16. Building Orlando Through Food, Culture & Community

16. Building Orlando Through Food, Culture & Community

How did Orlando become one of the most exciting food cities in America? In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership CEO Tim Giuliani sits down with Jason Chin of Good Salt Restaurant Group for an in-depth conversation about entrepreneurship, hospitality, placemaking, restaurant culture, and the future of Orlando. Jason shares the incredible journey from working in the dish pit at his family’s sushi restaurant to building some of Orlando’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Osprey, Reyes Mezcaleria, Sparrow, The Monroe, and Osteria Esther. Along the way, he opens up about immigrant family values, burnout, risk-taking, leadership, James Beard recognition, and why restaurants are critical to economic development and community identity. This episode explores: * How restaurants shape neighborhoods and cities * Orlando’s rise as a nationally recognized culinary destination * The connection between hospitality and economic development * Why talent chooses cities based on culture and quality of life * The realities of building a restaurant group * The importance of density, walkability, and placemaking * Leadership lessons from hospitality * How Orlando is evolving beyond tourism Whether you’re an entrepreneur, restaurateur, city builder, foodie, business owner, developer, or someone passionate about Orlando’s growth, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build culture through hospitality. Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders building the future of Central Florida. Connect with Jason at: Website: https://www.goodsaltgrp.com/ [https://www.goodsaltgrp.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anml_chin/ [https://www.instagram.com/anml_chin/] If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook. ------------------------------------------------------ What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference. Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future. Connect with our host Tim at: Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/ [https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/] Website: https://timgiuliani.com/ [https://timgiuliani.com/] Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org [https://orlando.org/]

15. Designing Downtown Orlando for People with Guest Jason Lima

How do you transform a downtown into a place people actually want to spend time in? In this episode of The City Playbook, Tim Giuliani sits down with James Lima, founder of JLPD, a national urban design and planning firm, to explore how Downtown Orlando is being reimagined through people-first design and strategic placemaking. As Orlando undergoes a major shift—converting one-way streets into two-way, slowing traffic, and reconnecting key districts—this conversation breaks down the real impact of urban design on economic growth, small businesses, and quality of life. This episode covers: * Why walkability and “placemaking” are essential to thriving cities * The economic impact of two-way streets vs. one-way traffic systems * How urban design influences small business success and real estate value * What makes cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Boston so desirable * The shift from “central business districts” to “social districts” * How Orlando can attract and retain talent through better urban experiences * The role of connectivity between cultural districts, restaurants, and entertainment From trails and mixed-use development to street-level experiences and community activation, this episode reveals how intentional design creates cities people choose—not just pass through. If you’re interested in urban planning, economic development, real estate, or the future of Orlando, this episode is a must-watch. Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders building the future of Central Florida. Connect with Jason at: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jlpd If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook. ------------------------------------------------------ What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference. Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future. Connect with our host Tim at: Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/ [https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/] Website: https://timgiuliani.com/ [https://timgiuliani.com/] Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org [https://orlando.org/]

14. How Business Leaders Can Transform Communities with Guest Bret Perkins

What is civic leadership—and why does it matter more than ever in today’s cities? In this episode of The City Playbook, Tim Giuliani sits down with Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President, Community Growth & Economic Development at Comcast, to explore how civic leadership shapes the future of cities like Orlando and communities across the United States. Drawing from decades of experience working across more than 6,000 cities and towns, Bret shares powerful insights on civic responsibility, community engagement, and the importance of building strong civic infrastructure. This episode covers: * What civic leadership actually means in today’s world * Why thriving cities require collaboration between business, government, and community leaders * The role of “civic infrastructure” and how systems within a city work together * Why local engagement matters more than ever in a global economy * The impact of digital connectivity, the digital divide, and workforce development * How individuals—not just institutions—drive meaningful change From the legacy of America’s founding principles to modern challenges like digital access and economic mobility, this conversation offers a blueprint for anyone looking to make a difference in their community. If you’re a business leader, policymaker, entrepreneur, or someone who cares about the future of your city, this episode will challenge you to rethink your role—and step into it. Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders building the future of Central Florida. Connect with Brett at: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-perkins-3647582/ If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook. ------------------------------------------------------ What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference. Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future. Connect with our host Tim at: Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/ [https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/] Website: https://timgiuliani.com/ [https://timgiuliani.com/] Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org [https://orlando.org/]

13. From Vision to Impact: How the Dr. Phillips Center Transformed Downtown Orlando

Welcome to The City Playbook, a podcast brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership, where we go behind the ideas, initiatives, and leadership shaping the future of Central Florida. In this episode, host Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, sits down with Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Kathy shares the remarkable story of how the Dr. Phillips Center came to life, from early vision and alignment challenges to philanthropy, government partnership, and building a world-class cultural institution in the heart of Orlando. This conversation explores what it takes to build a lasting civic asset, how arts and culture drive economic development, and why alignment between leadership, philanthropy, and business is essential to building a thriving city. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes insights on: • The long road from idea to execution • The role of philanthropy and public-private partnership • Operating a major arts institution as a high-performing business • The Dr. Phillips Center’s economic and cultural impact • What’s next for downtown Orlando and the future of arts, wellness, and community Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, student, or resident curious about how cities are built with intention, this episode offers a powerful look at one of Orlando’s most transformational stories. Connect with Kathy and get information on the Dr. Phillips Center at: Instagram: @drphillipsctr Website: https://www.drphillipscenter.org/ [https://www.drphillipscenter.org/] If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook. ------------------------------------------------------ What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference. Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future. Connect with our host Tim at: Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/ [https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/] Website: https://timgiuliani.com/ [https://timgiuliani.com/] Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org [https://orlando.org/]

12. The Future of Downtown Orlando Starts with This One Big Shift | On the Road Series

What makes a city truly livable, competitive, and attractive for the next generation? In this episode of The City Playbook, Tim Giuliani, President & CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, breaks down the strategy behind Downtown Orlando’s transformation into a more walkable, vibrant, and economically competitive urban core. This episode dives deep into: * Why cities across the U.S. are redesigning downtowns post-COVID * The shift from car-centric infrastructure to pedestrian-friendly design * The impact of converting one-way streets into two-way streets * How walkability drives economic development, small business growth, and safety * Why attracting young professionals depends on downtown experience * What Orlando can learn from cities like Austin, Nashville, Denver, and Tampa As Central Florida continues to grow, the future of Downtown Orlando will play a critical role in talent attraction, business investment, and long-term economic success. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, entrepreneur, or resident, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the decisions shaping the future of Orlando. Subscribe for more conversations on economic development, city planning, innovation, and leadership in Central Florida. If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook. ------------------------------------------------------ What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference. Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future. Connect with our host Tim at: Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/ [https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/] Website: https://timgiuliani.com/ [https://timgiuliani.com/] Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org [https://orlando.org/]