NOLADrinks Show – Discussing Systemic Racism in the Hospitality Industry – Jun20Ep2

On this important edition of The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias, we discuss aspects of systemic racism in the hospitality industry. We welcome Lauren Darnell, executive director of the Made in New Orleans Foundation, Mason Hereford, chef/owner of Turkey and the Wolf and Molly’s Rise and Shine, and Alexis Ruiz, co-owner of the Munch Factory.

Pictured above from left – Alexis Ruiz of Much Factory, Mason Hereford of Turkey and the Wolf and Molly’s Rise and Shine, Touré Folkes of Turning Tables, and Lauren Darnell of the Made in New Orleans Foundation at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.

NOLADrinks Show – Discussing Systemic Racism in the Hospitality Industry – Jun20Ep2

We start things off letting you know about next week’s show and this week’s show. We also let you know a bit of context about this week’s show. Namely, how, obviously, this critical conversation sits in a much larger set of issues and manifestations. Of course, given the focus of The NOLADrinks Show (“exploring the world of drink, food, and culture in New Orleans and beyond!”) and the time constraints we face each week, we focus on the hospitality industry.

Then, we head over to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum for our featured interview. We are joined by Lauren Darnell, executive director of the Made in New Orleans Foundation, Mason Hereford, chef/owner of Turkey and the Wolf and Molly’s Rise and Shine, and Alexis Ruiz, co-owner of the Munch Factory.

We have an honest and candid conversation with our guests (thanks to them for being a part of this challenging conversation and leading the way!) In general, we discuss ways that systemic racism manifests in the hospitality industry. We touch on many facets (and as we noted at the top of the show, many we didn’t.) We also have some conversation about things that can (and must) be done to make real change, do the work, and move beyond the performative.

Our three guests stick around for our podcast-only segment, “Another Shot with NOLADrinks.” We continue our conversation including a discussion on how food connects us deeply to our past and each other.

Pictured above – Mason Hereford of Turkey and the Wolf and Molly’s Rise and Shine.

A special shout-out to our friend, Touré Folkes of Turning Tables, for being instrumental in putting this show together! Look for more collabs on that front soon…

The map below shows the location of the Munch Factory in Gentilly (currently open for to-go orders only. Their LGD location is not currently open), Turkey and the Wolf, Molly’s Rise and Shine (both are not currently open, but should be for to-go orders soon), and the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (also, not currently open to the public, but they are targeting July 7, reservations required.) Thanks to the museum for hosting us! Please be sure to check with these establishments for the latest on their opening and operating status!

You can subscribe to, download, and stream The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias podcast using the links and player at the top of the post.

Cheers and Be Well, You All!

~ Bryan