We take Uncorked: Wine-Business-Life on the road to Alpen Rose for a wide-open conversation with chef-restaurateur Michael Schulson. Michael traces his path from his Nana’s matzo ball soup on Long Island to Philly institutions like Le Bec-Fin and Susanna Foo, then to Stephen Starr openings (Buddakan, Pod) and his own breakout with Izakaya at Borgata and Sampan in Center City.

He gets real about nearly shuttering his first spot, the “Stay True” mantra that kept him going, and the operator’s rule he swears by: design first, then service, then food—because dinner is the movie now. We dive into scaling to 15+ restaurants, using analytics (down to dollars per minute per server), forecasting orders, and why his model is asses-in-seats (no ghost kitchens).

There’s plenty of Philly love, some Knicks-Sixers banter, family, YPO/forum lessons, and—of course—wine: Saddlehill Reserve, a 1999 Lafite, and a 2010 Screaming Eagle.

Highlights:

-Origin story: from Nana’s kitchen to Le Bec-Fin → Susanna Foo → Buddakan/Pod

-First ownership wins & near-misses: Sampan’s slow start and the Stay True philosophy

-The 3 pillars ranked: Design, then Service, then Food (and why)

-Scaling smarts: forecasting orders, minute-by-minute server productivity, AI-driven ops

-Why he refuses delivery/ghost kitchens: the experience can’t be boxed

-Culture and winners: how Villanova-style mindset applies beyond basketball

-Partnerships, YPO/forum value, and learning to be a better partner & leader

-Family & balance: being “the best dad” as his definition of success

-New openings: Double Knot in Wynwood (Miami), Delray Beach, and New York

In Episode 16 of Uncorked: Wine, Business, and Life, hosts Bill Green and Jerrold Colton sit down with Tra Thomas, former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl left tackle, coach, and community leader.

From protecting Donovan McNabb's blindside to mentoring young athletes at IMG Academy, Tra reflects on the journey from Sundays in the NFL to finding purpose in life after football.

🎙️ In this episode:

Life lessons from over a decade in the NFL

Transitioning from professional athlete to mentor and coach

Working with IMG Academy and developing young talent

Staying grounded through faith, family, and personal growth

Thoughts on leadership, humility, and fatherhood

Plus: laughs, wine, and real talk in the Saddlehill Tasting Room 🍷

📍 Filmed at Saddlehill Winery in Voorhees, NJ

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