Will Guidara, born in 1979, is a renowned American restaurateur whose influence extends far beyond his New York City base. As the co-founder of the Make It Nice hospitality group established in 2011 alongside chef Daniel Humm, Guidara has been instrumental in the success of several high-profile establishments, including Eleven Madison Park, NoMad New York, NoMad Los Angeles, NoMad Las Vegas, NoMad Bar, and Made Nice. A Sleepy Hollow, New York native, Guidara's passion for the hospitality industry was nurtured at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, from which he graduated in 2001.
Guidara's career trajectory is marked by significant milestones, starting with his early days at Wolfgang Puck's Spago in Beverly Hills, followed by various roles within Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group. His pivotal move came in 2006 when he became the General Manager of Eleven Madison Park, and, in 2011, he and Humm acquired the restaurant. This partnership led to the expansion of their culinary empire with the openings of NoMad New York, NoMad Bar, Made Nice, NoMad Los Angeles, and NoMad Las Vegas. In 2019, the duo announced the end of their partnership, with Humm buying out Guidara's share. Following this, Guidara expressed plans to start his own restaurant group. Beyond his restaurateur success, Guidara is a co-author of four books with Humm, contributing significantly to culinary literature.
In 2022, Guidara published "Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect," a book that champions the transformative power of exceptional customer service across industries. Highlighted in Forbes and featured in the TV series "The Bear," the book underscores Guidara's philosophy that memorable experiences are paramount, capturing the essence of his impactful career in hospitality. Guidara's journey from a determined hotel administration student to a celebrated industry leader exemplifies his dedication to elevating the dining experience and his enduring influence on the hospitality landscape.