Speaker: Jeff Zalaznick, A&S ’05, Restaurateur
Major Food Group
Jeff Zalaznick is a restaurateur and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and co-owner of Major Food Group (MFG). MFG is a New York based restaurant and hospitality company founded in 2010 by Jeff, and his partners, Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi. MFG represents a new breed of restaurant group with the aim to conceptualize and operate restaurants that are respectful of the past, exciting for the present, and sustainable for the future. Restaurants that uphold the highest level of food quality and fine dining service in a fun and inviting atmosphere. MFG currently operates twelve restaurants: CARBONE (New York, Hong Kong, Las Vegas), ZZ’s Clam Bar, Dirty French, Santina, Parm (Soho, Yankee Stadium, Upper West Side, Battery Park, Williamsburg) and Sadelle’s. Currently, they are in the process of restoring New York City’s most iconic restaurant space (formerly know as The Four Seasons), located in the historic Seagrams Building. They will open three new fine dining concepts in the landmarked rooms of the building.
To date, MFG has received 2 nominations for Best New Restaurants in America by the James Beard Foundation, holds 12 New York Times Stars and 3 Michelin Stars.
In addition to the restaurants’ numerous accolades, Jeff is a Cornell Hotel School’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence and has been listed in 30 Under 30 by Zagat and Forbes. He has also been named 40 under 40 by Crain’s and a Rising Star Restaurateur by Star Chefs. In addition, Jeff and his partners believe strongly in giving back, and have pioneered an exciting charity partnership with the Robin Hood Foundation.