Danny Meyer Biography

Danny Meyer is a restaurateur and entrepreneur known for his influence in the hospitality industry. Meyer began his career as a restaurateur at age 27, establishing a fine-dining presence with New York City restaurants such as Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern. With the opening of Union Square Cafe, Meyer introduced a new approach to American dining, emphasizing local ingredients and a hospitality model that has shaped his work in the culinary sector. He later partnered with chef Tom Colicchio to open Gramercy Tavern, which received three stars from The New York Times and was named Zagat Survey's Most Popular Restaurant in New York City multiple times.

While these restaurants established his reputation, Meyer also founded Shake Shack, a modern "roadside" burger restaurant that originated as a hot dog stand to support a public park. Shake Shack has since expanded into a global fast-casual restaurant brand with hundreds of locations and significant annual revenue. Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) includes several notable New York restaurants, such as Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, and Maialino, among others.

Under Meyer's leadership, USHG is recognized for its culture of Enlightened Hospitality, a philosophy that prioritizes employees and shapes the organization's approach to restaurant management and guest experience. USHG's ventures extend to museum dining, sports arenas, and cultural institutions, as well as investments in emerging neighborhoods. Meyer also serves as co-founder and managing partner of Enlightened Hospitality Investments, a growth fund that applies his hospitality principles to broader business ventures.

Meyer and his team have received 28 James Beard Awards, including Outstanding Restaurateur in America and Humanitarian of the Year. He has been recognized for leadership, business achievements, and community service with honors such as the Julia Child Award, inclusion in the TIME 100 Most Influential People list, the Aspen Institute Preston Robert Tisch Award in Civic Leadership, and the NYU Lewis Rudin Award for Exemplary Service to New York City. Meyer was also honored at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum with the Jonathan Tisch Active Citizenship Award for positive community impact in the hospitality industry.

Meyer is the author of the business book "Setting the Table," a New York Times Bestseller that outlines his business and hospitality principles. He co-authored the "Union Square Cafe Cookbook" with chef Michael Romano, which received the IACP Julia Child Award, and "Second Helpings from Union Square Cafe." Meyer is a frequent speaker and educator on topics such as restaurant management, hospitality leadership, corporate responsibility, and organizational culture.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/15/2026.

Danny Meyer Videos

Danny Meyer on reviving the restaurant industry - YouTube

Danny Meyer on reviving the restaurant industry - YouTube

Danny Meyer is one of New York City's most successful and influential restaurateurs. In mid-March he closed all 20 of his restaurants and laid ...

When Hospitality Means Finding the No - Danny Meyer - YouTube

When Hospitality Means Finding the No - Danny Meyer - YouTube

When Hospitality Means Finding the No - Danny Meyer. The Welcome Conference.

Danny Meyer: How to Use Hospitality in Business to Gain and Keep ...

Danny Meyer: How to Use Hospitality in Business to Gain and Keep ...

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Danny Meyer grew up in a family that loved great food and hospitality. Thanks to his father's travel...

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Danny Meyer is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Danny Meyer for your event is available upon request. Danny Meyer generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Daymond John, Jesse Itzler, Will Guidara, Marc Randolph and Peter Diamandis. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Danny Meyer for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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