In this month's episode of Together We Win , MRA's President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller sit down with Kathi Turner, CEO of Turner's Seafood Grill & Market and the newest Chair of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association Board. Together, they discuss the evolution of the hospitality industry and the enduring importance of customer connection in an increasingly digital world. From embracing new technologies to staying rooted in people-first values, Kathi shares insights from her years of ...
Jul 02, 2025•30 min
In this episode, MRA President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller sit down with industry experts Brian Connors - renowned professor and consultant—and Patrick Renna, CFO of Proof of the Pudding , to introduce the new MRA Restaurant Leadership Institute launching this fall. Designed to give independents access to the same leadership development resources as multi-unit and chain operations, the Institute is a game-changer. Hear how investing in team development can drive performance, retention, and l...
May 23, 2025•25 min
On this episode of Together We Win , MRA PresidentSteve Clark and VP Kerry Miller sit down with former restaurant owner andseasoned industry advisor Paul Turano for a deep dive into what it really takesto build a successful restaurant—and keep it thriving. Drawing from his ownexperience and the many operators he now supports, Paul shares smart strategiesfor navigating challenges, leading teams, and creating a business that standsthe test of time. Whether you’re in the trenches or planning your n...
Apr 25, 2025•37 min
In this episode of Together We Win , MRA President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller sit down with Jeff Bean , President of TriMark United East , and Steve Borelli of Sprague Energy , both exhibitors at the upcoming New England Restaurant & Bar Show on March 30th and 31st . They’ll discuss what attendees can expect at this year’s event, the latest industry trends, and why this show is a must-attend for restaurant and hospitality professionals. As key exhibitors, Jeff and Steve will share insig...
Mar 26, 2025•25 min
In this episode of Together We Win , MRA President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller chat with Chris Coombs, a former fine dining chef in Boston who made the leap from the kitchen to the court—founding Bosse Pickledom – A Premiere Pickleball Experience . Hear how his shift from fine dining to the world of pickleball changed his outlook on food, business, community, and life.
Feb 14, 2025•29 min
Join Together We Win hosts Steve Clark, President of the MRA, and Kerry Miller, Vice President, as they explore the fascinating world of alcohol in the hospitality industry. This month, they’re joined by two esteemed guests: Rhonda Kallman, founder of Boston Harbor Distillery, who shares the art and science of crafting spirits, and Ryan Dion of 110 Grill, RA Ventures and more who provides insights into what’s selling and why. From production to consumer trends, this episode is packed with valuab...
Nov 26, 2024•40 min
On this episode of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association's Together We Win podcast, President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller are joined by two expert leadership consultants to talk about what it takes to successfully lead in the restaurant industry. David Hyatt and Christopher Muller provide insight for managers, owners, operators, and anyone else who is looking to better communicate and run their business.
Oct 16, 2024•33 min
Listen in as President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association chat with two industry vets about the ever-changing MA restaurant and bar scene. Special guests Seana Gaherin from Dunn-Gaherin’s in Newton and Gretchen Shelgren from Mamma Mia’s in Plymouth share their thoughts on eliminating the tipped minimum wage and why you should vote ‘no’ on Massachusetts ballot question 5.
Sep 19, 2024•33 min
In the August episode of the MRA 'Together We Win' podcast, President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller welcome two industry powerhouses: Lisa Flores, Director of Sales and Marketing at Columbus Hospitality Group, and Kelly Fay, Director of Events at Eastern Standard. As co-founders of the Society of Event Planners, these accomplished women bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, discussing the intricacies of event planning and the dynamic evolution of the catering and hosting industry. Join us ...
Aug 15, 2024•33 min
What’s better than summer in Massachusetts? Pizza and beer during the summer in Massachusetts! Join Steve and Kerry as they sit down with brewery legends Adam Romanow of Castle Island Brewing Company and David Lombardo of Lombardo’s Hospitality Group & Bardo’s Bar Pizza. Together, they dive into the world of beer and bar pizza, sharing the origins of their businesses, the unique qualities of 'South Shore bar pizza,' and insider insights into the beer and bar industry. Tune in for a slice!...
Jul 16, 2024•29 min
In the June episode of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association Podcast, "Together We Win," hosts President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller are joined by two distinguished guests: Janelle Driscoll, Publisher for Boston Common Magazine and Moira McCarthy, Winter Outdoor Sports Editor and Travel Editor of the Boston Herald. Together, they delve into the burgeoning trend of experiential dining and explore how Massachusetts restaurants are rising to meet this growing demand. The discussion covers in...
Jun 14, 2024•39 min
How important is art in the design process of a restaurant? How important are the images you use in marketing your restaurant? Hear from one of Boston’s most celebrated artists and muralists and Boston’s premier restaurant photographer as they chat about all things art in the restaurant scene.
Dec 15, 2023•39 min•Ep. 33
Expanding your restaurant to new locations involves research of new markets, great real estate partners, and planning. Talk to both a restauranter that has expanded with several brands and a real estate partner that houses numerous restaurant concepts.
Nov 15, 2023•40 min
Passing down a family business brings with it responsibilities, changes, and new demographics. Hear from those who have been through it and are changing the faces of their family businesses.
Oct 15, 2023•39 min
Let’s talk brand expansion and elevated bar programs on this episode of Together We Win. Mix up your favorite cocktail and join Steve & Kerry as they sip alongside Chef Eric LeBlanc, Culinary Director for Burtons Grill & Bar as he talks about the brand’s upcoming 20th location opening, and Emily Harding, Beverage Director for Legendary Restaurant Group about exciting bar program happenings and how a thoughtful bar program can boost business.
Sep 01, 2023•41 min•Ep. 30
What’s better than wine and social media scrolling time? Indulge in both on this episode of Together We Win as Steve and Kerry are joined by wine expert brother duo Jace & Kaden Chaffee of Vine Farmer and local influencer Paige Harding of Dining Boston. Amongst meatballs and vino, guests talk about the new voices of the food and beverage industries.
Aug 01, 2023•48 min•Ep. 29
This month, sit down with MRA’s Steve Clark and Kerry Miller for the official launch of Together We Win Season 2! Now available in audio and video format, listen (or watch) as the team talks ghost kitchens and creative marketing campaigns with Dan Dillon, VP of Marketing for Olga’s Kitchen and Jon Paton, Director of Sales at Widowmaker Brewing Co. Grab a beer and your favorite takeout and tune in to sip along!
Jul 08, 2023•38 min•Ep. 28
It’s June and President of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Steve Clark and Vice President Kerry Miller welcome two new guests on the ‘Together We Win’ Podcast to discuss creativity and innovation in the food and beverage industry. First, Jefferson Macklin, managing partner of several South End restaurants, speaks about what it’s like to open a new concept and the role creativity plays. He is followed by Maureen ‘Moe’ McGuiness, a longtime educator and owner/operator of Sylvester’s and ...
Jun 02, 2023•59 min
In the this month’s episode of the ‘Together We Win’ Podcast, hosts Steve Clark, President of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and VP Kerry Miller provide a recap of the 2023 New England Food Show. They welcome their first guest, CEO and President of El Mundo Boston, Alberto Vasallo III, speaking on the evolution of young Latino leaders in the area. Followed by Bob Jarvis, a successful restauranter in Cape Cod, who joins them to talk preparation as the busy season for the coast of Massac...
May 12, 2023•56 min•Ep. 26
In the March episode of the Together We Win Podcast hosted by President, Steve Clark and VP, Kerry Miller of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, listen in on upcoming opportunities in the restaurant industry. Special guests Nicole Olivier, Vice President of Sales at Martignetti Companies speaks to the changes in the liquor industry post COVID-19 while founder and CEO of the latest in restaurant review platforms, Paul English, discusses his new app, Deets, and what it means for the industry...
Mar 21, 2023•52 min
Tune in as your hosts, Steve Clark, President of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and Kerry Miller his VP, are joined by guest host JP Faiella of Image Unlimited Communications. They welcome their first guest, Boston sports royalty, Todd Angilly, the official anthem singer of the Boston Bruins to talk restaurant events and employment. Followed by Kathy Drew, Vice President of Commercial Operations at Trimark United East speaking on how they’ve worked to perfect their operation at Trimark...
Mar 02, 2023•47 min•Ep. 24
Another year, another calendar turned! Steve Clark and Kerry Miller get excited about what’s to come in 2023 with lots of ‘new’ in the industry. JP Martignetti, Co-Owner of Sogno Italian restaurant in Woburn talks about what it’s like to open a restaurant today. And Renee Guilbault, Founder of Essayer Food Consulting, chats about her upcoming book, A Taste of Opportunity.
Jan 26, 2023•41 min•Ep. 23
Winter is upon us! The MRAs own Steve Clark and Kerry Miller hunker down for cold weather and warm conversation with some of Massachusetts’ leading restaurant voices. This month’s guests include: Ed Doyle, President of RealFood Hospitality Strategy and Design & Jen Ziskin, Co-Owner and Wine Director for La Morra, Heritage of Sherborn, & Punch Bowl Brookline.
Dec 27, 2022•43 min
Tune in to this episode of the MRA Together We Win podcast hosted by President and CEO, Steve Clark, and Vice President of Operations Kerry Miller, as the two are joined by two very different but equally intriguing guests. First we hear from nationally recognized and critically acclaimed comedian Tony V, followed by Co-Founder of Gastronomical Adventures Consulting and Professor at FIU Champlin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Chris Muller.
Nov 23, 2022•53 min
Listen in as President and CEO of the MRA, Steve Clark, and Vice President of Operations, Kerry Miller, are joined at the table by their first ever in-person guest on the Together We Win Podcast. Chef Denise Herrera, Vice President of Food & Beverage at Burtons Grill and Red Heat Tavern kicks off the show in the hot seat. She then guest hosts as the three are joined by former Burton’s Grill bartender turned independent business-owner, Justin Morales, President and Founder of Up n’ Down, Rock...
Oct 31, 2022•53 min•Ep. 20
The Fall is in full swing in Boston and this month JP Faiella from Image Unlimited Communications (IUCBoston) returns to join hosts Steve Clark, President of the MRA and Vice President of Operations, Kerry Miller at the table. This month’s guests on the podcast are Vinny Lombardi, Senior Vice President Operations at The Lyons Group and Ryan Dion, Chief Operating Officer of 110 Grill.
Sep 26, 2022•45 min•Ep. 19
Out with the old and in with the new as the MRA Podcast welcomes New MRA President Steve Clark and a new 3-host format along with Kerry Miller. This episode’s guest host is JP Faiella from Image Unlimited Communications (IUCBoston) and features guests David Lombardo, Director of Operations at Lombardo’s Hospitality Group and Christopher Tocchio, Director of Strategy & Operations at RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design.
Aug 30, 2022•51 min•Ep. 18
It’s officially summer season for the restaurant world—and that means outdoor patios are filled, chilled cocktails are clinked, and, for the MRA team, industry veteran, Bob Luz, is retiring. On this episode of “Together We Win,” the team sits down for an emotional send-off for Luz, and opens an exciting, new chapter for the MRA. Bob sits down with the new President & CEO of the MRA, Steve Clark, for an intimate interview as they verbally pass the baton along and cheers to new beginnings. Ste...
Jun 20, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 17
After an April episode hiatus to focus on the New England Food Show, the MRA team is BACK serving up new content for the restaurant industry. On this episode of “Together We Win,” the MRA team chats about an exciting and lively season to come for restaurants and Massachusetts sports fans alike. Bob Luz sits down with Sean Kennedy, Executive VP of Public Affairs at the National Restaurant Association, discuss all things restaurant news. Steve Clark chats with Chef Erin Miller of Cambridge’s Urban...
May 23, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 16
It’s (almost) showtime! On this special New England Food Show episode of “Together We Win,” the MRA team is joined by various talent and vendors as they give a sneak peek of their stories before they hit the stage in April. Listen to Bob Luz chat with Jeff Bean of Trimark United East about his journey within the food service industry. Steve Clark sits down with celebrity chef, Andy Husbands, about all things BBQ, and maybe a little whiskey. And Kerry Miller is joined by Marian Leitner, Founder o...
Mar 21, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 15
