Chip Wade, USHG

On today's episode of All in the Industry®, Shari Bayer's guest is Chip Wade, Chief Executive Officer of Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), which was founded by Danny Meyer with the opening of Union Square Café in 1985, and now extends beyond the walls of its eateries, offering event services, partnerships, and business development. As CEO, a title he has had since 2022, Chip is responsible for further enhancing and evolving the company’s culture, driving an even greater experience for guests, and bolstering the excellence and growth of its businesses. Chip joined the USHG Executive team as President, in 2019, following a rich 30-year career in operational leadership in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining USHG, Chip spent 17 years in leadership with Darden Restaurants, where he oversaw all operating functions, drove best-in-industry people metrics, and enhanced financial performance for a number of Darden’s high-growth brands. He also served as Chief Operating Offer for Legal Sea Foods in Boston, Massachusetts, in which capacity he led all operations for the family-owned group’s 31 restaurants, and oversaw the launch of the Legal Test Kitchen concept. Today's show also features Shari's PR tip to endorse endorsements; Industry News Discussion on the 2023 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Nominees; plus, Shari's Solo Dining experience at Bad Roman, a new, modern, maximalist Italian restaurant from Quality Branded in Columbus Circle, NYC. ** Check out Shari's new book, CHEFWISE – Life Lessons from Leading Chefs Around the World (Phaidon, Spring 2023), now available for pre-order at Phaidon.com, Amazon.com, and wherever books are sold! Pub dates: 4.20.23 UK / 5.3.23 US #chefwisebook ** And if you're in the Philly area, please join Shari on Sunday, April 16th for a panel previewing her book, CHEFWISE, in a discussion through the lens of women in hospitality with Sisterly Love Collective members. The complimentary panel will take place during Philly Chef Conference from 3PM to 4:30PM at The Study at University City (20 S. 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA). RSVPs required. For more information, go to: thestudyatuniversitycity.com. Hope to see you there! **Photo Courtesy of Chip Wade.Listen at Heritage Radio Network; subscribe/rate/review our show at iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. Follow us @allindustry. Thanks for being a part of All in the Industry®. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support All in the Industry by becoming a member!All in the Industry is Powered by Simplecast.