Meet our 2026 Honoree - David Hersh

David Hersh is the Founder and Owner of Rooted Hospitality Group (RHG), a growing collection of hospitality brands built on one simple but powerful mission: to make the world a better place by enriching the lives of others through servant leadership, genuine hospitality, and exceptional products.

Under David’s leadership, RHG has developed multiple award-winning restaurant concepts across New York and beyond, becoming known not just for outstanding food and memorable experiences, but for cultivating people — from team members to guests — and creating environments where everyone feels valued.

For David, hospitality has never been just about restaurants. It’s about impact.

At the core of Rooted’s philosophy is the belief that business should serve something bigger than itself. That means investing deeply in team development, building strong local partnerships, supporting charitable initiatives, and using every location as a platform to uplift the communities they serve.

Rooted Hospitality Group actively gives back through community involvement, fundraising initiatives, employment opportunities, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to inclusion and empowerment. Smile Farms represents the very heart of what David believes business should do — create meaningful opportunity, dignity, and purpose for individuals of all abilities. 

David believes that true success is measured not only in revenue, but in lives impacted.

Outside of business, David’s greatest pride is his family. He is married to his wife Rachel, his partner in life and in mission, who plays an integral role in Rooted Hospitality Group and continually inspires the vision behind it. Together, they are raising their two children, Jude and Shayd, with a shared commitment to faith, generosity, and servant leadership.

In his free time, David enjoys golf, snowboarding, boating, traveling, and most importantly, spending quality time with his family and developing others to reach their full potential.

To David, being honored by Smile Farms is especially meaningful because it reflects the deeper purpose behind Rooted Hospitality Group — building businesses that don’t just serve meals, but serve people.