Allison K. Grady, Hospitality Expert and Relationship Builder
With nearly two decades in Atlanta and extensive experience in hospitality, Allison K. Grady has mastered the art of blending leadership with empathy. As Senior Director of Catering Sales at Wolfgang Puck Catering, she’s built a reputation for creating strong teams by understanding the strengths of every individual. Passionate about holistic leadership, she believes that genuine success comes from empowering others, fostering personal growth and cultivating meaningful relationships. Through her work, both professionally and personally, Allison strives to leave a lasting impact on her community and those she mentors.
What drew you to hospitality, and how has your passion evolved?
I fell in love with hospitality at 17 while working in a Tex-Mex restaurant in a mall in New Jersey. Both of my sisters were in hospitality, and I admired watching them grow rather quickly into leadership roles. Over the years, my passion for food and beverage has evolved in that I have a deeper appreciation for the process, and I value the patience required to follow the steps necessary to prepare a dish or drink. I’ve also grown to understand that high-quality, seasonal ingredients are essential to creating amazing dishes and beverages; tasting the difference is so intriguing and fun!
What emerging trends in hospitality are you most excited about?
I have been living a healthy, whole-food lifestyle for decades, and seeing it now at the forefront of food trends is very exciting. Healthy food is very important for the vitality and longevity of our communities.
How do you give back to others?
My husband and I regularly give to Atlanta Dream Center, whose ministry is to reach the unhoused through meals, clothes, shelter and recovery programs. We have also created a ministry, carrying bags with hygiene kits, snacks, literature and water in our cars to give to those we encounter around town. I also co-founded a Saturday bootcamp called “Do It Anyway,” meeting at parks citywide, rain or shine, to work out. Everyone is welcome, no matter where they are on their health journey. We know and value the impact of working out, being outside in the fresh air and community.
What piece of advice would you give to the younger generation?
Do what aligns with your spirit as opposed to what others think you should do. Surround yourself with a select few people that you trust and can be vulnerable with. If you feel off track, you can you can course correct at any time without judgement. Changing your mind is a part of life and the awareness around the changes will lead to empowered, conscious choices. Your life is yours to live.
