Chef Brian Landry Joins Bourbon Lens' Thursday Thoughts

New episode explores Landry’s culinary journey, the Beam family ties behind his restaurant concepts, and his upcoming book on the connection between food and music

September 2, 2026 — Bourbon Lens’ “Thursday Thoughts” podcast has released a new episode featuring chef and restaurateur Brian Landry, whose multi-concept hospitality ventures and community-driven approach have made him one of the more distinctive voices in the culinary world. The episode traces Landry’s path into the restaurant industry, the story behind his acclaimed Kitchen Table concept, and the inspiration behind his forthcoming book exploring the deep connection between food and music.

Landry discusses how his restaurants are built around community and storytelling rather than trends, and details the origins of programs like his pizza offering, which draws a direct line to Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.

“The pizza program highlights the yeast strain from Jim Beam’s original yeast,” Landry said.

Reflecting on the hands-on nature of building a hospitality career, Landry summed up his early approach simply: “Learn on the fly, yep, yep.”

The conversation also looks ahead to the upcoming Icons Dinner and its accompanying bourbon pairing menu, and touches on the challenges Landry’s restaurant group faced navigating expansion during COVID-19. Landry closes the episode with a look at what’s next for his growing hospitality ventures, along with details on his new book.

Episode topics include:

Brian Landry’s culinary background and early restaurant experience
The concept and story behind the Kitchen Table
How community focus sustains long-term restaurant success
The role of storytelling in food and beverage experiences
A preview of the Icons Dinner and its bourbon pairing
The inspiration behind Landry’s new book
The intersection of food, music and culture
Restaurant expansion challenges during COVID-19
Future plans for Landry’s hospitality ventures

The full episode of “Thursday Thoughts” is available now on Bourbon Lens’ YouTube channel and podcast platforms.

About Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens is a media platform covering bourbon culture, industry news and the people shaping American whiskey — including tastings, distillery releases, event coverage and conversations with the chefs, distillers and entrepreneurs at the intersection of bourbon and hospitality. Learn more at bourbonlens.com.