Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Kost.
Hi Tony, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a native Clevelander, born and raised in Ohio City, and I’ve loved this city for as long as I can remember. My dad before me, my mom too — Cleveland runs deep in my family. I love its grit, its warmth, and the way people here just keep pushing through. Clevelanders are resilient, kind, and tough as hell, and I admire that endlessly.
I’ve been in the restaurant industry my entire life and career. My mom, who’s no longer with us, was a huge part of that world, and I’ve been lucky enough to build a career that I’m really proud of. I can’t talk about any of it without mentioning my sobriety — I’ve been sober since September 5, 2016, and that journey changed everything for me. I was lost for a long time, and to be where I am today is something I never take for granted. It’s taken a lot of work, honesty, and persistence, but it’s also given me a life full of purpose and connection. Something I’m finally proud of.
Today, I’m grateful to work alongside an incredible team at Cordelia, a restaurant that reflects everything I love about Cleveland — creative, community-driven, and grounded in hospitality. I’m also part of Ben’s Friends, a national community that supports people in the food and beverage industry who are navigating sobriety. That group and the people in it, truly mean the world to me.
Outside of work, my two bulldogs, Oscar James and Greggory Ryan, keep me grounded and make me laugh every single day. They’re my best friends and a constant reminder that joy can be simple and steady. Growing up in the inner city surrounded by art, music, and people from every walk of life, my parents taught me early to love people for who they are and that’s shaped everything about how I live and lead today. It’s been a long road, but I’m proud of it. I’m proud of where I came from, and I’m proud to still call Cleveland home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road but I’ve learned it’s not supposed to be. Life isn’t meant to be easy, and oddly enough, that’s part of what makes it meaningful. I’ve spent 42 years learning how to keep showing up, even when things don’t go as planned. We’re not meant to be happy every day, and that’s okay by me. It just takes time to really understand and accept that.
My addiction took a big part of my life, but it also taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I’ve learned to look back on those years with perspective instead of regret. Nearly a decade into sobriety, I can honestly say these have been the most fulfilling years of my life. The challenges, the struggle, the rebuilding — they’ve all shaped who I am today, and I’m grateful for it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the Event Director at Cordelia on East 4th Street in downtown Cleveland. We’ve been open just over three years, and in that time, we’ve built something really special — a restaurant known not only for its food, but for its energy, its people, and its heart. Cordelia challenges what hospitality can look like. It’s thoughtful, creative, and rooted in kindness and intention.
Our chef/partner, Vinnie Cimino, and the team in his corner — Chef Adam, Chef Jake, and Chef Derek — bring so much depth and personality to the food, and the rest of the team pours the same care into every guest experience. Andrew Watts, our proprietor, has built an environment that feels like a true reflection of Cleveland — gritty, warm, and unapologetically genuine. I’m thankful to play even a small role in what Cordelia has become.
As Event Director, I oversee all private events, from intimate dinners and buyouts to large-scale collaborations both inside and outside the restaurant. When I started, I set out to grow our events program into something that would stand out in Cleveland’s dining scene, and I’m proud of how far it’s come.
What sets me apart, I think, is that I genuinely care — about people’s experiences, how they feel when they walk in the door, and the details that make a night unforgettable. I don’t claim to have it all figured out, and I don’t want to. Growth only happens when you stay open. I’ve always had a natural connection to this industry, but now, with experience and perspective behind me, I’m proud to be one of the people helping to move it forward. And honestly, beyond Chef Vinnie, I think I might have the coolest job in the restaurant.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to finding a mentor, I think the most important thing is to look for someone who won’t just tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. The best mentors in my life have been the ones who challenged me, held me accountable, and pushed me to grow — even when it wasn’t comfortable.
People like Michael and Liz Symon, Doug Petkovic who have been amazing mentors through both the good and bad times in my life. Also Mickey Bakst, Andry, Matt Walsh, Chef Andre, Hailey Hosler and so many others in the Ben’s Friends community have all played big roles in shaping how I lead and think. I also look up to my teammates and the leaders at Cordelia, Andrew Watts, Chef Vinnie, Jeffrey Rowe, and Amanda Miyoshi — who influence me every day in different ways.
A good mentor doesn’t sugarcoat.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bensfriendshope.com/
- Instagram: @Tony_and_OscarJames
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bensfriendsnational/
