The Graffito Podcast

On this episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew and Jesse welcome founder of Tatte Bakery & Café, Tzurit Or. We discussed Tatte’s history and growth, possible expansion into New York, and her struggles as an immigrant business owner. Also on this episode, Tzurit compares Dave to a ham and cheese croissant, Drew holds a master class in negotiating, and Jesse demands that our guests bring snacks. All of this and more on The Graffit...

On this episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew and Jesse take the show on the road to record on location, for reasons unknown to anyone including our hosts. They visit the future home of Hook + Line, a restaurant that will open later this year by Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli. In addition to getting an update on the restaurant's progress, the gang dives into the complicated Liquor License process in Boston. Then, Drew shares his late...

Last week we had a lengthy conversation with Globe journalist, Devra First. We got a taste of what it’s like to be a food writer and restaurant critic in Boston and she shared some trends in the restaurant industry and made a few recommendations along the way. Also on this episode, Drew's not convinced he’s interviewing the real Devra First, Jesse makes a wild restaurant prediction, and Devra doesn’t read your comments. All of ...

Drew and Jesse are joined by Graffito’s newest team member, Melissa Castro, as they wrap up Season 2 of the podcast. What better way to end things than with a game? Drew quotes our nine guests and Jesse has to guess which one said it. How well can you do? 

Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening and goodbye for now!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn...

This week we are joined by Elizabeth Lowrey, principal, director of interior architecture at Elkus Manfredi Architects. Together, we discussed the growing demand for downtown office space, how coronavirus has impacted workplace design, and the relationship between a building’s interior and the surrounding community. Also on this episode, Elizabeth is a fan of Jon Hamm, Drew is a fan of Jon Hamm, and Jesse asks, “Who’s Jon Hamm?”

Do...

Janelle Nanos, reporter for the Boston Globe, writes about retail, restaurants, and consumer culture. Which, by the way, are things we care a lot about at Graffito. During our conversation we talked about a local company using a restaurant for office space, why people are rethinking their careers post-pandemic, a new adult playground in Natick called Level99, and the recent consumption boom. And, we peppered Janelle with questions ...

Fresh off her first MBTA ride since last March, C.A. Webb, President of the Kendall Square Association, joins us on this week’s episode of The Graffito Podcast. We covered a lot of territory, discussing topics like Cambridge’s reduced permitting and licensing fees, the Life Sciences real estate boom in Boston and beyond (looking at you Middlesex, New Jersey), and what makes Kendall Square so unique. Also on this episode, Drew can’t...

At the beginning of Season Two of The Graffito Podcast, we promised you conversations with political activists, government officials, and entrepreneurs. On this week’s episode, we’re delivering all three qualifications with one special guest. Michelle Wu, City Council Member and Candidate for Mayor of Boston, interrupted her busy schedule to join Drew and Jesse to discuss what she’s learning while on the campaign trail, why she has...

Nia Grace, owner of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen and founding member of the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition, joins Drew and Jesse in The Graffito Podcast studio. She tells us about her upcoming venture, The Underground Café + Lounge, what it was like purchasing a legendary Boston restaurant, and how she’s fighting to make a difference for the few black owned bars and restaurants in our city. After listening, you’ll know why...

Chef, Restaurateur, and (two-time) James Beard Award winner, Jody Adams, joins us this week to talk about her advocacy work with Massachusetts Restaurant United(MRU), working in what has historically been a male dominated industry, the importance of mentors, and her various life mantras. Also on this episode, we hear about Julia Child’s role in Jody's career, Drew reveals the amount of weight he’s gained during the pandemic, and Je...

A lot has changed in the Corporate Catering world since COVID-19 first struck. No one knows that better than Christine Marcus, CEO & Co-Founder of Alchemista, who experienced a total loss of customers, with the exception of one unique Cambridge firm called Moderna. Heard of them? In this episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew and Jesse discuss with Christine how the office lunch culture has changed, and where it’s heading. And, ...

On this week's episode, Drew and Jesse are joined by Liza Shirazi, owner of Revival Café + Kitchen, which has locations in Back Bay, Davis Square and Alewife. Together, they discuss a variety of topics including the overwhelming demand for restaurant workers, the newly offered and often misunderstood Employee Retention Tax Credit (which if you own a business with employees, need to know about), and Liza's partnership with the color...

Rachel Miller Munzer (Mamaleh's, State Park, Vincent's Corner Grocery) joins Drew and Jesse to discuss the Big Dipper Hospitality Group’s partnership and how they turned to a new online platform to fundraise for their latest venture in Brookline. Also on this episode, Rachel plays with pens while recording, Drew confuses "donations" for "contributions," and the Yiddish term for matchmaker eludes Jesse.

After listening, check out th...

For the final episode of the season, Drew and Jesse get together to do some reflecting. They discuss the status of the podcast and share a few of their favorite moments from the first episodes, which includes a nice summary of what we've learned about #PodcastDrew. Also on this episode, Jesse forgets to mute his computer (again) and Drew questions Jesse’s pronunciation of the word “Already.” 

Thanks to everyone that's listened...

For this bonus episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew passes the hosting duties to his colleague Gustavo, who is joined by Corey and Brooke for a discussion about Graffito’s efforts to build a more anti-racist business and better understand issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The conversation scratches the surface of what the Graffito team has been thinking about, discussing, and working on related to DEI, and previews where...

On last week's episode, Alcove's Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli made a surprise appearance to challenge Jesse about some of his comments on the Podcast. After the segment, we had an engaging conversation about a variety of important issues including restaurant worker wages, missteps during the BLM protests, "hospitality" during COVID, and his decision to close the restaurant on November 3rd so his team can vote. Fortunately, the micropho...

Ayr Muir, CEO and Founder of Clover Food Lab, joins The Graffito Podcast to discuss real estate, technology, and a few new offerings available to Clover customers. Also on this episode, Drew invited a very special "surprise" guest that wanted to confront Jesse about a few questionable statements he made during our talk with Shore Gregory. All of this and more on episode 6 of The Graffito Podcast! Please send along questions to...

On this quick and spontaneous 5th episode of The Graffito Podcast, Chef Nookie joins Drew and Dave to discuss why his Kendall Square restaurant, Commonwealth, is now in hibernation mode. This growing trend, which is usually prevalent in seasonal locations, might just be the only way for his restaurant to survive the winter. Well, that and more government funding. Also on this episode, Nookie refuses to reveal the origin of his nick...