Welcome to Bed and Butter, THE Hospitality podcast designed for aspiring industry leaders and students. Hosted by Sean Riley and produced in collaboration with Southern Maine Community College, this series dives deep into the world of hospitality with expert insights, hands-on advice, and inspiring stories.

In this episode, we hear from three dedicated hospitality students, each with unique experiences spanning culinary arts, hotel management, and event planning. Their journeys highlight the value of education, the importance of hands-on learning, and the dynamic opportunities available in this ever-evolving field. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your career, their stories offer valuable lessons and motivation.

Tune in and let’s spread the knowledge, one episode at a time!

Welcome to Season 2 of Bed & Butter, THE Hospitality Podcast crafted for aspiring students and industry innovators. In this episode, we dive into hospitality with Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. With a remarkable 40-year career in travel, Dondra shares her journey from American Airlines to leading a renowned cruise line.

Join us as Dondra offers invaluable insights on building a successful career, emphasizing the importance of humility, perseverance, and continuous learning. Whether you're a student or a professional in the hospitality sector, this episode provides actionable advice and inspiration.

Discover the nuances of balancing professional and personal life, overcoming challenges, and leading with heart and vision. Don't miss this engaging conversation with a trailblazer who is redefining the future of travel.

In this episode of Bed and Butter, THE Hospitality Podcast, host Sean Riley sits down with Alex Chong, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef turned successful entrepreneur and owner of Grand Cru Hospitality in Portland, Oregon. From his humble beginnings in Maine to running multiple food and beverage businesses across the country, Alex shares his journey and valuable insights into the hospitality industry. Along the way, he opens up about his path, including a wedding cake mishap that nearly ended his career—until it became a valuable lesson in handling adversity and staying calm under pressure.

Learn about his path to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned through adversity, and how his experience in both culinary and business education shaped his career. Alex's story will surely inspire whether you're an aspiring chef or looking to dive into hospitality management.

Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the industry's brightest entrepreneurs. Tune in now!