Can a city’s food scene serve as a catalyst for connection, creativity, and innovation? Grace Chow, Co-Founder & CEO of Austin-based Lobos Hospitality, joins me to share her insights from food scenes across the US, and her in-the-trenches view from building three distinctive Austin restaurants: Toasty Badger, Manny's, and the Powder Room.
Episode Highlights
- The State of the Austin Food Scene
- Balancing Local Sourcing, Trends, and Concept Authenticity
- Crafting Distinctive Dining Experiences
- What Austin Needs for a Vibrant Hospitality Industry
- How Restaurants Intersect with Other Sectors
- The Impact of Tech on the Restaurant Industry
- Restaurants as Potential Third Places in Austin
- What's Next, Austin?
- "I think just everybody kind of becoming a little bit nerdier about food and a little bit nerdy about restaurants."
What is Austin Next?
Austin's evolution into a global innovation superstar is at the heart of Austin Next. We uncover insights into the region's transformation and what it means for ecosystem building.
Our exploration extends to emerging trends, technologies, and their convergence. Using Austin as our real-world case study and experts from around the world, we aim to understand the true nature and mechanics of innovation.