Spotlight: The Women of ERHG

We believe that a company thrives when strong women are a part of it, and we couldn't be prouder of having many phenomenal women in our roster. In honor of Women's History Month, we took a moment to ask the amazing women leaders of ERHG some questions about the hospitality industry.

What made you decide to pursue a career in Hospitality?

Alicynn Fink, Partner

I have always been fascinated by how food and recipes travel among people. My dad was a cycling coach and growing up we always had cyclists from around the US and world stay with us. I found myself asking them what their favorite dinners and desserts were. It was mesmerizing to learn about different ways of living through the dinner table. I have always believed that restaurants are a profound tool in communicating cultural meaning within society and I am grateful to be a part of this industry in Austin.

Quinn Garza-Hawthorne, Events Manager

For me, it was all about the joy of bringing people together through food and culture. Growing up in a household where the kitchen was the heart of the home, I learned early on that food has the power to connect, heal, and share love. When I became a mother, I realized that I wanted to take that passion and create an environment where people could feel the same sense of belonging, warmth, and care that I’d always tried to create for my family.

Courtney Dreher, Reservations Manager

My career in hospitality started when I got my first job at 16 as a server at a pizza and sub shop in my hometown, Pennsylvania. I was originally just longing for some independence and to get out of the house, but I ended up loving the mental game of multi-tasking, prioritization, attention to detail, and being able to curate guest experiences. I spent 10 years waiting tables before transferring to my current job of Reservations Manager.

Antonia Grandberry, Corporate Pastry Chef

I decided to pursue a career in hospitality initially because of my passion for cooking. But I stayed because I love being the best part of what I feel hospitality should provide: comfort, warmth, compassion and invitation. I believe people should be the change they want to see in the world and I try to do my part with that mantra by being of service to people through what I find passion in.

The hospitality industry gave me the chance to take my love of food, my knack for making people feel comfortable, and my appreciation for diverse cultures and weave them into a meaningful career. I wanted to contribute to an experience that people remember fondly long after they’ve left.

—Quinn Garza-Hawthorne, Events Manager

Why do you love working in the Hospitality Industry?

Quinn Garza-Hawthorne, Events Manager

What keeps me going is everyone around me: the guests, my colleagues, and the staff we train. I find joy in creating an experience that feels personalized, warm, and inviting. Whether I’m planning a beautiful private dinner event, tasting a new menu, or sharing stories with customers about their culinary heritage, I’m constantly reminded of the power of hospitality to create lasting memories.

Ellie Willis, GM of Canje

I love seeing the development of people-- whether it's the guests' moods and excitement progressing through their meal or members of our team learning and growing as they take on new challenges every day.

Ashlan Strait, Events and Reservations Director

Growing up, my favorite times were based around food and making memories and traditions that last forever - and I feel like working in this business does the same for me and for strangers!

Audrey Luna, AGM Ezov

I love being able to curate memorable experiences for our guests. Especially if it's a cuisine or dining style they haven't experienced before. Being able to make someone feel comfortable and relaxed enough to enjoy themselves and be present in the moment is always a big goal of mine.

The Struggle is (Sometimes) Real

It’s easy to pour your heart and soul into creating amazing experiences for guests, but it can be hard to make time for yourself or your family. The hours can be long, the demands high, and the pace relentless. Hospitality means ALWAYS being of service to others so that we can't always be of service to ourselves or even those we love.

What is something you are proud of?

My team at Canje.
—Ellie Willis, GM of Canje
Leading with Kindness.
—Audrey Luna, AGM of EZOV

Ashlan Strait, Events and Reservations Director

I am very proud of myself and how far I have come in this business - it wasn't easy. I am very proud of my team and the women I work with (and men!). I am proud to work for a company that I feel TRULY cares about me and my success and wants to support me. I am always so proud to bring people into the restaurants and see their faces light up when they "get it".

Antonia Grandberry, Corporate Pastry Chef

I am very proud of how my career has transformed in the last year. One year ago, I was in a very challenging role that seemed dead end and I couldn't conceptualize what would come next. Sometimes life is left up to chance and all things happen timely and for a reason always.

Erin Frazier, Director of Operations

Starting as a server at our flagship restaurant, being recognized as someone with ambition and drive, and working my way up to Director of Operations. To be "seen" in that way has been the most valuable thing in my entire career.

Alicynn Fink, Partner

I am proud of the way we maneuvered the restaurants through COVID. It was an incredibly scary and stressful time and we embraced that. There were many soul-bearing conversations at the partner level, with managers, and with team members. This vulnerability allowed us to develop a deeper level of trust with one another. That trust has been a pivotal differentiator during this recent period of growth.

What advice would you give a female starting in the industry?

"While the hospitality industry is beautiful it requires a lot of oneself. Not everyday will be great, so find the moments and people that fill your cup. Just like they say when you're boarding an airplane, you have to put your oxygen mask on first."

—Alicynn Fink, Partner

Erin Frazier, Director of Operations
Be true to yourself. With so many male voices in our industry it's easy to shut down and keep quiet, but if your instinct is telling you to speak up, do it. Our perspectives are important.
Audrey Luna, AGM Ezov
Find mentors that inspire you! Having someone you can go to with questions or for advice that you trust is such a huge asset in this industry. Also, seeing them achieve their goals always reignites my passion and pride for what we do.
Ellie Willis, GM of Canje
Just be yourself! You are your own worst critic and it's unlikely those around you think about you in the negative ways you see yourself.

Quinn Garza-Hawthorne, Events Manager
This industry is rich with opportunities to make a difference, and the world needs more women bringing their care, creativity, and leadership into it. Surround yourself with mentors who lift you, but also be open to learning from every experience, whether it’s good or tough. And don’t forget to find joy in the process, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle, but we’re here to create memorable moments, after all.
Antonia Grandberry, Corporate Pastry Chef
My advice to a woman starting in the industry would be to always stand firm in doing what's right, having standards and sticking to principles. The industry is not easy as there will be many challenges when it comes to gender and race. But always choose to do what's right, regardless of the pressure. Integrity is so important.
Ashlan Strait, Events and Reservations Director
Be confident. Be yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want and stand up for yourself. Count on other women and lift them up - they are not competition. Ask for help.

"Don’t let anyone convince you that you don’t belong or that you should play small. You’ll face challenges, but never forget the strength and resilience that come with being a woman."

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