Wolfgang & Me

Hey there, it’s me—Nycci Nellis—and welcome back to Industry Night!

Today’s show is a big one. We’re talking steak, style, and serious star power. That’s right, I’m coming to you from the stunning CUT DC, the sleek, modern steakhouse tucked inside Rosewood Washington, D.C., right in the heart of Georgetown.

Now, if you’ve ever had a dry-aged ribeye that made you want to cry happy tears or a martini that just hit different, then you’ve likely been touched by the culinary genius of Wolfgang Puck—a global hospitality icon whose name is synonymous with innovation, elegance, and incredible food - smoked salmon pizza anyone?

Wolfgang’s CUT concept has evolved into a powerhouse brand with locations around the globe, and CUT DC—helmed by Executive Chef Andrew Ho—is his Mid-Atlantic love letter, bringing refined service and bold flavors to one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods. And now, CUT is adding weekday lunch to the mix, raising the stakes on the return of the business lunch. (Yes, martinis included.)

So today, we’re diving into the evolution of CUT, what’s inspiring Wolfgang right now, and how he sees the dining landscape shifting, both here in the U.S. and around the world.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - Catching Up with Wolfgang Puck
06:06 - Smoked Salmon Bread Dilemma
06:35 - Spontaneous Salmon Pizza Creation
09:47 - Global Dining Challenges and Opportunities
15:07 - Trends Inspiring Global Restaurateur
17:40 - Finding Your Unique Voice
22:02 - Passionate Chef's Lifelong Dedication
22:38 - Empty Nest: Adapting Together
23:14 - Outro

Quotes:

“Making my team feel good ensures our guests do too. Hospitality is everything.”- Wolfgang Puck

“It’s not just great food—it’s about connecting, building community, and making a meaningful impact with passion.”- Nycci Nellis

Key Takeaways:

Humble Roots, Bold Dreams
The Power of Mentorship
Reinventing Restaurant Culture
Hospitality Is Everything
Global Influence, Local Roots
Evolving Through Adversity
Never Stop Creating

Connect with Wolfgang Puck

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfgangpuck/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfgangpuck
Website: https://wolfgangpuck.com/

Featuring Nycci Nellis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/
Website: https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/

Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com