Powerhouse Hospitality is a women-owned and operated advisory firm known for its creative, strategic, and
successful approach to celebrity chef consulting and
restaurant development.
Who We Are
Micheline Mendelsohn Luhn
Micheline Mendelsohn Luhn has unparalleled marketing and communications expertise that began in politics in Washington, DC and grew to local and celebrity chefs. Her Deputy CEO experience, overseeing four fast-casual restaurant brands in the United States and around the world have not only taught her day-to-day operations, but multi-unit growth and support models as well.
Her education in Journalism from Indiana University and Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Chicago prepared her to launch Good Stuff Eatery into the limelight. She continued that success with the opening of We, The Pizza and Santa Rosa Taqueria — fast-casual brands that have a combined 14 franchise locations.
Micheline works on every restaurant from inception to opening day, handling franchisee relations, brand strategy and marketing. She plays a major role in the expansion of these brands across the globe.
In addition, Micheline serves on the Board of Directors for DC Central Kitchen, an organization that works to eradicate hunger; is a member of Les Dames D’Escoffier, a society of professional women in the hospitality industry; and is a founding member of the DC Chapter of Regarding Her, a non-profit devoted to the advancement and empowerment of women restaurateurs.
Catherine Mendelsohn
Catherine Mendelsohn, daughter of renowned Montreal restaurateur Sunny Nakis, has experience spanning 35 years in the food service industry. Her knowledge encompasses a wide scope of concepts from retail to fine dining and World Exposition Fairs.
Upon graduating from the famed Institute Chateau Beau-Cedre in Montreux, Switzerland, Catherine went on to work as a chef in kitchens around the world, later opening several restaurants in her hometown of Montreal, Canada; Seville, Spain and St. Petersburg, Florida until she settled in the Washington, DC area.
Catherine has served as a restaurant consultant for major worldwide events, giving her an in-depth understanding of restaurant operations from top to bottom. She has opened and operated three very successful fast-casual concepts, We, The Pizza; Good Stuff Eatery; and Santa Rosa Taqueria for the past 15 years. Two of these concepts have been built into franchise companies with multiple units throughout the United States and abroad.
Catherine and Micheline have also co-developed three additional fast-casual concepts: The Butchers Sandwich, Big Top Ice Cream Bar and bumblebirds which will be brought to market in Washington, D.C., Seoul, South Korea and Orlando, Florida. In addition, she continues to consult worldwide on new restaurant ventures, tightening operations and culinary solutions.