Chef Guy Vaknin is the visionary force behind City Roots Hospitality, a pioneering restaurant group dedicated to redefining plant-based dining. Since founding the company in 2012, his mission has been clear: to inspire people to eat consciously while elevating the standards of sustainability and culinary innovation.
Chef Guy’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that food is more than nourishment—it is memory, culture, and emotion. Guided by this vision, he set out to create restaurants that celebrate the profound connection between cuisine and the environment, while delivering an exceptional dining experience.
The journey began with Beyond Sushi, the group’s flagship concept, which quickly gained recognition for pushing the boundaries of plant-based dining with bold flavors and creative presentations. Its success laid the foundation for City Roots Hospitality’s expansion into a diverse portfolio of restaurants across New York City.
Each concept brings its own identity to the table while staying true to the group’s core values of sustainability, hospitality, and culinary excellence. Willow reimagines American comfort food with a vegan twist in Chelsea. Coletta in Gramercy, offers a fresh take on Italian classics, while Anixi brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to life. Sentir, located in Flatiron, highlights the spirit and richness of Mexican cuisine. Le Basque debuted in Union Square, showcasing refined French and Spanish flavors inspired by the Basque region. Most recently, Reverie, the group’s first Brooklyn location offers a global flavors and innovative cocktails with plates designed for sharing.
Chef Guy’s revolutionary approach has also earned him national recognition. He competed on Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen Season 10, and in 2018, secured one of the largest deals in the history of ABC’s Shark Tank, further fueling City Roots Hospitality’s growth.
Today, Chef Guy continues to lead the charge in the plant-based culinary movement, building restaurants that embody creativity, sustainability, and an unwavering passion for extraordinary food.
