How LGBTQIA+ Owned and Operated Restaurants Help Shape Our Industry
June is Pride Month, and this annual celebration is a way to support LGBTQIA+ owned and operated restaurants and appreciate the flavor that these diverse hospitality leaders bring to our industry. Restaurants have continued to evolve, and businesses are more diverse and inclusive than before.
We’ve put together a few of our favorite Tripleseat customers that are proudly LGBTQIA+ run and demonstrate success through authenticism, creativity, and well-executed hospitality.
The Mockingbird

Located in the North Gulch neighborhood of Nashville, The Mockingbird is owned and operated by culinary duo Mikey Corona and Brian Riggenbach. This diner-like restaurant has a chic yet relaxed atmosphere and offers a modern menu of locally-sourced ingredients served on a genuine collection of vintage dishware.
They serve brunch, dinner, and happy hour and offer private dining, catering, and events. Their menus include creative Mexican and globally inspired dishes with names that are sure to make you smile. Make sure to try the delicious dish called The Bird is the Word which is fried chicken thighs, chorizo gravy, and served with salsa verde mashed potatoes. Finish with a specialty cocktail like their Bubbles in a Bag and you’ll be glad you experienced The Mockingbird!
Homecomin’

Located in Florida’s Disney Springs, Homecomin’, run by Chef Art Smith, is a highly popular dining destination created to serve both comfort food and a warm southern welcome! The space has an open, airy feel and comfy indoor and outdoor seating perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner, or an event.
Homecomin’s menu is made up of farm-fresh and tasty Southern comfort dishes like their famous fried chicken, hushpuppies, and their famous Hummingbird Cake. Wash the deliciousness back with a glass of moonshine which they offer on tap! They even have a super creative flight of moonshine varieties.
Starbelly

Situated in San Francisco, this neighborhood restaurant is popular for brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Starbelly is owned and operated by successful restaurateur Adriano Paganini and provides a high-energy urban vibe with wonderful Californian-inspired comfort food. Starbelly has such an inviting ambiance and is both casual and comfy, and service is known to be impeccable.
Its garden patio has great seating for eating things like their Starbelly Bacon Pizza with jalapeño, and arugula, finished with green goddess dressing. Try their specialty cocktails like their Strawberry Alarm Clock, made with infused strawberry vodka, Aperol, and lemon.
Ilili

Located in the Flatiron District of New York City, Ilili is a perfect place for sharing and celebrating. This restaurant serves authentic Lebanese recipes handed down from generations and is currently owned and operated by Philippe Massoud. When you walk into Ilili, you’ll enjoy its modern and upbeat ambiance. You can opt to sit in the lounge area, bar, or in one of the dining rooms to enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner, and even reserve for catering or your next private event.
Favorite menu items include their Salmon a la Plancha, prepared with fennel slaw, orange & fennel puree. Ilili offers wonderful wine pairings, cocktails, and more, but notably is Ilili’s traditional Arak drinks that you can mix yourself and truly experience paired with the traditional Mediterranean menu.
Want to know more about Tripleseat?
All of these amazing LGBTQAI+ restaurants use Tripleseat to help them succeed with their event business. Tripleseat is a game-changer! Don’t take our word for it. Explore our customer success stories to see how we have helped your hospitality peers improve their businesses.
