Will Guidara
Author and hospitality entrepreneur
Nashville, Tennessee
New York, New York
Summary
Hospitality philosopher and practitioner: Guidara coined and popularized the term 'unreasonable hospitality' — the idea that deliberately giving people more than they expect creates memorable experiences and lasting relationships — and has built a public platform (book, talks, workshops) to teach that approach. penguinrandomhouse+2
Transformational restaurateur: As general manager and later co-owner of Eleven Madison Park (2006–2019) with Daniel Humm, Guidara helped evolve EMP into a globally acclaimed restaurant (multiple Michelin stars and #1 on the World's 50 Best list) by prioritizing theatrical, personalized service and guest experience. wikipedia+2
Author, speaker, and media producer: Guidara is a published author (bestselling Unreasonable Hospitality), a frequent public speaker (TED Talk, conference keynotes), and a media producer/co-producer on television projects such as The Bear. penguinrandomhouse+2
Team builder who institutionalizes creativity: At EMP Guidara championed roles and systems (for example the 'Dream Weaver' concept described in his talks and writing) that empowered staff to invent bespoke guest moments, shifting culture toward creative autonomy and collective ownership of guest experience. ted+2
Work
Education
Projects
Writing
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect
January 1, 2022A book outlining Guidara's hospitality philosophy, with stories and practices for creating memorable, people-centered experiences across industries.
Eleven Madison Park: The Next Chapter
January 1, 2017A follow-up book documenting the restaurant's evolution and new direction.
The NoMad Cookbook
January 1, 2015Cookbook connected to the NoMad restaurants co-founded by Guidara and Humm.
I Love New York: Ingredients and Recipes
January 1, 2013Cookbook co-authored with Daniel Humm focusing on ingredients and recipes inspired by New York.
Eleven Madison Park: The Cookbook
January 1, 2011Cookbook co-authored with Daniel Humm documenting recipes and techniques associated with Eleven Madison Park.