In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey and Rachel chat with Irene Squizzato, founder of Curiosity Roads, to explore how travel can be one of the most powerful ways to understand a region through its people, culture, food, wine, and traditions. They discuss the art of bespoke travel, the importance of creating authentic and deeply personal experiences, and the parallels between Curiosity Roads' approach to travel and Thirsty Bandit's philosophy of hospitality.

About Our Guest: As founder of Curiosity Roads, Irene Squizzato believes the best way to experience a destination is to get curious about what makes it unique. A seasoned luxury travel designer with more than a decade of experience, Irene creates highly personalized journeys that connect travelers with the people, food, wine, artisans, and culture that bring a place to life. Her extensive network and global perspective allow her to turn a trip into something far more meaningful than a vacation, but rather a genuine connection to place. For more information, visit curiosityroads.com.

In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey and Rachel dive into the growing importance of non-alcoholic (NA) options within the hospitality industry. With the rise of NA offerings, many establishments are rethinking their beverage programs to ensure inclusivity and enhance the overall experience for all guests.

We champion eating locally, but why don't we think about drinking locally in the same way? In this episode of Strategy Sessions, we sit down with Maryam Ahmed, founder of Maryam + Company, to explore the ideas behind her Bon Appétit op-ed article, “We Champion Eating Locally. Why Not Drinking Local?” We discuss why local wine and beverage producers often struggle to gain the same visibility as local farmers and food producers, and how restaurants, retailers, and hospitality businesses can use beverage programs to tell a stronger story about place.

Maryam also challenges us to think beyond the bottle and consider the broader economic and cultural impact of what we choose to pour. From distribution and purchasing practices to sustainability, community-building, and the guest experience, this conversation explores how drinking local can become a meaningful extension of the farm-to-table movement and a powerful way for hospitality businesses to create a deeper connection between people, producers, and place.

About Our Guest: Maryam Ahmed is the founder of Maryam + Company, a strategic consultancy focused on food, wine, community, and social impact. A writer, speaker, strategist, and experiential producer, Maryam works at the intersection of hospitality, culture, and purpose, helping organizations develop meaningful experiences and stronger connections with their communities. She is also a recognized voice in the wine industry on sustainability, inclusion, and place-based hospitality. Learn more at https://www.maryamandcompany.com