Her Seat At The Table

Anh Luu on Chef-ing On Your Own Terms

Sara Abernethy — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

You know her from Queer Eye in New Orleans, you know her from Chopped, OR you know her for her social media sensation, "The Pho-rrito" - meet Anh Luu!

In this episode, Anh shares her story of navigating the restaurant industry, resilience after personal loss, and embracing a flexible, self-directed culinary career. We explore her experiences with restaurant ownership, the industry’s challenges, and how she crafted a life of creative independence through catering, pop-ups, and community-driven projects.

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Main topics include:

Anh’s journey from a young chef in New Orleans to restaurant owner in Portland, now back to a successful free-lance chef in New Orleans
The emotional and financial struggles of restaurant ownership, especially post-Katrina
The impact of industry burnout and the decision to step away from day-to-day operations
Building a community of support and relying on relationships in New Orleans’ tight-knit food scene
Transitioning to a flexible culinary career focused on private events, consulting, and product creation
Overcoming fears of financial instability and shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset

Resources & Links:

Connect with Anh Luu

Support the Podcast:

Patreon - Her Seat at the Table

Randi Weinstein on 10 Years of the FAB Conference: The Power of Community with Restaurant Owners

Sara Abernethy — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Randi Weinstein shares her journey of founding and growing the FAB Conference—a vibrant space for women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Listen to insights on event innovation, community building, balancing motherhood, and embracing bold ideas.

Key topics:

The origins and evolution of FAB Conference over its 10-year history
Randi's transition from hospitality roles to community entrepreneurship
The importance of authentic community and intact event space principles
Challenges of scaling events while maintaining intimacy and mission
The power of scholarships and giving back to underrepresented groups
The significance of face-to-face connection in fostering community

Timestamps:

(00:35) - Introduction to Randi Weinstein and FAB Conference
(01:00) - Randi’s background in hospitality and event roles
(01:49) - Celebrating FAB’s 10th anniversary and upcoming events
(02:30) - Randi’s entrepreneurial ventures: Winky Winky Food & Beverage, Bad Bitches
(03:13) - Launching the THC line, Tree Time, and product inspiration
(04:07) - Balancing travel and motherhood in today’s climate
(05:03) - The challenges (and fears) of flying and travel anxiety
(05:43) - FAB’s origin from a dinner series for women in food industry
(08:40) - How industry events like FAB evolve from smaller beginnings
(11:08) - Randi’s journey moving to Charleston and finding her community
(12:46) - Navigating motherhood, career shifts, and identity
(15:19) - The importance of self-care for women in hospitality
(16:15) - The impact of full-time care and balancing creative pursuits
(18:37) - Significance of community and connection at FAB
(19:37) - Scholarship programs and inclusivity in industry events
(20:55) - The value of authentic, genuine community
(22:22) - Protecting the sanctity and mission of FAB from media influence
(23:55) - FAB's unique approach: equal footing for speakers and attendees
(25:44) - Creating a safe space for emotional vulnerability
(26:19) - Supporting women through scholarships and community
(27:22) - The humble beginnings of FAB as a women’s industry dinner
(30:08) - Building industry-focused educational programs and scholarships
(32:07) - Scaling FAB while maintaining intimacy and connection
(35:28) - Randi’s event planning instincts and risk-taking approach
(40:07) - Ideas for extending FAB to other cities and regions
(44:29) - Potential for smaller community dinners and collaborations
(45:51) - Envisioning future innovations: educational experiences, food activities
(47:30) - Balancing practicality with creativity in event execution
(50:41) - Reflection on FAB’s 10th anniversary vision and mission focus
(52:20) - The impact of scholarships and community contribution
(54:09) - Final thoughts and upcoming FAB details

Resources & Links:

Connect with Randi Weinstein:

Support the Podcast:
Join the Her Seat at the Table Patreon for exclusive perks and community access: Patreon

Anne McBride Ph.D. on Supporting Restaurants through the James Beard Foundation

Sara Abernethy — Mon, 18 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Explore how the James Beard Foundation is driving impact through innovative programs, advocacy, and educational resources in the food industry. Sara Abernethy interviews Dr. Anne McBride, Vice President of Impact, to uncover insights on leadership, mentorship, and fostering resilience in hospitality professionals.

Main Topics Covered:

The role of the James Beard Foundation in industry advocacy and education
How cooking, publishing, and food policy intersect
Programs supporting women entrepreneurs and food professionals
Strategic approaches to food book publishing and self-publishing
The importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning
Impact of advocacy and policy engagement for restaurant sustainability
Future initiatives and resources for industry resilience

Timestamps: 00:36 - Introduction to Dr. Anne McBride and her work at the James Beard Foundation
01:01 - Impact of the Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (WEL)
01:20 - Resources available on jamesbeard.org for food industry professionals
02:37 - Personal experiences with winter weather and its effects on restaurants
03:05 - Navigating Valentine’s Day and restaurant reservations
04:38 - The benefits of letting partners take the lead in dinner plans
05:12 - How Anne met her husband and her move from Switzerland to Louisiana
06:06 - Transition from Swiss village life to Louisiana college experience
07:01 - Moving to New York and career shifts from publishing to food media
09:32 - Starting at Hippocrates Books and the value of book proposals
11:23 - Insights on writing and marketing cookbooks, and self-publishing nuances
12:56 - The importance of strong proposals for book success
15:47 - Planning a cookbook as a regional or community-focused project
16:17 - From publishing to advocacy and impact at James Beard Foundation
17:03 - Life in early 2000s NYC with small publishing house experience
19:11 - How food programs like the Experimental Cuisine Collective shaped her career
20:05 - The importance of work-life integration and passion projects
22:38 - Comparing roles at the Culinary Institute of America and James Beard Foundation
24:19 - Overview of programming like WEL and other leadership initiatives
25:47 - Supporting women in food through financial literacy and mentorship
29:58 - The power of confidence-building workshops and small wins
34:40 - Advocacy against restrictive policies affecting restaurants and immigrant labor
39:12 - The significance of grassroots, consistent advocacy actions
41:31 - The impact of sharing case studies and testimonies
42:07 - Reflecting on nearly five years of impact work and future goals
43:16 - Resources, upcoming reports, and how to stay connected with jamesbeard.org
45:42 - Closing remarks and how to follow Anne McBride’s work

Resources & Links:

Connect with Anne McBride:

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Inez Ribustello on the Sweet Life of Retiring From Business Ownership

Sara Abernethy — Mon, 11 May 2026 07:04:00 -0400

Discover the inspiring journey of Inie Ribustello, a Tarboro-based restaurateur, author, and hospitality leader, as she navigates career transitions, personal growth, and community impact. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone contemplating change, overcoming burnout, or seeking purpose beyond entrepreneurship.

Key Topics:

Inie's transition from restaurant owner to W2 employee and director of hospitality
Overcoming the shame and fear associated with stepping back from ownership
The emotional labor of running a community-centric business like a brewery or restaurant
How writing and journaling serve as emotional outlets for deep feelers and empaths
The power of community events like Triangle Wine and Food Experience and Piggy Festival
Balancing the demands of leadership with personal well-being and mental health
The significance of legacy, purpose, and redefining success after major life shift
Inie's reflections on motherhood, aging, and the imminent 'empty nest' chapter
Her experience as a Beverage Director at Windows on the World pre-9/11
Upcoming writing projects inspired by her evolving family and personal journey

Resources & Links:

Tickets - Gettin' Piggy With It - May 17, 2026
Life After Windows - Inie Ribustello (Memoir) (search for her book on Amazon)
Frankie Lemmon Foundation
Triangle Wine & Food Experience
Mis En Place Publishing

Connect with Inie:

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LIVE from The Durham Hotel - Molly Irani on "Service Ready"

Sara Abernethy — Mon, 04 May 2026 12:37:14 -0400

Most entrepreneurs never reveal the messy, real behind-the-scenes stories that shape their success. Molly Irani — founder of the James Beard Award-winning Chai Pani restaurant group — exposes the grit, chaos, and heart of building a meaningful culture in hospitality in her newly released memoir, "Service Ready". Imagine maxing out personal credit cards, navigating midlife pivots, and managing high-volume chaos—all while keeping your vision alive. Her story will inspire you to rethink what it really takes to create a thriving business you love.

In this episode, Molly shares her innovative concept of "mind-blasting hospitality," a sensory experience that turns ordinary service into memorable magic, even in the busiest kitchens. We break down how she designed a culture rooted in care, authenticity, and fun, turning chaos into community. Molly also reveals how her personal story—her love for her husband, her background, and her relentless resilience—informed her leadership and vision.

We delve into

the real challenges of working with your partner
claiming your identity as a leader
finding balance when your role shifts from front-line to strategic visionary

Molly's honesty about depleting herself, navigating disagreements, and building trust offers practical lessons for couples in business and anyone striving for alignment. Plus, hear her powerful perspective on community resilience—how the restaurant industry models humanity during crises, from hurricanes to pandemics—showing us that hospitality is about more than just food; it’s about touching lives.

This episode is perfect for restaurant owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders seeking authentic tools to build resilient, thriving cultures. If you’re tired of glossy success stories and crave the truth behind lasting impact, Molly’s raw, inspiring insights will challenge and embolden you. Prepare to be inspired by her daring to share her vulnerabilities—and her unwavering belief in the power of hospitality to transform lives.

Order your copy of "Service Ready" and check out more of Molly's work at www.mollyirani.com, and drop her a follow on Instagram at @chaipanimom

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Balancing Ownership and Operations in Hospitality with Maggie Kane and Ashley Malinowski

Sara Abernethy — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:17:38 -0400

This episode explores the vital (and often tenuous) relationship between ownership and management in restaurants. It's kind of a catch 22 - owners need talented leaders who can operate the concept well, make decisions in real time, and build teams. In order to run a concept well, operators need owners who trust them to do all of those things - and this relationship based on mutual trust and respect takes time to develop. In this episode of Her Seat at the Table, host Sara Abernethy is joined by two dynamic hospitality leaders: Maggie Kane, founder and executive director of A Place at the Table, and Ashley Malinowski, vice president of food and beverage at Early Bird Night Owl on what makes this key dynamic function well.

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Tiffany Welton on Taking The Leap and Staying True To Your Vision

Sara Abernethy — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 08:00:56 -0400

Sara Abernethy chats with Tiffany Welton, Owner and Founder of RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar in Cary, NC. Yes, THAT RBF! Check out RBF's upcoming events and their WILDLY impressive list of bubbles by the glass at www.rbf.wine

If you're someone considering leaving corporate and taking the plunge into a hospitality business - this conversation is for you.
Tiffany shares the real deal about taking the plunge, her unique concept focusing on champagne, and how she's beautifully navigated her first few (grueling but gratifying) years in business.

Tiffany Welton is the owner of RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar, a new establishment in Downtown Cary. Tiffany has 20 years of leadership experience in a range of industries from organ and tissue donation, healthcare, and IT as well as a top performer in business development within Fortune 500 companies. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Business from Oregon State University and a Master's Degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. After years of attempting to make an impact on culture, women's equality and treatment in the workplace, and acceptance of emotions and authenticity into careers and advancement, she realized this wasn't how she wanted to make an effective change. Hence, the beginnings of RBF.

With over two decades of client partnership and customer experience focus, she has a natural ability to understand the big picture, implement effective strategies, align people with what they value, and create a comfortability wherever she is. Whether it’s in a meeting, event, or hosting people in her own home, she is acutely aware of how to adjust to the emotion in the room.

Yes, RBF means Resting Bitch Face. Tiffany has always had a dream of owning a wine bar that is focused on authenticity, the emotional safety of others, and creating a place to be seen and heard. She lives for connection, community, sharing stories, talking about feelings, and how to keep growing and developing in a meaningful way.

She truly believes that the most beautiful life moments happen when you sit with a friend or a stranger and simply talk about your experiences, but the real magic happens when your horizons expand, you feel understood, and you don’t feel alone.

Tiffany is also passionate about partnering with organizations in the community that supports women's rights and reproductive freedom, victims of domestic and sexual abuse, the stop of human trafficking, LGBTQIA+ rights and Trans Health initiatives as well as anything to support animals. If she is late, it is because she saw a dog.

Tiffany is known for her ability to uplift, tell stories, encourage others to share about themselves, and always welcome you with a glass of champagne.

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Petrushka Basin Larsen on working with your Partner, Motherhood and Scaling Your Business

Sara Abernethy — Tue, 27 May 2025 10:09:04 -0400

What does it look like to build a business that reflects your values—and still make room for joy, family, and rest?

In this episode of Her Seat at the Table, host Sara Abernethy sits down with Petrushka Bazin Larsen, co-founder of Sugar Hill Creamery, Harlem’s first family-owned handmade ice cream shop. Petrushka shares her journey as an entrepreneur, mom of three, and community builder, opening up about the realities of running a business with her husband, navigating burnout, and redefining success on her own terms. From the early days of pop-ups to building a multi-location brand rooted in culture and connection, Petrushka’s story is a powerful reminder that evolving doesn’t mean giving up—it means growing with intention.

Check out Sugar Hill Creamery at www.sugarhillcreamery.com

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Sandi Kronick on Creating More Sustainable Food Systems Through Connection

Sara Abernethy — Tue, 20 May 2025 10:03:18 -0400

Sara Abernethy chats with Sandi Kronick, Founder & CEO of Happy Dirt, a Durham-based company that is creating sustainable food systems, by not only being a release valve for farmers, but providing a much more direct route right to your table. In this episode, Sara and Sandi jam on how the importance of how staying curious played such a vital role in Sandi's longevity in the food space, what sustainability can really look like for farmers (and it includes self care!) and modeling healthy and sustainable practices in leadership. This is a big one!

If you're tuning in at the time of this episodes' release and planning on attending the FAB Conference in June 2025, make sure you don't miss Sandi as a featured speaker!

Check out Happy Dirt's amazing work and where you can buy their produce at www.happydirt.com.

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Live from the "Evolving in Hospitality: A Woman’s Perspective" Panel

Sara Abernethy — Tue, 13 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

What does it really take to evolve and thrive as a woman in hospitality? In this special live episode of Her Seat at the Table, we bring you Evolving in Hospitality: A Woman’s Perspective, a powerful panel conversation recorded at Glasshouse Kitchen in RTP. Host Sara Abernethy is joined by industry leaders Samantha Kotey, Vivian Howard, Caroline Morrison, and Preeti Waas for a candid discussion on what it truly means to evolve in the world of hospitality. From navigating burnout and shifting business models to redefining success and embracing personal growth, these women share hard-earned wisdom, heartfelt stories, and the realities of leading with purpose in an ever-changing industry.

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