New York City Hospitality Alliance Launches “Hospitality & Politics” with Andrew Rigie on NYC Life, Channel 25

Weekly interview series explores the people, policies, and systems shaping New York City’s hospitality industry

New York, NY– The New York City Hospitality Alliance and NYC Media, the broadcast network for the City of New York, today announced the premiere of Hospitality & Politics with Andrew Rigie. The 13-episode series will premiere on NYC Life (WNYE-TV/ Channel 25), the City’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle channel, May 7 at 10 p.m., as Andrew sits down with renowned chef, restaurateur, and TV host Tom Colicchio as they discuss the evolving concept of his restaurant Craft, industry dynamics, and the impact of inflation on menu pricing, tipping, and hunger relief. The full episode list available below.

Hosted by Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the Alliance, the series features in-depth conversations with New Yorkers across the restaurant and nightlife industry, policymakers, and media figures to examine how the city’s hospitality sector functions – and how it is shaped by policy, economic pressures, tastes, trends, and community dynamics.

Each episode highlights the people and stories behind the industry – how businesses are built, how communities are formed, and how hospitality shapes the cultural fabric of New York City – while offering a grounded look at the realities operators face, from rising costs and workforce challenges to regulatory frameworks and neighborhood change across the five boroughs.

The program builds on the Alliance’s ongoing work to elevate the voices of small business owners and provide insight into one of New York City’s most vital and beloved industries.

“Hospitality is one of New York City’s most important industries, but it’s often misunderstood. This show is about taking a closer look at how it actually works – who’s involved, what dynamics they’re facing, and how policy decisions shape what’s possible for businesses and communities across the city. It’s also about telling the stories of the people behind it, and the role hospitality plays in bringing New Yorkers together,” said Andrew Rigie, Executive Director, New York City Hospitality Alliance.

“The launch of Hospitality & Politics on NYC Life, the flagship channel of broadcast network NYC Media, is the perfect example of how this office provides free entertainment and lifestyle content to New Yorkers year-round,” said the Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, Rafael Espinal. “This TV series highlights the grit and beauty of NYC’s hospitality industry - an industry that supplies thousands of jobs to our local workforce, including creative workers, and supports our theatre, music, film and TV sectors."

The show is scheduled to debut on May 7, 2026, at 10 p.m., with regular timeslots on Thursdays at 10 p.m. and Saturdays at 7 p.m. NYC Life is available on Channel 25.1 Over the Air, channel 22 on Optimum, channel 525 on Verizon FiOS, channel 1025 on Comcast, and channel 25 on Spectrum, DirecTV, and RCN.

This season’s guest lineup:

• May 7: Tom Colicchio, Chef and Owner, Crafted Hospitality
• May 14: Bobbie Lloyd, Chief Baking Officer and CEO, Magnolia Bakery
• May 21: Shaw-Nae Dixon, Owner, Shaw-nae's House 
• May 28: Matt Jozwiak, Rethink Food
• June 4: Rosanna Scotto, Anchor, FOX5’s Good Day New York and Restaurateur, Fresco by Scotto
• June 11: Roger Clark, NY1 TV News Reporter
• June 18: Jeff Garcia, Executive Director of the NYC Office of Nightlife
• June 25: Loycent Gordon, Owner of Historic Neir's Tavern
• July 2: Pamela Silvestri, Food Editor for the Staten Island Advance and SI Live
• July 9: Julie Coker, President and CEO, New York City Tourism + Conventions
• July 16: Cortney Bond, Owner, The Bond Group
• July 23: Ben Gollan, Sandwich Connoisseur & New York tour guide
• July 30: Elizabeth Murray, Chief Operating Officer for The Marlow Collective