Andrew Freeman, Founder/CEO af&co, Co-Founder Carbonate (San Francisco, USA)

Years in Industry:
This is a bit scary – it’s been 37 years!!! I had a dream to pursue acting and like any good actor – I ended up waiting tables and fell in love with the hospitality industry. I have been honored to work with legends and mentors for my whole career. From classics like The Russian Tea Room, Rainbow Room, Windows on the World to Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants and then starting my business in 2005 (15 this year!!) –it’s been a delicious journey.

My Top Three Challenges to Wellness
Well, this year puts a whole new spin on this one. Obviously, the impact of Covid on my business and mental health has been nuts. Many of us got to escape or slow down and take a break – as the owner of a boutique agency, I went into survival mode and became obsessed with keeping both my business and the hospitality/restaurant industry alive. It’s been very tough but also very rewarding. As a result, work became a challenge to my wellness because I wasn’t taking the normal life breaks for my runs, going to the theater, and even sleeping enough.

For this single socialite—the Shelter in Place order has also been really challenging. I am a Barry’s Bootcamp loyalist (along with some Core Power yoga on the side) – and I truly miss going to the classes not only for my fitness goals (I definitely have a Covid belly now) but the amazing social family spirit being a member there brings to me. I have morphed to online classes and they are a great stress release, but nothing beats a great workout in person.

For me – spending time with my family and friends really keeps me balanced. I haven’t seen my family in a year. It’s been quite challenging. I really miss having dinners or drinks at my wonderful client restaurants with people I love.

How I Keep It Together to Stay Well
Up to recently – it was all the Zoom meetings, cocktail gatherings, and virtual events. I admit – I am starting to have Zoom fatigue. That said, the talented journalist Virginia Miller and I created a virtual dinner party series featuring my client restaurants and we now have an almost cult like following. Along with seeing so many of my friends and colleagues over great dinners and conversations –I have also connected with awesome new people that will become friends for life. I know we all can’t wait to get back to life.

Okay, I will admit it – I do my fair share of binge-watching TV. I just finished It’s A Sin, I loved The Queen’s Gambit, The Undoing and The Flight Attendant. I never was much of a TV watcher (okay – I do love The Voice and Dancing with the Stars) but I have come to accept that zoning out with TV helps. I also love, love, love listening to showtunes (that should come as no surprise to the folks that know me).

Now on to the serious stuff --- I take a lot of vitamins. I continued to donate my time to the charities I am passionate about and yes – I got a new puppy recently. Her name is Dolly (named after one of my favorite divas and do-gooders Dolly Parton). Trust me a puppy can do a lot to keep you well; physically by chasing her and mentally by snuggling with her.


What Inspires Me:
Of course, I was completely inspired by all the amazing support the restaurant industry gave to its own people (Hello, Jose Andres). I have also been completed blown away by my hardworking clients and all the restaurateurs and hoteliers that have fought the good fight this year. Crisis can bring creativity and it’s clear for many the anthem became – I WILL SURVIVE. I am also inspired daily by my hardworking team of co-workers and by all my besties.

A Quote I Love:
“When you come to the fork in the road, take the fork!” ~ Bill Kimpton—Founder of Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants (and a mentor)

You can connect with Andrew on Instagram @bossmanafco, Facebook Andrew Freeman, and online at www.afandco.com www.carbonategroup.com