A diverse group of Boston restaurateurs and industry experts gathered for an Accelerate event hosted by What Now Media Group at Tap 151 Bar and Grill, located at 151 N First Street in Cambridge. The event on June 18, 2025, offered a valuable platform for the Boston restaurant community to network and exchange ideas on thriving in today’s competitive culinary market.
Tap 151 Bar and Grill, a vibrant neighborhood spot in Cambridge known for its inviting atmosphere, hosted the complimentary event, bringing together over two dozen representatives from businesses featured on What Now Boston. The gathering included local restaurant owners and industry-leading experts from What Now Media Group’s network of Preferred Partners. Attendees connected over bites and beverages before engaging in a presentation focused on effective strategies for growth and success in the hospitality industry.
The event was led by Mariah Medley, Director of Events and Partner Engagement at What Now Media Group, and featured notable restaurant owners, including Elmer Melendez, co-owner of Darios Ristorante, an Italian eatery expanding its reach beyond Fitchburg. Also attending were Victoria “Tory” Farnsworth and Anthony Marino, co-founders of Flip the Bird, a beloved local fried chicken brand that is expanding with a new location in North Andover.
Other guests included Nicole Lescarbeau, catering manager of Gourmet Kreyol, which is expanding with two new brick-and-mortar locations offering Haitian-American cuisine. Also in attendance were Vanessa Cannella and her business partner, Felipe Angeline, co-owners of Bottega del Sud and Bottega Fiorentina, Italian restaurants celebrated for their authentic Southern flavors.
Additional attendees included Charlie Merritt and Peter Bruning, owner and chef, respectively, of Fresh, a Nantucket-based eatery opening a second Boston location, and Allan Rodríguez, owner of Nine, a French-inspired restaurant replacing No. 9 Park in Beacon Hill.
Other notable attendees included Teresa Maynard and Kelvin Maynard, co-owners of Sweet Teez Bakery, which is preparing to open its first storefront at Dot Block in 2025, and Al Tokhi, owner of Viva Burrito, known for colorful, vibrant cuisine in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood.
Representatives from What Now Media Group’s Preferred Partners were also present to provide expert insights and support. Russell Zwicker and Gary Trouville from Astound, a telecom and IT solutions provider, offered technology strategies to enhance operational efficiency. Tim Hayes, senior payroll advisor from E HPS Heartland, was on hand to discuss payroll solutions tailored for restaurant operators. Ken Sultar from Our Town America shared direct mail marketing tactics aimed at growing customer bases by targeting new movers in the community.
The evening also featured discussions with preferred partners about streamlining back-office functions, leveraging technology, and expanding marketing reach, providing attendees with practical tools to elevate their businesses.
The restaurant owners and industry-leading experts from What Now Media Group’s network of Preferred Partners shared valuable insights, operational highlights, and expert advice, creating an engaging and informative evening that was both enriching and beneficial for all attendees.
This led Mariah Medley to carry the conversation even deeper by discussing critical business points, such as having an exit plan and efficiently managing operations after expanding to multiple locations. After Mariah and the guests shared their tips, knowledge, and concerns, everyone became quickly interested in learning more about their businesses and how they could help one another.
This event provided a valuable platform for restaurant owners and industry partners to collaborate, brainstorm, and establish new connections. It’s clear that the Boston restaurant community is eager to continue innovating and evolving, and What Now Media Group’s Accelerate events provide the perfect space for these conversations to take place.
What Now Media Group shares restaurant opening news in 33 cities across North America, breaking news, and provides timely insight into yet-to-open brick-and-mortar businesses. The platform shares news of thousands of openings across all 33 cities annually.
The industry-leading experts in What Now Media Group’s network of Preferred Partners help new businesses open and existing businesses grow.
Stay tuned for future Accelerate events from What Now Media Group in 2025. For more details, see the Accelerate page here.
Click here for a complete list of our partners. To learn more about becoming a preferred partner, click here.
