To Dine For with Kate Sullivan

Starbucks’ trademark green and white logo is in 28,000 stores around the world, but the story of how it all started and the lessons learned along the way are remarkable. Iconic CEO, Howard Schultz takes us to his favorite Seattle restaurant Mamnoon, for his take on the heart and soul of his company and his future mission in the world.

At Giordano’s Deep Dish pizza, Jason Mayden tells us why this Chicago comfort food staple is also symbolic of why he loves this city and how it fueled his imagination and dreams. He believes the perceived negative aspects became strategic advantages for him in business and life, helping him design the Nike Air Monarch for Michael Jordan and eventually starting his own company.

As one of Fortune Magazine’s “Most Promising Entrepreneurs” Leila Janah started a non-profit with $14,000. Her goal to reduce global poverty by putting people into jobs where they could earn a living wage led to Samasource. In San Francisco at the Samovar Tea House, she shares why healthy food is the fuel she needs to continue her mission of ending world poverty.

When Jim started his mattress business in Houston, Texas he had $5,000 and a pickup truck. Now, he has a furniture empire through his “wacky ads” and gregarious personality. But it was an act of kindness that shined the international spotlight on Jim, as he opened all of his stores to displaced residents, during Hurricane Harvey. We lunch at the Lopez Family restaurant to hear his story.

Spanish born chef José Andrés achieved his American dream by creating a restaurant empire that stretches around the globe. Recently Jose’s efforts re-focused on philanthropy when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. Jose and his team landed and started cooking to eventually feed a million people. At Bodega 1900 in Barcelona, Spain, we explore life and the simple flavors of Spanish tapas.

Jessica Alba already a successful Hollywood actress, never dreamed she would face rejections and disbelief in her abilities to bring The Honest Company to the public. Currently valued at more than a billion dollars, Jessica speaks of her commitment to eco-friendly, sustainable, and recognizable ingredients, over chicken wings at Night + Market restaurant and why this company is just the beginning.

Emily Giffin did a career U-turn and pursued her dream of being a writer. Her ability to write complex, fascinating and flawed characters has landed her on the New York Times best-seller list and garnered her a cult-like following of devotees. At her favorite Seafood restaurant in Atlanta she talks about the anatomy of a best-selling page-turner.

Norman Lear is the creator of such legendary sitcoms as All in the Family, Good Times, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons and many more. Norman has been instrumental in the success of many Hollywood professionals, yet his biggest contribution is the discussion his work has sparked. Norman takes us to his favorite restaurant in LA, Crossroads, to talk about what makes a great meal and a great TV show.

Kavita Shukla holds four patents for a product that extends the life of produce. After a trip to native India, she developed a recipe that would stop the spoilage of food. Her work is revolutionizing the world’s food supply especially in the poorest pockets of the globe. Kavita takes us to Great Sage restaurant to talk about how her invention the beginning of a world changing empire.

Kathryn Minshew started her website, TheMuse.com, to help people find the perfect job. She started with one person in her living room and she has grown the company to 50 million visitors every month. At Izakaya Nomad, in Manhattan, Kathryn explains how she took “a great idea,” raised millions of dollar in capital and created the premier destination for Millennials to find jobs.