About
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In 2010, Sarah was named “America’s Home Cook Superstar†by FOOD & WINE magazine as part of its search for the nation’s best home cook. This recognition inspired her to leave the corporate world to pursue cooking fulltime. In 2011, she opened CITY GRIT in New York City where four years later FOOD & WINE named her one of the 50 best chefs in NYC.. In 2017, she and her husband relocated to Columbia— to focus on economic development, workforce training and community growth. CITY GRIT’s purpose-driven business model includes CITY GRIT, smallSUGAR, il Focolare Pizzeria, Birds & Bubbles, and FEED the CITY, a non-profit providing leadership development for non-college bound youth.
Her dedication to paying affordable wages, leadership development, and upward mobility for her staff and commitment to the community has earned her recognition as a semi-finalist for the 2023 James Beard Award for Outstanding restaurateur.
Before leaving the corporate world, Sarah was the Managing Partner of Sayan Media, VP of Retail, eCommerce and Online Marketing at Pokémon USA, and VP and Client Partner at Macquarium Intelligent Communications.
Sarah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The University of Georgia.
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