#64. In this episode of the meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey welcomes Ellen Yin, the esteemed founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group. Ellen has garnered acclaim for her work, including being honored with the Outstanding Restaurateur Award by the James Beard Foundation. She also serves on the board of Open Table (among many other boards) and is the co-chair of the Sisterly Love Coalition, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the Philadelphia hospitality industry.

Josh and Ellen dive into her decades of experience running High Street Hospitality Group, discussing the challenges and successes she has encountered along the way. Despite not being a chef herself, Ellen has a clear vision for her business and has successfully collaborated with numerous talented chefs. The conversation explores how Ellen balances the creative vision of her chefs with her business objectives, offering valuable insights into her hiring process and leadership style.

Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with industry wisdom, stories of resilience, and Ellen's inspiring journey in the world of hospitality.

Where to find Ellen Yin:

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

In this episode, we cover:

(03:11): Ellen's thoughts on awards
(04:44): High Street Hospitality's new growth
(07:24): How Ellen is adapting to opening restaurants in different cities
(10:12): Community involvement in new cities
(14:20): Pros and cons of being a restaurateur and not a chef
(26:55): How Ellen measures team growth and happiness
(32:21): The uniqueness of the Philly restaurant scene
(40:21): Today's cost of food and service charges
(46:26): Sisterly Love Collective and The Wonton Project

Ellen Yin on Building a Culinary Empire: Vision, Collaboration, and Empowering Women in Hospitality