{"id":1500086,"date":"2024-12-02T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/observer.com\/?post_type=listicle&#038;p=1500086"},"modified":"2025-05-06T14:09:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T18:09:27","slug":"nightlife-dining-power-list-2024","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"The Most Important People in Nightlife &amp; Dining"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>IN HOSPITALITY&#8217;S HIGHEST CIRCLES,<\/strong> power isn\u2019t measured by Instagram followers or TikTok trends. It\u2019s brokered in eight-figure deals, tables no one can book, and the transformation of entire neighborhoods with a single lease. Observer\u2019s Nightlife &amp; Dining Power List celebrates these players: cultural architects who understand that true luxury isn\u2019t about price tags\u2014it\u2019s about making the extraordinary feel effortless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the past 18 months, these honorees proved themselves by mastering the art of expansion without compromise, turning bold ideas into global phenomena while preserving the magic of their first endeavors. Their ventures, from Michelin-starred sanctuaries to private clubs where connections trump cash, have redefined modern hospitality and exclusivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While others chased fads, they set the rules. These are stories of power and precision\u2014how timing, taste and tenacity shape the way we drink, dine and define the good life. These are the visionaries behind the tables and dance floors we\u2019ll never forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em><strong>A project of this scope requires immense collaboration and dedication. Thank you to the following individuals for their contributions: <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/author\/morgan-halberg\/\">Morgan Halberg<\/a> (Observer Lifestyle Editor), <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sonia-rubeck\/\">Sonia Rubeck<\/a> (Observer Editorial Assistant), <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/author\/naisha-roy\/\">Naisha Roy<\/a> (Lifestyle Intern) and <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/merin-curotto-16629272\/\">Merin Curotto<\/a> (Observer Head of Content Strategy).<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__container\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"h2 wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t2024 Nightlife &amp; Dining Power List\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__list-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#mo-alkassar-niven-patel\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMo Alkassar &amp; Niven Patel\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#akira-back\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAkira Back\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#sam-bakhshandehpour\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSam Bakhshandehpour\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#joe-bastianich-nancy-silverton\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJoe  Bastianich &amp; Nancy Silverton\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#tosh-berman-mikey-tanha\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTosh Berman &amp; Mikey Tanha\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#mark-birnbaum-eugene-remm\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMark Birnbaum  &amp; Eugene Remm\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#elizabeth-blau\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tElizabeth Blau\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#daniel-boulud\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDaniel Boulud\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#pamela-brunson\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPamela Brunson\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#mario-carbone-rich-torrisi-jeff-zalaznick\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMario Carbone, Rich Torrisi &amp; Jeff Zalaznick\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#andrew-carmellini\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAndrew Carmellini\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#andrew-carnie-nick-jones\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAndrew Carnie &amp; Nick Jones\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#thibaut-castet-theliau-probst\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThibaut Castet &amp; Theliau Probst\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#alexandra-champalimaud\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlexandra Champalimaud\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#sean-christie\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSean Christie\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#steven-cook-michael-solomonov\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSteven Cook &amp; Michael Solomonov\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#keith-corbin-daniel-patterson\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKeith Corbin &amp; Daniel Patterson\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#juan-correa-erik-ramirez\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJuan Correa &amp; Erik Ramirez\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#tiffany-derry\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTiffany Derry\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#alain-ducasse\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlain Ducasse\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#tilman-fertitta\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTilman Fertitta\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#john-fraser\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn Fraser\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#ken-fulk\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKen Fulk\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#leticia-miky-grendene\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLeticia &amp; Miky Grendene\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#david-grutman\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDavid Grutman\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#andrew-harris-johann-moonesinghe\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAndrew Harris &amp; Johann Moonesinghe\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#thomas-keller\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThomas Keller\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#kelly-kent\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKelly Kent\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#simon-kim\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSimon Kim\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#jeff-klein\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJeff Klein\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#nick-mathers\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNick Mathers\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#nobu-matsuhisa\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNobu Matsuhisa\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#roni-mazumdar-chintan-pandya\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRoni Mazumdar &amp; Chintan Pandya\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#joel-montaniel-allison-page-kinesh-patel\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJoel Montaniel, Allison Page &amp; Kinesh Patel\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#avish-naran\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAvish Naran\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#jon-neidich\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJon Neidich\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#ronn-nicolli\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRonn Nicolli\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#enrique-olvera-santiago-perez\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnrique Olvera &amp; Santiago Perez\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#kwame-onwuachi\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKwame Onwuachi\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#ellia-jp-park\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEllia &amp; JP Park\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#scarr-pimentel\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tScarr Pimentel\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#wolfgang-puck\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWolfgang Puck\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#jamie-reuben\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJamie Reuben\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#pablo-rivero\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPablo Rivero\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#craig-robins\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCraig Robins\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#jenn-saesue-chat-suansilphong\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJenn Saesue &amp; Chat Suansilphong\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#sujan-sarkar\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSujan Sarkar\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#scott-sartiano\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tScott Sartiano\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#jyotin-karam-sunaina-sethi\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJyotin,  Karam &amp; Sunaina Sethi\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#hollis-silverman\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHollis Silverman\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#debby-soo\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDebby Soo\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#stephen-starr\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStephen Starr\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#michael-stillman\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMichael Stillman\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#noah-tepperberg-jason-strauss\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNoah Tepperberg &amp; Jason Strauss\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#john-terzian-brian-toll\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn Terzian &amp; Brian Toll\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#jean-georges-vongerichten\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJean- Georges Vongerichten\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#andy-wang\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAndy Wang\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#chris-webb\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tChris Webb\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#erick-williams\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tErick Williams\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#albert-aaron-yang\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlbert &amp; Aaron Yang\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__expand\">\n\t\t\t\t\tView all 60 items\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"mo-alkassar-niven-patel\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMo Alkassar &amp; Niven Patel\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#mo-alkassar-niven-patel\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Mo Alkassar &amp; Niven Patel' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/fealhospitality\/\"><strong>Feal Hospitality<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Chef Niven Patel and <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/person\/mohamed-alkassar\/\">Mohamed &#8220;Mo&#8221; Alkassar<\/a> have turned Florida&#8217;s dining scene into their personal sandbox, with Feal Hospitality emerging as the state&#8217;s savviest\u2014and most ambitious\u2014restaurant group. Their James Beard nominations for Best Chef: South and Best Restaurateur signal they&#8217;re playing a different game entirely, juggling an ever-expanding empire that spans Indian, Italian, Mediterranean and Islander cuisines without ever breaking a sweat.<br><br>&#8220;Each of our restaurants tells a story about our life, our travels, our family and our upbringing,&#8221; they tell Observer. Their debut, Ghee Indian Kitchen, redefined Indian dining in America before sprouting a Wynwood sibling and an Atlanta outpost on the horizon. Coral Gables&#8217; Erba followed suit, landing on <em>Esquire<\/em>&#8216;s Best New Restaurants list faster than you can say &#8220;carbonara.&#8221; Then there\u2019s Paya, their latest masterstroke: a $75 tasting menu that feels like discovering Herm\u00e8s at a thrift store. \u201cBuilding and running a restaurant shouldn\u2019t sacrifice affordability or quality,\u201d Alkassar says, offering a glimpse into the rare blend of idealism and pragmatism that\u2019s become their signature.<br><br>Patel&#8217;s Homestead farm, Rancho Patel, supplies their kitchens with hyperlocal ingredients, while Alkassar grows talent with the same devotion\u2014Jessica Brady, for instance, climbed from intern to managing director under his guidance. &#8220;I live to mentor,&#8221; Alkassar says. As Ghee plots its national expansion, Patel and Alkassar are proving that authenticity can scale\u2014if handled with care. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to be just one thing,\u201d Patel notes. Alkassar adds, \u201cBut at the heart of it all, our love for hospitality ties everything together.\u201d With every new venture, they\u2019re setting the standard for what\u2019s next.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Mohamed-Alkassar-Niven-Patel_Feal-Hospitality_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMohamed Alkassar and Niven Patel. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Feal Hospitality\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"akira-back\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAkira Back\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#akira-back\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Akira Back' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.akiraback.com\/\">Akira Back<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">With 26 venues stretching from Paris to Dubai, Beverly Hills to Doha, chef Akira Back has done the impossible: turned his name into hospitality&#8217;s most exportable luxury brand without losing an ounce of its edge. This year alone, Back has pulled off a series of power moves that would send most restaurateurs into early retirement. He transplanted his Michelin-starred Dosa from Seoul to London&#8217;s Mandarin Oriental, debuted Norikaya, a hand-roll bar in Los Angeles, and unveiled AB Steak, a San Francisco steakhouse that proves his finesse isn&#8217;t confined to Asian fusion. By November, he&#8217;d topped off the Mandarin Oriental with ABar Lounge &amp; Rooftop, where London&#8217;s skyline became his latest stage, complete with DJs and craft cocktails.<br><br>While others might pause to bask in the glow, Back is already sketching blueprints for his next ten conquests. Rome, Bali, Taipei and Florence are on his two-year docket\u2014suggesting that his current roster of 26 restaurants is just the appetizer to a far grander feast. What sets Back apart isn&#8217;t just the scale of his empire but his consistent elevation of dining into theater. From Yellowtail&#8217;s high-octane Vegas allure to Dosa&#8217;s elegant London reinvention, every opening feels unmistakably Back\u2014a daring feat when most chefs struggle to maintain their identity across even a single zip code. <br><br>In an industry where global expansion often waters down the magic, Back makes ubiquity feel like exclusivity. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Akira-Back_Akira-Back_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAkira Back.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of AKA Communications \/ Photo by Danny J. Peace\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"sam-bakhshandehpour\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSam Bakhshandehpour\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#sam-bakhshandehpour\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Sam Bakhshandehpour' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/joseandres.com\/\"><strong>Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s Group<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Since stepping in as global CEO of Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s Group (JAG) in May, Sam Bakhshandehpour has hit the ground at full throttle, reshaping the culinary powerhouse and steering it boldly into the hospitality sector. While JAG\u2019s restaurants are already fixtures in luxury hotels worldwide, 2027 will see the group\u2019s first standalone hotel: Bazaar House. This 67-room Georgetown jewel, developed with Thor Equities, is set to be a Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s-branded fantasia, complete with a private membership club, multiple chef-curated dining venues, a wellness center, event spaces, and high-end retail. Ambitious? Of course. Excessive? Absolutely\u2014and that\u2019s the point.<br><br>\u201cMuch of our development is propelled by finding great hotel partners who share our belief that food has transformative and transportive power,\u201d Bakhshandehpour tells Observer. This blend of culinary theatrics and luxury hospitality is JAG\u2019s guiding principle, or as he calls it, their \u201cnorth star.\u201d The strategy is paying off handsomely.<br><br>In August, Bakhshandehpour and Andr\u00e9s unveiled Bazaar Mar, the chef\u2019s fifth Las Vegas restaurant, <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/08\/jose-andres-bazaar-mar-las-vegas\/\">a surrealist spectacle where avant-garde cuisine<\/a> meets performance art. By November, JAG had added a lounge at Reagan Airport in partnership with Capital One, proving they can deliver prestige as seamlessly as convenience. Next up are expansions into Los Angeles, South Florida and new ground in Arizona. JAG\u2019s recent partnership with Hyatt at the forthcoming Andaz Miami Beach cements its foothold in high-end hotel dining. With food and beverage programs in five properties, it plans to reach eight by next year. Bakhshandehpour isn\u2019t content to preserve Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s&#8217; legacy\u2014he\u2019s here to amplify it, transforming JAG into a global hospitality juggernaut.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Sam-Bakhshandehpour_Jose-Andres-Group_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSam Bakhshandehpour.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s Group\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"joe-bastianich-nancy-silverton\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJoe  Bastianich &amp; Nancy Silverton \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#joe-bastianich-nancy-silverton\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Joe  Bastianich &amp; Nancy Silverton ' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osteriamozza.com\/about-us\/\">Osteria Mozza<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">In a world where culinary empires often trade integrity for expansion, Nancy Silverton and Joe Bastianich have turned Osteria Mozza into the unicorn of luxury dining: a global brand that hasn\u2019t sold its soul. The James Beard Award-winning Silverton, who famously sold La Brea Bakery for a cool $80\u201390 million in 2002, has teamed up with Bastianich to take Mozza from an L.A. insider\u2019s favorite to an international powerhouse that still feels personal\u2014no small feat in an industry littered with hollow franchises.<br><br>Their latest triumph? A 20,000-square-foot culinary stronghold in Georgetown, brought into existance with nightlife impresario Stephen Starr. The November debut marked Mozza\u2019s Washington, D.C. arrival, complete with its signature mozzarella bar, private dining nooks, and a market so meticulously curated it practically begs for its own James Beard nod.<br><br>\u201cTraveling the world, exploring new cultures, and sharing Mozza on a global scale have been the highlights of my career,\u201d Silverton tells Observer. She says it without a trace of weariness, despite overseeing outposts from Singapore to Saudi Arabia. Her mission? To ensure that whether you\u2019re in L.A., London, or D.C., Mozza feels consistently top-tier.<br><br>For Bastianich, their success comes down to one thing: partnerships. \u201cWe\u2019ve been very fortunate to work with great partners who understand our vision,\u201d he says. That vision continues to evolve, with the duo\u2019s next experiment\u2014a Korean-Italian pasta bar in L.A.\u2019s Koreatown\u2014already in the works. It\u2019s precisely this kind of fearless innovation that keeps Mozza gleaming in a city\u2014and an industry\u2014where reputations fade faster than a souffle left unattended.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Nancy-Silverton-Joe-Bastianich_Osteria-Mozza_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNancy Silverton and Joe Bastianich.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Osteria Mozza\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"tosh-berman-mikey-tanha\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTosh Berman &amp; Mikey Tanha\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#tosh-berman-mikey-tanha\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Tosh Berman &amp; Mikey Tanha' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.noble33.com\/\">Noble 33<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Since launching Noble 33 in 2021, Tosh Berman and Mikey Tanha have wasted no time planting their flag in North America\u2019s hottest dining destinations. In just a few years, they\u2019ve gone coast to coast\u2014from Los Angeles to Toronto, Vegas to Miami\u2014with a roster that reads like a who\u2019s-who of A-list-approved restaurants. In 2024 alone, they unveiled a Miami outpost of Sparrow Italia, frequented by the likes of Alicia Keys, Serena Williams and Cameron Diaz, and brought their luxe Mexican steakhouse, Toca Madera, to Houston with all the fine-dining theatrics you\u2019d expect.<br><br>\u201cWe\u2019re extremely proud of what our combined team has accomplished,\u201d Tanha, Noble 33\u2019s CEO, tells Observer. And they\u2019re not slowing down. This year, they announced <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/1587prime\/?hl=en\">1587 Prime<\/a>, a new American steakhouse backed by Super Bowl champs Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, slated to open in 2025. Add to that the launch of Noble Noir, an ultra-exclusive membership program offering insider access to dining and events.<br><br>With new venues planned across Houston, Los Angeles, Dallas, Nashville and Miami, Berman and Tanha\u2019s vision for 2025 and 2026 is ambitious but calculated. \u201cWe continue to be humbled by our guests\u2019 loyalty as they follow us around the globe,\u201d Tanha says. The real magic? Their ability to make each new venture feel perfectly tailored to its city\u2014rapid growth without losing the personal touch. Noble 33 is creating destinations that keep the jet set coming back for more.<br><\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Tosh-Berman-Mikey-Tanha_Noble-33-Hospitality-Group_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTosh Berman andMikey Tanha.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRyan Forbes\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"mark-birnbaum-eugene-remm\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMark Birnbaum  &amp; Eugene Remm   \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#mark-birnbaum-eugene-remm\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Mark Birnbaum  &amp; Eugene Remm   ' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.catchrestaurants.com\/\"><strong>Catch Hospitality Group<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum reshaped the dining landscape in 2011 with the launch of Catch in Manhattan\u2019s Meatpacking District, blending top-tier cuisine with an unmistakable sense of occasion. Their 2017 partnership with billionaire Tilman Fertitta\u2014the Houston Rockets owner known for supersizing America&#8217;s most successful nightlife and dining establishments\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2016\/10\/catch-takes-scene-dining-to-new-heights-in-la\/\">propelled Catch into a national powerhouse<\/a>.<br><br>This year, Remm and Birnbaum expanded their footprint with precision moves: securing waterfront real estate in <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/05\/miami-formula-1-weekend-parties-carbone-beach-catch\/\">Miami Beach<\/a> alongside heavyweights like Carbone and Joe\u2019s Stone Crab, opening Catch in Dallas (their sixth market), and unveiling <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/09\/the-corner-store-catch-hospitality-restaurant-review\/\">The Corner Store<\/a> on Houston and Broadway. With Scottsdale next on the horizon for 2025, they\u2019ve even proven seafood can shine in the desert. Their portfolio also includes Catch Steak, a meat-forward evolution that now dominates prime addresses in New York and Aspen. It\u2019s a textbook example of how to build on success, delivering everything that made Catch a phenomenon while tapping into America\u2019s insatiable appetite for steak. Understanding that atmosphere is as essential as the meal itself, Remm and Birnbaum have created lasting appeal.  <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Mark-Birnbaum-Eugene-Remm_Catch-Hospitality_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tEugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCatchRestaurants.com\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"elizabeth-blau\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tElizabeth Blau\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#elizabeth-blau\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Elizabeth Blau' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethblau.com\/\"><strong>Blau + Associates<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Elizabeth Blau has spent three decades rewriting the culinary script of Las Vegas, never looking back after arriving to expand Le Cirque. As founder and CEO of Blau + Associates, she ushered the Strip\u2019s transformation into a dining mecca, orchestrating landmark deals that brought chefs like <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/person\/jean-georges-vongerichten\/\">Jean-Georges<\/a> and Todd English to the Bellagio at a time when \u201ccelebrity chef\u201d was barely part of the lexicon. She still recalls watching Steve Wynn and Andrea Bocelli test the Bellagio fountains\u2014a fitting metaphor for Blau\u2019s talent for staging grand moments. But her reach extends far beyond Vegas. From reimagining New York\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2019\/06\/dont-take-your-mom-here-rainbow-room\/\">Rainbow Room<\/a> to launching Wynn properties in the Middle East, Blau has left her mark on global hospitality, one glittering project at a time. <br><br>&#8220;It&#8217;s hard to believe that the past 18 months have brought so many exciting achievements for me professionally and personally,\u201d Blau tells Observer. And her momentum is undeniable. Alongside her husband, Chef Kim Canteenwalla, she runs Honey Salt, a family-friendly favorite, and spearheads the Women\u2019s Hospitality Initiative, mentoring women in an industry still playing catch-up on equity. In 2023, she unveiled Crown Block<strong> <\/strong>in Dallas, a steakhouse that <em>Eater<\/em> promptly declared \u201cessential.\u201d Back in Vegas, Blau brokered a blockbuster deal between Wynn and the World\u2019s 50 Best Restaurants, putting Revelry Culinary Weekend on the map\u2014a festival overflowing with tastings from the world\u2019s top chefs, vintners, and mixologists.<br><br>\u201cI can\u2019t wait to see what 2025 has in store,\u201d Blau says, a sentiment that feels less like optimism and more like inevitability. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Elizabeth-Blau_Blau-Associates_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tElizabeth Blau.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKathy Tran\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"daniel-boulud\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDaniel Boulud\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#daniel-boulud\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Daniel Boulud' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.danielboulud.com\/\"><strong>The Dinex Group<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">For Daniel Boulud, food is more than sustenance\u2014it\u2019s artistry, accuracy and a little bit of audacity. Expansion, for this Michelin-decorated chef, isn\u2019t a whim but <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/01\/daniel-boulud-interview-cafe-boulud-new-restaurants\/\">a science built on foresight<\/a>, where every location, concept and detail is a brushstroke on a larger canvas. <br><br>\u201cThe most important things I consider when expanding a new restaurant are location, cuisine, concept, partnership, budget and design,\u201d Boulud tells Observer. Translation: nothing is left to chance. Despite juggling a portfolio that spans 22 restaurants across New York City, Florida, Canada, the Bahamas, Dubai, Singapore and even the high seas (thanks to a partnership with Celebrity Cruises), Boulud continues to push boundaries. His New York stunner Le Pavillon earned a Michelin star almost as quickly as it opened, a rare feat for any restaurant, let alone one launched during the pandemic. Then there\u2019s Joji, his avant-garde omakase (in partnership with executive chef George Ruan) tucked inside One Vanderbilt. With only 10 seats and a $410 per person starting price tag, it\u2019s a daring departure from the white-tablecloth majesty of his two-Michelin-starred flagship, Daniel. But that\u2019s Boulud\u2019s genius\u2014constantly redefining indulgence on his own terms.<br><br>In the past year alone, Boulud has reopened Caf\u00e9 Boulud on the Upper East Side, launched Maison Barnes on Park Avenue and unveiled his first-ever steakhouse, <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latetedorbydaniel.com\/\">La T\u00eate d\u2019Or<\/a>, in Flatiron. Whether reinventing Parisian elegance for Manhattan, coaxing diners into an omakase wonderland, or debuting entirely new concepts after decades of dominance, Boulud proves he\u2019s more than a chef\u2014he\u2019s a culinary visionary who refuses to color inside the lines.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Daniel-Boulud_The-Dinex-Group_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDaniel Boulud.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThomas Schauer\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"pamela-brunson\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPamela Brunson\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#pamela-brunson\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Pamela Brunson' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/wolfgangpuckcatering.com\/\">Wolfgang Puck Catering<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">From personal assistant at Spago Hollywood in 1985 to President of Wolfgang Puck Catering, Pamela Brunson has spent nearly four decades quietly but decisively shaping how America\u2019s elite dine. Her rise\u2014from managing Puck\u2019s Granita in Malibu to transforming a modest catering arm into a juggernaut\u2014reads like a blueprint for modern hospitality dominance.<br><br>Brunson\u2019s vision for delivering restaurant-quality experiences on a grand scale caught the eye of Compass Group, the world\u2019s largest food service organization, sparking a partnership that turned intimate Hollywood dinners into stadium-sized spectacles. Today, her operation serves everyone from Oscar winners at the Governors Ball to Formula 1 drivers mid-race, proving that excellence scales whether you\u2019re feeding 12 or 12,000.<br><br>Her latest flex? Creating menus for the Los Angeles Chargers at their new training facility, The Bolt\u2014because why shouldn\u2019t NFL players dine as finely as film stars? Under her leadership, Wolfgang Puck Catering has expanded into markets from Seattle to Atlanta, each location upholding the same meticulous standards that made Spago an icon.<br><br>What truly sets Brunson apart is her ability to make massive events feel intimate. Whether it\u2019s the Grammys, the SAG Awards or an A-list movie premiere, she has mastered the art of making every guest feel as though they\u2019re seated at Puck\u2019s private table. In an industry where scaling up often means watering down, Brunson proves that quality and quantity aren\u2019t mutually exclusive\u2014if you\u2019ve spent enough time in the trenches at Spago.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Pamela-Brunson_Wolfgang-Puck-Catering_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPamela Brunson.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOscar Antonio Photography\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"mario-carbone-rich-torrisi-jeff-zalaznick\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMario Carbone, Rich Torrisi &amp; Jeff Zalaznick\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#mario-carbone-rich-torrisi-jeff-zalaznick\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi &amp; Jeff Zalaznick' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.majorfood.com\/\"><strong>Major Food Group<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">When Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi opened Carbone in 2013, they minted <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2013\/04\/food-court-carbone-makes-a-case-for-the-greatness-of-the-red-sauce-joint\/\">a temple for the glitterati<\/a>. On this high-carb holy ground, celebrities flock like moths to a candlelit rigatoni. Derek Jeter\u2019s entire family (because one Jeter isn\u2019t enough), Selena Gomez, the Kardashians, Tony Bennett and even President Barack Obama have all graced their tables. Truffle tortellini is, apparently, the great unifier.<br><br>As the masterminds behind Major Food Group (MFG), this trio has turned dining into a global sport, where the scoreboard includes over 45 restaurants, a luxury residential tower, private clubs, a Michelin star and a staggering number of rave reviews. In January, Major Food Group <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/01\/major-food-group-altamarea-marea-restaurant-expansion\/\">bought the expansion rights to Marea<\/a>, announcing plans to take the iconic Italian restaurant worldwide. In February, they announced a partnership with Hard Rock International to bring dining experiences to Hard Rock Hotel &amp; Casino properties worldwide. In November, MFG announced a partnership with Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, for a members-only private dining club in the sports teams\u2019 arena.\u00a0<br><br>In December, MFG will open VINO, marking the group\u2019s ninth restaurant in Miami, a city that \u201cthrives on energy and vibrancy\u2014two qualities that lie at the heart of what we do,\u201d chef and co-founder Mario Carbone tells Observer. \u201cMiami has embraced us, and it feels like the perfect place to keep growing.\u201d As for making Observer\u2019s list for the second year in a row? \u201cIt\u2019s a testament to the dedication and creativity that shape every concept we develop. Our approach has always been about storytelling. We don\u2019t chase accolades, but this recognition affirms that the work we\u2019re passionate about is making a real impact in the industry,\u201d Carbone says.<br><br>In 2025, MFG will further expand its global portfolio\u2014which already includes France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Korea and China. For Zalaznick, Carbone and Torrisi, the world is more than their oyster; it is their Michelin-starred, hand-rolled, impossibly chic clams casino.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Rich-Torrisi-Jeff-Zalaznick-and-Mario-Carbone_Major-Food-Group_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRich Torrisi, Jeff Zalaznick and Mario Carbone.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWeston Kloefkorn Photography\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"andrew-carmellini\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAndrew Carmellini\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#andrew-carmellini\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Andrew Carmellini' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nhgnyc.com\/\"><strong>NoHo Hospitality Group<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">After three decades of shaping New York&#8217;s culinary landscape, Andrew Carmellini still knows how to command attention. The two-time James Beard Award winner and NoHo Hospitality co-founder spent 2023 neither complacent nor predictable. At the end of last year, he opened Caf\u00e9 Carmellini, a fine dining sanctuary anchoring Nomad\u2019s Fifth Avenue Hotel.\u00a0<br><br>\u201cWe are particularly proud of our return to fine dining with Caf\u00e9 Carmellini,\u201d Carmellini tells Observer, speaking of his namesake venue with the measured pride of someone who knows they&#8217;ve created something extraordinary. &#8220;Our prior restaurants were primarily neighborhood restaurants. Caf\u00e9 Carmellini has certainly become a special destination.&#8221; The conquests didn&#8217;t stop there. Carmellini\u2019s Portrait Bar emerged next door as a cocktail shrine for the artistically inclined, while his Bar Primi inhabited the Penn District (complete with an audacious indoor tree). Perhaps most notably, Locanda Verde expanded its empire to Hudson Yards, with Robert De Niro, Ira Drukier and Richard Born joining the victory lap.<br><br>&#8220;We&#8217;ve tried to keep a steady pace without cramming too many openings at once,&#8221; says NoHo Hospitality co-founder Luke Ostrom, explaining their methodical approach to expansion. Fellow co-founder Josh Pickard notes with characteristic insight: &#8220;What has been most important is seeing how we&#8217;ve been able to grow and provide opportunities for the people who work with us.&#8221;<br><br>Carmellini and his team have demonstrated that thirty years in the business hasn&#8217;t dulled their edge\u2014it&#8217;s only made their aim more exact. &#8220;Neighborhood dining is stronger than ever,&#8221; Pickard observes, though with their track record, one suspects they&#8217;re already plotting the next evolution of New York dining.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Andrew-Carmellini_Noho-Hospitality_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAndrew Carmellini.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEvan Sung\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"andrew-carnie-nick-jones\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAndrew Carnie &amp; Nick Jones\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#andrew-carnie-nick-jones\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Andrew Carnie &amp; Nick Jones' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sohohouse.com\/en-us\/\"><strong>Soho House<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Nick Jones has spent three decades turning exclusivity into a global commodity. Since launching the first Soho House in London&#8217;s artsy underbelly in 1995, the MBE-decorated impresario has transformed a single members&#8217; club into a worldwide empire of cool\u2014though he&#8217;ll be the first to admit the expansion wasn&#8217;t without its jitters.<br><br>&#8220;Most people come over and get spat out again, sent back to Britain,&#8221; Jones told Observer in an interview last year, recalling his \u201803 American invasion with the kind of candor that comes from surviving one&#8217;s own prophecy of doom. &#8220;I was convinced it was going to happen to me.&#8221; Instead, Jones orchestrated hospitality&#8217;s defining lesson in scaling. Under Jones&#8217; stewardship and with CEO Andrew Carnie defining the next movement, Soho House has doubled its footprint in five years. The brand now boasts 46 Houses worldwide, with recent openings in Mexico City (last fall), Portland in March of this year and S\u00e3o Paulo this August.<br><br>But Carnie, who took the reins in 2022, is writing a different expansion story. Rather than maintaining the breakneck pace of ten new Houses annually, he&#8217;s choreographing a more deliberate waltz: two or three openings a year, with upcoming venues in Tokyo, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester and Sydney reading like a passport stamp wish list. Even American suburbia gets its moment, with Rhinebeck set to join the club.<br><br>October brought Carnie&#8217;s most telling pivot yet: a declaration that the company would redirect its energy from new acquisitions to existing properties. This strategy honors Jones&#8217; original vision while acknowledging a truth about exclusivity\u2014sometimes, the most powerful move is knowing when to pump the brakes.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Nick-Jones-and-Andrew-Carnie_Soho-House_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNick Jones and Andrew Carnie.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Soho House\/Angela Pham\/BFA.com\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"thibaut-castet-theliau-probst\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThibaut Castet &amp; Theliau Probst\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#thibaut-castet-theliau-probst\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Thibaut Castet &amp; Theliau Probst' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/petitedisconyc.com\/\">Petite Disco<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/maisoncloserestaurant.com\/\">Maison Close<\/a><\/strong> &amp; <strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/monsieurbistro.com\/\">Monsieur Bistro<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Thibaut Castet and Theliau Probst are carving a niche in New York City\u2019s culinary and nightlife scene, effortlessly blending Parisian elegance with a \u201870s disco fever dream. Since their 2022 debut with Maison Close, a seductive ode to Parisian gastronomy behind rouge curtains in SoHo, the best friends-turned-business partners have been on a tear, opening one unforgettable venue after another.<br><br>Their ventures have quickly become magnets for cool-kid crowds and A-listers alike\u2014think Matt Damon and Jemima Kirke. This year, they expanded their footprint to the Hamptons with two buzzy pop-ups: Talya, a Mediterranean-inspired spot with coastal French flair, and a second outpost of Maison Close. In the fall, they turned their attention back to the city, debuting Petit Disco, a Chelsea throwback to nocturnal decadence with crushed velvet interiors and disco ball chandeliers, and Monsieur Bistro, an Upper East Side haven for French food that promises to become a neighborhood staple.<br><br>In January 2025, Castet and Probst will bring a slice of Morocco to SoHo with Ayah, a concept inspired by their travels through Marrakech and beyond. \u201cWe\u2019re focusing on authentic flavors and an atmosphere that transports guests to a different world,\u201d Castet tells Observer. To do so, the duo enlisted Meryem Cherkaoui\u2014a chef whose r\u00e9sum\u00e9 includes cooking for King Mohammed VI of Morocco\u2014to ensure every detail of the fare and atmosphere channels the spirit of her native land. With Ayah set to be their sixth concept in three years, Castet and Probst\u2019s bold flavors, immersive atmospheres and effortlessly chic clientele are a recipe for success.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Theliau-Probst-Thibaut-Castet_Petite-Disco-Monsieur-Bistro_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTheliau Probst and Thibaut Castet.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tArno Reyes Baetz for Observer\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"alexandra-champalimaud\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlexandra Champalimaud\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#alexandra-champalimaud\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Alexandra Champalimaud' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.champalimaud.design\/\"><strong>Champalimaud Design<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">\u00a0If you\u2019ve ever sipped a cocktail in a gilded hotel bar or wandered through the luminous halls of a grand dame property, chances are you\u2019ve unknowingly encountered Alexandra Champalimaud\u2019s work. A member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame and <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2015\/05\/at-home-with-alexandra-champalimaud\/\">one of the most influential women<\/a> in hospitality design, Champalimaud doesn\u2019t need to own a restaurant or hotel to shape how the world experiences them.<br><br>This year, her studio\u2019s portfolio has grown with deeply significant projects, including the legendary <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/tag\/st-regis-hotel\/\">St. Regis New York<\/a>, where she oversaw the renovation of the hotel\u2019s iconic lobby, the famed King Cole Bar and two new dining locations\u2014all in honor of the property\u2019s 120th anniversary. \u201cOur renovation of the St. Regis wasn&#8217;t about new surprises so much as drawing out an uplifting, magnetic attractiveness from the space,\u201d Champalimaud tells Observer. \u201cCreating a place people would like to go to because it makes them feel well. That\u2019s how we design.\u201d<br><br>From the sprawling modern elegance of Halekulani Okinawa in Japan to <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2023\/11\/badrutts-palace-st-moritz-hotel-guide\/\">the timeless luxury of Badrutt\u2019s Palace<\/a> in St. Moritz, Champalimaud has long been at the helm of hospitality design that creates memories. Her recent work at <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/los-angeles-new-restaurants-fall\/\">L\u2019Ermitage Beverly Hills<\/a> continues this tradition, where she transformed spaces into places guests want to linger, soaking up the personality she imbues in every corner.<br><br>\u201cYou want to be sure the room has a personality that captures people in a beautiful and exciting moment,\u201d she explains. Champalimaud\u2019s philosophy\u2014one of radical creativity tempered with a deep respect for irreplaceable character\u2014sets her apart. \u201cOne shouldn\u2019t be afraid of moving forward with their own radical thought,\u201d she says.\u00a0<br>Champalimaud\u2019s designs go beyond aesthetics to create spaces that feel alive, magnetic and undeniably special, and she continues to set the bar high for hospitality\u2019s most exquisite interiors.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Alexandra-Champalimaud_Champalimaud-Design_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAlexandra Champalimaud.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Champalimaud Design\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"sean-christie\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSean Christie\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#sean-christie\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Sean Christie' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/carverroad.com\/\"><strong>Carver Road Hospitality<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Four years after trading his Wynn Nightlife presidency for entrepreneurial freedom, Sean Christie has turned Carver Road Hospitality into the restaurant industry\u2019s most sophisticated Rorschach test: where some see a steakhouse, sports bar or a seafood spot, Christie sees 10 venues across four cities that sell something far more valuable than dinner. The portfolio reads like a hospitality Mad Libs: Carversteak\u2019s leather-bound luxury, Flanker Kitchen\u2019s elevated tailgate energy, Starchild\u2019s rooftop revelry and Seamark\u2019s coastal decadence. Yet, somehow, each venue feels inevitable rather than random, as if Christie\u2019s playing three-dimensional chess while others arrange barstools. But Christie believes the magic lies in something more ephemeral.<br><br>\u201cIf you have a clear vision, put people at the heart of everything, and constantly learn and evolve with the market, you can build something extraordinary,\u201d Christie tells Observer.\u00a0 As Carver Road approaches its fifth year, Christie\u2019s doubling down on his theory that true hospitality is more psychology than service\u2014a hypothesis proven by packed reservations from Salt Lake City to Boston. \u201cBe nice. Be professional.\u201d Simple advice that, in Christie\u2019s hands, has turned into hospitality\u2019s most effective marketing strategy.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Sean-Christie_Carver-Road-Hospitality_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSean Christie.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Carver Road Hospitality\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"steven-cook-michael-solomonov\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSteven Cook &amp; Michael Solomonov\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#steven-cook-michael-solomonov\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Steven Cook &amp; Michael Solomonov' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cooknsolo.com\/\"><strong>CookNSolo<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Steven Cook and Chef Michael Solomonov have elevated modern Israeli cuisine to new heights, turning their Philadelphia flagship, Zahav, into <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2017\/08\/wynwood-new-hummus-restaurant-and-donut-shop-from-michael-solomonov\/\">a culinary icon<\/a>. As co-owners of CookNSolo, the duo has built an empire that extends far beyond the City of Brotherly Love. With a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in America, Zahav is not only a standout but also a benchmark for excellence.<br><br>Cook and Solomonov\u2019s influence spans eight distinctive dining concepts and 24 locations, ranging from Abe Fisher\u2019s upscale, Israel-inflected small plates to Federal Donuts\u2019 addictive fried offerings. Their reach includes 18 Philadelphia locations, three in New York City and one each in Miami and Las Vegas. This year, they\u2019ve focused on mentoring their teams and expanding their footprint while maintaining the warmth and authenticity defining their success.<br><br>\u201cWe feel lucky to be a part of the renaissance happening in our industry,\u201d Cook tells Observer. \u201cThe spirit feels very optimistic right now, and we can feel that throughout our staff and guests.\u201d<br><br>Next up? Taking CookNSolo beyond the bustling city centers and into the suburbs. \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to exploring additional opportunities around the Philadelphia suburbs,\u201d Solomonov tells Observer. Cook and Solomonov&#8217;s optimism is contagious, reflected in their innovative concepts and the communities they create. With Zahav as their cornerstone, CookNSolo continues to set the bar for hospitality and modern Israeli cuisine. Their unique blend of flavors and culture resonates everywhere\u2014from the heart of Philadelphia to the lights of Las Vegas.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Michael-Solomonov-Steven-Cook_CookNSolo-Restaurants_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMichael Solomonov and Steven Cook.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of CookNSolo Restaurants\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"keith-corbin-daniel-patterson\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tKeith Corbin &amp; Daniel Patterson\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#keith-corbin-daniel-patterson\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Keith Corbin &amp; Daniel Patterson' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/altacommunityla.org\/\">Alta Community<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Leave it to Daniel Patterson and Keith Corbin to prove that profitability and social conscience aren\u2019t mutually exclusive. The duo behind Alta Adams has uplifted Los Angeles dining, ensuring every reservation doubles as an investment in neighborhood transformation.\u00a0Their latest moves read like a textbook in culinary activism: resurrecting LocoL in Watts as a non-profit incubator for local talent eight years after the stop first challenged assumptions about affordable dining in South L.A. Meanwhile, Patterson (with Corbin at his side) is making his fine-dining comeback with Jaca, claiming Beverly Grove\u2019s former Son of a Gun space for a prix fixe concept that promises to be both ambitious and accessible\u2014a fitting return or the chef who walked away from Michelin-starred Coi in 2015 to pursue something more meaningful than stars.<br><br>\u201cThis last year has been challenging in LA,\u201d Patterson tells Observer, displaying the understated pragmatism of someone who measures success in changed lives rather than cover counts. \u201cWe&#8217;re happy that we\u2019ve been able to grow our businesses while remaining true to our values of community and hospitality.\u201d While their peers perfect plating techniques, Patterson and Corbin are busy with something far more challenging: making fine dining feel like community service without sacrificing an ounce of excellence.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Keith-Corbin-and-Daniel-Patterson_Alta-Community_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tKeith Corbin and Daniel Patterson.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Alta Community\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"juan-correa-erik-ramirez\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJuan Correa &amp; Erik Ramirez\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#juan-correa-erik-ramirez\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Juan Correa &amp; Erik Ramirez' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/restaurant-group-llama\/\"><strong>Llama Group<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Since their 2015 debut with Williamsburg&#8217;s Llama Inn, Juan Correa and Chef Erik Ramirez have transformed Peruvian cuisine from a culinary footnote into Manhattan&#8217;s latest obsession. The Llama Group duo has methodically built an empire that spans three capitals\u2014New York, Madrid and London\u2014each outpost more ambitious than the last.<br><br>Their next act, slated for February 2025 in Hudson Yards, is Papa San: a Nikkei izakaya promising to blur the lines between Lima&#8217;s street food swagger and Tokyo&#8217;s minimalism. &#8220;It&#8217;s a remote place in our heads that triangulates between Lima, Tokyo and New York,&#8221; Correa tells Observer, describing their latest venture with the enthusiasm of someone who knows they&#8217;re about to shift the culinary conversation yet again.<br><br>The expansion began with 2022&#8217;s Llama Inn Madrid, followed by London at The Hoxton in 2023. Each new location serves as both embassy and laboratory for their vision of modern Peruvian cuisine\u2014one that&#8217;s earned them the ability to command attention in cities already drowning in culinary options.<br><br>For Ramirez, success tastes sweeter when shared. \u201cIt\u2019s been rewarding to create a platform that elevates Peruvian cuisine and culture in a city where the second highest population is our Latin-American community,\u201d he says. With an approach rooted in intentionality, each concept reflects cultural influences while pushing boundaries to reimagine what Peruvian cuisine can be. Beyond creating extraordinary dining experiences, Llama Group is telling a story that resonates across cities and cultures.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Erik-Ramirez-and-Juan-Correa_Llama-Group_Honoree_Graphic-1.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tErik Ramirez and Juan Correa.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNico Schinco\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"tiffany-derry\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTiffany Derry\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#tiffany-derry\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Tiffany Derry' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.t2dconcepts.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">T2D Concepts<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Tiffany Derry is inspiring a culinary revolution. The Top Chef &#8220;Fan Favorite&#8221; has transformed from television darling to industry changemaker, proving that social justice and duck-fat-fried chicken aren&#8217;t mutually exclusive. In November, Derry launched <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sheffoodandwine.com\/\">Shef Food + Wine<\/a>, a Texas-based festival designed to crack open the culinary world&#8217;s traditionally closed circles. It&#8217;s exactly the kind of bold stroke you&#8217;d expect from someone who&#8217;s collected James Beard nominations and <em>Eater<\/em> Dallas&#8217;s &#8220;Chef of the Year&#8221; title while simultaneously reshaping what a restaurant group can be.<br><br>With business partner Tom Foley, Derry has turned her eponymous company into hospitality&#8217;s most purpose-driven experiment. January saw them unveil a franchising model for Roots Chicken Shak that reads less like a business plan and more like a manifesto for industry-wide change. Their strategy combines streamlined menus and zero-waste policies with a mission to create economic opportunities for traditionally overlooked communities.<br><br>May&#8217;s debut of Radici Woodfired Grill added another jewel to her crown, while Roots Southern Table continues to prove that neighborhood transformation can start with a perfectly executed menu. Between her growing restaurant portfolio (Roots Chicken Shak, Roots Southern Table and now Radici) and her never-ending list of philanthropic and political contributions, Derry has mastered making impact look effortless.<br><br>Derry is building a blueprint for how restaurants can serve spectacular food and social justice in an industry often criticized for its lack of inclusion.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Tiffany-Derry_Roots-Southern-Table_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTiffany Derry.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlyssa Vincent\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"alain-ducasse\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlain Ducasse\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#alain-ducasse\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Alain Ducasse' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ducasse-paris.com\/en\/\"><strong>The Ducasse Paris Group<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Alain Ducasse has spent half a century amassing <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/07\/alain-ducasse-interview-fine-dining\/\">something far more precious<\/a> than the typical celebrity chef&#8217;s collection of restaurants. With 21 Michelin stars twinkling in his constellation of 33 restaurants, the French maestro\u2019s domain reaches far beyond the kitchen to encompass culinary schools, artisanal bakeries and retail. <br><br>Ducasse\u2019s year has been defined by his culinary takeover of <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/baccarat\/p\/DAA6JKII1rV\/\">Paris&#8217;s historic Maison Baccarat<\/a>, launching a Neapolitan venture at Hotel ROMEO, and exporting his Manufacture de biscuits to Tokyo&#8217;s discerning masses. Ducasse joined forces with Daniel Humm to present an eight-course vegan spectacle at Le Meurice and Eleven Madison Park. As chairman of Teritoria, he continues to shape luxury hospitality across Europe with the same meticulous attention he brings to plating a souffl\u00e9. His culinary prowess earned him the honor of preparing the International Olympic Committee President&#8217;s dinner at the Louvre\u2014a fitting prelude to the <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/04\/alexandre-mazzia-chef-interview-paris-olympics\/\">Paris 2024 Olympics<\/a>. Did we mention he also <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Good-Taste-Life-Food-Passion\/dp\/1913547671\">wrote a book<\/a>?<br><br>\u201cFine dining has become an intensely mediatic hobby\u2014for the best and the worst, but what motivates me hasn&#8217;t changed since the beginning,&#8221; Ducasse tells Observer, with the steady conviction of someone who has spent 50 years perfecting his craft. &#8220;The passion for taste, and the passion for sharing it.&#8221; In an era where trends flare and fade faster than a flamb\u00e9, Ducasse&#8217;s unwavering dedication to excellence is refreshingly constant.<br><\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Alain-Ducasse_The-Ducasse-Paris-Group_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAlain Ducasse.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMatteo Carassale\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"tilman-fertitta\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTilman Fertitta \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#tilman-fertitta\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Tilman Fertitta ' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.landrysinc.com\/dining\"><strong><em>Landry\u2019s<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">In an industry obsessed with artisanal everything, Tilman Fertitta trades in bulk. The self-made billionaire\u2014dubbed both &#8220;the richest restaurateur in the world&#8221; and the &#8220;Billion Dollar Buyer&#8221;\u2014has <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2018\/10\/post-oak-hotel-houston-rockets-owner-tilman-fertitta\/\">assembled a collection<\/a> that makes monopoly enthusiasts blush: 80 restaurant brands spread across 600 locations, each acquisition another piece in his master plan to own not only the board but the whole game.<br><br>Fertitta\u2019s latest shopping spree reads like a mogul&#8217;s Christmas list: dropping $30 million on Keens (<a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2011\/11\/the-decline-and-fall-of-the-complementary-egg\/\">Manhattan&#8217;s temple to mutton chops since 1885<\/a>), upping his stake in Wynn Resorts to nearly 10 percent (making him the largest individual shareholder), and casually acquiring 4.3 acres to expand Houston&#8217;s River Oaks District into a luxury labyrinth (that Fertitta has already lured luxury tenants like Azumi and L&#8217;Agence suggests he sees this play as more than somewhere to park his restaurants). The portfolio itself induces vertigo: Mastro&#8217;s, Morton&#8217;s, Del Frisco&#8217;s, The Palm, Strip House, BR Guest&#8217;s entire New York empire and, yes, even the kitschy but profitable Rainforest Cafe all dance to his tune. The numbers tell the story: restaurants that regularly gross over $20 million annually, a hospitality empire valued in the billions and a seemingly endless appetite for expansion.<br><br>Fertitta\u2019s partnership with Catch Hospitality keeps spawning hits like <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/09\/the-corner-store-catch-hospitality-restaurant-review\/\">The Corner Store<\/a>, which earned Taylor Swift&#8217;s benediction faster than you can say &#8220;prix fixe.&#8221; For Fertitta, each deal isn&#8217;t just another addition to the empire\u2014it&#8217;s another step toward his apparent goal of owning every restaurant worth having. While others might see a saturated market, Fertitta sees room for seconds.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Tilman-Fertitta_Landry_s-Inc_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTilman Fertitta.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Fertitta Entertainment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"john-fraser\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJohn Fraser\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#john-fraser\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'John Fraser' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jfrestaurants.com\/\">JF Restaurants<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">In an industry besotted with meat-forward machismo, John Fraser built his reputation doing the unthinkable: earning Michelin stars at <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/04\/chef-john-fraser-interview-restaurants-hospitality\/\">Dovetail<\/a> and Nix while proving <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2014\/03\/listening-to-vegetables\/\">vegetables could command center stage<\/a>. But Fraser&#8217;s most revolutionary move might be his quietest: Since 2023, the chef has reserved one table nightly across his empire for industry workers, who dine at 70 percent off menu prices. It&#8217;s a gesture that feels particularly poignant from someone who&#8217;s mastered both vegetable cookery and steakhouse excess\u2014proof that true innovation isn&#8217;t about what&#8217;s on the plate but who gets to enjoy it.<br><br>This year, he unveiled <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/new-york-city-hotel-bars\/#bar-tontine-at-the-wall-street-hotel\">Bar Tontine<\/a> at The Wall Street Hotel, transforming the 15th floor into a Parisian fever dream, complete with artisan glass panels and tropical foliage. It&#8217;s exactly the sort of sophisticated sleight-of-hand needed to make bankers forget they&#8217;re in FiDi\u2014though the 180-degree views of Manhattan&#8217;s skyline provide a glittering reminder. June saw Fraser export his culinary diplomacy to Boston&#8217;s Winthrop Center, where Vermilion Club (named for the Dale Chihuly sculpture hovering above its bar) serves up chophouse classics alongside 65 different cocktails. The tower also houses his ambitious food hall, The Lineup, where five distinct concepts\u2014from vegan Mexican to Mediterranean small plates\u2014adapt to the erratic rhythms of post-pandemic office life.<br><br>Between elevating office dining and democratizing fine cuisine, Fraser proves that true hospitality isn&#8217;t about exclusivity\u2014it&#8217;s about making everyone feel like they belong at the table.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/John-Fraser_JF-Restaurants_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn Fraser.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMaria Venegas\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"ken-fulk\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tKen Fulk\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#ken-fulk\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Ken Fulk' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kenfulk.com\/\">Ken Fulk<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Ken Fulk\u2019s signature blend of cinematic grandeur and layered storytelling has made him hospitality&#8217;s most sought-after designer, crafting everything from private jets to spectacular soir\u00e9es. Fulk landed his most storied canvas this year: the Beverly Hills Hotel. It&#8217;s the first significant reimagining of the 1912 landmark\u2014where Fred Astaire once danced and David Bowie held court\u2014in seven decades. The pressure to preserve while innovating might paralyze lesser designers, but Fulk thrives on such delicate balancing acts.<br><br>Last year, he transformed Miami\u2019s 1926 Women&#8217;s Club into Casadonna, a coastal Italian restaurant, for nightlife impresarios David Grutman and Noah Tepperberg. In Boston, he elevated the Four Seasons Hotel, where black-and-white tiles now echo European manor houses and a hand-painted mural inspired by Maxfield Parish has turned the lobby into a theatrical tribute to the Public Garden beyond its windows.<br><br>Fulk\u2019s current portfolio reads like a luxury travel itinerary: a sprawling Wyoming ranch, a private residence in Provence, a Barcelona hotel and Major Food Group&#8217;s London edition of Carbone. Summer saw Fulk unveil the Klock Estate, a 160-acre sustainable farm and brandy distillery in Hudson Valley, where his interiors match the landscape\u2019s grandeur. November was particularly prolific: Fulk opened a Los Angeles store inspired by fellow Virginian and \u201chorticulture legend\u201d Bunny Mellon while simultaneously unveiling a renovated space for Muttville\u2014California\u2019s first senior dog rescue and America\u2019s first cage-free shelter. Between serving as keynote speaker at the Nantucket Historical Association\u2019s design event and transforming landmarks coast to coast, Fulk understands that true luxury isn&#8217;t about objects but orchestrating moments that feel simultaneously grand and intimate.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Ken-Fulk_Ken-Fulk-Inc._Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tKen Fulk.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJojo Korsh\/BFA.com\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"leticia-miky-grendene\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLeticia &amp; Miky Grendene\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#leticia-miky-grendene\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Leticia &amp; Miky Grendene' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casatualife.com\/\">Casa Tua<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">For 23 years, <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/person\/leticia-grendene\/\">Leticia<\/a> and Miky Grendene have proven that exclusivity is best served with a side of pasta. Their Casa Tua, which debuted in Miami Beach in 2001, has evolved from a singular sanctuary into one of hospitality&#8217;s most whispered-about societies, with outposts in Aspen, Paris and, as of October, the Upper East Side&#8217;s revamped Surrey Hotel. The Grendenes have mastered making a 3,000-person private members club feel like an intimate gathering. Their latest New York venue follows the tried-and-true Casa Tua formula: a ground-floor restaurant that serves as a decoy for the real attraction: the members-only second floor, where the city&#8217;s power players can pretend they&#8217;re at a particularly lavish family dinner.<br><br>But the couple isn&#8217;t content merely feeding the elite. They\u2019ve infiltrated Miami&#8217;s Nomad Wynwood with yet another outpost while simultaneously venturing into the residential realm with Ora by Casa Tua. The 460-unit luxury tower promises to translate Casa Tua\u2019s brand of cultured comfort into vertical living, suggesting the Grendenes have cracked the code on scaling intimacy. While other hospitality groups chase trends, Casa Tua has spent two decades making exclusivity feel like a warm embrace. In a world where private clubs pop up faster than champagne corks, the Grendenes have built something far more valuable: a legacy that feels like home, even if most people will never get past the front door.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Leticia-and-Miky-Grenadine_Casa-Tua-Club_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLeticia and Miky Grenadine.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDarian DiCianno\/BFA.com\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"david-grutman\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDavid Grutman\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#david-grutman\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'David Grutman' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/groothospitality.com\/\"><strong>Groot Hospitality<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">David Grutman traffics in fantasies. The mastermind behind Groot Hospitality has turned Miami&#8217;s signature decadence into a global commodity, crafting experiences where $1,000 steaks and poolside raves collide. His nine sprawling concepts serve more than meals and drinks\u2014they sell admission to the kind of party that makes your other nights out feel like bridge club meetings.<br><br>Last year marked Grutman&#8217;s inevitable conquest of Las Vegas, where he exported four of his most successful brands\u2014Komodo, LIV, LIV Beach and Papi Steak\u2014to the glittering new Fontainebleau. Not content with dominating America&#8217;s pleasure capitals, he planted Komodo&#8217;s flag in Dallas and set his sights on Hollywood. Last year, Grutman launched DGN Studios with the same flair he brings to hospitality. With a documentary on LIV regular Black Coffee and a Hulu series about his own Papi Steak empire on the way, Grutman\u2019s talent for creating memorable nights translates perfectly to the small screen.<br><br>\u201cThe future for our industry is bright. My goal is to evolve with the times,\u201d Grutman tells Observer, sounding less like a hospitality mogul and more like an expert illusionist revealing just enough of his trick to keep you guessing. \u201cIt&#8217;s gotten much harder, but that makes success even more rewarding.&#8221;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/David-Grutman_Groot-Hospitality_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDavid Grutman.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Groot Hospitality\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"andrew-harris-johann-moonesinghe\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAndrew Harris &amp; Johann Moonesinghe\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#andrew-harris-johann-moonesinghe\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Andrew Harris &amp; Johann Moonesinghe' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/inkind.com\/\"><strong>inKind<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">As the dynamic duo behind inKind, Johann Moonesinghe and Andrew Harris are overhauling the playbook for restaurant funding, fueling nearly 3,000 establishments\u201475 percent of which are minority-owned\u2014and propelling culinary heavyweights like Major Food Group, Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s and Noble 33 to new heights. Their innovative model combines financial backing with marketing, mentorship, and an app that offers pre-purchased food and beverage credit, creating a lifeline for restaurateurs looking to scale without the usual financing headaches. In an industry known for its razor-thin margins, inKind is leading a revolution, building a loyal community of diners who directly support their favorite restaurants.<br><br>\u201cI believe in the power of a thriving hospitality industry to uplift our communities and unlock access to the American dream,\u201d Moonesinghe tells Observer. The impact is staggering: in the past year alone, inKind has doubled the number of restaurants it supports, while its consumer app has racked up 2 million downloads.\u00a0<br><br>Moonesinghe\u2019s personal ventures further underscore his deep commitment to hospitality. In February, his restaurant group, RDM, opened The Guest House in Austin. By May, RDM had acquired Etta Collective for $4 million, with plans for nationwide expansion. These moves reveal an entrepreneur who not only funds innovation but lives it, blending big-picture vision with hands-on expertise.<br><br>\u201cThe power and reach of our community continues to skyrocket,\u201d Moonesinghe says. With a mission that goes far beyond dollars and cents, Moonesinghe and Harris are shaping the future of hospitality\u2014creating an ecosystem where restaurants and communities are more inclusive, sustainable and undeniably brighter.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Johann-Moonesinghe-Andrew-Harris_inKind_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJohann Moonesinghe and Andrew Harris.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of inKind Capital\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"thomas-keller\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThomas Keller\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#thomas-keller\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Thomas Keller' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thomaskeller.com\/\">Thomas Keller Restaurant Group<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">As The French Laundry celebrates its 30th anniversary and Per Se hits the 20-year mark, Thomas Keller isn&#8217;t resting on his Michelin stars. The chef who helped define American fine dining is now crafting a second act that proves innovation doesn&#8217;t require abandoning tradition.<br><br>His latest moves read like a culinary cartographer&#8217;s dream: <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2023\/12\/miami-florida-best-new-restaurants\/\">debuting Bouchon Bistro<\/a> in Coral Gables, transforming Yountville&#8217;s caviar pop-up, former Regiis Ova Caviar &amp; Champagne Lounge, into RO Restaurant and Lounge (where Asian influences meet his signature precision) and plotting the upcoming opening of Coral Casino in Montecito. These expansions suggest a chef who understands that evolution requires occasional pruning. In November, he announced that La Calenda, his Oaxacan venture in Napa, would close in December. This clear-eyed decision-making has kept him at the hospitality summit for three decades.<br><br>Between The French Laundry&#8217;s three Michelin stars (and newly minted Green Star for sustainability), Per Se&#8217;s continued dominance of Manhattan&#8217;s fine dining scene, and The Surf Club Restaurant&#8217;s ascension to the Michelin firmament, Keller has mastered the art of maintaining excellence while pursuing growth. His expanding empire suggests that even after defining American gastronomy for a generation, he&#8217;s still finding new ways to push the conversation forward. Keller continues crafting restaurants that feel timeless yet of the moment; evidence that true innovation isn&#8217;t about reinvention but evolution.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Thomas-Keller_The-French-Laundry_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThomas Keller.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBre Johnson\/BFA.com\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"kelly-kent\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tKelly Kent\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#kelly-kent\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Kelly Kent' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kenthospitalitygroup.com\/\">Kent Hospitality Group<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">When her husband, <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/person\/james-kent\/\">Jamal &#8220;James&#8221; Kent<\/a>, passed away suddenly this June, Kelly Kent inherited a vision of hospitality that had redefined downtown dining. Within 24 hours of his death, she and her partners rechristened their empire as Kent Hospitality Group, ensuring the chef&#8217;s legacy would live on in more than memories.<br><br>In July, she brought on <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C8R8nZ5OFEI\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D\">Charlie Mitchell<\/a>, New York&#8217;s first Michelin-starred Black chef, to helm SAGA&#8217;s kitchen. The two-starred jewel still crowns the Financial District from its 63rd-floor perch. At the same time, Crown Shy\u2014Jamal&#8217;s first solo venture\u2014and Overstory continue drawing devotees to their respective altars of gastronomy and mixology.<br><br>&#8220;Jamal had an uncanny ability to leverage his delicious food to show love for the city and the people that raised him,&#8221; Kelly tells Observer. &#8220;I will make sure all of our restaurants have a touch of him. When you walk into a Kent Hospitality Group restaurant, you will feel Jamal&#8217;s embrace, even if you have never met him.&#8221; With new ventures taking shape in Williamsburg and on Park Avenue, Kelly isn&#8217;t just preserving a legacy\u2014she&#8217;s building one. &#8220;As I find myself leading the charge for a group I have been observing from the sidelines for years, I&#8217;m realizing now that Jamal was giving me a crash course in hospitality the entire time,&#8221; she reflects. The curriculum, it seems, took root deeply.<br><br>She promises that their restaurants will remain &#8220;places where everyone can celebrate and enjoy an amazing meal&#8221;\u2014a fitting tribute to a chef who served love letters to New York, one plate at a time.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Kelly-Kent_Kent-Hospitality-Group_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tKelly Kent.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tArno Reyes Baetz for Observer\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"simon-kim\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSimon Kim\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#simon-kim\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Simon Kim' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gracioushm.com\/\"><strong>Gracious Hospitality Management<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Simon Kim has turned Korean cuisine into theater, with Michelin stars as his standing ovations. Since debuting Cote NYC in 2017, he&#8217;s proven that Korean dining can be both reverential to tradition and deliciously irreverent. The formula worked so well that he exported it to Miami in 2021, where it promptly snagged its own Michelin star.<br><br>Never one to rest on his laurels, Kim kicked off 2024 with Coqodaq, a concept that pairs fried chicken with champagne <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/01\/coqodaq-restaurant-opening-new-york-simon-kim\/\">with such conviction<\/a> you&#8217;ll wonder why anyone ever served them separately. &#8220;Introducing Coqodaq to the city was nerve-wracking,&#8221; Kim tells Observer, though New York&#8217;s embrace of the concept suggests he needn&#8217;t have worried. \u201cThere&#8217;s still room for unique ideas, even in a city as vibrant and dynamic as this.\u201d<br><br>The ink had barely dried on Coqodaq&#8217;s opening papers when Kim announced Cote&#8217;s expansion to Singapore, with Las Vegas&#8217;s Venetian next in line for 2025. In the second half of 2025, Kim plans to launch three dining concepts at 550 Madison Avenue in New York, spanning three floors and 15,000 square feet of the Manhattan skyscraper.\u00a0<br><br>For Kim, success tastes better shared. &#8220;New York&#8217;s hospitality scene is extraordinary because of the people who bring their creativity and passion to every concept,&#8221; he says, acknowledging the community that&#8217;s helped make the city a culinary powerhouse. Between Cote&#8217;s sustained excellence and Coqodaq&#8217;s instant buzz, Kim is doing more than participating in the global culinary conversation\u2014he&#8217;s conducting it. &#8220;I&#8217;m especially grateful to be part of a moment where Korean cuisine and culture are thriving,&#8221; Kim says. &#8220;I truly believe the golden age of dining is still ahead.&#8221;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Simon-Kim_Gracious-Hospitality-Management_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSimon Kim.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGary He\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"jeff-klein\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJeff Klein\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#jeff-klein\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Jeff Klein' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jkhotelgroup.com\/\"><strong>JK Hotel Group<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Jeff Klein has built a career on an almost supernatural ability to listen\u2014not just to people but to properties. As a result, the JK Hotel Group founder has a portfolio of spaces that feel effortlessly timeless yet completely of the moment. From the 1920s glamour of the Sunset Tower Hotel to the cozy chic Hotel 850 SVB and the ultra-exclusive San Vicente Bungalows, Klein captures the ineffable quality that\u2019s defined Los Angeles for decades.<br><br>The San Vicente Bungalows will soon make their oceanside debut in Santa Monica. \u201cThe connection to the ocean is such a large part of this experience, differentiating it from West Hollywood,\u201d Klein tells Observer. \u201cThe rooftop, dining room, bar and library overlook the ocean. It\u2019s completely transformative.\u201d Klein is also turning his attention to New York, where he\u2019ll bring the Bungalows to the historic Jane Hotel in the West Village, a space steeped in Gilded Age history. \u201cThe Jane was built in 1908 during the Gilded Age of New York City,\u201d Klein says. \u201cWe are bringing it back to its original glory with a clean modernity New Yorkers have never seen.\u201d<br><br>Respecting the past while injecting fresh, modern energy is Klein\u2019s signature. \u201cI listen to my properties,\u201d he says. \u201cSunset Tower is a Deco building from 1929. I brought it back to its original vibe and character with a modern feel, so it doesn\u2019t feel like Disneyland.\u201d With expansions to Santa Monica and New York on the horizon, Klein again proves why his vision is among the most sought-after in hospitality.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Jeff-Klein_JK-Hotel-Group_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJeff Klein.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAaron Stern\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"nick-mathers\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNick Mathers\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#nick-mathers\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Nick Mathers' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wishyouwereheregroup.com\/\"><strong>Wish You Were Here Group<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Nick Mathers, the surf kid turned hospitality mogul, has transformed his Australian beach bum sensibilities into a $120-million empire redefining American dining one flat white at a time. When he first landed in New York, Mathers was just another long-haired tourist en route to London to see a girlfriend. Instead, he found his calling in America&#8217;s tragic coffee culture.<br><br>&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t believe people drank that coffee\u2014it was disgusting,&#8221; Mathers tells Observer, recalling a pre-flat-white New York with the bemusement of someone who&#8217;s since helped correct that cultural oversight. From those caffeinated origins, Mathers has built Wish You Were Here Group into a hospitality powerhouse, overseeing 1,700 staff across 13 restaurants\u2014with six more venues brewing for 2025.<br><br>This December, Mathers\u2019 most successful restaurant, \u00c9lephante, celebrates its Scottsdale opening while setting up shop to debut Dallas. Little Ruby&#8217;s, his all-day caf\u00e9 concept that began in Soho, has multiplied across Manhattan and landed in Seoul, confirming that Australian coffee culture travels remarkably well.<br><br>What&#8217;s particularly impressive is that Mathers has orchestrated this expansion while raising three children under five (spaced 13 and 19 months apart because apparently running a restaurant empire wasn&#8217;t challenging enough). Yet he&#8217;s managed to maintain the surf-culture authenticity that first set his venues apart. &#8220;Many restaurateurs focus on scaling quickly, and that dilutes the brand,&#8221; he notes. &#8220;I&#8217;ve been careful to grow in ways that feel authentic, even if it means growing more slowly.&#8221; With projections hitting $200 million by 2026, the long-haired surfer who once delivered food to David Bowie and Iman has figured out how to catch the perfect wave in American hospitality. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Nick-Mathers_Wish-You-Were-Here-Group_Honoree_Graphic-1.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNick Mathers.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Wish You Were Here Group\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"nobu-matsuhisa\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNobu Matsuhisa\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#nobu-matsuhisa\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Nobu Matsuhisa' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/noburestaurants.com\/\"><strong>Nobu<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">From the moment Nobu Matsuhisa launched his <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/tag\/nobu\/\">now-iconic restaurant<\/a> with Robert De Niro in the mid-\u201990s, the chef has redefined the global standard for sushi and luxury dining. As Nobu enters its fourth decade with over 50 locations worldwide, Matsuhisa\u2019s empire is the indisputable gold standard in high-end hospitality; <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2023\/11\/chef-nobu-matsuhisa-hotel-interview\/\">his journey<\/a> is a testament to drive and authenticity.<br><br>\u201cThis year has been one of reflection and gratitude,\u201d Matsuhisa tells Observer of celebrating Nobu\u2019s 30th anniversary this October. \u201cI remember when eating raw fish was a novel experience in the United States, and to see how far it has come is truly rewarding.\u201d<br><br>The legendary chef&#8217;s milestone anniversary was one of many achievements in 2024. In addition to being honored with the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays this fall\u2014a Japanese award dating back to Emperor Meiji\u2019s reign\u2014Matsuhisa showcased his culinary prowess at the 81st Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills. \u201cIt was a true honor to cater such a remarkable event and showcase our culinary passion on a grand stage,\u201d he says.<br><br>In August, Nobu opened its first Canadian location, Nobu Toronto. In October, Nobu opened at Larry Ellison\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/commercialobserver.com\/2024\/08\/larry-ellison-eau-palm-beach-resort\/\">Eau Palm Beach Resort &amp; Spa<\/a>. In early 2025, Nobu will debut at the historic Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. Yet as Matsuhisa\u2019s brand extends beyond restaurants and into hotels and residences, the chef remains as committed as ever\u2014especially to the next generation of culinary visionaries. For Matsuhisa, 2025 will be filled with travel, visiting his Nobu teams worldwide, \u201csharing my philosophy and nurturing the next generation of leaders who I hope will carry the vision forward.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Nobu-Matsuhisa_Nobu-Restaurant-Group_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNobu Matsuhisa.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Nobu Restaurant Group\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"roni-mazumdar-chintan-pandya\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRoni Mazumdar &amp; Chintan Pandya\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#roni-mazumdar-chintan-pandya\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Roni Mazumdar &amp; Chintan Pandya' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unapologeticfoods.nyc\/\"><strong>Unapologetic Foods<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Under their Unapologetic Foods banner, Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar have followed in the footsteps of Tabla, Devi and Tamarind to continue systematically dismantling every tired trope about Indian cuisine in America, replacing butter chicken predictability with bold strokes of regional authenticity. Their 2022 opening of Semma, with Chef Vijay Kumar leading the kitchen, earned a Michelin star while kicking down the door for Indian fine dining in America. Two more Indian restaurants in D.C. and Chicago promptly followed suit with their own stars, suggesting Pandya and Mazumdar had sparked something bigger than themselves.<br><br>The team&#8217;s latest creation, a Filipino restaurant called Naks, debuted with their signature audacity last December. Now, they&#8217;re doubling down on New York&#8217;s East Village, with Kebabwala and a second Adda location slated to open this year. Dallas and Miami loom on the horizon, proving their formula works far beyond Manhattan&#8217;s educated palates.<br>&#8220;For us, it&#8217;s about sharing untold stories and transforming the emotions of those who dine with us,&#8221; Mazumdar tells Observer. \u201cWith growth and influence comes a tremendous sense of responsibility to all those who believe in us.\u201d<br><br>From goat intestines to regional delicacies that would make tikka masala loyalists blush, Unapologetic Foods serves authenticity with a side of cultural awakening. Their expanding empire spans from white-tablecloth destinations to fast-casual hits, each venue a careful step in elevating Indian cuisine from convenient takeout to conversation piece.<br><br>&#8220;People are listening,&#8221; Mazumdar notes, though the Michelin stars and packed reservation books suggest they&#8217;ve been doing more than listening\u2014they&#8217;ve been converted.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Chintan-Pandya-Roni-Mazumdar-_Unapologetic-Foods_Honoree_Graphic-1.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tChintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClay Williams\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"joel-montaniel-allison-page-kinesh-patel\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJoel Montaniel, Allison Page &amp; Kinesh Patel\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#joel-montaniel-allison-page-kinesh-patel\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Joel Montaniel, Allison Page &amp; Kinesh Patel' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/sevenrooms.com\/\">SevenRooms<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">As the co-founders of SevenRooms, Joel Montaniel, Allison Page and Kinesh Patel have transformed how industry giants like Union Square Hospitality Group, Nobu and Groot Hospitality interact with their guests. More than a tool, SevenRooms is a lifeline for operators navigating the modern demands of nightlife and dining. The trio&#8217;s brainchild, which they describe as &#8220;a guardian for the industry,&#8221; has cemented its status as the go-to CRM, marketing, and operations platform for hospitality brands worldwide. Recognized as one of <em>Fast Company<\/em>&#8216;s Most Innovative Companies this spring and landing on the Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year, SevenRooms isn&#8217;t keeping pace\u2014it&#8217;s leading the charge.<br><br>In the past year, Montaniel, Page and Patel introduced email and text marketing tools that have redefined how operators engage with their clientele. &#8220;The impact of these products is staggering,&#8221; Montaniel tells Observer, noting that they&#8217;ve generated tens of millions of dollars in incremental revenue for SevenRooms&#8217; customers. But for the co-founders, it&#8217;s more about the relationships than the numbers. &#8220;What drives us is seeing our customers thrive by turning insights into impactful actions at the right moment,&#8221; Page adds. The company&#8217;s mission is rooted in personalization at scale, blending data and A.I. to create what Montaniel, Page and Patel call the &#8220;SuperHuman Age of Hospitality.&#8221; This isn&#8217;t a dystopian vision of robots taking over but rather a technology amplifying the personal touch that defines excellent hospitality. With its tools empowering operators to deepen guest connections and streamline operations, SevenRooms has positioned itself as a force of innovation and advocacy.<br><br>&#8220;Ultimately, the mission of SevenRooms is rooted in helping operators create exceptional, personalized guest experiences at scale,&#8221; Montaniel says. And if the company&#8217;s trajectory is any indication, SevenRooms, under the leadership of Montaniel, Page and Patel, is more than shaping the future of hospitality; it&#8217;s setting the gold standard.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/12\/SevenRooms.png?w=970&#038;quality=80\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeven Rooms\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"avish-naran\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAvish Naran\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#avish-naran\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Avish Naran' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pijjapalace.com\/\">Pijja Palace<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Avish Naran is infusing the Los Angeles bar scene with a bold blend of Indian culture, sports nostalgia and no-nonsense business savvy. With Pijja Palace, the Silver Lake Indian sports bar that became an instant sensation in 2022, Naran carved out a space that didn\u2019t fill a voice but instead created one nobody knew they needed.\u00a0<br><br>\u201cSports was a big part of my life growing up,\u201d Naran tells Observer. \u201cI thought, let me take it back to something that I can do properly, like putting my experience in America on a plate. That\u2019s how Pijja Palace came to be.\u201d<br><br>In January 2025, Naran will open Asim, a Filipino restaurant in Silver Lake. He\u2019s also acquired land on Temple Street and Boylston, where he plans to launch multiple new concepts, including a bar focused on India\u2019s rich spice palette. Despite his rapid rise, Naran remains curious and humble. \u201cI had great mentors. I still have great mentors,\u201d he says. \u201cI\u2019m always asking questions. Every time I meet a restaurant operator, I need to know, \u2018How are you making this successful? What are you doing?\u2019 And every single one of them has answered.\u201d<br><br>Named a 2024 \u201cOne to Watch\u201d by Bloomberg, Naran\u2019s plans are as ambitious as they are grounded. Whether it\u2019s perfecting Pijja Palace\u2019s cult status, launching new concepts, or building a thriving bar program, he\u2019s shaping the next wave of L.A. hospitality with a mix of bold ideas, calculated risks and an insatiable curiosity. \u201cIn this world, there\u2019s an answer for everything,\u201d he says. \u201cYou just have to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Avish-Naran_Pijja-Palace_Honoree_Graphic-1.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAvish Naran.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYasara Gunawardena\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"jon-neidich\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJon Neidich \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#jon-neidich\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Jon Neidich ' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goldenagehospitality.com\/\"><strong>Golden Age Hospitality<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Jon Neidich has an uncanny knack for conjuring restaurants that instantly become the place to be. As the founder of Golden Age Hospitality, Neidich has curated a portfolio that is distinct, sultry and unmistakably his, reshaping New York&#8217;s social terrain from Le Crocodile and Bar Blondeau to Acme and The Happiest Hour. But Le Dive, a tabac-inspired bistro that anchors Dimes Square, perhaps best encapsulates Neidich\u2019s magic. \u201cLe Dive\u2019s ascension was humbling to witness,\u201d Neidich tells Observer.\u00a0<br><br>This year, Neidich added Elvis, an all-natural French wine bar, to the roster. Housed in the historic Great Jones Caf\u00e9 space, its tangerine orange stucco fa\u00e7ade is a playful nod to downtown history nestled between Bowery and Noho across from Basquiat\u2019s former studio. \u201cIt feels like we just got it right while also paying homage to an iconic location,\u201d Neidich says.\u00a0And then there\u2019s The Nines, a velvet-draped supper club and piano lounge that oozes retro glamour while firmly enforcing a dress code to keep the NYU kids at bay. It\u2019s as much about the ambiance as the cocktails\u2014a signature of Neidich\u2019s style, which channels Parisian bistros and old-school New York with equal ease.<br><br>But for Neidich, the work is never done. He\u2019s already immersed in two new projects, both set to debut in early 2025. \u201cI am incredibly excited about our two openings in Q1 of next year,\u201d he teases. If you\u2019re wondering where the city\u2019s next scene is brewing, chances are, Neidich has gotten there first.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Jon-Neidich_Golden-Age-Hospitality_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJon Neidich.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStarchefs\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"ronn-nicolli\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRonn Nicolli\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#ronn-nicolli\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Ronn Nicolli' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zoukgroup.com\/\"><strong>Zouk Group<\/strong><\/a><strong> &amp; <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rwlasvegas.com\/\"><strong>Resorts World Las Vegas<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Ronn Nicolli has elevated FOMO to an art form. The marketing brain behind Zouk Group and Resorts World Las Vegas executes the kind of spectacles that make social media managers weep\u2014from Miley Cyrus residencies to Travis Scott pop-ups and F1 activations to ComplexCon takeovers.<br><br>&#8220;Los Angeles is an incredibly compelling market,&#8221; Nicolli tells Observer about Zouk&#8217;s impending West Coast debut, speaking with the measured confidence of someone who&#8217;s spent decades perfecting the science of making people show up. The L.A. outpost, set to open by year&#8217;s end, marks Zouk&#8217;s evolution from Singaporean sensation to global nightlife empire.<br><br>At Resorts World, Nicolli\u2019s touch transforms mere events into cultural moments. Under Nicolli\u2019s stewardship, the property has become Vegas&#8217; newest power player, hosting everything from award-winning restaurants like Stubborn Seed to the rhinestone-studded extravaganza of Rodeo World. His secret? Understanding that in the age of Instagram, creating that fear of missing out is as crucial as creating memories.<br><br>&#8220;We want to create enough FOMO to make sure Resorts World is on their must-visit list,&#8221; he notes (which seems like an understatement for a venue that&#8217;s managed to make Las Vegas feel fresh again). Nicolli\u2019s ability to navigate both the celebrity circuit and the DJ underground has turned Resorts World into that rarest of Vegas commodities: a destination that feels simultaneously exclusive and accessible. As Zouk prepares to colonize L.A., with more domestic and international expansions on the horizon, Nicolli is more than shaping nightlife\u2014he\u2019s creating the kind of buzz that keeps it alive.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Ronn-Nicolli_Zouk-Group-Resorts-World-Las-Vegas-_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRonn Nicolli.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Resorts World\/Zouk\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"enrique-olvera-santiago-perez\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnrique Olvera &amp; Santiago Perez\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#enrique-olvera-santiago-perez\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Enrique Olvera &amp; Santiago Perez' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/casamata.com\/\"><strong>Casamata<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Enrique Olvera and Santiago Perez have turned Casamata into hospitality&#8217;s most elegant balancing act: maintaining two spots on the World&#8217;s 100 Best Restaurants list (Pujol and Cosme) while democratizing Mexican cuisine for the masses. As co-founders, they&#8217;ve mastered the art of being everywhere without being obvious.<br><br>This year marks twin milestones in their culinary conquest: Pujol&#8217;s 25th anniversary and Cosme&#8217;s decade of making Manhattan rethink what Mexican food can be. But rather than rest on their considerable laurels, the duo chose May to unveil Esse Taco, a Williamsburg venture that brings Mexico City&#8217;s street food sensibilities to Brooklyn&#8217;s most particular palates. The move is vintage Casamata\u2014simultaneously expanding their empire while defying expectations. Their first fast-casual concept on the East Coast feels less like a compromise and more like a deliberately understated opus; Olvera and Perez know exactly how to scale without sacrificing soul.<br><br>The expansion continues with Olvera&#8217;s new mezcal venture, Manojo, where he&#8217;s partnered with Oaxacan mezcaleros Joel Velasco and Felicitas Hern\u00e1ndez, whose half-century of expertise ensures the spirit matches Casamata&#8217;s exacting standards. Meanwhile, Hyatt&#8217;s tapping of Olvera for their new Chef Series reads less like a corporate partnership and more like the hospitality giant trying to capture some of Casamata&#8217;s cultural cachet.<br><br>While Olvera&#8217;s reputation as Mexican cuisine&#8217;s most influential ambassador draws the spotlight, the partnership with Perez has enabled Casamata to execute its vision. Together, they&#8217;ve crafted something rare in modern hospitality: an empire that&#8217;s refined yet rooted in tradition\u2014and showing no signs of slowing down.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Enrique-Olvera-Santiago-Perez_Casamata_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tEnrique Olvera and Santiago Perez.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Casamata\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"kwame-onwuachi\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tKwame Onwuachi\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#kwame-onwuachi\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Kwame Onwuachi' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kwameonwuachi.com\/\">Kwame Onwuachi<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">From selling candy in the subway to being tapped by Anna Wintour <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chefkwameonwuachi\/p\/DA6sKcSvmSB\/\">for the Met Gala<\/a> menu, Kwame Onwuachi&#8217;s meteoric rise reads like an A24 script\u2014which, fittingly enough, is exactly what his memoir &#8220;Notes from a Young Black Chef&#8221; has become, with Lakeith Stanfield set to star. The Bronx native, whose Tatiana nabbed the top spot this April as the best restaurant in New York City, isn&#8217;t content with merely dominating Manhattan&#8217;s dining scene. September marked his triumphant return to D.C. with D\u014dgon, an upscale Afro-Caribbean venture at the Salamander Hotel. Within weeks, Onwuachi unveiled Sirius, an intimate four-seat counter inside D\u014dgon that transforms tasting menus into theater.<br><br>\u201cWhen I first started out in this industry, I wish I knew that the food would be the easy part and that the business would be harder,\u201d Onwuachi tells Observer. &#8220;I have learned about my resilience.&#8221; Resilience seems almost too modest for someone who bounced back from Shaw Bijou&#8217;s early stumble to earn a James Beard Rising Star award at Kith and Kin in 2019. These days, Onwuachi\u2019s calendar reads like a cultural kingmaker&#8217;s dance card: cooking at the White House&#8217;s Black Excellence Brunch, playing in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game alongside Jennifer Hudson and starring in his own &#8220;Chef&#8217;s Table&#8221; episode.<br><br>His most impactful move might be the Family Reunion, a four-day food festival featuring luminaries like Jessica B. Harris, Mashama Bailey and Charlie Mitchell. At $900 to $2,200 per ticket, Family Reunion funds the next generation of culinary hopefuls through the Kwame Onwuachi &#8217;13 Scholarship at his alma mater, the Culinary Institute of America.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Kwame-Onwuachi-_Tatiana_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tKwame Onwuachi.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Tatiana\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"ellia-jp-park\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEllia &amp; JP Park \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#ellia-jp-park\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Ellia &amp; JP Park ' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.naeunhospitality.com\/\"><strong>NA:EUN Hospitality<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Through their innovative take on Korean cuisine, Ellia Park and Junghyun Park\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/05\/jp-park-ellia-park-atomix-interview\/\">impact on fine dining<\/a> in New York City is impossible to overstate. Starting with <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2023\/06\/best-fine-dining-basement-underground-restaurants-new-york-city\/\">Atoboy<\/a> in 2016, their first venture, the husband and wife made a quiet splash that quickly turned into a tidal wave with their second project, Atomix (2018). The world took notice\u2014first New Yorkers, then everyone else. In 2024, Atomix retained its status (for the third year in a row) as <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/06\/worlds-50-best-restaurants-disfrutar-atomix\/\">the number-one restaurant in North America <\/a>on the prestigious World\u2019s 50 Best Restaurants list (and number eight worldwide).<br><br>\u201cWhat began as a dream to simply run one restaurant well has expanded into something much bigger,\u201d Ellia tells Observer. \u201cIt\u2019s truly humbling to realize that, through our food, we can have a meaningful impact on others.\u201d Their growing hospitality group, NA:EUN, is a testament to that ambition. In 2022, the Parks opened Naro at Rockefeller Center, adding Hansik-style Korean fare to one of the city\u2019s most iconic dining destinations. This October, Atomix joined forces with Tazmanian chef Daniel Garwood to launch Acru, an Australian-inspired tasting menu that pushes their creative boundaries far beyond Korean cuisine.<br><br>\u201cI feel a deep sense of pride when I see young cooks finding inspiration in our work,\u201d Junghyun tells Observer. \u201cI hope they continue to listen to their voices and bring fresh energy and brightness to our industry. They must focus on developing their skills and deepening their understanding of flavors. I, too, am committed to continuously learning and evolving alongside them.\u201d<br><br>The Parks have a knack for building exceptional restaurants. \u201cAchieving our vision and dreams is only possible through our team, who brings them to life,\u201d Ellia says.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Junghyun-and-Ellia-Park_NAEUN-Hospitality_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJunghyun and Ellia Park.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPeter Ash Lee\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"scarr-pimentel\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tScarr Pimentel\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#scarr-pimentel\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Scarr Pimentel' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scarrspizza.com\/\"><strong>Scarr\u2019s Pizza<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Scarr Pimentel turned a hole-in-the-wall Lower East Side pizzeria into a cultural touchstone by doing something radical: making New York slices actually good for you. His ethos of organic ingredients and house-milled flour earned him a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Best Chef: New York State in 2024, proving that wellness and pizza aren&#8217;t mutually exclusive. Now, Pimentel&#8217;s concept is expanding faster than dough in a hot oven. His imminent Tokyo outpost will teach Japan about proper New York slices, while The Venetian&#8217;s upcoming Via Via food hall nabbed Scarr&#8217;s Pizza for its Vegas debut. In March 2025, Pimentel will drop his first cookbook, sharing the secrets behind his health-conscious spin on the city&#8217;s most sacred street food.<br><br>But it&#8217;s Pimentel&#8217;s ability to transcend food that&#8217;s truly remarkable. November saw his Orchard Street shop transform into a sneakerhead sanctuary for Jordan Brand&#8217;s &#8220;Feed the Streets&#8221; event, where pizza aficionados and Air Jordan enthusiasts lined up for an early peek at the &#8220;Black Cement&#8221; 3s. The collaboration wrapped his storefront in elephant print, suggesting that in Pimentel&#8217;s world, a perfect slice and a grail-worthy sneaker share the same cultural currency.<br><br>In an era where &#8220;artisanal&#8221; often means pretentious and &#8220;healthy&#8221; translates to tasteless, Pimentel has achieved something rare: making virtue delicious enough to attract lines around the block. Whether you&#8217;re a hypebeast or a health nut, his rise from slice joint veteran to international brand proves that authenticity still sells\u2014especially when it comes with fresh-milled flour.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Scarr-Pimentel_Scarr_s_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tScarr Pimentel.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKoki Sato\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"wolfgang-puck\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWolfgang Puck\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#wolfgang-puck\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Wolfgang Puck' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/wolfgangpuck.com\/\"><strong>Wolfgang Puck<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Though Wolfgang Puck has spent nearly 50 years shaping the culinary world, the godfather of California Fusion is doubling down with global expansions, inventive partnerships and unexpected ventures that prove his legacy is anything but static. Puck\u2019s roster of globally acclaimed restaurants, which already spans Los Angeles, Las Vegas, London, Singapore, Budapest, Istanbul and beyond, \u201cis just the beginning,\u201d Puck tells Observer.<br><br>This year, the chef deepened his ties to Las Vegas, a city central to his career, with two significant projects. At Mandalay Bay, Puck replaced his former Lupo Trattoria with Caram\u00e1, <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/02\/wolfgang-puck-interview-new-restaurants-carama\/\">a heartfelt tribute to his late mother<\/a>. Puck also announced plans to open a restaurant within the $1.3 billion Four Seasons Private Residences project, set to debut in 2026. Beyond the Strip, he\u2019s bringing his celebrated airport dining concepts to Florida with a new 112-seat restaurant in Punta Gorda. His catering company has added another high-profile client to its roster: the L.A. Chargers. As head of food and beverage at the team\u2019s state-of-the-art training facility, which opened this summer, Puck is redefining what athletes eat off the field. And in October, he unveiled his first-ever line of artisanal truffles, proving there\u2019s always room for innovation\u2014even after five decades.<br><br>As much as Puck focuses on growth, he also prepares for what comes next. Integrating his son, Byron Lazaroff Puck, into the business has been a major milestone. \u201cHis deep understanding of the importance of blending tradition with innovation has been instrumental in guiding us forward,\u201d Puck says of his son. Byron has already made his mark, helping run Puck\u2019s Merois and Ospero at the Pendry West Hollywood and overseeing new cocktail programs that reflect the fresh energy of the next generation.\u00a0<br><br>For a chef whose name is synonymous with excellence, the idea of passing the torch isn\u2019t about stepping back\u2014it\u2019s about building a legacy that can continue evolving long after he hangs up his apron. As Puck himself says, the best is yet to come.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Wolfgang-Puck_Wolfgang-Puck-Worldwide_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWolfgang Puck.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarco Bollinger\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"jamie-reuben\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJamie Reuben\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#jamie-reuben\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Jamie Reuben' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thetwentytwo.com\/\">The Twenty Two<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Jamie Reuben is plotting New York&#8217;s next social revolution. This December, in partnership with Navid Mirtorabi and Michael Chetrit, Reuben will unveil the American outpost of The Twenty Two, the London sensation that has been redefining Mayfair&#8217;s stuffiness since 2022. The project marks yet another power play in Reuben&#8217;s methodical conquest of luxury hospitality. October saw him snap up Miami&#8217;s W South Beach for $425 million\u2014the year&#8217;s largest hospitality deal in the region. &#8220;Our vision is clear,&#8221; Reuben said in a statement to our sister publication, <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/commercialobserver.com\/2024\/10\/reuben-brothers-w-south-beach\/\">Commercial Observer<\/a>, with the confidence of someone whose family name carries enough weight to bend reality. Between The Vineta in Palm Beach, the newly minted Corinthia Hotel on the Upper East Side (complete with a Casa Tua members club), and a $2.6 billion development in Puerto Rico, Reuben makes crafting an empire look like child&#8217;s play.<br><br>Iranian-born Mirtorabi brings soul to their shared venture. With The Twenty Two\u2019s London flagship\u201431 rooms of studied irreverence in an Edwardian manor\u2014Mirtorabi threw out the members&#8217; club rulebook, starting with the dress code. &#8220;To build a social hub for the creative and the curious has been our slogan from day one,&#8221; Mirtorabi tells Observer.<br>Chetrit promises to channel this same spirit of luxurious rebellion. \u201cThe Twenty Two will set a new standard in New York hospitality,\u201d he tells Observer. It&#8217;s the kind of statement that might sound trite coming from anyone else, but when backed by Reuben&#8217;s billions and Mirtorabi&#8217;s vision, it reads more like a declaration of intent: New York&#8217;s social scene is about to get a very expensive makeover.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Jamie-Reuben_The-Twenty-Two_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJamie Reuben.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDarian DiCianno\/BFA.com\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"pablo-rivero\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPablo Rivero\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#pablo-rivero\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Pablo Rivero' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/resy.com\/\">Resy<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Since joining Resy in April 2023, Pablo Rivero has transformed the 10-year-old company from a clever reservations tool to an indispensable part of modern dining, seamlessly blending technology and hospitality. <br><br>\u201cReservations have become a form of cultural currency,\u201d Rivero tells Observer.\u00a0 \u201cAnd dining has exploded in its importance in our collective way of life and how it helps us connect.\u201d Rivero&#8217;s ascent has positioned him both as Resy\u2019s CEO and a vice president of American Express Global Dining (in a powerhouse 2019 move, American Express snapped up Resy like a must-have table at a hot new restaurant).\u00a0In June, American Express acquired Tock, another reservations platform, and Rooam, a contactless payment system. The acquisitions added new capabilities to the Resy dashboard that help restaurants personalize marketing, drive loyalty and turn tables faster\u2014ushering in what Rivero calls a \u201cnew era of hospitality.\u201d\u00a0Under Rivero\u2019s stewardship, Resy arms restaurants with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world while enhancing the dining experience for guests. <br><br>\u201cWe have a passion for powering up hospitality,\u201d he says. \u201cWe want to make it easier for diners to land that perfect reservation, find a new favorite neighborhood spot and support restaurants and small businesses.\u201d\u00a0Rivero has positioned Resy as more than a platform; it\u2019s a partner, a collaborator and a driver of the dining world\u2019s evolution. By pairing cutting-edge technology with a profoundly human touch, he\u2019s ensuring that dining out remains a vital, celebratory act in our increasingly digital lives.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Pablo-Rivero_Resy_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPablo Rivero.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Resy\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"craig-robins\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCraig Robins\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#craig-robins\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Craig Robins' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.miamidesigndistrict.com\/\"><strong>Miami Design District<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Craig Robins approaches Miami&#8217;s Design District like a grandmaster crafting his magnum opus. His latest power plays\u2014acquiring two prime retail properties, importing L.A.&#8217;s white-hot Mother Wolf and relaunching The Moore Hotel and members club\u2014suggest he&#8217;s playing several moves ahead of everyone else.<br><br>\u201cWe\u2019re broadening the neighborhood&#8217;s purpose,\u201d Robins tells Observer, in what might be the understatement of the year. The past 18 months have been &#8220;transformative&#8221; for the district, with The Moore&#8217;s reopening marking what Robins calls &#8220;a significant milestone&#8221;\u2014though &#8220;milestone&#8221; feels inadequate for what amounts to a complete cultural rewiring of Miami&#8217;s luxury nucleus.<br><br>Robins&#8217; next act promises even more audacious strokes: a 100-room boutique hotel that challenges conventional hospitality wisdom, a residential tower bearing Pritzker winner David Chipperfield&#8217;s signature and office spaces conceived in collaboration with Daniel Arsham and Arquitectonica. Add to that a multifamily building by Jorge Pardo, and you&#8217;ve got an architectural ensemble that turns the district into a living gallery.<br><br>&#8220;Our vision is to create an environment where innovation, culture and community seamlessly come together,&#8221; Robins explains. This fall, Robins made a private donation to double the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami&#8217;s footprint, suggesting he&#8217;s more interested in action than vision statements. This November, Robins\u2019 increasingly influential role as a <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/07\/interview-art-collector-craig-robins-baldessari\/\">patron and collector of art<\/a> was <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/craigrobins\/p\/DCPryZxyBub\/?img_index=1\">recognized by the Bakehouse Art Complex<\/a> and Major of Miami-Dade County Daniella Levine Cava. Under Robins&#8217; stewardship, retail, art, architecture and lifestyle converge with almost implausible perfection.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Craig-Robins_Miami-Design-District_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCraig Robins.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Craig Robins\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"jenn-saesue-chat-suansilphong\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJenn Saesue &amp; Chat Suansilphong\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#jenn-saesue-chat-suansilphong\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Jenn Saesue &amp; Chat Suansilphong' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/55hospitality.com\/\"><strong>55 Hospitality<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">From a single seafood spot on Bond Street to a burgeoning empire of Thai culinary delights, 55 Hospitality has proven that New York&#8217;s appetite for innovation remains deliciously unsated. Co-founders Jenn Saesue and Chat Suansilphong first made waves with Fish Cheeks&#8217; perpetually packed Noho location in 2016\u2014conquering that most elusive of Manhattan achievements: making the familiar feel revolutionary. Their growing prominence crystallized further with 2023&#8217;s Bangkok Supper Club, which snagged a coveted two-star review from the notoriously exacting Pete Wells (who retired shortly after bestowing his blessing). The sophistication of this venture suggests that Saesue and Suansilphong have been holding their cards close\u2014and they&#8217;re playing a royal flush.<br><br>The momentum continues as Fish Cheeks prepares to swim across the East River to stake its claim in Williamsburg&#8217;s increasingly competitive dining scene. But their next venture might raise the most eyebrows: <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bubsbakerynyc\/\">Bub\u2019s Bakery<\/a>, slated for early 2025, promises to democratize the dessert scene with vegan and allergen-free offerings that don&#8217;t taste like compromise.<br><br>&#8220;What I&#8217;m most proud of is the team we&#8217;ve built,&#8221; Saesue tells Observer. Suansilphong, meanwhile, reflects on their trajectory with characteristic intensity:\u00a0 \u201cThese achievements feel like the culmination of a decade of relentless hard work, countless challenges and the many connections we\u2019ve built over the years.\u201d With each new opening, 55 Hospitality is systematically redefining Thai fine dining in New York.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Jenn-Saesue-Chat-Suansilphong_55-Hospitality_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJenn Saesue and Chat Suansilphong.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEthan Klein\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"sujan-sarkar\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSujan Sarkar\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#sujan-sarkar\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Sujan Sarkar' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.sujans.com\/\">Sujan Sarkar<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">With ventures spanning Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Arizona and New Delhi, chef-owner Sujan Sarkar is a culinary force pushing boundaries while staying true to his heritage. A 2024 James Beard finalist for Best Chef: Great Lakes, Sarkar has reshaped the future of Indian dining with innovation, storytelling and an unwavering commitment to excellence.<br><br>\u201cThere\u2019s a responsibility to represent Indian cuisine with integrity and contribute to a larger narrative beyond the walls of my kitchens,\u201d Sarkar tells Observer. \u201cIt opens doors for other South Asian chefs to showcase our heritage in new and inspiring ways. It\u2019s about storytelling and education through food, dispelling preconceived notions, and showcasing the true depth of cuisine as diverse and vibrant as the subcontinent itself.\u201d<br><br>Sarkar\u2019s celebrated brands are a testament to his vision. In Chicago, Indienne became the city\u2019s first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant. Sarkar further elevated the city\u2019s dining scene with Swadesi, an Indian chai-pastry shop, and Sifr, a woodfire Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant. Each concept is a unique exploration of flavors and techniques rooted in Sarkar\u2019s mission to make Indian cuisine more accessible and engaging.<br><br>\u201cDespite being a fine dining restaurant, we strive to make our food accessible,\u201d Sarkar says of Indienne. Sarkar\u2019s global footprint includes Feringhee in Chandler, Arizona; Baar Baar in New York City and Los Angeles; and India\u2019s first artisanal cocktail bar, Ek Bar, in New Delhi. Most recently, he launched TIYA in San Francisco, a California-inspired Indian concept in the Marina District. With each new venture, Sarkar continues to challenge stereotypes and expand the narrative of Indian cuisine. From chai culture to fine dining, his work is both a celebration of his roots and a bold exploration of what\u2019s possible.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Sujan-Sarkar_BAAR-BAAR-Indienne_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSujan Sarkar.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNeil John Burger\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"scott-sartiano\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tScott Sartiano\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#scott-sartiano\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Scott Sartiano' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/bondhospitality.com\/\"><strong>Bond Hospitality<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">When Scott Sartiano founded Zero Bond in 2020, he created a velvet-roped utopia for the elite, the ambitious and the perpetually jet-lagged. The private members\u2019 club has become a beacon for New York\u2019s movers and shakers, offering a carefully curated sanctuary where deals are made, reputations are cemented and the champagne never seems to run dry. Sartiano, ever the architect of exclusivity, is bringing that ethos to the desert, unveiling a sprawling new outpost at The Wynn Las Vegas in early 2025.<br><br>\u201cZero Bond was created as a sanctuary for today\u2019s forward-thinking individuals,\u201d Sartiano tells Observer. \u201cAs we expand, we\u2019re not just adding new locations; we\u2019re crafting experiences that redefine sophistication. Las Vegas has its own unique energy and personality, and I\u2019m excited to bring the Zero Bond experience\u2014centered on community\u2014to this dynamic market.\u201d<br><br>The move west is only the latest in Sartiano\u2019s ever-growing hospitality empire, which includes seven venues in New York and Boston under the Bond Hospitality banner. Last year, he orchestrated a revival of Soho\u2019s Mercer Hotel with the opening of <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2023\/06\/scott-sartianos-mercer-hotel-restaurant-opening-soho-new-york\/\">his eponymous restaurant, Sartiano\u2019s<\/a>. This spring, Sartiano re-opened Submercer, the \u201890s It-spot that closed over a decade ago, restoring the Mercer\u2019s status as a hideaway for high-profile guests who prefer their glamour understated and their privacy uncompromising.<br><br>\u201cHospitality is a collaborative effort,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s about creating experiences people want to return to and discuss. That motivates us to keep pushing boundaries because we want to stay ahead of the curve and offer something unique.\u201d In Sartiano\u2019s world, exclusivity isn\u2019t about who you let in but what you create once the doors close.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Scott-Sartiano_Bond-Hospitality_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tScott Sartiano.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJean-Claude Billmaier\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"jyotin-karam-sunaina-sethi\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJyotin,  Karam &amp; Sunaina Sethi\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#jyotin-karam-sunaina-sethi\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Jyotin,  Karam &amp; Sunaina Sethi' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/jksrestaurants.com\/\"><strong>JKS Restaurants<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">The Sethi siblings\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/person\/jyotin-sethi\/\">Jyotin<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/person\/karam-sethi\/\">Karam<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/person\/sunaina-sethi\/\">Sunaina<\/a>\u2014have spent the past 15 years redefining the dining landscape in London, and now their empire has landed stateside with Berenjak at DUMBO House in Brooklyn. With seven Michelin stars, five Michelin Bib Gourmands and a portfolio of 30 brands under JKS Restaurants, the powerhouse trio has transformed Indian cuisine into an international movement while branching into eclectic non-Indian concepts that continue to push boundaries.<br><br>This year, JKS celebrated milestones for their London heavyweights: 16 years of Trishna, 11 years of Gymkhana, six years of Brigadiers and the autumn opening of Ambassadors Clubhouse. In February, Gymkhana earned its second Michelin star, making it the only Indian restaurant in the U.K. to hold such an accolade and adding to JKS\u2019s already dazzling roster of honors.<br><br>\u201cThis year has seen momentous growth,\u201d Karam Sethi tells Observer. \u201cEach restaurant showcases creativity, consistency and innovation. The legacy and strength of our brands is a testament to this.\u201d<br><br>The move to New York signals JKS\u2019s next chapter\u2014a bold international expansion that targets not only America but also the Middle East. The venture comes alongside the growing success of their retail line, Gymkhana Fine Foods, which has already taken the U.K. by storm and is poised for global launches.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Karam-Sunaina-Jyotin-Sethi_JKS-Restaurants_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tKaram, Sunaina and Jyotin Sethi.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHuge Galdones Photography\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"hollis-silverman\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHollis Silverman\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#hollis-silverman\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Hollis Silverman' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.easternpointcollective.com\/\"><strong>Eastern Point Collective<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Hollis Silverman has carved a niche in D.C. dining with Eastern Point Collective, blending sharp business instincts with a steady hand in hospitality. Since launching her group in 2018\u2014following a decade of consulting and a stint as COO at Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s Group\u2014she\u2019s crafted a brand that\u2019s part restaurant empire, part consultancy, taking on high-profile clients and projects from concept to execution. Under Eastern Point, Silverman\u2019s hit list includes The Duck &amp; the Peach (dubbed one of D.C.\u2019s top restaurants in 2024), La Collina and The Wells, all of which opened in the early pandemic months of 2020. Not content to stop there, in 2023, she added M\u00e9li Wine and Mezze to her lineup, a luxe amenity for the residents of The Silva, a high-end D.C. apartment building.<br><br>This year, she snagged a James Beard semifinalist spot for Outstanding Restaurateur, a nod to her influence in community-building and entrepreneurship. But ask her what matters, and it\u2019s her self-styled mission to \u201cchange the industry.\u201d While accolades stack up, Silverman\u2019s ambitions go beyond recognition; as CEO of Eastern Point, she\u2019s pushed internal policies centered on equity, support for caregivers and pay fairness, making good on her mission to create real change in hospitality.\u00a0<br><br>\u201cI (have) made it a priority to foster a work culture that supports women and caregivers, provide stability and pay equity across our restaurants, and contribute to the communities and businesses where we reside,\u201d Silverman tells Observer, noting her plans to expand into new markets. \u201cEven with all we accomplished this year, I will continue to work at making the hospitality industry better through integrity and grace.\u201d So far, the recipe has made her indispensable\u2014and a bit untouchable.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Hollis-Silverman_Eastern-Point-Collective_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHollis Silverman.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLouis Tinsley\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"debby-soo\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDebby Soo\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#debby-soo\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Debby Soo' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.opentable.com\/\"><strong>OpenTable<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Since stepping into the CEO role in 2020, Debby Soo has turned OpenTable into far more than a reservation platform. With a mission to help the restaurant industry thrive, Soo has redefined what it means to be a tech partner in hospitality, creating tools that prioritize connection, advocacy and diversity. Under Soo\u2019s leadership, OpenTable now serves over 60,000 restaurants globally, seating 1.7 billion diners annually. But more than volume, Soo\u2019s after excellence. <br><br>\u201cWe\u2019ve doubled down on winning the best restaurants by listening harder than we ever have and offering the products and tools they need to be successful,\u201d Soo tells Observer. That focus on collaboration has driven tangible results: a 28 percent increase in highly awarded and in-demand restaurants joining the platform from 2023 to 2024. \u201cOur goal is to have the ultimate restaurant tech platform,\u201d Soo says, though her leadership is as much about advocacy as technology.\u00a0 \u201cWe are fiercely committed to helping restaurants thrive. Every advocacy effort we pursue reflects that purpose.\u201d<br><br>In the last year, OpenTable invested $1.5 million in programs amplifying underrepresented voices, including the Gold Chef Prize, a collaboration with API nonprofit Gold House to celebrate API chefs, and partnerships with Cherry Bombe to spotlight woman-led restaurants. Soo also expanded Sprouts Chef Training to New York City, creating pathways for underprivileged youth, and worked with Ben\u2019s Friends to support hospitality professionals in recovery.<br><br>\u201cAs an Asian American woman in a C-level role, I understand firsthand what it means to be underestimated,\u201d Soo says. \u201cElevating underrepresented voices has always been deeply personal to me. Restaurateurs, in many ways, are underestimated, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Debby-Soo_OpenTable_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDebby Soo.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of OpenTable\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"stephen-starr\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tStephen Starr\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#stephen-starr\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Stephen Starr' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/starr-restaurants.com\/\"><strong>Starr Restaurant Group<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Stephen Starr maneuvers the restaurant industry like a maestro conducts symphonies, each new venue a movement in his ever-expanding opus. With 40 East Coast establishments already under his command, 2024 has seen the hospitality virtuoso playing all his greatest hits while composing entirely new ones.\u00a0<br><br>January brought Pastis to DC&#8217;s Union Market\u2014a collaboration with Keith McNally that locals immediately dubbed &#8220;Le Diplomate East,&#8221; a nod to Starr&#8217;s highest-grossing venture in the district. By November, he&#8217;d doubled down on DC&#8217;s Georgetown with Nancy Silverton&#8217;s Osteria Mozza, commandeering 20,000 square feet of prime real estate for their first East Coast collaboration. Starr&#8217;s most audacious play of late might be Le Cafe Louis Vuitton, his fourth-floor fashion-meets-food venture on Fifth Avenue. With Michelin-caliber talent in the kitchen and 600 books lining the walls, it&#8217;s &#8220;luxury snacking&#8221; elevated to performance art\u2014even if its run is limited to a few years before LV&#8217;s grand reconstruction.<br><br>Meanwhile, Pastis continues its manifest destiny, with West Palm Beach next in line for the McNally-Starr treatment. Philadelphia gets its own love letter in the form of an Italian trattoria, set to join Parc (which casually grossed $23 million last year) in dominating Rittenhouse Square. Starr\u2019s also breathing new life into the historic Occidental at the Willard InterContinental, set to open in 2025, with Ken Fulk crafting the mise-en-sc\u00e8ne.<br><br>Even his wine program has gone bespoke, with a private label <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-pinot-noir-wineries-vineyards-west-coast\/\">Pinot Noir<\/a> emerging from Oregon&#8217;s Willamette Valley. It&#8217;s the detail one expects from a restaurateur who treats expansion like notes in an ongoing culinary concerto.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Stephen-Starr_Starr-Restaurant-Group_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tStephen Starr.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJen May\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"michael-stillman\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMichael Stillman\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#michael-stillman\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Michael Stillman' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitybranded.com\/\"><strong>Quality Branded<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Hospitality is in Michael Stillman\u2019s DNA. The son of the mastermind behind TGI Fridays and Smith &amp; Wollensky has elevated the family business of feeding New York to performance art, overseeing some 50 establishments that range from intimate culinary stages to theatrical dining arenas.<br><br>Stillman\u2019s latest triumphs read like a study in controlled chaos. There&#8217;s Don Angie, the West Village sensation where Chef-Partners Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli have turned lasagna-for-two into such an Instagram phenomenon that even the TODAY show had to genuflect. Then there&#8217;s Bad Roman, his Columbus Circle tribute to Italian excess, where roasted lobster stuffed with Calabrian pasta and strawberry sbagliatos flow with baroque abandon.<br><br>&#8220;The openings we&#8217;ve done over the last 18 months have showcased the breadth of our group,&#8221; Stillman tells Observer, displaying the casual confidence of someone who just unveiled both Twin Tails\u2014a high-volume Midtown spectacle\u2014and San Sabino, a 44-seat jewel box where Rito and Tacinelli transform seafood into edible poetry.<br><br>&#8220;The ability to move through two very different worlds within the NYC restaurant scene while still weaving personality into everything we do, that&#8217;s what excited me most,&#8221; he notes. Indeed, Stillman toggles between Midtown glitz and Village intimacy as easily as most people switch subway lines.<br><br>With his favored design conspirators at GRT Architects and AvroKo, Stillman crafts destinations that feel calibrated yet deliciously unhinged. With each new venture, he&#8217;s controlling the city\u2019s pulse, one viral dish at a time.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Michael-Stillman_Quality-Branded_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMichael Stillman.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Quality Branded\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"noah-tepperberg-jason-strauss\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNoah Tepperberg &amp; Jason Strauss\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#noah-tepperberg-jason-strauss\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Noah Tepperberg &amp; Jason Strauss' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/taogroup.com\/\"><strong>Tao Group Hospitality<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">From the launch of Chelsea\u2019s Marquee\u2014which celebrated 20 years of over-the-top revelry this year\u2014to Mohari Group&#8217;s $550 million acquisition of Tao Group Hospitality in 2023, Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss\u2019 ability to merge dining, entertainment and luxury has become <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/03\/noah-tepperberg-interview-tao-group\/\">the blueprint for modern hospitality<\/a>.<br><br>So far in 2024, Tepperberg and Strauss have unveiled venues in New York, Las Vegas, Mexico City and Muscat, Oman\u2019s capital city. At the same time, their spaces remained at the center of cultural moments, such as the Victoria\u2019s Secret NYFW afterparty at their newly opened Crane Club. In November, they unveiled the Crane Club restaurant, a new fine-dining concept, with a multi-night, star-studded extravaganza. It\u2019s a testament to their ability to remain relevant while scaling a sprawling global operation.<br><br>\u201cThe globalization of our brands continues to push us,\u201d Tepperberg tells Observer. \u201cI am humbled by the lessons we learn with each new project.\u201d With legacy brands like Tao, Marquee, Hakkasan and Lavo anchoring their portfolio, Tepperberg and Strauss are considering more than expansion. \u201cWe are laser-focused on refining our strategy for selecting new projects and partners and finding ways to continually re-invest in our legacy brands,\u201d Tepperberg says.\u00a0<br><br>From their beginnings as pioneers of New York nightlife to their current position as leaders in global luxury hospitality, Tepperberg and Strauss continue to set the pace for an industry in constant motion. As they look to the future, their vision for Tao Group Hospitality is one of bold innovation, meticulous strategy and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences\u2014whether in the heart of Manhattan or halfway around the world.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Noah-Tepperberg-Jason-Strauss_Tao-Group-Hospitality_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNoah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty Images for Atlantis The Royal\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"john-terzian-brian-toll\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJohn Terzian &amp; Brian Toll\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#john-terzian-brian-toll\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'John Terzian &amp; Brian Toll' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/hwoodgroup.com\/\">The h.wood Group<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Since Brian Toll and John Terzian founded The h.wood Group in 2008, they\u2019ve transformed Los Angeles nightlife into a glittering playground frequented by A-listers like the Kardashians and Drake. What began as a bold gamble by two young entrepreneurs has evolved into a global hospitality powerhouse with 14 celebrated venues and counting.<br><br>\u201cI\u2019m driven to create a legacy,\u201d Toll tells Observer. Their roster of hotspots\u2014Delilah, The Nice Guy, Bootsy Bellows, Didi, Harriet\u2019s, Keys, Poppy and Slab\u2014has found success far beyond L.A., with outposts in Dubai, Nashville, Toronto, Las Vegas and Miami. In 2023, the duo reclaimed h.wood\u2019s global rights from Hakkasan Group, marking a new era of creative freedom and expansion. The results were immediate: December saw the debut of Delilah Miami\u2014complete with its famed $45 Champagne Papi cocktail and a strict no-photos policy\u2014and plans for Delilah locations in Dallas\u2019 Design District and New York were announced. Meanwhile, The Nice Guy, their mod-inspired venue known for its brunch and late-night vibes, is heading to Aspen.<br><br>\u201cIt\u2019s tough to say which project is most exciting because we\u2019re expanding quite a bit,\u201d Terzian tells Observer. This year, the group launched Rolodex, a proprietary reservation platform designed to streamline VIP bookings while providing data-driven insights to enhance the guest experience. It\u2019s a tech-forward move that cements their status as leaders in premium hospitality.<br><br>With a decade of collaboration behind them and a relentless drive to keep evolving, Toll and Terzian are creating cultural moments. And as they expand their empire from Aspen into Dallas, the duo\u2019s vision for h.wood is proving as boundless as their ambition. \u201cSeeing how far we\u2019ve come and where we\u2019re headed is the most inspiring,\u201d Terzian says. \u201cWhat\u2019s next motivates me daily.\u201d<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/John-Terzian-Brian-Toll-_The-h.wood-Group_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn Terzian and Brian Toll.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of The h.wood Group\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"jean-georges-vongerichten\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJean- Georges Vongerichten\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#jean-georges-vongerichten\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Jean- Georges Vongerichten' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jean-georges.com\/\"><strong>Jean-Georges<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Jean-Georges Vongerichten has spent over five decades proving that empire-building and <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2018\/05\/chef-jean-georges-vongerichten-oneonly-palmilla-los-cabos-mexico\/\">culinary excellence<\/a> aren&#8217;t mutually exclusive. The Alsatian-born chef, who stumbled into his first kitchen job at 16 (&#8220;My parents took me to a restaurant because they felt bad for me,&#8221; he tells Observer), now directs a 60-restaurant symphony that spans continents with the exactness of a two-star Michelin conductor.<br><br>Last December saw the debut of Four Twenty Five, where he partnered with Chef Jonathan Benno to create a marriage of Asian influences and Italian sensibilities. By April, Vongerichten exported his ABC concept to <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/07\/surrenne-spa-london-the-emory\/\">London&#8217;s Emory Hotel<\/a>, consolidating his trio of Manhattan favorites into one sophisticated package. Now he&#8217;s set his sights on Brooklyn, with plans for an ABC Kitchens outpost in DUMBO that promises to make Manhattan feel like merely a warm-up act. Chez Margaux, an 18,000-square-foot Meatpacking District members&#8217; club that opened in November\u2014carved from the bones of his former Spice Market\u2014houses everything from a caviar salon to the after-hours club Gaux Gaux. Vongerichten still knows how to keep New York guessing.<br><br>But the chef\u2019s most audacious play might be diving into Miami real estate with Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences, a 48-story statement piece set to redefine Midtown&#8217;s skyline by 2027. &#8220;It&#8217;s difficult to follow trends,&#8221; he muses. \u201cSometimes I create trends, sometimes I see what the people want.&#8221;<br><br>After 51 years in the business, Vongerichten\u2019s philosophy remains clear: &#8220;What&#8217;s broken for dinner, we fix for lunch. What doesn&#8217;t work for lunch, we fix for dinner.&#8221; Perhaps more than his celebrated palate, this adaptability keeps Vongerichten ahead of the curve.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Jean-Georges-Vongerichten_Jean-Georges-Management_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJean-Georges Vongerichten.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a9 2012 Francesco T\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"andy-wang\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAndy Wang\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#andy-wang\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Andy Wang' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/industryonlyla\/\"><strong>Industry Only<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Andy Wang might be the most influential person in hospitality you&#8217;ve never heard of. After decades of <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/author\/andy-wang\/\">chronicling the restaurant world<\/a>, he&#8217;s transformed from an observer to a power broker with Industry Only, a series of (mostly) invite-only events that have become hospitality&#8217;s most exclusive deal-making playground.\u00a0What began two years ago as an impromptu 50-person fundraiser has evolved into a bi-coastal phenomenon, drawing hospitality&#8217;s heaviest hitters to gatherings where deals get done before the caviar runs dry. His Vegas debut <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/06\/worlds-50-best-restaurants-disfrutar-atomix\/\">during World&#8217;s 50 Best Week<\/a> turned Resorts World into a culinary United Nations, while his <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/2024\/01\/inside-observers-nightlife-dining-power-list-party-zzs-club-new-york\/\">New York launch at Major Food Group&#8217;s ZZ&#8217;s<\/a> proved that even Manhattan&#8217;s most jaded restaurateurs will clear their calendars for a Wang invite. Why? &#8220;Andy connects everybody,&#8221; Pijja Palace&#8217;s Avish Naran tells Observer, \u201cHe never gatekeeps.&#8221; Naran speaks from firsthand experience. Wang\u2019s Industry Only events have become such powerful incubators that participating venues\u2014including Naran\u2019s Pijja Palace\u2014regularly secure major investments.\u00a0<br><br>\u201cHospitality can be soul-crushing, but the reward is knowing that you\u2019ve changed the culture and created something that makes people feel more alive,\u201d Wang tells Observer. It shouldn\u2019t be shameful to \u201csell out,\u201d he says. \u201cI believe the reward should be financial. I want the people on lists like this to make bank, build legacies, own the buildings they occupy and take care of their teams. I want them to find investors and partners and sponsorship deals that allow this to happen. I want the people who\u2019ve already done this to mentor the ones who are just getting started.\u201d<br><br>Over 75 restaurants have received funding via connections they made at Industry Only events, receiving checks ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million. Resy, OpenTable and Dorsia have all but clamored to partner with Wang, banking on Industry Only event sponsorships to recruit new restaurants for their reservation platforms. Fundraisers and more significant events\u2014like the recent F1-adjacent food festival at Resorts World, attended by over 700 guests\u2014are open to the public, with tickets around $450.\u00a0<br><br>&#8220;He&#8217;s helping so many chefs and restaurants,&#8221; tech entrepreneur Shu Chowdhury tells Observer. &#8220;Andy\u2019s created a place where Michelin-starred chefs and up-and-comers meet with authenticity. They let their guards down and talk to each other\u2014and that&#8217;s where the real stuff happens.&#8221; This year saw Wang expand his influence with &#8220;Industry Only at the Cheese Store,&#8221; a podcast where hospitality&#8217;s biggest names spill their secrets in Beverly Hills&#8217; most prestigious tasting room. In an industry where everyone claims to be connected, Wang has built something more valuable: a community that shows up.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Andy-Wang_Industry-Only_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAndy Wang.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMelanie Dunea\/Mood Studios\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"chris-webb\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tChris Webb\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#chris-webb\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Chris Webb' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chownow.com\/\"><strong>ChowNow<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Chris Webb knows how to play the long game. After a decade of revolutionizing restaurant operations through ChowNow, the tech maverick promoted himself from CEO to chairman\u2014a power move that suggests he&#8217;s got bigger fish to fry than day-to-day operations. ChowNow\u2019s March 2024 acquisition of Cuboh reads like a chess master&#8217;s opening gambit, giving restaurants a unified command center for their increasingly complex delivery empires. The platform now corrals everything from DoorDash to Uber Eats into one streamlined dashboard, sparing restaurateurs from death by a thousand apps.<br><br>Webb&#8217;s latest achievement is transforming ChowNow&#8217;s headquarters into a culinary colosseum. In October, ChowNow hosted one of the East Coast&#8217;s largest chef conferences, bringing the event to Los Angeles for the first time. &#8220;When we envisioned this space three years ago, this was the moment we dreamed about,&#8221; he notes, understating the masterful conversion of corporate headquarters into a culinary forum.<br><br>The company he birthed in 2011 has evolved from a simple online ordering platform into the restaurant industry&#8217;s digital backbone. Webb&#8217;s vision extends far beyond delivery logistics\u2014he&#8217;s building what he calls &#8220;a comprehensive ecosystem&#8221; encompassing everything from pickup to loyalty programs, catering to consumer packaged goods.<br><br>&#8220;While we&#8217;ve made significant strides in many of these areas, we see tremendous untapped potential ahead,&#8221; Webb observes, speaking with the quiet confidence of someone who knows exactly where the industry&#8217;s heading because he&#8217;s steering the ship. His transition from CEO might look like a step back to the untrained eye, but in classic Webb fashion, it&#8217;s a mathematical leap forward.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Chris-Webb_ChowNow_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tChris Webb.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNick Muncy\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"erick-williams\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tErick Williams\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#erick-williams\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Erick Williams' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/cheferickwilliams.com\/\">Erick Williams<\/a><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Erick Williams is rewriting the rules of Chicago\u2019s culinary scene. The chef behind Hyde Park\u2019s celebrated Virtue has long been a pioneer, but in 2022, he cemented his place in history as the first Black chef to win the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes. For Williams, though, accolades are only the beginning. His true influence lies in using his platform to foster equity, cultivate leadership and uplift his community.<br><br>\u201cEvery dish we serve, every story we tell through our food and the work that we do, comes from a place of deep respect for those who came before us and those we are bringing up alongside us,\u201d Williams tells Observer. \u201cGrowth, for me, is about lifting others as we rise.\u201d<br><br>Williams recently opened his fifth concept, Cantina Rosa, collaborating with renowned mixologist Paul McGee to bring a cohesive Mexican bar to Hyde Park. The new venture, located around the corner from Virtue, will pair historic decor and music with a menu that pays homage to Mexico\u2019s rich culinary traditions, departing from Williams\u2019s signature Southern and New Orleans influences.<br><br>Backed by investors, Williams is spearheading significant developments on Chicago\u2019s South Side, including a project featuring 30 condominiums and five retail spaces, which he hopes will house Black-owned businesses. His efforts to empower his community also caught the attention of the Obamas\u2014Williams hosted an event for the Obama Foundation in May, following a conversation with the former president about leveraging the Obama Presidential Center\u2019s rising tourism to create opportunities for local residents. With every plate served, every new project and every initiative, Williams honors the legacy of those who paved the way while actively creating one of his own.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Erick-Williams_Virtue-Restaurant-Bar_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tErick Williams.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHuge Galdones Photography\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-top has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"albert-aaron-yang\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlbert &amp; Aaron Yang\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/#albert-aaron-yang\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Albert &amp; Aaron Yang' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/dtf.com\/en\"><strong>Din Tai Fung<\/strong><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">The Yang brothers\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/person\/albert-yang\/\">Albert<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/person\/aaron-yang\/\">Aaron<\/a>\u2014reign over a dumpling dynasty that would make their grandfather proud. As co-CEOs of Din Tai Fung, they&#8217;ve transformed a modest Taiwanese cooking oil shop into a global phenomenon, with 181 locations across 13 countries, serving what might be the world&#8217;s most talked-about soup dumplings.<br><br>&#8220;This past year has been incredible for growth,&#8221; Albert tells Observer, speaking with the measured enthusiasm of someone who knows they&#8217;re writing history one flawlessly pleated xiao long bao\u00a0at a time. Most recently, Downtown Disney got its first standalone location, while Midtown Manhattan welcomed the brand&#8217;s largest restaurant to date. The expansion shows no signs of slowing, with 2025 promising new outposts across Arizona, California and Canada. \u201cOur goal is to share the Din Tai Fung experience with as many people as we can without sacrificing our standards,\u201d Aaron tells Observer. Success, they note, means \u201chonoring our heritage responsibly.\u201d<br><br>The brothers have invested heavily in recruitment and training, understanding that their family legacy depends as much on their people as their recipes. &#8220;When we first started, it was about folding xiao long bao or helping after school,&#8221; Albert recalls. &#8220;Now, it&#8217;s about creating the healthiest company possible.&#8221;<br><br>Their approach balances luxury with accessibility\u2014a difficult feat in an industry that typically demands you choose one or the other. &#8220;The experience we offer is elevated yet comforting\u2014a luxury anyone can enjoy,&#8221; Albert explains, distilling generations of wisdom into a business model proving as satisfying as their signature dumplings.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/Aaron-and-Albert-Yang-_Din-Tai-Fung_Honoree_Graphic.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAaron and Albert Yang.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of Din Tai Fung\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These are the architects of modern indulgence, wielding influence with every lease signed and every menu unveiled. Theirs is the kind of power that turns concepts into cultural institutions.<\/p>\n <a class=\"moretag\" href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/nightlife-dining-power-list-2024\/\">Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":177935303,"featured_media":1500088,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"2024-12-02T13:00:25Z","apple_news_api_id":"12a6df78-3937-4f48-8792-a696b0105f69","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2024-12-04T13:03:06Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIQ==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/AEqbfeDk3T0iHkqaWsBBfaQ","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"post_tag":[423986430,421729056,423888652,654761],"company":[423980516,423990145,423995525],"channel":[423972337,423977823,1662,2286],"location":[],"nyo_column":[],"person":[423989574,423979812,423887953,423989575,423903714,423904302,423885017,423896103,423976871,423977417,423905144,423905232,423989578,423989583,423989657,423988581,423896210,423977422,423908628,423869155,423946381,412815725,423889946,423989646,423909488,423977426,423976583,423989571,423989577,423910558,423912294,423988582,423914659,423989582,423916585,423880112,423985405,423917233,423988580,423918580,423977424,423975814,423919299,423989584,423920315,423898524,423893794,423920828,423989576,423977425,423989568,423989569,423977502,423899055,423989572,423922551,423923050,423977407,423894428,423988747,423989659,423893709,423926737,423989661,423988748,423929288,423929312,423977413,423894392,423979617,423802571,423989662,423827015,423989579,423979616,423978154,423989647,423989648,423989658,423934249,423933792,423883567,423977415,423935542,423985609,423977430,423977414,423891040,423937111,423937156,423977423,423977429,423896526,423895768,423977434,423989573,423989570,423989660,423989581,423989580,423898853,423940469,423940490,423894605,423940952,423977412,423982085,423942448,423981801,423863103],"coauthor":[698157],"class_list":{"0":"post-1500086","1":"listicle","2":"type-listicle","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"tag-fine-dining","7":"tag-james-beard-award","8":"tag-members-only-clubs","9":"tag-michelin-guide","10":"observer_company-bond-hospitality","11":"observer_company-crane-club","12":"observer_company-zero-bond","13":"channel-power-lists","14":"channel-nightlife-dining","15":"channel-restaurants","16":"channel-lifestyle","17":"nyo_person-aaron-yang","18":"nyo_person-akira-back","19":"nyo_person-alain-ducasse","20":"nyo_person-albert-yang","21":"nyo_person-alexandra-champalimaud","22":"nyo_person-allison-page","23":"nyo_person-andrea-bocelli","24":"nyo_person-andrew-carmellini","25":"nyo_person-andrew-carnie","26":"nyo_person-andrew-harris","27":"nyo_person-andy-wang","28":"nyo_person-angie-rito","29":"nyo_person-avish-naran","30":"nyo_person-brian-toll","31":"nyo_person-byron-lazaroff-puck","32":"nyo_person-chat-suansilphong","33":"nyo_person-chintan-pandya","34":"nyo_person-chris-webb","35":"nyo_person-craig-robins","36":"nyo_person-daniel-boulud","37":"nyo_person-daniel-humm","38":"nyo_person-daniel-patterson","39":"nyo_person-david-grutman","40":"nyo_person-debby-soo","41":"nyo_person-elizabeth-blau","42":"nyo_person-ellia-park","43":"nyo_person-enrique-olvera","44":"nyo_person-erick-williams","45":"nyo_person-erik-ramirez","46":"nyo_person-eugene-remm","47":"nyo_person-george-ruan","48":"nyo_person-hollis-silverman","49":"nyo_person-ira-drukier","50":"nyo_person-jamie-reuben","51":"nyo_person-jason-strauss","52":"nyo_person-jean-georges-vongerichten","53":"nyo_person-jeff-klein","54":"nyo_person-jeff-zalaznick","55":"nyo_person-jenn-saesue","56":"nyo_person-joe-bastianich","57":"nyo_person-joel-montaniel","58":"nyo_person-johann-moonesinghe","59":"nyo_person-john-fraser","60":"nyo_person-john-terzian","61":"nyo_person-jon-neidich","62":"nyo_person-jonathan-benno","63":"nyo_person-jose-andres","64":"nyo_person-josh-pickard","65":"nyo_person-juan-correa","66":"nyo_person-junghyun-park","67":"nyo_person-jyotin-sethi","68":"nyo_person-karam-sethi","69":"nyo_person-keith-corbin","70":"nyo_person-keith-mcnally","71":"nyo_person-kelly-kent","72":"nyo_person-ken-fulk","73":"nyo_person-kim-canteenwalla","74":"nyo_person-kwame-onwuachi","75":"nyo_person-larry-ellison","76":"nyo_person-leticia-grendene","77":"nyo_person-luke-ostrom","78":"nyo_person-mario-carbone","79":"nyo_person-mark-birnbaum","80":"nyo_person-meryem-cherkaoui","81":"nyo_person-michael-chetrit","82":"nyo_person-michael-solomonov","83":"nyo_person-michael-stillman","84":"nyo_person-mikey-tanha","85":"nyo_person-miky-grendene","86":"nyo_person-mohamed-alkassar","87":"nyo_person-nancy-silverton","88":"nyo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