The Team
Brian Mencher – Owner & General Manager.
Brian will assume integral roles in the organization, management, and day-to-day operation of Vaalbara NY. He is an experienced lawyer, licensed by the State of New York, handling numerous issues involving business formation and corporate governance, intellectual property, and contract drafting/negotiations. Brian’s business acumen, however, is not nonspecific. He has front and back of the house restaurant experience. He has worked as an assistant chef at a Berkeley, California cooking school and also served in a managerial role at Taste Wine Bar. There, Brian learned many aspects of operating the front of the house, including extensive wine knowledge.
Upon his return to New York City, Brian was hired as a line cook at Bouley, one of only six restaurants in the city to receive two or more stars from the Michelin Guide. He honed his craft of cooking in a fine dinning establishment, learning technique, flavor profiling, quality standards, and general back of the house management. In August of 2008, Brian received his Qualifying Certificate in Food Protection – a mandatory certificate for operating a food establishment in New York City.
Ben Herson - Consultant.
Ben is the founder and director of Nomadic Wax LLC – a global record label and production company dedicated to recording, documenting and presenting global music and urban culture. He graduated with a major in African Studies and Anthropology from Hampshire College in 2000. Ben has produced dozens of albums, including the critically acclaimed African Underground series. He also developed a seven-part documentary on youth, hip-hop, and politics in West Africa titled “African Underground: Democracy in Dakar,” which has been screened at universities and film festivals across the United States.
Ben has over 10 years of hospitality experience, having worked in many of New York City’s top catering establishments. He spent over two years as one of the top waiters and bartenders at NYC’s famous Cipriani, The Metropolitan Club and Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Grill.
