What does it take to build a thriving restaurant empire in a competitive city like Washington, DC? And how can something as simple as a dessert become a catalyst for meaningful change?
Today, we’re joined by two visionaries who have shaped the city’s food scene in distinct yet equally impactful ways. Dmitri Chekaldin, the mastermind behind DBG Hospitality, has transformed the dining experience with beloved establishments like Dacha Beer Garden in Shaw and the newly launched Jackie in Navy Yard. His focus on vibrant community spaces and exceptional hospitality has cemented his place in DC’s restaurant landscape.
On the other side of the table, Paola Velez has redefined what it means to be a pastry chef, blending culinary excellence with activism. From honing her craft at Iron Gate and Kith & Kin to launching the global movement Bakers Against Racism, Paola has used food as a force for good. Her latest book, Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store, brings her signature mix of culture, flavor, and storytelling to kitchens everywhere.
In this episode, Dmitri and Paola will share their journeys—how they built their brands, overcame industry challenges, and continue to shape the future of food. Whether you’re a restaurateur, a foodie, or someone passionate about the power of community, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Let’s dive in.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
02:11 - "New Openings: Elena James Cafe & Mineta Tavern"
05:41 - DC Venue Updates and Residency
10:06 - "Unexpected Opportunity Pursuit"
13:15 - Constant Change: From Pretzels to Pandemic
15:50 - Aim: Fun, Quality Dining Experience
18:12 - Culinary Journey and Heritage Insights
22:02 - Honoring New York Heritage Cookbook
25:28 - Cooking with Chef Jacques Pépin
28:36 - Support Systems Shape Success
30:34 - "Supporting Budget-Conscious Professionals"34:54 - Supporting Community Through Arts & STEM
36:12 - "Preserving Organizational Integrity"
39:38 - "Baked Goods, Personal Journey Shared"
44:01 - Pastry Industry Challenges
47:21 - "Welcoming Chinese Exchange Students"
49:14 - "Discussing Influence and Engagement"
51:24 - Outro
Quotes:
“Me and my business partner and dear friend, Ilya, I always wanted to have a restaurant, and he wanted to have a club. So we decided to meet in the middle.” - Dmitri Chekaldin
“The fact is that through these baked goods, I was able to tell my story and find my story." - Paola Velez
Connect with our Guests:
Paola Velez
Instagram: Small Orchids & barprovidenciadc
Substack: It's Time To Steal
Website
Threads
Dmitri Chekaldin
LinkedIn
Instagram: Dachashaw & Jackie Restaurant
Websites: Dacha Beer Garden & Dmitri Chekaldin
X (Twitter)
Facebook
Featuring Host: Nycci Nellis
Instagram
Website
Produced by: Heartcast Media
