Morning Meeting Episode 262: An Epic Con—The Man Who Lived as a Rockefeller for 40 Years
Sep 20, 2025
This week, Jonathan Alter, a renowned journalist, dives into the jaw-dropping tale of Spiro Pavlovich, who posed as a Rockefeller for 40 years, infiltrating elite circles. Alter unpacks how Pavlovich's early frauds set the stage for his grand con, driven by the desire for status rather than wealth. Meanwhile, Christine Muhlke, a food and dining journalist, reflects on the iconic Union Square Cafe and its transformative 40-year journey under Danny Meyer, highlighting its unique hospitality culture and legacy in New York's dining scene.
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Danny Meyer's Origin Story
- Danny Meyer left law-school plans after an uncle asked why he'd do something he hated and pursued restaurant school instead.
- He waited tables, worked at Pesca, trained in Italy, and spent two years preparing before opening Union Square Cafe.
A Chaotic Opening Night
- Union Square Cafe opened to chaos and became popular about five weeks later after opening on October 21st.
- The Halloween parade funneled shirtless men and odd decorations to the bar on opening night, creating an unforgettable early scene.
Hospitality As Competitive Advantage
- Danny Meyer built success by creating a culture of service that made every guest feel welcome and valued.
- That hospitality-focused approach differentiated him from New York's then-cool, indifferent dining scene and fueled expansion.
