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FRESH DROP for the masses. Jackson Flores of Dish Roulette Kitchen is an operations consultant with over a decade of experience in international, multi-concept dining, and quick service operations. She specializes in developing operational foundations and processes for high volume concepts; built to launch, scale, and sustain profitability from concept to completion. We explore how they keep their community engaged - while also empowering people of color that they are equally deserving of the opportunities that they are presented. This brilliant episode explores the tangible journey from creative discipline to mentorship to ultimately - mindful business ownership. We thank Jackson Flores and the entire D R K crew for the inspiring work, Ritual Zero Proof for the support and Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation. Stay Up Out There, The T o S Crew 

We're back home at Blind Barber Chicago and it feels too good to be back. To celebrate our return to our home base, we are welcoming Jennifer Kim of Alt Economy and Nemanja Milunovic to discuss Balkan cuisine while exploring hard truths of the industry. Jennifer and Nemanja speak on the importance of caretaking, accountability and shows us how fractured this industry is but reminds us to stay hopeful for what's to come. This conversation is a bold reminder that being happy is not a radical idea and ultimately is a practice that you need to commit to. Thank you so much to our guests for their time and conversation, Ritual Zero Proof for the support and the community for bringing us into their space. Also Nemanja is back for Monday Night Foodball at Ludlow Liquors on January 23rd for 'Balkan Promises'. See you there, The T o S Crew 

This is how we start the new year; heritage. In 2008 four friends - Alejandro Champion, Toño Vilches, Pepe Islas and Pepe Bezaury, decided to venture into Mezcal. They started a project that represents Mexico’s values, culture, and traditions, while generating a positive impact among indigenous communities. Their first mission was to travel to the Sierra of Oaxaca, meeting with different mezcal producers and agave farmers. Mezcal UNIÓN is a project with the goal to support indigenous communities through empowering maestros mezcaleros and agave farmers to become entrepreneurs and suppliers of the brand. As a result, they become owners of their production business while generating opportunities and prosperity. 'Champ' paints  vivid imagery that not only discusses the rich history of mezcal but also his passions within the art community that influence this work through Salón Acme. As always - we laugh, we learn and ultimately left inspired for what’s to come and we couldn’t be more excited.This dialogue is truly one of a kind and we want to thank our friends at The Albion Manor for hosting this necessary conversation. Take Care Out There, The T o S Crew

FINAL drop of 2022 and what a beautiful wrap to the year as we are coming to you live from Esmé here in Chicago. We are blessed to sit down with Amanda 'Raspy' Rivera and Tyrone Redic Jr. Quite the husband and wife duo within the hospitality space. Raspy talks to us about her ascension through her artistic practice while also exploring how hospitality is wildly dynamic and is more often than meets the eye. Tyrone has been a compelling powerhouse in all aspects of the industry while also committing to bringing diversity and accessibility with him. Sitting down with the Raspy & Tyrone, they truly paint a beautiful image that highlights the honest opportunity that exists outside of the traditional four walled ecosystem that is hospitality. We want to thank our hosts at Esmé for hosting this necessary conversation, Tia Barrett for the beverage craftsmanship and our community that not only shares space with us but also elevates us through this journey. Happy New Year, The T o S Crew 

It's not a pop - up, it's a takeover. Super special holiday drop as we have quite literally given the mic over to our friends at Not 9 to 5 and Healthy Pour. Hassel Aviles and Laura Louise Green dive into emotional intelligence, real world impact of mental health, workplace toxicity and overall industry data as the host of this episode. Hunter Seis and Alex 'AJ' Augustine join this impactful conversation to provide their industry specific realities while sharing how they have empowered their selves and what tools are used to inspire their workplace as well. As the year is winding down - we are so happy to be able to share resources to help combat what is traditionally the most strenuous part of the year industry wide. A resounding thank you to our guests and our hosts that brought such a fresh and informational point of view. Also, thank you to Athletic Brewing for the product and Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this very necessary conversation. Take Care of Yourselves, Not 9 to 5 x Healthy Pour

This episode with Kristen Kaza is as much of a  vibe as it is a 'party for your eardrums' . We welcome everyone's point of views and experiences and this resonates all too real. Kristen talks to us about what it means to be centrally queer - from her roots in Vermont, to being the founder of Slo Mo Party to collective ownership with REUNION Chicago and ultimately, serving a myriad of matriarchal roles from a party mom to new mother of twins.We talk deep about culturally empowering philosophy, commitment to LGBTQIA+ history and deep responsibility amongst a multitude of environments. Kristen educates us on the terminology of safe space and how intentionality can find itself through action. We explore community expectation with responsibility accountability as we learn that each step leads you to something greater - and that journey is nuanced, difficult and hard to acknowledge. We empower you all to receive this point of view as we revel in the admission of peace in finding ourselves. This is real world soothing right now and this is reminds us that peace isn't insular, it's wildly inclusive. Dive in because this is a smooth dialogue that we all need to hear. Stay up because you deserve spaces that celebrate you - unapologetically. The T o S Crew 

Some holiday seasoning for the dinner table - this is black excellence, black drive, and black spirit. We are with Amanda Harth x Felton Edward Kizer of Monday Coffee talking creative entrepreneurship, the minority experience and all things that are anchored in overall spirited being. This conversation isn’t monolithic - this is dynamic, robust and culturally activating. Amanda Harth shares her creative journey, teaching artistry and how hospitality has been an amalgamation of her experience. Felton Edward Kizer explores his rich history in creative direction, strategy and overall hospitality experience while exploring his curiosity of deeper presence within all aspects of his portfolio.  From media highlights to their positioning within this specific facet within the industry - we are so happy to hear how they have found themselves within this ancestral craft. They together have aligned their passions as a way to clear space not only for themselves but for everyone that deserve to take a chance for themselves and ultimately their communities. Get into this episode but more importantly - get into yourselves because your worth is so much more than face value. The T o S Crew

COMING AT YOU LIVE from Perilla and we are wildly grateful, excited and inspired. We are with Thattu diving into their culinary background and philosophies within their cultural movement. Margaret & Vinod talk to us about their background in corporate America to launching their food stall in 2019, to ultimately finding their respective passions in what they are accomplishing now. As we navigate this conversation - it is of true validation to realize the hard realities that can truly lead to the greatest triumphs. From individualized journeys that have led our guests to one another, the communal support of the industry that has assisted Thattu to realize their ultimate dream of owning and operating their upcoming brick and mortar - we are in awe. As we talk about community equity, Margaret & Vinod also discuss their commitment to wage equity and how this intention aims to be a part of their operations. We thank Perilla for hosting this necessary conversation and providing us with the most delicious meal to elevate this conversation, our guests for the much needed reminder that we are so much more together, our audience along with Johnnie Walker & Tanqueray for the support. Stay Golden, The T o S Crew 

NEW DROP with Cheyenne English and it's feels a bit sweeter this time around. We often talk about how Terms of Service is a communal platform and this episode highlights SHOP//talk - which is us placing some well deserved shine on the diverse makers and doers of all facets of the industry. Cheyenne talks to us about her journey within hospitality, the non alcoholic movement, and her brand 'Miss Perfectpour' which provides support to wide ranging charitable causes.This conversation is a significant reminder that where you are doesn't always dictate where you'll end up. We had big fun on this bite size episode and we couldn't be happier.Shoutout to the homies at Blind Barber Chicago for hosting this necessary conversation, Ritual Zero Proof for their support, and the entire crew for the polish on this fire drop. Stay Golden Out There, The T o S Crew

They say education is power and we couldn't agree more with that sentiment. This episode explores the realities of that terminology within practice.  Alex Finnegan and Albert [Berto] Waarnar discuss their contrasting interests within their hospitality spaces and where they find unconventional commonality.  Alex hailing from Ireland discusses his experience being a J1 Visa holder and working for one of the most prominent groups in Chicago while unapologetically divulging the disconnect in Irish hospitality here in the States.  Albert, a native north side Chicagoan, expresses his point of view while discussing his experiences through the American culinary education system. We are endlessly thankful as they explore their cultural realities and allowing us to balance their narratives.   If you’ve ever been interested in culinary education in America, outside culture and how they align in a unique discourse - this is for you.  As always, thank you endlessly to Alex and Albert [Berto] for their narratives while furthering wider perspectives within the industry here and abroad. Fight the good fight; see ya'll soon. The T o S Crew 

S U R P R I S E !We have a [exciting] fresh drop coming to you LIVE from 16th Street Bar with Tia Barrett of Esmé Chicago and Josh Davis of Brown & Balanced. From their backgrounds we launch into a enriching dialogue that explores the realities of the black experience into their ascension within the industry. We look at how they build community, navigate their curiosities, manage expectations, and craft experiences that have truly elevated themselves and their respective cultures. Our hosts take a welcomed backseat as our guests challenge, educate and empower one another. This episode is wildly special and highlights the testament that we have always believed in - we are better together and no experience is insular. We thank 16th Street Bar for hosting this necessary conversation, our guests for their unapologetic expressions and the impact that these dialogues empower. There's not much else that we can express but gratitude - thank you to our sponsors, Johnnie Walker x Crown Royal for their support while also celebrating our audience as T o S is built by the industry, for the industry. See Y'all Out There, The T o S Crew 

New drop with Casey Doody and we are feeling quite empowered and refreshed. Hailing from Naperville, IL - Casey takes us through her eclectic journey from an interest in fashion design, to her on camera audition series for The Dallas Cowboys, Valrhona, landing an executive pastry chef position, her journey through the New York City culinary scene and landing back in Chicago. This conversation is wildly enriching and reminds us how just powerful the energy you put out into the universe can be. Anchoring in manifestation, we discuss how impactful your self worth is in possessing the confidence necessary to claim everything that you deserve - professionally and personally. Our biggest takeaway from this necessary dialogue is committing to trying for yourself in all aspects, even when the journey is non - traditional. This guest is truly magical and we couldn't be more thankful to Casey for reminding us and our audiences just how powerful we can be. Stay up and stay golden - and we'll see you out there. The T o S Crew 

We're just too happy here. New drop for us and being in the presence of Chef Max Musto of Herbivore has us feeling all types of ways as we talk about escapism, minimization, self care and overall agency of physical health through their culinary philosophy. Conscious, confident, dedicated and impactful are a few words that come to mind but that really just scratches the surface. We are beyond thankful for this dialogue and Chef Max for painting a vivid image in regards to struggle, navigation and most importantly - ascension. [Significant TW] - we touch upon a slew of digest heavy topics such as drug abuse, usage, mental turmoil and physical strife. We hope this episode reminds everyone how much their habits, engagement and overall intention transcends greater than we could ever imagine. This episode is for absolutely everyone - no matter the journey or destination. [In the words of our wonderful guest] Peace, Love and Plants  -The T o S Crew x Herbivore 

WE ARE BACK - season 3, can you even believe it? This has been such a beautiful journey and we simply couldn't have gotten here without the overwhelming support of the community, our sponsors and guests. With that being said, we are beyond thrilled to welcome Hassel Aviles of Not 9 to 5, coming to us in person from Toronto. Hassel is a powerhouse on her own but has dedicated her expertise, time and resources to be a crucial asset to not only her community back in Canada but to the global hospitality industry. As we roll into season 3, we can comfortably say that these conversations are getting deeper - while our collective impact is only becoming more intentional. So much was covered  [trigger warning] in regards to suicide, mental health trauma, wage inequity so tread lightly and feel free to take a break if needed. We are so fortunate to continue to do this work and are eternally grateful to you all - yes, YOU. Thank you again to Not 9 to 5 for sharing space with us, Ritual Zero Proof for the support, Blind Barber for hosting these necessary conversations, and the entire crew for continuing this magic with us. In addition, check out CNECTING - through the CNECTing platform, they offer courses, Primary Concerns and CNECTed.  Both were developed to help identify, understand and respond to mental health crisis situations both in the workplace and interpersonal interactions. But it doesn't end with completing the courses and getting certified. They aim to increase community engagement and support through the CNECTing platform and online events. Stay Up Out There, The T o S Crew 

Season Finale BB!!We have the absolutely I N C R E D I B L E  Alisha Norris Jones of Immortal Milk with us for our finale and to say that we are inspired would be a massive understatement.  We will just say it - Alisha is an absolute badass and her background is such a journey.  Hailing from Boston, Alisha walks us through her background in the study of religion to how she became apart of the industry here in Chicago and how they landed within the specialty food industry.  Speaking transparently about recognizing their trauma signs, she touches upon her introduction to the world of cheese while working at Whole Foods but doing so as a resource to such a richly diverse clientele.  We get a bit deeper and discuss how her craft has evolved within a predominantly white centered space and how she continues to carve her way through an industry that is wildly unknown to many facets of hospitality spaces.  Alisha approaches this conversation with candor, passion, humor and a vast amount of knowledge that left us craving more and we’re utterly thankful that she shared her realties with us.  These are the conversations that we love having and we couldn’t be happier to round out this season with such a definitive character.  We may have wrapped this season but we will be back sooner than later with a fresh resource driven website for the masses and merch for the culture.  Also - we must thank our friends at 3 Floyd’s Distilling for their support and the garn:t crew for beverages that reach the altitude of Immortal Milk.  Stay Up and Stay Golden,  The T o S Crew

Equitable business ethics is a cornerstone of what we are about and having Ursula Siker of Jeff & Judes on this drop speaks to the core of who we are and what we believe.Ursula realizes that being a leader within her passionate space can and 'has' lead to a bit of ego death. Standard to innovation - we discuss the preachment of autonomy, micro management, and what is truly the equity move. Laughs, accountability, and jokes - we uncover the unfiltered dialogue of a restauranteur that forged their way through with authenticity, intention and overall commitment to their staff. This feels too good. Stay Up Fam - O, The T o S Crew 

New episode for the masses with Dan Mason where we dive into overall restaurant management strategy, providing agency for your staff - no matter their identity or role, and leading with integrity even when it's difficult. We listen to Dan as he talks about his background amongst the industry, how he got started and why he has dedicated his life to this work. The realities of race relations keep arising through these conversations and we want to thank Dan for his transparency in regards to that very specific dialogue. To break up the seriousness, we fall into a brief roundtable of the best jokes you've ever heard. As always, this episode was a ton of fun and we get into all of the things and couldn't be happier. Thank you to our friends at Seedlip for the support and Blind Barber for hosting this necessary conversation. Speak up and stay up our friends - you're worth it. The T o S Crew 

NEW DROP  with Jeremy Pyrzynski AKA Jeremy Dreads diving into more diverse facets of the industry. We dive heavy into topics of industry gatekeeping, race relations, the origin of the kitchen system aka the brigade system and just about everything else. We also get into how entering spaces with empathy and curiosity may seemingly be for the best, but exclusion and minimization happens in all spaces and to hear this from a white point of view was unique to say the least. This was too much fun and we thank Jeremy for sitting down with us and being apart of such an eye opening dialogue.A supreme thank you to our fiends at Seedlip for supporting this necessary conservation as well. Stay Golden Friends, The T o S Crew

[TW] suicide x alcoholism x drug use We're all about mental health yet we also understand that the idea and achievement of physical health isn't always a focal point of overall bodily 'health'. That's where our next guests come in. We're with Hannah Burke of Self Care & The City  and Dr. Sam Pare of Lakeside Spine & Wellness discussing the manifestation of mental turmoil and the physical implications that we simply ignore as a 'cost' to the overall wellness of our bodies. Our guests boldly explore their backgrounds from a lens that is heavy in self actualization, trauma and triumph. We do not give medical advice over here but we do provide resources for you to reach out so you are the best version of yourself - no matter your background, financial status or position in your wellness journey. Also, Lakeside Spine & Wellness is taking it a step further and has introduced an industry evening on Mondays. Get into more details here - and get at them for any needs that you may have. Stay Your Best, The T o S Crew

Next drop here with Nic x 'Papi' of  Northwestern Cutlery and we couldn't be more excited. This time around, we are talking about the history of the West Loop, gentrification,  we chip away at the idea of 'celebrity chef' culture, and dive into how Northwestern Cutlery is so much more than meets the eye. We talk a lot about different facets of the industry, but we feel as if the artistry of the craft that is integral in the hospitality experience is often overlooked. Sitting down with Northwestern Cutlery was informative and above all else was entertaining as 'Papi' is a true Chicago character. Get into this additional perspective and go check out our friends at 7138 W Higgins Avenue.Stay Up, The T o S Crew