"We wanted to explore the ways that food can be a muse.” Jamila Robinson

Looking through the pages of Bon Appétit’s inaugural Art & Design issue (May 2025), it occurred to me that I wasn’t just reading. Each spread, each story, struck a chord and reminded me what aspects of the hospitality industry resonated in my soul from the beginning. Yes, great food is essential, but as important is the way a place makes people feel… the atmosphere, the intention, the story that lives in the walls and on the plate, and the synergy when it all works.

In each restaurant I’ve opened as the final touches and tastings readied for the first day serving the public, I’d sit in nearly every seat just to feel and observe the room from every vantage point. That same care, that same design philosophy, was baked into every inch of this issue. Whether it was a story about Marcus Samuelsson’s return to Ethiopia, building a restaurant atop the tallest building in East Africa—or the role of color psychology—I felt a visceral connection.

Exploring the intersection of food, design, and cultural storytelling with Jamila Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, offers a masterclass on how food media can be both beautiful and meaningful. She and her team made print feel like luxury again. They made culture feel close and they reminded us that food isn't just sustenance, it's connection, it’s memory, it's music, it's art. This Art & Design special issue is a collector's item.

Brad

HOW WE MOVE
Stay tuned to the end of the guest interview when international speaker, writer and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and highlights some of the interesting people, places and things that have her attention.

Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality

E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Brad Johnson Ventures LLC

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Brad Johnson Ventures LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"You can't take a photo of hospitality." Chip Wade

When my long-time friend, Eric Williams of Stone Williams Group, offered to connect me with Chip Wade, I immediately said yes. I was curious to learn more about the CEO of legendary New York City restaurateur Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) whose reputation for operating a portfolio of high-level restaurants is tops in the industry. Their slate of restaurants include: Grammercy Tavern, The View, Ci Siamo, Daily Provisions, The Modern, and Union Square Café, to name a few.

Chip is a 30-year veteran of hospitality. From his beginnings at TGI Fridays to his leadership roles at Darden Restaurants and Legal Sea Foods, culminating in his current role at USHG, Chip shares insights on leadership qualities he admires including the importance of empathy and feedback. Our conversation also explores the industry's appeal to young Black professionals, and USHG's commitment to diversity and inclusion despite recent political pushbacks. Chip talks about the importance of maintaining high standards and culture within the organization including passionately advocating for understanding and celebrating diverse histories. By doing so, Chip believes we build a more empathetic society.

Finally, we learned the term “antiquarian” as we dove into Chip’s passion for Black American history through his rare book collection. Fueled by curiosity, Chip aims to unearth stories celebrating prominent Black figures and share these narratives with broader audiences, honoring those whose shoulders we stand upon.

Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey with Chip Wade. We hope his story inspires you as much as it did us. For more discussions like these, stay tuned to Corner Table Talk.

Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality

E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Editing: Journey Media LLC

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Brad Johnson Ventures LLC

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Brad Johnson Ventures LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"When I got burglarized, it really didn't faze me... I went back to that day as a teenager, looking at my father's face, seeing the determination as he swept up that glass." Greg Dulan

I met Greg Dulan almost 40 years ago while he and his father, renowned restaurateur Adolf Dulan, were visiting black-owned restaurants in New York City. When I moved to Los Angeles a few years later, Adolf’s beloved Southern-style restaurant, Aunt Kizzy’s Back Porch in Marina Del Rey, with its home-cooked soul food and warm, welcoming atmosphere, was my home away from home. I've enjoyed a close bond with both Adolf and Greg over the years and attended the memorial service for Adolf when he passed away in 2017. Given the Dulan legacy and my long relationship with both father and son, I am especially honored to have my friend and colleague Greg on this episode of Corner Table Talk.

Greg, a second-generation restaurateur, shares heartfelt stories of working alongside his late father, a pioneer in Los Angeles’ soul food scene. From the early days of Aunt Kizzy’s Back Porch to the evolution of Dulan’s on Crenshaw, Greg reflects on his lessons, including his father’s philosophy of giving back—whether through ample portions or community support.

The conversation also explores Greg’s recent restaurant renovation, his experience as a James Beard Award finalist, and the challenges of maintaining a thriving business amid rising costs and gentrification. Through it all, Greg remains an optimist, fueled by the love of his community and the enduring spirit of his father.

Listen now for an inspiring story of resilience, family, and the power of soul food.

Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality

E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Editing: Glenn Cooper

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.