On this episode of Together We Win, your hosts, President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller, sit down with Chef Eric Leblanc, MRA 2025 Chef of the Year and Culinary Director of Burtons Grill & Bar and Red Heat Tavern. From his early days in the kitchen to leading major restaurant operations, Eric’s career is a masterclass in what a passion for the culinary world can achieve. He shares some of his favorite experiences along the way and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at exciting upcoming projects, including the opening of Burtons Grill & Bar’s 24th location. You won’t want to miss it!
This month on Together We Win, MRA President Steve Clark and Vice President Kerry Miller welcome Jack Maloney, founder of Team Dinner, a podcast and YouTube channel covering all things food and sports in Massachusetts. Last year, Jack set out to create a platform that brings people together over shared meals and meaningful stories. He shares the inspiration behind his community-driven dining initiative, the role food plays in fostering genuine connections, and how Team Dinner is working to create more inclusive and impactful dining experiences. This conversation offers insight and inspiration for restaurant professionals, food lovers, and anyone passionate about bringing people together.
In this month's episode of Together We Win, MRA's President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller sit down with Kathi Turner, CEO of Turner's Seafood Grill & Market and the newest Chair of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association Board. Together, they discuss the evolution of the hospitality industry and the enduring importance of customer connection in an increasingly digital world. From embracing new technologies to staying rooted in people-first values, Kathi shares insights from her years of leadership and offers a thoughtful look at where the industry is headed. Whether you're leading a team or greeting guests at the door, this episode is a powerful reminder that success in hospitality still starts with human connection.
In this episode, MRA President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller sit down with industry experts Brian Connors - renowned professor and consultant—and Patrick Renna, CFO of Proof of the Pudding, to introduce the new MRA Restaurant Leadership Institute launching this fall. Designed to give independents access to the same leadership development resources as multi-unit and chain operations, the Institute is a game-changer. Hear how investing in team development can drive performance, retention, and long-term success—and why now is the time to get ahead.
On this episode of Together We Win, MRA PresidentSteve Clark and VP Kerry Miller sit down with former restaurant owner andseasoned industry advisor Paul Turano for a deep dive into what it really takesto build a successful restaurant—and keep it thriving. Drawing from his ownexperience and the many operators he now supports, Paul shares smart strategiesfor navigating challenges, leading teams, and creating a business that standsthe test of time. Whether you’re in the trenches or planning your next move,this conversation is packed with valuable perspective.
In this episode of Together We Win, MRA President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller sit down with Jeff Bean, President of TriMark United East, and Steve Borelli of Sprague Energy, both exhibitors at the upcoming New England Restaurant & Bar Show on March 30th and 31st. They’ll discuss what attendees can expect at this year’s event, the latest industry trends, and why this show is a must-attend for restaurant and hospitality professionals.
As key exhibitors, Jeff and Steve will share insights on how businesses can make the most of their time at the show, from discovering new products and solutions to networking with industry leaders. Tune in for a sneak peek at one of the biggest hospitality events of the year!
In this episode of Together We Win, MRA President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller chat with Chris Coombs, a former fine dining chef in Boston who made the leap from the kitchen to the court—founding Bosse Pickledom – A Premiere Pickleball Experience. Hear how his shift from fine dining to the world of pickleball changed his outlook on food, business, community, and life.
Join Together We Win hosts Steve Clark, President of the MRA, and Kerry Miller, Vice President, as they explore the fascinating world of alcohol in the hospitality industry. This month, they’re joined by two esteemed guests: Rhonda Kallman, founder of Boston Harbor Distillery, who shares the art and science of crafting spirits, and Ryan Dion of 110 Grill, RA Ventures and more who provides insights into what’s selling and why. From production to consumer trends, this episode is packed with valuable insight for anyone in the industry—or anyone who loves a good drink!
On this episode of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association's Together We Win podcast, President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller are joined by two expert leadership consultants to talk about what it takes to successfully lead in the restaurant industry. David Hyatt and Christopher Muller provide insight for managers, owners, operators, and anyone else who is looking to better communicate and run their business.
Listen in as President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association chat with two industry vets about the ever-changing MA restaurant and bar scene. Special guests Seana Gaherin from Dunn-Gaherin’s in Newton and Gretchen Shelgren from Mamma Mia’s in Plymouth share their thoughts on eliminating the tipped minimum wage and why you should vote ‘no’ on Massachusetts ballot question 5.
In the August episode of the MRA 'Together We Win' podcast, President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller welcome two industry powerhouses: Lisa Flores, Director of Sales and Marketing at Columbus Hospitality Group, and Kelly Fay, Director of Events at Eastern Standard. As co-founders of the Society of Event Planners, these accomplished women bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, discussing the intricacies of event planning and the dynamic evolution of the catering and hosting industry. Join us for a deep dive into the latest trends, challenges, and future directions of event management with insights from two of the field's leading experts.
What’s better than summer in Massachusetts? Pizza and beer during the summer in Massachusetts! Join Steve and Kerry as they sit down with brewery legends Adam Romanow of Castle Island Brewing Company and David Lombardo of Lombardo’s Hospitality Group & Bardo’s Bar Pizza. Together, they dive into the world of beer and bar pizza, sharing the origins of their businesses, the unique qualities of 'South Shore bar pizza,' and insider insights into the beer and bar industry. Tune in for a slice!
In the June episode of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association Podcast, "Together We Win," hosts President Steve Clark and VP Kerry Miller are joined by two distinguished guests: Janelle Driscoll, Publisher for Boston Common Magazine and Moira McCarthy, Winter Outdoor Sports Editor and Travel Editor of the Boston Herald. Together, they delve into the burgeoning trend of experiential dining and explore how Massachusetts restaurants are rising to meet this growing demand. The discussion covers innovative dining concepts, unique culinary experiences, and the creative strategies local restaurants are employing to attract and delight patrons. Tune in to gain insights from industry experts on the future of dining in the Bay State.
How important is art in the design process of a restaurant? How important are the images you use in marketing your restaurant? Hear from one of Boston’s most celebrated artists and muralists and Boston’s premier restaurant photographer as they chat about all things art in the restaurant scene.
Expanding your restaurant to new locations involves research of new markets, great real estate partners, and planning. Talk to both a restauranter that has expanded with several brands and a real estate partner that houses numerous restaurant concepts.
Passing down a family business brings with it responsibilities, changes, and new demographics. Hear from those who have been through it and are changing the faces of their family businesses.
Let’s talk brand expansion and elevated bar programs on this episode of Together We Win. Mix up your favorite cocktail and join Steve & Kerry as they sip alongside Chef Eric LeBlanc, Culinary Director for Burtons Grill & Bar as he talks about the brand’s upcoming 20th location opening, and Emily Harding, Beverage Director for Legendary Restaurant Group about exciting bar program happenings and how a thoughtful bar program can boost business.
What’s better than wine and social media scrolling time? Indulge in both on this episode of Together We Win as Steve and Kerry are joined by wine expert brother duo Jace & Kaden Chaffee of Vine Farmer and local influencer Paige Harding of Dining Boston. Amongst meatballs and vino, guests talk about the new voices of the food and beverage industries.
This month, sit down with MRA’s Steve Clark and Kerry Miller for the official launch of Together We Win Season 2! Now available in audio and video format, listen (or watch) as the team talks ghost kitchens and creative marketing campaigns with Dan Dillon, VP of Marketing for Olga’s Kitchen and Jon Paton, Director of Sales at Widowmaker Brewing Co. Grab a beer and your favorite takeout and tune in to sip along!
It’s June and President of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Steve Clark and Vice President Kerry Miller welcome two new guests on the ‘Together We Win’ Podcast to discuss creativity and innovation in the food and beverage industry. First, Jefferson Macklin, managing partner of several South End restaurants, speaks about what it’s like to open a new concept and the role creativity plays. He is followed by Maureen ‘Moe’ McGuiness, a longtime educator and owner/operator of Sylvester’s and Roberto’s who leads Western Mass in innovative ideas specifically emphasizing the use of technology in the industry.