S1:E27 Michael Vann & Alvin Clayton I Of Taste and Style

Often people remark how they would love to open a restaurant and from the outside looking in, there is an understandable appeal. After all, having a home court to greet old friends, meet new ones, celebrate special occasions, and moving around the room in charge, can look glamorous at times. But behind-the-scenes, what does it take to be a restaurateur operating at a higher level? This week's guests, Michael Vann and Alvin Clayton , both restaurateurs, self-made, and with careers in the fashion industry, provide a glimpse into the world of hospitality from a restaurateur's point of view.

After working as an executive with Lord & Taylor in New York City, Chicago native Michael Vann pivoted to the hospitality industry starting as general manager at B. Smith's restaurant, working with the legendary B. Smith in the late 80s. From there, his entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to develop, own and operate several restaurants in New York City including the renowned Shark Bar, serving upscale soul food in the 1990's. Michael is currently in the process of establishing new locations for his most recent concept, Smitty & Mo's, a very popular fast casual restaurant.

Alvin Clayton is a Trinidad-born restaurateur, artist, and model. He and his wife, Gwen, are the owners and operators of the award-winning Southern and Caribbean restaurant, Alvin and Friends, located in New Rochelle, New York. Alvin's restaurant career started in the famed and ground-breaking Los Angeles restaurant, Georgia, helmed by Brad Johnson which had several celebrity investors including Denzel Washington, Norm Nixon, Debbie Allen, and Lou Adler. Alvin is also a self-taught artist whose work exudes bright, bold colors of life in the African experience. His work has been featured in the Smithsonian Institute of African-American Art, several films, and most recently, a virtual political show, Unapologetically Me. Among his art patrons are Ken and Kathy Chenault, New York University, Denzel Washington, Blair Underwood, Hill Harper, CCH Pounder and Lorraine Toussaint, to name a few. Alvin has also had an illustrious modeling career and recently signed with the world-renowned IMG Models.

In this episode, with decades of experience in the same industry, host Brad Johnson sits down with Michael and Alvin to discuss their journeys, how they started in the hospitality industry, what made being a restaurateur the right fit for them, how they find the strength to carry on during trying times, what direction they are taking going forward and the future of the industry. Join us!

* * *

Please follow @CornerTableTalk on Instagram and Facebook

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

For questions or comments, please e.mail: info@postandbeamhospitality.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.