SOF Discussion Reception: Resetting the Table: What’s Next for the Restaurant Industry
Join for an SOF Discussion Reception featuring Danny Meyer, Founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, and JJ Johnson, award-winning chef, founder, TV personality and author, in conversation with Dawn Davis, Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appétit magazine, about how the food and restaurant industry is responding to recent challenges. They will discuss inclusion and equity issues, how business models have evolved as a result of the pandemic, new imperatives for sustainability and supply chains, and whether the culture of dining will change dramatically or not at all.
*If you are not currently a member of the Society of Fellows, and are interested in joining, please contact the Society of Fellows team at sof@aspeninstitute.org or at (970) 544-7980.
Biographies:
JJ Johnson, Chef and Founder
JJ Johnson is an award-winning Chef, Founder, TV Personality and Author. Chef JJ presents an environment for connection through food that transcends people, memories, and generations. His diligent efforts toward the food industry has amounted to untouchable accolades: James Beard Award Winner for Best Author and Nominations for Best Chef and Rising Star NYC, Forbes and Zagat 30 under 30, and 2 time Best New Restaurant of the Year Winner by Esquire Magazines. His ability to combine culturally-relevant ingredients with classical technique is showcased at FIELDTRIP, his quick-casual rice bowl shop that highlights the future of food. Catch him today on his TV show, Just Eats, airing on Cleo TV.
Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Danny Meyer grew up in a family that relished great food and hospitality. In 1985, at age 27, Danny opened his first restaurant, Union Square Cafe, launching what would become a lifelong career in hospitality. Under Danny’s leadership, USHG is renowned not only for its acclaimed restaurants but also for its distinctive and celebrated culture of Enlightened Hospitality. Danny’s groundbreaking business book, Setting the Table (HarperCollins, 2006), a New York Times Bestseller, articulates a set of signature business and life principles that translate to a wide range of industries. Danny has been generously recognized for his leadership, business achievements, and humanitarianism, including the 2017 Julia Child Award, the 2015 TIME 100 “Most Influential People” list, and the 2012 Aspen Institute Preston Robert Tisch Award in Civic Leadership. Together, Danny and USHG’s restaurants and individuals have won an unprecedented 28 James Beard Awards.
Dawn Davis, Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appétit
Dawn Davis was appointed as editor-in-chief of Bon Appétit in fall of 2020. Prior to her appointment, she was a book publisher who in her career published many New York Times bestsellers and critically acclaimed works of fiction and nonfiction. In her current role, Davis is responsible for the editorial vision of Bon Appétit and Epicurious across digital, video, OTT, social and print platforms.
Davis, formerly vice president and publisher of 37 Ink, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, is an award-winning publisher and storytelling advocate who, for over two decades, has championed and elevated underrepresented voices. Her interest in food and restaurants also led her to write If You Can Stand the Heat: Tales from Chefs & Restaurateurs which profiled some of the most dynamic and prolific chefs of the time, including Edna Lewis, Bobby Flay, Anthony Bourdain, Scott Peacock, Patricia Williams and Linda Rodriguez.
She was named the 2019 Editor of the Year by Poets & Writers. A former board member of The Harlem School of the Arts and a graduate of Stanford University, she lives in New York City with her family.