This week on Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings sits down with Evan Pierce, a longtime hospitality professional with experience spanning banquet management, restaurant operations, large-scale event production, and now beverage sales with Empire Merchant.

The Evolution of a Career in Hospitality

Evan’s journey in hospitality started at Max Rochester, where he and Ryan worked together on nearly 900 events a year. He later became the founding general manager of ButaPub, a gastropub and event space in Rochester’s historic German House. After years in restaurants, Evan pivoted to large-scale event production in Miami, where he organized festivals, concerts, and high-profile galas. Now, he’s leveraging his expertise in the beverage industry, bringing the same attention to detail and customer service to his role at Empire Merchant.

Lessons in Leadership and Adaptability

Throughout the conversation, Evan reflects on the challenges of leadership, learning from past mistakes, and the importance of staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry. Whether it was navigating high-pressure event execution, understanding the business side of hospitality, or embracing a new role in sales, his career exemplifies the power of reinvention.

Listen to the Episode

Catch new episodes of Shelling Peas: A Plant-Powered Podcast with Chef Ryan Jennings every Sunday for more stories from the world of food, beverage, and hospitality.