FSR September 2022

RI S ING S TARS

THE TOUR DE FORCE TRIO In addition to half a dozen lauded concepts (including a Michelin-starred establishment of the same name) Saison Hospitality Group boasts the fresh energy of young lead ers. Inspired by her father’s entrepreneur ial spirit, Jessica Kapoor has served as the group’s chief of staff since 2018. Last year, she leveraged her comprehensive knowl edge of the industry’s strengths and weak nesses to add a new role to her portfolio, that of founder and owner. Her new restau rant, Copas, is an all-day eatery that blends Mexican, Californian, and Spanish cuisines. Behind Paul Chung ’s culinary prowess lies his mother’s homemade Korean dishes and his world travels. These experiences under pin Chung’s newly expanded role at Saison Hospitality wherein he oversees Saison, Angler San Francisco, Angler Los Angeles, and any forthcoming properties. More than a culinary director, Chung also mentors the group’s younger culinary artists. Chef Richard Lee also draws on his back ground, utilizing the Chinese flavors and ingredients from his upbringing and early culinary training to cook for nearly a half dozen Michelin-starred institutions, includ ing Eleven Madison Park, which nabbed the distinction of No. 1 Restaurant in the World by William Reed Business Media’s World’s 50 Best during Lee’s tenure. The chef brings outstanding attention to detail to his craft, which is vital for his role leading Saison’s culinary team in a storied hearth-fire cook ing method.

Jessica Kapoor AGE: 36 CHIEF OF STAFF SAISON HOSPITALITY GROUP SAN FRANCISCO

LIZ BARCLAY

Paul Chung AGE: 36 CULINARY DIRECTOR SAISON HOSPITALITY GROUP SAN FRANCISCO

Richard Lee AGE: 34 CHEF DE CUISINE SAISON HOSPITALITY GROUP SAN FRANCISCO

BONJWING LEE (2)

THE MENU MAESTRA Jessica Tomlinson has a knack for applications that bring cus tomers back for more. As head of culinary for 16-store craft burger chain, Ford’s Garage, she’s created trend-forward menus while remaining mindful of supply chain disruptions and scalability. Case in point: Tomlinson’s Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends Melt first launched as an LTO, but due to soaring sales, the sandwich was added to the menu across the chain, where it earned the spot of No. 1 best-seller.

Jessica Tomlinson AGE: 34

CULINARY DIRECTOR

FORD’S GARAGE TAMPA, FLORIDA

FORD'S GARAGE

34

FSRMAGAZINE .COM

SEPTEMBER 2022