As a chef, restaurateur, and media personality, Ted Hopson brings a wealth of talent and experience to any project, from menu planning to kitchen staff training to restaurant concept development. As a leading influencer in the culinary world and owner of his own highly acclaimed successful restaurant, The Bellwether in Los Angeles, Hopson’s organizational and operating skills, combined with his unique and creative palate, provides him with the insight necessary to create and

A Southern California native with international hospitality experience, Ann-Marie Verdi attributes her passion for food and hospitality to growing up in a large Sicilian family, including several veteran restaurateurs on both coasts. While attending college, Verdi worked at a number of local bars and began to express her own creative interpretations of mixology—a movement just beginning to develop in restaurants and bars around the country at the time. From her experience in

Senior Consulting Psychologist Dr. Nicole Moshfegh, or “Dr. M” as her clients refer to her, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a background in organizational and business consulting. Dr. M has over 10 years of training and experience in clinical and business psychology working with a variety of organizations ranging from universities and healthcare industries to restaurants and family-owned businesses. As a Senior Consulting Psychologist for Savory Hospitality, Dr. M a

Salar Sheik, a 24-year veteran of the food and beverage industry, brings extensive experience and success in leading winning hospitality teams. A seasoned expert in all aspects of the hospitality world, including but not limited to management, acquisition, development, and financing, he has advanced and overseen the strategic business plans of numerous fine dine, high volume, quick service, and multi-unit food and beverage outlets across the Western United States. Prior to fo