“As Executive Director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, I work closely with restaurant, bar, and nightclub owners across the five boroughs who often face complex challenges with permitting, licensing, and navigating city government. To support them, I rely on the dedicated team at the NYC Food and Beverage Industry Partnership, who consistently respond quickly, professionally, and effectively to address their needs. Together, we’ve developed checklists and resources that make it easier for small businesses to open, grow and get the support they need to succeed in our city. Our partnership is invaluable, and we deeply appreciate everything they do to support the hospitality community.”

“The NYS Restaurant Association is proud to work closely with the SBS Food & Beverage Industry Partnership. Restaurateurs are busy running their businesses, so having a point of contact within city government who can help them get information and resources quickly is invaluable. SBS has consistently made their F&B Industry Partnership staff available to engage with our restaurant members, answer questions, and triage issues within the complex city government. Our Government Affairs team counts the SBS Food & Beverage Industry Partnership team as critical allies to support the restaurant industry in NYC.”

“As an attorney serving the hospitality industry, I deeply appreciate the City’s recognition of this sector’s immense value and its designation of the SBS NYC Food & Beverage Industry Partnership (F&BIP) team to support businesses, workers, and other stakeholders. Navigating the complex web of regulations and requirements involved in starting and running food and beverage establishments in NYC can be daunting. Steven and the F&BIP team play a crucial role in streamlining this process, making it more manageable for operators. Moreover, they actively collaborate with industry leaders to develop innovative services and resources that foster growth and resilience within NYC’s vibrant food and beverage sector.”

“The NYC Food & Beverage Partnership is a true gift to our industry and embodies what a partnership should be. The wisdom, guidance, resources, and technical support they provide to owners and operators are essential for navigating opportunities and concerns which always focus on positive solutions. The Partnership is a multi-functional catalyst for supporting the growth and resiliency of NYC’s F& B industry from inside city government with understanding and purpose.”

“We are people who like to nurture others through food, drink and warm hospitality. We love sharing insights and ideas on how to hold on to the joy while running a food business in NYC. Being part of the NYC F&B Industry Partnership with Steven at the helm is an opportunity for us to give to others and receive support in return. It’s about protecting our craft, supporting our workers and communities, and shaping a sustainable future for food entrepreneurs like me.”

“Understanding the career opportunities and paths available to both new and seasoned hospitality professionals is key to supporting their growth. The NYC F&B Industry Partnership team has developed a range of impactful resources and initiatives to help F&B workers and entrepreneurs turn their passions into sustainable careers. It’s encouraging to know the hospitality industry has a strong advocate within city government.”

“Empowered Hospitality has been proud to partner with the NYC Food & Beverage Industry Partnership team on the First Course NYC cook apprenticeship program since 2019. First Course NYC not only places enthusiastic new talent in top kitchens, it also ingrains strong onboarding and training practices in culinary teams across New York City. We’ve learned that simple steps make a measurable impact on employee retention and performance. In an industry plagued by a perpetual shortage of talent, where annual turnover commonly tops 70%, these small changes can take a team from struggling to truly thriving. I hope the work we engage in with the F&BIP in identifying opportunities for restaurants and other industry stakeholders will continue to create a more resilient industry in NYC.”

“New York City will always be the dining capital of the world, and more resilient due to our collaboration with the NYC F&B Industry Partnership. Through our work in the First Course NYC program, we’ve built a strong pipeline of entry level talent using best practices in onboarding and training. We’re better able to turn our apprentices’ passion into practice, jump-starting their culinary careers and meeting our company’s mission and goals.”

“Steven Picker’s industry expertise, combined with the NYC F&B Industry Partnership team’s seat within the NYC Dept. of Small Business Services, has been a lifeline for mom-and-pop restaurants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his guidance helped Queens Together support struggling restaurants by clarifying rapidly-changing regulations, providing access to grant opportunities, and preventing closures. Today, he and the F&BIP team continue to deliver strategic resources and innovative solutions that drive the growth and resilience of NYC’s diverse restaurant community.”

“The NYC Food & Beverage Industry Partnership lives up to its name! From my first phone call and every one since, Steven and his team have stood alongside us whenever we have needed it.  The support, guidance, and resources they provide have been invaluable. It is a great feeling to know we will find a solution and get the right guidance when facing any business challenge. The NYC Food & Beverage Industry Partnership has been critical in lending a hand when we’ve needed it the most!”