In this episode, host Shawn Salle sits down with Mark Bullis — the restaurateur behind some of Central New York’s most beloved dining spots including Bull & Bear Roadhouse, The Daily Diner, and Yards Grill.

Mark shares his journey from working as a doorman in Armory Square to becoming one of Syracuse’s most respected names in hospitality. He opens up about the early days of Bull & Bear Pub, lessons learned from building a restaurant from scratch, and how catering helped his team survive through tough times like the 2008 recession and the pandemic.

Together, Shawn and Mark dive into how the industry has evolved — from shifts in dining culture and credit card trends to the rise of fast-casual concepts and the changing drinking habits of younger generations. They also talk about Mark’s creative partnership with Nathan Fulmer, the birth of The Daily Diner, and what it takes to keep reinventing while staying rooted in quality, consistency, and community.

Mark also teases his newest venture: a modern steakhouse in Fayetteville, transforming the longtime Ericaf Evans space into something fresh for the next chapter of local dining.

Whether you’re a foodie, entrepreneur, or just love a good comeback story, this episode is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and the passion that fuels Central New York’s restaurant scene.