Union Square Hospitality Group has created some of New York’s most beloved restaurants, cafes, and bars. In addition to also founding Shake Shack, USHG offers operational consulting, runs a multifaceted catering and events business, Union Square Events, and a growth fund, Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI). This talk, in addition to a Masters student field experience at the NYC headquarters in March 2022, continues SHA’s ongoing collaboration with USHG and founder CEO Danny Meyer, BU SHA ICON Awardee of 2021, to further delve into this award-winning company’s distinctive style of hospitality.
Speakers:
Patti Simpson, Chief People Officer Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG)
Patti Simpson oversees all Human Resource operations at USHG. In her role, she implements key systems and benefits that align with USHG’s Family Values (excellence, hospitality, entrepreneurial spirit, and integrity) to further enhance USHG’s philosophy of Enlightened Hospitality, the belief that putting employees first is the key to running a meaningful and sustainable business. Patti joins USHG with a deeply rooted background in HR, where she has led HR operations for various domestic and international foodservice brands such as TGI Fridays, Ignite Restaurant Group (Joe’s Crab Shack, Brick House Tavern + Tap), Au Bon Pain, and most recently Ruby Tuesday. Patti is also currently serving as BU SHA’s 2022 Executive-in-Residence.
Richard Coraine, Founding Partner Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG)
As Union Square Hospitality Group’s Senior Advisor, Richard liaises between Chief Executive Officer Danny Meyer, USHG’s senior leadership, and its family of businesses, strengthening and reinforcing USHG’s culture of Enlightened Hospitality amidst unprecedented business growth.
Richard has held various leadership positions at USHG for over two decades, primarily serving as Chief Operations Officer, where he was responsible for the performance of USHG’s acclaimed business brands.
As Chief Development Officer, he directed the conceptualization, incubation, and launch of numerous new businesses, including Eleven Madison Park, Blue Smoke, Shake Shack, Maialino, North End Grill, and Untitled at the new Whitney Museum of American Art. As well, Richard collaborated on the 2009 launch of Hospitality Quotient, USHG’s leadership development, and training business. Most recently, Richard oversaw the relocation, design, and development of the company’s flagship brand, Union Square Cafe in its new space.
Richard joined USHG as a partner in 1996, following a decade of leadership with Wolfgang Puck Group, and the launch of his own restaurant, Hawthorne Lane, which he opened in San Francisco in 1995.
Richard is a Boston native, a graduate of the New Hampshire Whittemore School of Business, and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.
Directions
Online and In Person
The in-person DDLS events will be held at:
School of Hospitality Administration
928 Commonwealth Avenue
Sopher Auditorium, Room 110
Boston, MA