New York City’s restaurant industry is the heartbeat of its vibrant culture, but behind every thriving eatery is a network of advocacy, resources, and support.
At the forefront of this effort is the New York City Hospitality Alliance, an organization dedicated to ensuring that independent restaurants and nightlife venues across the five boroughs can survive and flourish.
One of the Alliance’s most anticipated annual events is its participation in the New York Restaurant Show (NYRS)—a premier industry gathering set to take place from Sunday, March 23, to Tuesday, March 25, at the Javits Center.
This year, the event holds extra significance with an inspiring act of generosity: renowned artist John Donohue is donating a hand-drawn restaurant sketch for auction, with all proceeds benefiting the NYC Hospitality Alliance Impact Foundation.
The NYC Hospitality Alliance plays a crucial role in advocating for the city’s restaurant and nightlife community. Led by Executive Director Andrew Rigie, the Alliance provides legal guidance, workforce development programs, and lobbying efforts to help businesses navigate complex regulations and economic challenges.
“The hospitality industry is the backbone of New York City,” Rigie said. “Through advocacy, education, and support, we work to ensure that restaurants and bars not only survive but thrive in this ever-changing environment.”
To complement its mission, the Alliance created the NYC Hospitality Alliance Impact Foundation, a nonprofit that expands its reach beyond policy work.
The Impact Foundation focuses on job training, scholarships, emergency food relief, and community support, addressing the broader challenges facing restaurant workers and owners alike.
The New York Restaurant Show serves as a key platform for networking, education, and business growth. Thousands of restaurant owners, chefs, and suppliers gather to explore the latest trends in foodservice, technology, and operations.
“We’re proud to be part of the NY Restaurant Show again this year,” Rigie stated. “It’s an incredible opportunity for restaurant professionals to connect, learn, and discover new ways to strengthen their businesses.”
This year, a special highlight of the show will be John Donohue’s restaurant sketch auction, an initiative that bridges the worlds of art and hospitality for a meaningful cause.
Donohue, an acclaimed illustrator and former New Yorker editor, has spent years chronicling restaurants through intricate, hand-drawn sketches. His portfolio includes hundreds of restaurants across New York City’s five boroughs, as well as collections featuring dining landmarks in London and Paris.
“I’ve always been fascinated by restaurants—not just for the food, but for the experience they create,” Donohue reflected. “They are places where people come together, where communities are built.”
His passion for sketching iconic restaurants has turned him into an ardent supporter of the industry. Donohue has become a respected blogger on restaurant-related issues, often using his platform to highlight challenges facing the industry.
Most recently, he has taken a strong stance against the illegal restaurant reservation resale market, a practice that has made securing a table at popular eateries increasingly difficult for everyday diners.
“This issue has been frustrating for both customers and restaurateurs,” Donohue said. “Restaurants should have control over their own reservation systems, and diners shouldn’t have to pay a premium just to secure a table.”
Through his blog and public commentary, Donohue continues to advocate for restaurant owners, shedding light on the complexities of the business beyond just the food and ambiance.
Restaurant owners, industry professionals, and art enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to own an exclusive John Donohue original while supporting a vital cause.
Bidding will be conducted online via the NYC Hospitality Alliance Impact Foundation’s auction page, with details available at the NY Restaurant Show and on Donohue’s website at NY-Restaurant-show.
“This is more than just a drawing—it’s a way to give back to an industry that has given so much to me,” Donohue said. “Restaurants are essential to the fabric of New York City, and I’m honored to support them in any way I can.”
As the restaurant community gathers at the Javits Center this March, the NYC Hospitality Alliance, the Impact Foundation, and Donohue’s artistic contribution stand as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and generosity that define the industry.
