Local entrepreneurs and business owners gathered at Origen Bistro in the Bywater on March 20th for the latest Accelerate event, hosted by What Now Media Group. The event provided a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and building valuable connections within the vibrant New Orleans restaurant and hospitality community.
Attendees were treated to an evening of engaging discussions and insightful conversations. It was an opportunity for local restaurateurs and business owners to connect, share experiences, and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of operating in the New Orleans market.
Origen Bistro, owned by Julio Machado, set the stage for the event, offering guests a truly New Orleans dining experience. The restaurant is known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and chef-driven menu. Situated at 3600 Saint Claude in the Bywater, Origen Bistro offers a mix of contemporary dishes with a distinct Louisiana twist, focusing on locally sourced ingredients. The bistro’s menu features seafood gumbo, smoked duck, creative small plates, and an extensive beverage list, including craft cocktails and carefully selected wines.
The inviting atmosphere and attention to detail make Origen Bistro a standout dining destination in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood. In addition to its flavorful offerings, Origen Bistro prides itself on providing a unique dining experience, making it the perfect venue for hosting events such as Accelerate. Guests enjoyed the delicious food and the warm and engaging ambiance, which made the evening memorable.
On this day, Caleb Spivak, Founder and CEO at What Now Media Group, hosted the Accelerate Event to bring local entrepreneurs and business representatives together to share their experiences, provide updates on their progress, and reflect on what they learned from opening brick-and-mortar businesses in the greater NOLA area. Key takeaways included the importance of having passion, the necessity of pivoting effectively, especially following an emergency, and the value of connecting with others in the community.
The evening also highlighted a diverse range of local businesses, with owners and representatives from several popular establishments in attendance. Among them were Chad Sabatier, owner of Minnie and John’s Kitchen and Cocktails, Leslie Barbarin, owner of Ms. Barb’s Bakery, and Sinnidra Taylor, owner of Codey’s NOLA. Other participants included Keiyanah Ratleff and Matthew Ratleff, co-franchisees of Cinnaholic, Alfredo Manzanares, owner of Burger Nerds, Jaryd Kase, owner of Bodega New Orleans, Latoya Jett, owner of Street Food Munchies, and Jessica Rann and Nicole Theriot, business partners at Lost Coyote.
Key figures from some of New Orleans’ most innovative hospitality ventures attended the event, including Anthony Cruz, co-owner of Southerns, and J.P. Badeaux, majority owner of Stellar. Alongside the local business owners, John Tomba from E HPS Heartland and Nathan Wornica from Our Town America also participated as preferred partners.
What Now Media Group continues to foster collaboration and support for New Orleans’ hospitality industry through the Accelerate event series, which connects businesses, entrepreneurs, and service providers. The event offered a welcoming atmosphere where industry leaders could exchange insights, discuss trends, and build lasting partnerships.
This led Caleb 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 Caleb and the guests shared their tips, knowledge, and concerns, everyone quickly grew interested in learning more about their businesses and how they can help one another.
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.
