Tell us a little about your business. – PILLAR Restaurant Group is a locally owned and operated hospitality company. We operate several concepts including Venue, Piedmont Bistro, Goodcents and Venue at Home. We also provide catering through Venue Catering & Events and host gatherings in our event spaces like the Jasmine Room and Scottish Rite Ballroom. We’re all about scratch-made food, local ingredients and genuine hospitality. At the heart of everything we do are great people, great food and fair prices—plus a strong commitment to the community we call home.

How did you get started in the business? – I’ve always loved hospitality and knew I wanted to build a career in it. I majored in marketing at UNL with the goal of working in restaurant marketing after graduation. Through some connections, I met Preston Marsh, the president of PILLAR, who’s passionate about helping people find what they love and do best. That meeting set me on the path to where I am today, doing work I genuinely enjoy with a team I believe in.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – On my days off, I love spending time with friends and family—whether we’re trying out new and unique spots for food and drinks or just catching up for hours.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My favorite piece of advice I’ve received is to “say yes.” It’s a simple idea, but it has helped me try new things, meet new people and have experiences I wouldn’t have otherwise.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – If I could choose one word to be remembered as, it would be dependable. I take a lot of pride in being someone others can count on—whether it’s showing up, following through or being there when it matters.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – If I could have any superpower, I’d choose telekinesis. It would be amazing to move things with my mind—whether it’s for something practical like multitasking more efficiently or just making everyday life a little easier.

Which talent would you most like to have? – The talent I’d most like to have is the ability to whip up a gourmet dish using whatever random ingredients are on hand. I think it’d be so fun to look in the fridge, grab a few things and create something delicious without a recipe.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – If I could choose any other profession to be successful in, I’d love to be an interior designer. I’ve always been drawn to spaces that feel intentional and inspiring, and I think it would be so rewarding to bring a vision to life through color, texture and layout.

What is your favorite TV show? – My TV show is Scandal. I love the drama, the fast pace and Olivia Pope’s strength and confidence.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – Besides all the PILLAR concepts, my favorite Lincoln restaurant is Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina. I love it for the fun, energetic environment and its great downtown location—it’s the perfect spot for tacos, margaritas and a good time with friends.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – If I could have dinner with one famous person, it would definitely be Taylor Swift. I’ve loved her forever—her music, her storytelling and the way she constantly evolves as an artist and person. I think it would be so fun (and surreal) to sit down and hear more about her creative process and everything she’s experienced along the way.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – If you would like to contact me, send me an email lydb1229@gmail.com.