New York City's Hospitality Industry

My guest will be Andrew Rigie.  Andrew is the Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, a trade association formed in 2012 to foster the growth and vitality of the industry that has made New York City the hospitality capital of the world.  Growing up working at his family’s fourth generation bakery & cafe in Queens, NY, Andrew was destined for a career in the hospitality industry. He later “got his apron dirty” by working multiple positions within the industry, before joining the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) in 2004.  At NYSRA he recruited and served members by providing a myriad of resources and consulting services to New York City's restaurant operators, chefs and industry providers.  In 2009, Andrew took the helm as Executive Vice President of the New York City operations for the 75+ year old organization.  In 2012, he accepted a position to launch the independent New York City Hospitality Alliance, which is quickly growing into the premier organization representing all facets of this diverse industry: restaurants, bars, lounges, destination hotels and major industry suppliers.  In addition to his executive duties, he serves on multiple committees relating to hospitality, is a vocal industry advocate and recognized commentator for local, national and international media inquiries relating to New York City’s hospitality industry, and a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.