Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship

The latest news from the entrepreneurial hub of the Nolan School.

Lucas Suero ’26 hugs fellow competitor Christopher Browne, MPS '23 after winning the 13th annual hospitality business plan competition.
Nolan School

NGO Connecting Young Adults to Philanthropy Wins Business Plan Competition

“Citizens of the World,” a concept developed and pitched by Lucas Suero ’26, received this year’s $25,000 first place prize.

upper body shot of Mia Kyricos
Nolan School

Mia Kyricos, MMH ’03, named 2023 Cornell Hospitality Innovator

The Nolan Hotel School is honored to recognize Mia Kyricos for her trailblazing work in defining new wellbeing standards in hospitality.

upper body shot of Danny Meyer.
Nolan School

Renowned Restaurateur Danny Meyer named 2023 Cornell Hospitality Icon

The Nolan Hotel School is honored to recognize Danny Meyer for his legacy in bringing the true meaning of hospitality to life, says Dean Kate Walsh.

Headshot of Kristen McClellan
Nolan School

Where Are They Now? Kristen McClellan ’12 (ILR)

Kristen McClellan, Cornell alum and founder and CEO of SNAP Wellness and creator of SnappyScreen.

Chris Kirby '14 presents in the 2014 Business Plan Competition
Nolan School

Where Are They Now? Chris Kirby ’14

Chris Kirby ’14, founder and CEO of Ithaca Hummus, says the Pillsbury Business Plan Competition gave him a terrific opportunity to hone his vision.

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Nolan School

Where Are They Now? Robert Frisch, MBA ’13

Nolan alum and glamping pioneer Robert Frisch, MBA ’13 is co-founder and CEO of Firelight Camps.

a young woman and man in business suits standing and delivering their presentation.
Nolan School

Contestants Cash In on a Case for Cannabis

Hospitality Pitch Deck Competition showcases marketable business ideas, polished presentations, expert feedback, and $5,000 in seed funding.

one female and two male students sitting at a table with laptops, talking, gesturing, and laughing, with another man and woman standing in the background.
Nolan School

Students Envision New Programs for “Workcation” Guests at Hospitality Hackathon

Students from across Cornell proposed new programs aimed at delivering exceptional experiences for the hotel guest of the future.

Harsha 6
Nolan School

Where Are They Now? Harsha L’Acqua, MMH ’14

Alumni are asked to share their journeys and recollections. Harsha L’Acqua, MMH ’14 is founder and CEO of Saira Hospitality.