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Who We Are

Hospitality Lab is the concept development and consulting business based out of Union Square Events. Led by a multidisciplinary team and carrying forward our founder’s legacy and expertise for more than a decade, we proudly position ourselves as a creative and innovative hub poised to redefine hospitality at every turn.

We have had the opportunity to work with world-class organizations to develop and assess a variety of hospitality programs, from full scale restaurant design to providing consulting for a wide range of clients, from corporate to retail and beyond. With a demonstrated track record across various industries and guided by the principles of Enlightened Hospitality, we continue to move forward, committed to upholding unwavering standards of excellence with the enthusiasm and creative spirit that has defined us for years.

Our Legacy



A Danny Meyer Concept

In 1985, at the age of 27, Danny opened his first restaurant, Union Square Cafe, launching what would become a lifelong career in hospitality. Thirty years later, Danny’s Union Square Hospitality Group comprises some of New York’s most beloved and acclaimed restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, Maialino, Shake Shack and more. In 2005, Danny founded Union Square Events, which offers large-scale event services and foodservice solutions for public and private institutions as well as concept development consulting, under Hospitality Lab by Union Square Events.


Enlightened Hospitality

Hospitality Lab by Union Square Events is well-known not just for its established reputation and knowledge in the industry, but also for its unique culture of Enlightened Hospitality. This unique approach puts our employees first because we believe attracting, hiring, and nurturing the right people is what sets our businesses apart. We aim to find individuals who embody our family values of excellence, hospitality, entrepreneurial spirit, and integrity.

Our Innovation Kitchen

Cutting-Edge R&D Kitchen

We pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) kitchen where culinary innovations come to life. Our R&D kitchen is a dynamic hub designed to push the boundaries of culinary creativity, menu engineering and testing to deliver exceptional results for our clients.


Client Tasting Room

Complementing our R&D kitchen is our tasting room, where clients can experience firsthand our culinary developments. Whether refining an existing menu or exploring new culinary concepts, our team will guide you through each tasting, providing insights into ingredient selection, preparation techniques, and presentation.

Our Team of Experts

As a full-service business development unit, we provide end-to-end solutions, drawing from diverse backgrounds and expertise. Rooted in an employee-first ethos, we foster a culture of curiosity and collaboration, where each individual brings a unique set of experiences to the table.