Jessica Gidari is the founder of Porcelain Collective, a hospitality design and development firm delivering turn-key projects from concept to completion. Previously, she led innovation at Hospitality Lab by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events, where she served as Senior Director of Design and Concept Development. With a focus on immersive, story-driven experiences, Jessica continues to shape the future of hospitality through thoughtful design, strategic vision, and impeccable delivery.
Sleep deprived fever dream.
The outdoor central pavilion at Manhattan West. It’s an unobstructed view of the Empire State Building while the sun basks down on a mix of corporate hustlers, fitness influencers, hospitality hotspot seekers, and the random lost tourists who happened upon the connection bridge to the Highline.
Chicago for work / Toronto for fun. And I’ve made a few promises that Miami has to be my next stop. DC soon thereafter.
Melbourne. It was love at first bite. An instant connection for what felt like home.
Seattle. My future home…one day when NYC finally wears on me.
Milan or Costa Rica. I can truly find happiness in most places. It’s about the people and vibe. And both of those nailed it perfectly.
Dudley’s down on Orchard and Broome. Another one of my Aussie love affairs.
During my Union Square days, I had an unofficial key to the 5th floor Kitchen office at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. On any day you would find me there, next to my bud Chef Kevin Arbuckle who delivers incredible hospitality and leadership for that entire hotel operation. It’s an office with no windows but the people made it the best place to get work done.
Low lounge furniture used at a dining place setting. My knees should not be higher than the table when you want me to eat a steak.
I can crush a loaf of olive sourdough.
Athletic High socks. I come from the generation of no-show socks.
Time.
Photography.
The Emerald City, Seattle.
The most? Someone who’s down to hop from bar to bar to cafe to hotel with me. Least? Wants to plan everything themselves…my love language is letting me plan.
In this phase of my life and career? Pushing yourself to the limit. Love the hustle but admire boundaries and protecting one’s mental well-being.
My wedding video. It captured a moment in time so perfectly - the laughs, the pure joy of the moment, friends and family we’ve since lost but have their beautiful light captured. I watch it every year.
A few too many late-night Instagram ad buys.
NJTransit. And love the insanely talented F&B crew here - True Salvage Cafe, Arties, Porta Rosa, Corner Slice, Perla...the talent here is unreal.
‘vita si scias uti longa est' Life is long if you know how to use it.
