Chip Wade on Fostering Diversity in Hospitality
In his more than 30 years in the industry, Chip Wade, President of Union Square Hospitality Group, has seen all...
About This Episode
In his more than 30 years in the industry, Chip Wade, President of Union Square Hospitality Group, has seen all sides of hospitality – from the kitchen to HR and real estate development. Throughout his career, he’s been a champion for expanding leadership diversity in the hospitality industry. “In our industry we are woefully underrepresented with women in key leadership positions and that is the same for people of color,” noted Wade when we connected with him as part of Add Passion and Stir’s ongoing Rebuilding series. This work requires looking at how the hospitality industry has been designed and who it was designed for. For Wade, this means fostering a culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, not only for employees, but also for partners and guests: “We want our workforce to look like the city of New York. And last time I looked, New York was the second or first most diverse city in America.”Resources and Mentions:
Chip Wade
President
In his more than 30 years in the industry, Chip Wade, President of Union Square Hospitality Group, has seen all sides of hospitality – from the kitchen to HR and real estate development. Throughout his career, he’s been a champion for expanding leadership diversity in the hospitality industry, “in our industry we are woefully underrepresented with women in key leadership positions and that is the same for people of color,” noted Wade when we connected with him as part of Add Passion and Stir’s ongoing Rebuilding series. This work requires looking at how the hospitality industry has been designed and who it was designed for. For Wade, this means fostering a culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, not only for employees, but also for partners and guests: “We want our workforce to look like the city of New York. And last time I looked, New York was the second or first most diverse city in America.”
Union Square Hospitality Group
Union Square Hospitality Group has created some of New York’s most beloved restaurants, cafes, and bars, which offer outstanding food delivered with its signature warmth and hospitality. Founded by CEO Danny Meyer with the opening of Union Square Cafe in 1985, the company now extends beyond the walls of its eateries. In addition to creating Shake Shack, USHG offers operational consulting and runs a multifaceted catering and events business, Union Square Events. With operations in New York, Las Vegas, and Washington DC, USHG has long supported its communities by supporting hunger relief and civic organizations. USHG holds 28 James Beard Awards and numerous accolades for its distinctive style of hospitality.
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