"LEGACY ON A PLATE" : Speaker Panel with 3 Iconic Sarasota Restaurateurs

An unforgettable evening of flavor, wisdom, and legacy!

Join the Sarasota Speakers Series for a rare, behind-the-scenes conversation with three of Sarasota’s most celebrated restaurateurs. Visionaries who've helped shape the city’s thriving culinary culture.

In "Legacy on a Plate," this panel of beloved local legends: Michael Klauber, Natalia Levey & Paul Mattison - will share intimate stories of their rise in the Sarasota food scene — from humble beginnings to becoming community cornerstones. Learn how they are building lasting businesses, overcoming challenges, and mentoring the next generation of culinary creators.

Our panel of legacy restauranteurs will be sharing insightful stories from decades of culinary evolution, plus their lessons in leadership, resilience and tenacity.

Whether you're a foodie, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the stories behind Sarasota’s most iconic dining experiences, this lively panel will nourish both your curiosity and your spirit.

Seats are limited — reserve your spot now for a night of inspiration and connection!

So again:

We welcome you to another Sarasota Speakers Series EVENT where we feature a panel of three legacy local business owners speaking on innovative business growth practices relevant to any industry.

You'll join us at Aloft Hotel in Downtown Sarasota for an intimate-ish evening with a panel of Sarasota legacy leaders sharing valuable insights from their personal journeys on the rocky road to business success, followed by a "meet n greet" in the lobby bar.

If you are a leader, business owner, young professional, or anyone open to stretching into a better understanding of business ownership, you will leave inspired and full of new ideas!

This is a unique opportunity to hear from local change agents whose boots are on the ground every day. They share stories, insights, and ideas that will open your eyes to how you can disrupt, innovate, and expand your business, and your life!

Our November 2025 Panel of Legacy Local Business Owners are: this panel of beloved local legends: Michael Klauber, Natalia Levey & Paul Mattison- will share intimate stories of their rise in the Sarasota food scene — from humble beginnings to becoming community cornerstones. Learn how they are building lasting businesses, overcoming challenges, and mentoring the next generation of culinary creators.

Stay afterward and enjoy a "Meet n Greet" in the lobby for light bites and a cash bar.

Get to Know Our Featured Panelists:

Michael Klauber - Michael’s On East, Michael’s Wine Cellar, and Michael’s Events & Catering

Natalia Levey - Founder of Hi Hospitality Group, which includes Speaks Clam Bar, Kojo, Bar Hana, Palm Avenue Deli, and Central Park St. Pete Food Hall

Paul Mattison- Owner of Mattison's Forty One, Mattison's City Grille, Mattison's Riverwalk, Mattison's SRQ Airport

TICKETS:

• General Seating Speaker Panel + Networking "Meet n Greet" in Bar $50
• VIP Ticket Front Row Seating + Private Champagne Reception with Speakers $100
• Sponsor a Young Leader (Donation) $25 per ticket - Make it possible for a youth leader to attend.

Proceeds of this event to benefit Future Leaders from:

WBTT ; Girls Inc.; and, Greatness Beyond Measure

Hosted By: Lynn Kitchen and Judy (J) Winslow , two local business owners seeking to make a difference and inspire local business collaborations. We also serve as co-chapter leaders of R.I.S.E. SARASOTA.

We believe real change happens in collaboration with others!

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! SPACE IS LIMITED!

Info: Three Distinguished Panelists : Michael Klauber, Natalia Levey & Paul Mattison. Our panel of speakers will be discussing lessons learned from growing their businesses locally, including topics on leadership, growing pains, scaling, culture building, innovation, collaboration, and disruption! Questions from the audience will be welcomed.

Info: Informal mingling in the hotel lobby bar. Enjoy lite bites and cash bar. Meet the panelists in person and other local leaders. Expand your network of business professionals.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Aloft Sarasota, 1401 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, United States