Hospitality is often described as an industry. For Ryan Wagner, it has always been a discipline—one shaped by curiosity, precision, and the ability to make people feel anchored in a moment.
On Sunday, August 30 at 9pm ET, Culinary Confidential spotlights Ryan’s journey through some of the most influential corners of the hospitality world. His career has taken him from the design‑driven environments of Ralph Lauren and RH to the high‑touch, detail‑obsessed culture of Hogsalt Hospitality. In New York, he played a key role on the opening team of 4 Charles Prime Rib, a dining room that quickly became synonymous with warmth, exclusivity, and impeccable execution.
But Ryan’s story isn’t defined by the logos on his résumé. It’s defined by the through‑line that connects them: an unwavering belief that hospitality begins long before a guest arrives and continues long after they leave. The ability to read a room, anticipate a need, and create a sense of belonging is not a tactic—it’s a craft.
That craft is what Ryan has carried into his next chapter as founder of Off Map Glamping. What began as a curiosity about outdoor experiences has evolved into a hospitality‑driven venture focused on connection, comfort, and intentional design. Off Map isn’t simply a place to stay; it’s an environment built to slow people down and bring them closer—to nature, to each other, and to themselves.
This week’s episode explores how Ryan’s philosophy has shaped his leadership, his entrepreneurial approach, and his understanding of what modern guests truly value. As consumers increasingly seek experiences that feel meaningful rather than transactional, Ryan’s perspective offers a blueprint for where hospitality is heading.
ABOUT THE HOST
Christina Cates brings more than two decades of New York City hospitality experience to her weekly radio show, Culinary Confidential. Her career includes leadership roles at Tavern on the Green, The Palm, and Almond Tribeca. A graduate of The Art Institute of New York City, Christina approaches every conversation with the insight of someone who has lived the business from the inside—its pressure, its creativity, and the people who keep it moving.
TUNE IN
Culinary Confidential, Sunday at 9pm ET AM 970: The Answer, Streaming globally on all major platforms