In this episode of Unplated with Antonio Diaz, Antonio sits down with Ben Shenassafar (aka Ben Hundreds), co-founder of The Hundreds, the streetwear brand that sparked a legacy in the fashion world. Known for blending skate culture, hip-hop, and Los Angeles’ rebellious spirit, The Hundreds became a cultural phenomenon in the fashion world. Now, Ben is venturing into a new world: the restaurant industry with The Benjamin in Hollywood.

A modern tribute to old Hollywood glamour, The Benjamin brings classic American dishes to life through a contemporary lens. In this conversation, Ben talks about his transition from building a streetwear empire to opening a restaurant, and how his vision for community, style, and storytelling continues to drive his work.

Follow Ben Hundreds: https://www.instagram.com/benhundreds/

Follow The Benjamin: https://www.instagram.com/thebenjaminhollywood/

Follow Antonio: ⁠⁠ https://instagram.com/liberateantonio

Follow Life & Thyme: ⁠⁠ https://instagram.com/lifeandthyme ⁠⁠

About Unplated:

Unplated with Antonio Diaz is a long-form interview podcast that delves into the lives and stories of the people shaping the world of food and hospitality. Hosted by Antonio Diaz, founder of Life & Thyme and Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, this podcast features in-depth conversations with chefs, founders, artists, and experts who are pushing boundaries and making an impact. Each episode goes beyond ingredients and recipes, exploring culture, history, and humanity, and uncovering the powerful stories that often remain hidden beneath the surface.

Unplated with Antonio Diaz is an original podcast production by Life & Thyme. ⁠⁠https://lifeandthyme.com

The James Beard Award winning pizzaiolo, Chris Bianco, began making waves in the culinary world with Pizzeria Bianco, which opened in 1988 in a small corner of a grocery store in Phoenix, Arizona. What started as a modest venture has since become what many consider to be the best pizza in America.

We dive deep into Chris’s philosophy on food, hospitality, and building relationships with the people that surround you. From his early days struggling with asthma to his passion for local sourcing, Chris shares the lessons he’s learned along the way and what it really takes to build a lasting legacy.

Follow Antonio: ⁠https://instagram.com/liberateantonio⁠

Follow Life & Thyme: ⁠https://instagram.com/lifeandthyme⁠

About Unplated:

Unplated with Antonio Diaz is a long-form interview podcast that delves into the lives and stories of the people shaping the world of food and hospitality. Hosted by Antonio Diaz, founder of Life & Thyme and Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, this podcast features in-depth conversations with chefs, founders, artists, and experts who are pushing boundaries and making an impact. Each episode goes beyond ingredients and recipes, exploring culture, history, and humanity, and uncovering the powerful stories that often remain hidden beneath the surface.

Unplated with Antonio Diaz is an original podcast production by Life & Thyme. ⁠https://lifeandthyme.com

Ellen Bennett, founder of Hedley & Bennett, took her frustration with cheap kitchen aprons and turned it into an apron and chefwear brand that’s now a staple in kitchens worldwide—both at home and at restaurants.

In this conversation, Ellen and Antonio discuss topics such as the relentless hustle behind building a business from the ground up, how Ellen built a brand that empowers confidence and inspires cooks in the kitchen, and the one mindset that kept her going through the toughest challenges.

Follow Ellen: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmariebennett/

Follow Antonio: https://instagram.com/liberateantonio

Follow Life & Thyme: https://instagram.com/lifeandthyme

About Unplated:

Unplated with Antonio Diaz is a long-form interview podcast that delves into the lives and stories of the people shaping the world of food and hospitality. Hosted by Antonio Diaz, founder of Life & Thyme and Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, this podcast features in-depth conversations with chefs, founders, artists, and experts who are pushing boundaries and making an impact. Each episode goes beyond ingredients and recipes, exploring culture, history, and humanity, and uncovering the powerful stories that often remain hidden beneath the surface.

Unplated with Antonio Diaz is an original podcast production by Life & Thyme. https://lifeandthyme.com