Billy Berces

Hospitality was engrained into Billy early on, starting out as a busser at 16 and working in restaurants throughout his college years in Atlanta.  Upon graduation and returning home to NYC, he joined BR Guest Hospitality Group and grew within the organization, eventually joining the management team and supporting several properties throughout the portfolio. From there, he joined Boqueria Restaurants and was the General Manager at their Soho location for over 4 years.  After a decade in restaurant operations, Billy transitioned to human resources in 2022 at a renowned NYC-based hospitality group where he led recruitment, compliance and training & development - and played a critical role in opening its sixth Manhattan location. Billy holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Georgia State University and is excited to bring his passion for people to Empowered Hospitality.

What is your ideal restaurant experience?

It's all about the food and the company you experience it with.  There's an art to hospitality and it's noticing when a team has been able to provide you with an amazing experience regardless of it being an anniversary or a regular Tuesday night.  It's something to be said when a restaurant is able to create a connection with you and leaves you wanting to come back time and time again.

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

An environment that encourages collaboration, questioning, and the ability to be yourself.  Working with a team that cultivates growth, drive, integrity, leadership and the ability to make and learn from mistakes.