Daniella Senior: From Family Kitchen To Restaurant Empire- The Journey of Colada Shop's Founder & CEO
Podcast: In the Weeds Podcast with Chef Spike MendelsohnPublished On: Mon Feb 24 2025
Description: On episode 12, Daniella Senior (CEO& Founder of Colada Shop) gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn. In this episode, Daniella shares how cooking for her family shaped her passion for the culinary world and how food was more than just a meal, it was a way of life. She opens up about her journey as a woman leader and entrepreneur in the restaurant industry, the challenges she has faced, and the lessons she has learned along the way. From cultural roots to business growth, this conversation is a must-listen for food lovers and aspiring restaurateurs alike.Daniella’s passion for food and hospitality began at 13 when she founded a successful catering business in the Dominican Republic. A Culinary Institute of America graduate and Certified Sommelier, she has worked in renowned kitchens like Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin and led restaurant operations at venues such as Jose Andres’ Zaytinya. She also served as regional director for Richard Sandoval Restaurants. In 2016, Daniella introduced Colada Shop to Washington, D.C., a vibrant concept celebrating good food, coffee, cocktails, and social connections. With four locations, it has become a local favorite with national recognition.Her entrepreneurial journey continued with Bresca, a modern French bistro she co-founded with Chef Ryan Ratino in 2017, earning a Michelin Star the following year. In 2019, she launched Serenata and Zumo at La Cosecha Market, offering a premier Latino cocktail experience and a daytime juice and toast shop. At 32, Daniella has established herself as a visionary leader, dedicated to empowering her team, women, and minorities. She serves on the boards of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs and RAMW and is a James Beard Women’s Leadership Program Fellow and mentor. Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://www.intheweedspod.com/itw-linksWe have teamed up with Odd Chef for an official merch collab! Check it out here and get 10% off your order with code INTHEWEEDS10.🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org
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