Advertise on podcast: Terms of Service

Send us a text New year, same us.  We have been on a bit of a hiatus as we have been navigating new cultural realities and showing up in real time for our communities.  In this fresh episode of Terms of Service Podcast, we sit with hospitality leader Eric Schuster for a grounded and necessary conversation on conscious hospitality - not as a trend or talking point, but as a leadership responsibility rooted in accountability, awareness, and care. This dialogue explores what happens when hospitality is examined beyond guest experience and brand optics, and instead through the lived realities of the people who sustain it.  Together, we unpack how legacy systems within hospitality have normalized burnout, emotional labor, and disposability and why intention alone is no longer enough to justify outcomes. Eric reflects candidly on leadership evolution, power dynamics, and the personal reckoning required to move from growth-at-all-costs thinking toward people-centered decision-making.  We examine the structural roots of burnout in hospitality, challenging the industry’s habit of framing exhaustion as an individual resilience issue rather than a design flaw.  From wage structures and scheduling instability to the emotional toll of service work, this episode centers the human cost that is too often rendered invisible. The discussion also confronts the tension between capital, growth, and ethics; exploring what it means to say no, slow down, or redefine success when financial pressure conflicts with values.  Eric speaks to the responsibility leaders carry when people’s livelihoods are involved, and the importance of transparency, humility, and accountability in building trust across different verticals of leadership.  This episode is not prescriptive, nor is it performative.  This is a reflective, honest and necessary narrative asking a central question facing the industry today: If hospitality is built on care, who is responsible for caring for the people who make it possible? As always - we thank Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation.  See you soon,  - The T o S Crew  Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text In this exciting drop we welcome Kelly Rozny, the force behind The Pro Wino, a platform redefining how we think about and experience wine education. Kelly brings years of hospitality expertise into the wine world, bridging the gap between industry professionals and enthusiasts with an approach that is conscious, approachable, and sincere.  Together, we dive into her career journey, her pivotal moments in wine, and the mission behind The Pro Wino - making wine education engaging, inclusive, and accessible. This interactive tasting-inspired conversation explores how hospitality shaped Kelly’s vision for wine consulting and education while also exploring why she founded The Pro Wino and what she aims to bring to the community. In addition, breaking down misconceptions that make wine feel intimidating, what industry training through The Pro Wino looks like and key takeaways for hospitality participants. We also discuss sustainability and ethical practices in wine through her work with Verivine, the evolving wine landscape post-COVID while balancing her many roles as an educator, consultant, and entrepreneur. This is a masterclass of how authentic, human-centered education can reshape the industry. As always, we thank Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation and a wine discussion that speaks the language of the industry.  We'll see you soon.  - The T o S Crew Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text Absolutely honored to sit down with Sam Zeitlin, the founder of Zeitlin’s Delicatessen, a nontraditional yet undeniably cool Jewish deli that’s reshaping how Chicago experiences cultural food traditions. From his early pop-up successes to the much-anticipated opening of his first brick-and-mortar in Lincoln Park, Sam opens up about the tension between honoring legacy and reimagining it for today.  For him, building a deli has never been about nostalgia alone; it’s about creating a living room for the city, a place where food, memory, and migration intersect. We discuss how Sam’s upbringing and cultural identity shaped his hospitality lens long before he entered the industry. The challenges and wins of balancing tradition with innovation in Jewish food, how Zeitlin’s is more than a deli, it’s a home base for community and cultural belonging. We also explore the importance of integrating business with his passion for his family and being a responsible cultural steward in a city where culinary identity is ever-evolving.  Sam reminds us that food can be a love letter—to heritage, to place, and to the people. In this narrative where culture meets craft, this is a representation of the commitment we all share to ensure that hospitality is not built for one person but for all communities in which they serve.  Follow along on their exciting journey, pop ups and if able - throw them some support for their next chapter here.  As always, we want to thank our partners at Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation.  See you out there,  The T o S Crew  Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text In this robust drop we sit down with FINO Tequila co-Founders Vikram Kumar, Chief Revenue Officer, and Jana Iyer, the visionary behind FINO’s design and experiential narrative. Together with their fellow partners and co-founders, they’ve built a brand rooted in the ethos that Failure Is Not an Option—the very phrase behind the FINO name. We explore the rich history of FINO Tequila — from its additive-free, 100% Blue Weber Agave production to its bold entry into the ultra-premium spirits space —and how Jana’s love for Mexican culture, its agave-rich farms, and her vision to produce a clean tequila have shaped FINO’s visual identity and cultural positioning. As well as Vikram’s journey from technology to tequila, and how operational discipline and global strategy shaped the company’s growth and discuss the impact of Chicago as FINO’s U.S. launchpad and how that informed the brand’s growth ambitions.  We also discuss FINO’s unique approach to authenticity in a market saturated with celebrity-backed spirits that often feel increasing familiar.  Jana and Vikram discuss opportunities and challenges of bringing tequila to India, balancing global luxury positioning with local consumer culture and FINO’s vision for building legacy not just through the bottle but storytelling, experiences, and community. This episode is a masterclass in ownership, innovation, and the quiet power of building a brand with intention. As always, we want to thank our partners at Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation and our guests for this wildly impactful narrative.  See you soon,  The T o S Crew  Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text In this new drop, we sit down with the duo behind Morning Jay’s, led by Justen x Nate that redefines what breakfast can be.  What began as a living room project has grown into a pop-up series that blends food, design, and community into one cohesive experience. We explore the brilliance of how their roots anchored in the intimacy of home craft the spirit of Morning Jay’s.  From a kitchen table where ideas first sparked, to curated menus and partnerships across the city, they’ve carried the essence of connection and creativity into every detail. Our conversation dives into how their love for one another found a collaboration that inspire their community-driven culinary experience; the balance of intentionality and surprise in their menus and how their ethos to "make breakfast different" effortlessly resonates.  Morning Jay’s isn’t a pop-up, it’s a reminder that food at its best is both intimate and expansive, rooted in memory but always reaching for new horizons. As always, we want to thank our partners at Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation, the community and our new friends for the warm hug that was their presence.  See you all soon,  The T o S Crew  Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text For this surprise drop from us at T o S - we sit down with Jake Tepperman, founder of Chicago Food Rescue, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between food waste and food insecurity.  What began as a mission to redirect surplus food away from landfills has grown into a community-driven movement that reshapes food access and reduces climate impact across Chicago. In this conversation, we explore the founding story of Chicago Food Rescue and what inspired Jake to take action. How CFR helps volunteers get involved rescuing surplus food and ensures safe, equitable distribution to communities in need. The role of technology, including their app, powered by Food Rescue Hero, in scaling volunteer engagement and streamlining pickups, deliveries and collaborative efforts with organizations such as The Love Fridge, Nourishing Hope, and others.  The everyday steps we can all take to reduce food waste in our own lives and in the industry. Chicago Food Rescue’s future goals and vision for a city where good food never goes to waste. Whether you’re in hospitality, foodservice, or simply care about the future of your community, this episode sheds light on the power of innovation, collaboration, and people showing up for each other. S/o to Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation, our entire production crew, editing team and community for supporting this impactful narrative. We're back later this week - see you soon.  - The T o S Crew Learn more and get involved below.  Chicago Food Rescue WebsiteChicago Food Rescue on InstagramFollow Jake Tepperman Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text Recorded live at Osito’s Tap in Chicago’s Little Village, this special edition of the Terms of Service Podcast brings together voices shaping the future of community, culture, and connection. We sit down with Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva and community leader Mike Moreno, Jr. for a raw, unfiltered conversation about representation, advocacy, and the power of rooted leadership. From the challenges of policymaking to the everyday realities of community organizing, this live session dives into what it takes to show up, speak up, and stay accountable in spaces that need it most. We explore the current climate of migrant issues from the chambers of Springfield to the culture of Little Village while empowering a transparent narrative for community culture.  Fueled by the hospitality and warmth of Osito’s Tap, and supported by brand partners San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, Nosotros Tequila, and Thomas Mizuno-Moore of Dead Stock Hospitality, this episode captures the undeniable connection between place, people, and purpose. This episode truly speaks for itself and we can't thank everyone enough for your attendance, enthusiasm and inspiration for this extremely important topic.  If you or anyone you know needs migrant resource assistance please reach out directly to [email protected] - all correspondence is confidential.  In Community,  The T o S Crew  Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text In this episode of Terms of Service, we sit down with Jordyn and Oscar Sotelo, the duo behind Diego, RLM Events & Design,  the electrifying hospitality pop-up Entre Sueños, and their forthcoming Trino concept.  This isn’t a polished playbook on how to “balance it all.”  It’s a vulnerable check-in on how business, management, branding and family collide when you’re building a life with the same person you build with professionally.  We talk about where intention meets purpose while joy still shows up. From how a late-night service turned into a full blown partnership to what it’s like parenting through the lens of the industry, the Sotelos give us a real-time pulse check on legacy, creativity, and how to honor one another.  We also discuss the early days of Diego and how personal sacrifice shaped public success, how RLM Events & Design reshapes the event curation space, the vision behind Entre Sueños and allude to their newest concept Trino.  As always, we want to thank our partners at Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation.  See you soon.  - The T o S Crew Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text In this episode of Terms of Service, we sit down with the brilliant culinary duo Heather Bublick and Chef D'Andre Carter of Soul & Smoke — a restaurant that has redefined comfort food in Chicago and beyond.  From their early days at the avant-garde kitchen of Moto to creating deeply soulful meals in takeout containers, this conversation explores the layered origins, philosophies, and community ethos that power one of the city’s most beloved concepts. We explore their time at Moto and and the early spark of Soul & Smoke  and why they decided on this path from translating fine dining into everyday nourishment.  How "comfort dining food with fine dining techniques" integrates into their brand while balancing culinary precision with deep emotional resonance.  The importance of care from their kitchen to packaging while also redefining hospitality and innovation beyond a white tablecloth environment.  This episode is a fresh perspective of navigating burnout, balance and self preservation of leaders and a powerful reflection on their pandemic response and its lasting impact.  We are so grateful for this narrative as it highlights the responsibilities food businesses carry within their communities and how the trajectory of success is not linear, its dynamic.  Whether you’re in the industry or just deeply curious about how food can heal, build bridges, and drive equity—this episode is for you. As always, thank you to Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation and the work Soul & Smoke commit to everyday for the enrichment of everyone around them.  See you soon,  - The T o S Crew Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text On this fresh drop of Terms of Service, we’re joined by the inimitable Rob Carter — chef, curator, and visionary behind Diaspora Chicago, the celebrated culinary pop-up series that explores food through the lens of cultural lineage and radical intention. In this dynamic episode, we explore - His journey into hospitality and the pivotal moments that reshaped his approach. The origin and ethos of Diaspora—what it means, why it matters, and how it’s built. The tension between authenticity and perception, and the nuance required to create storytelling through food. The real-life obstacles of running a pop-up rooted in cultural identity. What’s next for Diaspora—and how it’s shaping the future of hospitality from the inside out. As always, we want to thank Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation, and Spearhead Spirits for the support.  See you out there;  The T o S Crew  Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text In this special recap episode, we unpack the layered impact of UTILITY 2025, a revolutionary trade space (not just a trade show) hosted by Tilit NYC.  Recorded from Chicago — a city that cooks, builds, and refines — this episode explores how UTILITY prioritized culture over consumerism, exchange over exhibition, and people over products. Utility 2025 wasn’t about hype — it was about healing. From honoring the emotional weight of labor to centering conversations around sustainability, equity, and mental health, UTILITY felt like a gathering for real industry change-makers. Chicago as a Co-Creator. The city didn’t just host the show — it shaped it. Its influence was felt in every conversation, every connection, and every community exchange. The Pitch Competition: Venture Community over Venture Capital. More than just business ideas, each pitch was a story of resilience and reimagination. Congratulations to Charles Wong of Umamicue, the grand prize winner — and to all who made the room matter. Tilit’s Quiet Leadership. Through inclusive design, sustainability, and community-first values, Tilit continues to redefine what workwear means — as both armor and advocacy. Echoes of Terms of Service. Themes from UTILITY paralleled our ethos: equity, identity, labor, and legacy in hospitality. This was culture work in action.  Special thanks to Tilit NYC, Jenny Goodman, Alex McCrery, all the collaborators, and Chicago’s vibrant hospitality community.  Your truth, intention, and presence made UTILITY 2025 a space for real work and real change. See you out there,  - The T o S Crew  Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text Aye!  We have been gone for TOO long but we are so excited to be back with Naomi Kubo of Sushi by Scratch here in Chicago.  In this fresh drop of T o S, we sit down with Naomi to explore the intricate world of omakase and the unique dining experience at Sushi by Scratch.  Naomi shares her journey into the culinary arts, her passion for sushi, and the philosophy behind creating an intimate and immersive omakase experience.   We delve into the challenges and rewards of bringing a culturally specific style of dining to a modern market, the evolution of the sushi scene, and the importance of craftsmanship and sourcing high-quality ingredients.  Naomi also discusses the significance of the chef-diner connection, the cultivation of community and hospitality, and her vision for the future of Sushi by Scratch.  Tune in to discover the artistry behind omakase, the secrets to creating a memorable dining experience, and Naomi's insights on the ever-evolving world of her craft and how she arrived to be who she is within the Chicago culinary scene.  As always, we thank our partners at Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation, the crew and above else - YOU for keeping up with us every step of the way.  See you out there,  - The T o S Crew  Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text A double header this week with Lavell Miller as we recap our dynamic conversation surrounding Spearhead Spirits.  In this drop of T o S, we sit down with Lavell Miller to explore the dynamic world of Spearhead Spirits and the exciting evolution of African spirits in the global market.  Lavell shares his journey into the spirits industry and how his hospitality background shapes Spearhead's approach to brand development and consumer engagement.    We delve into Spearhead Spirits' deep roots in African heritage and craftsmanship, and how this resonates with Lavell's personal and professional mission. Lavell also discusses the brand's commitment to sustainability, from ethical sourcing and production practices to educating consumers on the cultural and environmental impact of their choices.    Join us as we uncover how Spearhead Spirits amplifies African artistry and craftsmanship, fosters economic empowerment within sourcing communities, and collaborates with African creatives to bring authentic storytelling to the forefront.  We also tackle the challenges and opportunities for African spirits in the U.S. market, and how Spearhead differentiates itself while staying true to its rich heritage.    Tune in to discover Lavell's insights on navigating the spirits industry, building a brand with purpose, and the exciting future of African spirits on the world stage. As always - thank you to our partners at Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation.  See you soon,  - The T o S Crew Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text Welcome back to Terms of Service; it's been awhile.  In this episode, we sit down with Chef Sarah Stegner and Darren Gest to discuss Chicago Chefs Cook, a community-driven initiative bringing together culinary professionals to support humanitarian causes.  Chef Sarah Stegner, a 2X James Beard Award-winning chef and co-founder of Chicago Chefs Cook, shares insights on how the culinary community mobilizes to provide aid, uplift local food systems, and advocate for sustainable industry practices.  Darren Gest, Deloitte Partner and co-founder of Chicago Chefs Cook - discusses the importance of collaboration and community impact in the food world. As we have always expressed, Terms of Service is a community resource and this episode is a tangible reminder of how alignment for the greater good can provide collective cultural impact.  Dive into this powerful narrative to learn more about the mission of Chicago Chefs Cook, how Chefs and Restauranteurs can drive meaningful social change, the impact of food-related activism on local and global communities and the role of partnerships in strengthening culinary philanthropy.  As always, we want to thank Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation, the entire T o S production crew and the brilliance of Chicago Chefs Cook for rising to the occasion time and time again.  Also, please join us for a live episode recording at The Four Seasons Chicago on March 20th in support of The 'I Cook For' Benefit with Chicago Chefs Cook.  We'll see you there.  - The T o S Crew  Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

Send us a text Fresh drop with Ricky Lee Barnes and it's a true Midwestern gem. Ricky talks to us about how he came to be in Dayton, OH and his journey to Chicago. Speaking in depth about his introduction to the hospitality industry, we examine his trajectory and finding himself amongst queer spaces. This episode speaks in depth about our individual ideologies while discovering commonality amongst our independent experiences. Ricky builds out a beautiful narrative that empowers a reality to actualize your very own self worth.  As always, we thank Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation, Ritual Zero Proof for the product, Lavell Miller of Bayab Gin for the support alongside Chiyo Takemoto of Coquetel Collective, Ashley Lindsey for stepping in for garn:t and Quari Ice.  Let this special episode truly sit with you as its brilliantly something special.  Take care out there; see you soon.  - The T o S Crew  Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.