Food service design is more than just kitchens—it’s about user experience, efficiency, and innovation.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Mikita, principal and partner at Ricca Design Studios, to explore the intersection of hospitality, kitchen design, and holistic consulting. Ryan shares his unexpected journey from aspiring actor to leading food service design consultant, offering insights into how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and industry trends are shaping the future of hospitality spaces.

We dive into the evolving role of open kitchens, how automation and innovative equipment are revolutionizing restaurant efficiency, and why commercial laundry and waste management play a crucial role in a well-rounded design approach. Ryan also opens up about the importance of personal connections, work-life balance, and staying grounded in a fast-paced industry.

Your space should work for you, not against you. Whether you’re designing a restaurant, healthcare facility, or commercial space, the right approach to food service design can enhance both operations and guest experience.

Website: https://www.ricca.com/

Ryan Mikita | LinkedIn

Email: rmikita@ricca.com

About Ryan Mikita:

Ryan got his start in foodservice like many do, he started out as a server in a bustling New York City restaurant in Times Square. Since that time, Ryan has gone from working in operations to planning and designing for complex construction projects for clients in New York City and all over the world.

A creative problem solver at his roots, Ryan attended the University of Hartford’s Hartt School where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Following nearly a decade of working in and around New York City’s finest establishments, Ryan stepped into a design role at Patina Restaurant Group. In this role, Ryan managed the design & construction process for nearly every single PRG construction project—design-build, phased construction, renovations, and routine maintenance.

Ryan was often responsible for defining the initial scope of projects, fielding/evaluating vendor proposals, and ultimately managing each project from the beginning all the way through to construction, permitting, and close-out. He was also typically the central point-of-contact for the project team—designers, engineers, contractors/vendors, landlords, the health department and government agencies, all in addition to internal stakeholders and executives.

Ryan joined Ricca Design Studios in 2018 and leads Ricca’s New York City studio from Pittsburgh. He brings operational expertise, creative solutions and detail-oriented project management to all projects—those in New York City, the rest of the US, or across International waters.

I want to hear from you! My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is open. Have a question about food service design, kitchen efficiency, or creating intentional hospitality spaces? Leave me a voice message, and I might feature your question in an upcoming episode.

🎙 Speakpipe Link Here: https://speakpipe.com/HHD

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Spring is a season of renewal, a time to clear out the old and welcome in fresh energy. But with Mercury and Venus in retrograde, things might feel a little off—communication may be misaligned, decision-making could feel clouded, and relationships, both personal and professional, might be under review.

In this episode, I’m sharing ten powerful spring cleaning rituals designed to help you reset your space, realign your energy, and make the most of this potent time. Whether you’re looking to declutter your physical environment, set clearer intentions, or create a more energetically aligned business, these simple yet effective steps will help you feel more grounded, clear, and in flow.

• How the Mercury and Venus retrogrades are influencing your space, mindset, and energy right now
• Why decluttering and deep cleaning can create immediate shifts in your productivity and well-being
• How to use sound, scent, and natural elements to elevate the energy in your home or business
• A simple practice to set intentions daily and keep your space aligned with your goals

Your space holds energy. When you clear it with intention, you make room for more clarity, creativity, and aligned opportunities. Let’s embrace this season of renewal together.

I want to hear from you. My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is now open! If you have a design dilemma or need advice on creating a high-vibe space, leave me a voice message, and I might feature it in an upcoming episode.

Speakpipe Link Here: https://speakpipe.com/HHD

• If you try one of these spring cleaning rituals, let me know how it goes! Share your experience and tag me so I can celebrate with you.
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What does it take to create a space that truly supports transformation and well-being? In this episode, I sit down with Tonia to talk about the power of intentional environments, the energy behind movement, and the role of community in building a wellness-centered business.

Tonia shares her journey from corporate life to the wellness world and how she manifested her new Pilates studio by trusting the process—even when the next steps weren’t clear. She brings a unique perspective to movement and energy, blending Pilates with sound healing, breathwork, and intentional design to create an elevated experience for her clients.

This conversation is for you if you’re:

• Curious about how space and energy impact wellness and creativity
• Navigating a career shift into something more aligned
• Interested in manifestation and taking bold steps forward
• Looking for ways to integrate breathwork, sound healing, and movement into your daily life

We also explore the importance of building community, personalizing the wellness experience, and simply asking for what you want—because you never know what opportunities might unfold when you do.

How to connect with Tonia:

embodiedstudio.ai / instagram.com/tonia_shump

I’d love to hear from you! My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is open, and I’m taking your questions about designing an intentional space, creating a high-vibe business, or aligning your environment with your goals. Leave me a voice message, and I might feature it in an upcoming episode.

Speakpipe Link Here: https://speakpipe.com/HHD

• Share this episode with someone who would love this conversation
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• If you found value in today’s episode, leave a review—your support helps the show grow!

• Book your Free 20-Minute Design Audit.
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• Submit your design question via SpeakPipe.
• Follow me on Instagram.
• Visit my website.

Episode 17: Transform Your Space – Interior Design Services for Small Business Owners

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into accessible and transformative interior design services tailored for owner-operated small businesses like cafés, restaurants, bars, studios, boutique hotels and wellness centers.

As a professional interior designer, I understand that creating a beautiful and functional space is key to fostering community and supporting your business's success. That’s why I’ve designed a range of services to make professional design support more accessible to you, no matter the size of your project or budget.

• Free 20-Minute Interior Design Audit: Discover how you can get personalized design feedback on your space for free and inspire others in the process by participating in the podcast.
• 2 and 4 Week Designer On-Call Service: Learn how you can receive ongoing virtual support, including an action plan, weekly check-in meetings, and unlimited access to me for guidance as you make design changes.
• VIP 1 or 2 Day In-Person Consultation: Find out how a one- or two-day intensive consultation can result in immediate, tangible improvements to your space, from optimizing layouts to shopping for accessories.
• Bespoke Custom Interior Design Services: Explore a full-service approach to transforming your space from concept to completion, including renderings, specifying finishes, furniture, lighting, and working with contractors.
• Design Q&A via SpeakPipe: Got a design question? Send it in through SpeakPipe, and I’ll play and answer it on the podcast, so others can benefit from the insights too.

• Book your Free 20-Minute Design Audit.
• Learn more about my design services.
• Submit your design question via SpeakPipe.
• Follow me on Instagram.
• Visit my website.

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to leave a review and share it with fellow small business owners who could benefit from a more intentional approach to design.

Stay intentional, stay inspired, and keep creating magic in your space!

In this episode of the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast, Rachel Crawford interviews Brian Grover from Fox Point Farms. They discuss Brian's journey from structural engineering to urban design, the founding of Fox Point Farms, and the importance of place making in creating community-focused spaces. The conversation delves into the sustainable practices at Fox Point Farms, including the integration of a brewery and farm-to-table restaurant, and the innovative approaches to waste management and regenerative agriculture. In this conversation, Rachel Crawford discusses the innovative skincare line Heal Botanics, emphasizing the use of farm-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. She elaborates on the concept of placemaking, detailing how Fox Point Farms was designed to foster community and connection. Rachel shares her journey as an entrepreneur, highlighting the resilience required to navigate challenges and the importance of integrity and transparency in business operations. The discussion underscores the significance of creating spaces that nurture the next generation and the ongoing journey of learning and improvement in sustainable practices.

About Brian: Brian Grover, Founder + Developer

Fox Point Farms | Encinitas, CA

Brian Grover is the visionary force behind Fox Point Farms, San Diego County’s first-of-its-kind “agrihood,” where a coastal regenerative farm serves as the heart of a 21-acre mixed-use residential community. His multi-disciplinary background in real estate, planning, and development has equipped him with the expertise to transform land into sustainable, forward-thinking communities, with Fox Point Farms standing as the pinnacle of his nearly two-decade career.

As the founder and managing partner of Nolen Communities, Grover has consistently championed the integration of environmental stewardship, community connection, and design innovation. His prior experience as Principal at Dudek, where he oversaw entitlement and development projects across California, has honed his ability to create spaces that foster both functionality and a deep sense of place. Now living on-site at Fox Point Farms with his family, Grover continues to guide his vision daily, crafting a resilient, self-sustaining community rooted in hyper-local engagement.

Grover holds a B.S. in Structural Engineering with a minor in Urban Planning from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master’s in Planning and Real Estate Development from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a certified planner (AICP) and an active member of the American Planning Association, Urban Land Institute, and other professional organizations. He also shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at universities in the San Diego area and serves on various local commissions.

To learn more about Fox Point Farms, visit their Instagram at @foxpointfarms or their website at www.foxpointfarms.com.

***Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

In this episode of Holistic Hospitality, host Rachel Larraine Crawford uncovers the five hidden costs of skipping an interior designer for your hospitality project. From wasted time and costly mistakes to missed branding opportunities and budget mismanagement, Rachel highlights how professional design services can save you money, stress, and setbacks. She also dives into the critical role designers play in creating compliant, functional spaces that elevate guest experiences. Tune in for insights and inspiration to ensure your hospitality project becomes a memorable, profitable success.

Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

Daryl Schwartz, founder of Goodbar, shares his journey of creating non-alcoholic bars and the importance of shifting the mindset around money. He emphasizes the value of investments in people and platforms, rather than viewing them as expenses. Daryl discusses the success of Goodbar's event business and the plans for their brick and mortar locations. He highlights the importance of functionality and programming in creating a unique experience for customers. Daryl also reflects on the challenges of leadership and the need to delegate and find the right people. Daryl Schwartz discusses his book collection, his focus on personal development, and his morning routine. He also talks about his approach to running his business and the importance of building partnerships. Schwartz offers advice for new entrepreneurs and emphasizes the need for resilience and consistency.

www.drinkgoodbar.com

EMAIL: dschwartz@drinkgoodbar.com

IG:@drinkgoodbar

*****

Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

In this conversation, Rachel and Giulia discuss Virgo season and the eclipse in Pisces. They explore the qualities of Virgo, such as problem-solving, organization, and efficiency. They emphasize the importance of reevaluating and reorganizing during this time, both in personal and business aspects. They also discuss the spiritual aspect of Virgo season and the need to connect with one's soul. The conversation touches on the upcoming eclipse and the energy it brings, encouraging listeners to follow their intuition and be open to change. Overall, the conversation provides insights and guidance for navigating Virgo season and harnessing its energies.

*****

Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

Connect with Giulia:

• www.apartastrology.com
• Instagram.com/ap.art.as

Giulia Martello, Italian Artist and Astrologer