Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher on Austin’s Dining Scene, Building Lenoir, and Balancing Life as Restaurateurs

The meez Podcast

#65. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey catches up with old friends who are also amazing chefs and restaurateurs. The guests are Jess Maher and Todd Duplechan, a dynamic duo Josh has known for nearly two decades. Their paths first crossed while working together at Bouley and Danube in New York City, and they've remained close ever since.
Listeners will hear them reminisce about their time at renowned restaurants like Bouley, Danube, Gray Kunz’s establishments, and Tabla with Floyd Cardoz. They dive into Jess and Todd's journey to Austin, where they opened their celebrated restaurant, Lenoir. The conversation covers the evolution of the Austin dining scene, the operation of their restaurant, and the challenges and rewards of running a business as a married couple with children.
Josh, Jess, and Todd also touch on their future ventures and how they've adapted to changes in the industry over the years. This episode is filled with insights, laughter, and the warmth of reconnecting with good friends. If you're ever in Austin, a visit to Lenoir is highly recommended—it's truly amazing.
Tune in for an engaging episode that highlights the intersection of friendship, food, and the dynamic world of the restaurant industry.
Where to find Todd Duplechan:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Where to find Jess Maher:

• LinkedIn

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Twitter

In this episode, we cover:

(02:43): Reminiscing all the Austin guests on The meez Podcast
(04:27): How Jess and Todd met & family meals
(17:29): The backstory of Lenoir
(25:57): What makes an Austin diner different than a NYC diner
(28:42): How Jess & Todd describe the food at Lenoir
(37:05): Lenoir's CSR program
(48:02): What it's like working together as a couple
(53:36): When to introduce work to kids
(58:25): Being a mom and a business owner
(1:02:43): Other upcoming projects