator, among others. In this episode, Chef Mina sits down with our founder and CEO, Josh Sharkey, to delve into his career spanning three decades, sharing valuable insights and lessons le...
Mar 12, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 50
#49. In this week's episode, Josh Sharkey sits down with the incredible Chef, Masako Morishita, whose journey from Kobe, Japan, to the United States is nothing short of inspiring. Masako's family owns Morshita Liquor Store, a renowned restaurant and bar in Kobe that has been serving customers for almost a century. Despite not speaking English, Masako found herself in Wisconsin before eventually settling in D.C. But her story doesn't stop there. Before embarking on her culinary journey, Masako he...
Mar 05, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 49
#48. In this week's episode, we explore the world of online ordering and restaurant revenue generation with our special guest, Nabeel Alamgir, the CEO and co-founder of Lunchbox , the enterprise restaurant technology company boosting customers like Papa Ginos, Chopt, Walk On's and more. Starting out at Bareburger as a busboy, Nabeel worked his way up to the position of CMO and then went on to build this restaurant tech company made by operators. Born in Bangladesh and raised in Kuwait before set...
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 48
#47. We are thrilled to introduce our guest for today, Camilla Opperman Morse, the Founder and CEO of Nimbus . Based in the hub of New York City, Nimbus offers a fresh take on the traditional ghost kitchen model, providing a collaborative cooking infrastructure that fosters creativity and community. In our conversation, Camilla shares insights into the unique concept behind Nimbus, which goes beyond mere kitchen spaces to encompass a vibrant experience and an inviting event space for brands to c...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 47
#46. Meet Bo Davis, the co-founder and CEO of MarginEdge, a cutting-edge back office technology tailored for restaurants, streamlining operations from accounting to POS systems and beyond, encompassing all facets of kitchen management. Despite dropping out of high school, Bo's insatiable thirst for knowledge propelled him to attain two master's degrees, one in finance and another in artificial intelligence from Northwestern University, showcasing his dedication to continuous learning. Prior to M...
Feb 13, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 46
#45 In this episode, our host sits down with Jordan Boesch, the founder and CEO of 7shifts , a leading workforce management software catering to the restaurant industry. With over a decade of experience in revolutionizing team management, Jordan shares insights into the inception and growth of 7shifts. Having originally encountered the software while vetting it for Aurify Brands, Josh Sharkey emphasizes the genuine admiration for Jordan's leadership and the impactful solutions his company provid...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 45
#44. Join host Josh Sharkey as he catches up with Brandon Barton, CEO of Bite , a software technology company revolutionizing kiosks in the hospitality industry- particularly in QSR and fast-casual restaurants. Brandon and Josh, former colleagues at Tabla under Chef Floyd Cardoz, delve into their shared experiences in the hospitality sector and the evolution of restaurant technology. In this episode, Brandon shares insights into sales methodologies and customer-centric approaches, drawing from h...
Jan 30, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 44
#43. Chef Evan Hennessey is one of those chefs who is extremely passionate and devoted to not only moving the culinary industry forward, but also supporting up and coming chefs. Chef Hennessey is an award winning chef, 3 time Chopped Champion, and James Beard semifinalist who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu at the Atlantic Culinary Academy in 2001. He has since cooked alongside some of the best chef’s in the country including Chef Charlie Palmer and Thomas Keller, and is now the Chef Owner at The ...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 43
#42. In this episode, our listeners are in for a treat as we host a special guest on the show. Introducing Jimmy Kunz, the son of the late, great, world-renowned Chef Gray Kunz. For those deeply rooted in the culinary world, Gray's influence is immeasurable, and he has been a significant mentor to many, including our host, Josh Sharkey. Jimmy has successfully built a remarkable business around one of the world's most coveted ingredients – truffles. Jimmy began making truffle butter as a holiday ...
Jan 16, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 42
#41. Welcome to the first episode of season two of The meez Podcast! We are excited to introduce our first guest, JJ Johnson . JJ is a James Beard Award-winning chef, TV Personality, and Author best known for his barrier-breaking cuisine informed by the Caribbean flavors of his upbringing. He has been featured on multiple television shows, and has his television show called 'Just Eats with Chef JJ’ on CLEO TV. Chef JJ's cookbook with Danica Novgorodof, "The Simple Art of Rice: Recipes from Aroun...
Jan 09, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 41
You’re only as good as your tools, every chef knows that. But what happens when the tool you need hasn’t been created yet? Today we are sharing Josh Kopel's conversation with Joshua Sharkey of meez, a former chef who sought to build the solution to his own problem. In this conversation Josh and Josh discuss the challenges facing the modern chef and what it took to create the Culinary Operation System for the chef of the future. Where to find Josh Kopel: LinkedIn Instagram Full Comp Podcast Where...
Dec 12, 2023•34 min
We are delighted to present an episode from The Chef Radio Podcast hosted by Eli Kulp, where our CEO, Josh Sharkey, was featured as a guest. Stay tuned for the upcoming Season 2 of The meez Podcast scheduled to premiere in January 2024! " Josh Sharkey trained under some incredible, generational chef talent, like David Bouley, like Indian super star chef, Floyd Cardoz, and the Great Gray Kunz, and in doing so, he built up his repertoire and his résumé, so no matter what he did, he would be succes...
Dec 05, 2023•1 hr 13 min
#40. As we close out season one, The meez Podcast welcomes Chef David Santos . Growing up as a first generation Portuguese American, Dave was immersed in every aspect of food since a young age. He started his culinary career as a 2001 graduate of Johnson & Wales University. He then traveled throughout Europe and South America, soaking up the culinary heritage of the visited countries and their cuisines rooted in peak quality seasonal ingredients. Santos later worked at acclaimed restaurants ...
Nov 28, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 40
#39. We had the privilege of entering the world of a true craftsman: Geoff Feder of Feder Knives . Based in Peekskill, New York, Geoff's journey from sculptor to cook to bladesmith is a story of artistry and passion. Geoff began his career as a sculptor and woodworker. He went to culinary school and started working for Charlie Palmer as a project manager, sculptor, and chef. He soon met Tony Aiazzi, and together they created Feder Knives. In this episode, host Josh Sharkey and Geoff get into the...
Nov 21, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 39
#38. Few stories are as compelling as that of Chef Joey Sergentakis . After a decade abroad, Joey has returned to the U.S., bringing with him a wealth of international experience from some of the most prestigious kitchens around the globe. As the corporate executive chef for CE LA VI, he led restaurants in Hong Kong, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, and Dubai. Before this venture, Joey honed his skills with the SWIRE Group and under the tutelage of Chef Gray Kunz in H...
Nov 14, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 38
#37. Tommy Gordon , the General Manager of the Great Lakes Central Division at Gordon Food Service (GFS), is a key figure in the largest and oldest division of the company. GFS, the largest privately owned wholesale food service distributor in North America, boasts over 20,000 employees and an annual revenue exceeding 16 billion dollars. With a rich history spanning 125 years since its founding in 1897, GFS is now managed by over five generations of families. Tommy formerly served as the North A...
Nov 07, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 37
#36. Have you ever wondered who is behind all of the new and exciting flavors at Shake Shack ? Meet John Karangis , Executive Chef and VP of Culinary Innovation, leading R&D, menu development, and chef collaborations for the brand. John's culinary journey kicked off in the nineties at Union Square Cafe, winding through Paris and San Francisco, before settling back in New York City at Gramercy Tavern. A detour into the corporate kitchen of Goldman Sachs honed his skills in delivering top-notc...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 36
#35. Meet Ron Parker, the visionary founder of Hospitality Multiple (HMx), a cutting-edge company designed specifically for the hospitality industry. Ron is not only the mastermind behind HMx but also the Chief Operating Officer of the Jose Andres Group , overseeing operations ranging from prestigious 2-Michelin starred restaurants to groundbreaking small plates establishments and bustling fast-casual eateries and food halls. In this engaging conversation with meez CEO Josh Sharkey, Ron delves i...
Oct 24, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 35
#34. Krystle Mobayeni is the CEO and co-founder of BentoBox, a digital platform transforming restaurants into better businesses online. BentoBox simplifies website creation for restaurants, offering essential features like online ordering, gift cards, and SEO. Krystle's journey began in 2013, solving the complexities of website development for renowned eateries. BentoBox has streamlined the website building process for restaurants, combining functionality with stunning design. With over 14,000 r...
Oct 17, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 34
#33. Andrew Friedman has become an expert in chefs through his career as an Author, Journalist, and Podcaster. With a career spanning two decades, Andrew has authored or collaborated on over 25 chef-centric books and cookbooks, including Knives at Dawn, an exploration of the Bocuse d'Or culinary competition, and the recent Chefs, Drugs, and Rock & Roll: How Food Lovers, Free Spirits, Misfits, and Wanderers Created a New American Profession (Ecco/HarperCollins, February 2018). His new book, T...
Oct 10, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 32
#32. Kristen Barnett is a serial entrepreneur and food tech expert who is innovating the way we look at food. Kristen shares insights on her journey, from launching Hungry House, an NYC-based anti-ghost kitchen, to co-founding new company, Culinary Creators Worldwide, a media and marketing agency for food creators. Previously COO at Zuul, a food tech company acquired by Kitchen United, Kristen's career spans restaurant operations, distribution, and customer engagement. Join us on this episode as...
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 31
#31. Join us for an engaging podcast episode featuring Nilou Motamed, a prominent figure in food journalism with over two decades of experience. Nilou's impressive career includes crafting her role as Features Director at Travel and Leisure and holding the prestigious position of Editor-in-Chief at Epicurious and Food & Wine Magazine. She's not just an editor; Nilou is also an Emmy-nominated TV personality and the former Director of Inspiration at Conrad Hotels. As if that wasn't enough, she...
Sep 26, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 30
#30. Join us for an engaging podcast episode featuring Nilou Motamed, a prominent figure in food journalism with over two decades of experience. Nilou's impressive career includes crafting her role as Features Director at Travel and Leisure and holding the prestigious position of Editor-in-Chief at Epicurious and Food & Wine Magazine. She's not just an editor; Nilou is also an Emmy-nominated TV personality and the former Director of Inspiration at Conrad Hotels. As if that wasn't enough, she...
Sep 26, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 30
#29. Tamar Adler is a celebrated author and chef with James Beard and IACP awards. She is known for her book, "Everlasting Meal" where she discusses her talent in transforming leftovers into delicious meals. She has worked with renowned chefs like Alice Waters, Dan Barber, and Gabrielle Hamilton, in addition to her editorial contributions to magazines like Harper's, New York Times, Vogue, and New Yorker. In this episode, Tamar discusses the relationship between chefs and writers, the distinction...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 29
#28. In this episode, we are joined by Dan Latham, an exceptional chef, charcuterie expert, and advocate for sustainable agriculture and animal welfare. Dan is not only a crucial part of Meez's origin story but also the founder of Culinary Guide Shop, a consulting firm aiding restaurants across the Southern region. Dan's culinary journey took root in the kitchens of New York City, where he honed his skills under the mentorship of Mario Batali at Po. Later, he ventured into running Mario's salumi...
Sep 12, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 28
#27. In this episode, we are joined by Kerry Diamond, a remarkable individual with a lifelong passion for journalism and amplifying the voices of women in the food industry. From her humble beginnings in third-grade journalism, Kerry has evolved into an influential figure in the food media landscape. As the founder and Editor-In-Chief of Cherry Bombe, Kerry has transformed her vision into a dynamic reality. Initially, Cherry Bombe was a print-only magazine, dedicated to shedding light on the oft...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 27
#26. Shari Bayer began her career in restaurants and gained experience at places like Charlie Trotter's. She later ventured into the world of public relations, establishing her own agency Bayer PR agency in 2003. Shari launched her podcast, "All in the Industry," by Heritage Radio Network in 2014 as a platform to spotlight behind-the-scenes talent in the hospitality industry. With 350 episodes and counting, her podcast features interviews with renowned chefs and professionals, providing a platfo...
Aug 29, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 26
#25. In this episode, we're joined by Matt Conway, the charismatic owner, operator, and sommelier of the renowned Tippling House nestled in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. Alongside his delightful partner-in-crime, Carissa Hernandez, Matt has created a haven for those who appreciate the finer aspects of life's libations. Under the wing of the late Chef Gray Kunz, Matt honed his craft at Café Gray in the Time Warner Center from 2004 to 2007. This eventually led him to to Restaurant Marc ...
Aug 22, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 25
#24. As co-founder and culinary director of High Street Hospitality Group , Chef Eli Kulp has left an indelible mark on the culinary world. Originally from Philly, Eli's culinary journey took him to New York, where he honed his skills at renowned spots like Del Posto and the Major Food Group. His achievements include a James Beard Award nomination and being named Food and Wine's Best New Chef. Notably, he's been hailed as Chef of the Year by both Eater and Philadelphia Enquirer, showcasing his r...
Aug 15, 2023•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 24
#23. In this episode of The meez Podcast, we’re joined by special guest Chef John Adler, the Senior Vice President of Culinary and Physical Products at Blue Apron . John's culinary journey started in some of the world's finest kitchens, including working for chefs like Thomas Keller at Per Se and Chef Dan Barber at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. He also spent time at Michelin-starred restaurants across Spain and England before becoming the chef at the beloved Franny's in Brooklyn. During the episode,...
Aug 08, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 23
