Icebox Cafe

Allysun's passion for hospitality began with her first foray into New York's diverse restaurant culture at Chanterelle, an institution in the downtown Manhattan fine dining scene. It was here that she saw firsthand the positive impact a people-first culture can have on a business. When she later joined the service team at a cheese and wine bar as a manager, her now 10+ year journey to become an effective operations and human resources leader began in earnest. And now having been a general manager of several iconic brands and esteemed New York restaurants, Allysun knows what it takes to lead a successful team. Beyond leading teams, Allysun strongly advocates a people-first approach for all hospitality businesses. Allysun holds a B.A. in English literature from the University of Tennessee, an M.A. in experimental humanities from New York University, and a PMP certification from the Project Management Institute.

Ideal Restaurant Experience

I love a low-key spot that’s brimming with creativity, where bartenders and line cooks have freedom to present new ideas. You can always tell when the staff is free to express themselves because the food, drinks and atmosphere are unpredictable and different each time you visit.

What does "creating workplaces where people thrive" mean to you?

Creating a workplace where employees feel genuinely seen and heard, where their personal goals are prioritized, and where they can be regularly challenged to expand their skills.

Raised in Atlantic City, Rachel's early start in hospitality - working as a teenager in casino food and beverage operations - had a tremendous impact on her education and career. After earning degrees from Boston University and Cornell, Rachel held various positions in F&B and hotel operations before shifting her focus to people and HR during the pandemic. Recently, her strengths in HR data & analytics, compliance, and systems positioned her to successfully manage the logistics of a four-startup merger and implement a global payroll system for the combined entity. And she's just getting started. When Rachel isn't busy thriving at Empowered, she volunteers as a crisis counselor and enjoys adventures all over the world.

Ideal Restaurant Experience

Food brings people together in unbelievable ways! My ideal restaurant experience involves using cuisine to foster a sense of community and togetherness, especially when exploring a new place. Sharing a meal with family, friends, and even strangers is a universal experience that transcends borders and languages.

What does creating workplaces where people thrive mean to you?

Creating a workplace where people can thrive means allowing for all employees to be their authentic selves in a safe, efficient, and productive space. Ideally, it also includes building a collaborative environment where everyone has the skills and knowledge to be successful.