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.
Follow & Subscribe To The Bourbon Lens
🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community.
- 📸Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens
- Visit: www.bourbonlens.com
- Join: www.patreon.com/bourbonlens
- Merch: https://bourbon-lens-shop.printify.me/products
- Mailing List: The Weekly Pour
- Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU
Latest Bourbon & Whiskey News
- Bourbon Lens’ “Thursday Thoughts” Welcomes Chef Brian Landry to Talk Food, Music and the Story Behind The Kitchen Table
- Fireball Torch’d Vanilla Brings a Smoky Twist to the Classic Cinnamon Whisky
- Baker’s Bourbon Celebrates Baker Beam’s 90th Birthday With Return of Baker’s 13
- J. Rieger & Co. to Release First-Ever 10-Year Straight Bourbon for National Bourbon Heritage Month
- Town Branch Kicks Off Bourbon Heritage Month with IMPERIUM MMXXVI Cask Strength Release
- Remus Bourbon Celebrates 10 Years of Repeal Reserve with Series X and Its First-Ever Rye Whiskey
