Jennifer Vitagliano

Jennifer Vitagliano is a New York–based hospitality operator, developer, and restaurateur with over fifteen years of experience spanning concept development, food and beverage operations, and strategic growth. With her sister Nicole Vitagliano, she is the owner and operator of Elizabeth Street Hospitality, a female-led group known for downtowns hotspots and a highly personalized approach to service.

Building on the success of The Musket Room, Jennifer led the development of Raf’s, a European-style dining room and bakery located at 290 Elizabeth Street. Inspired by the grand cafés of Italy and France, Raf’s reimagines a historic, century-old bakery space as an all-day destination, offering house-made breads and viennoiserie, aperitivo, and a hearth-driven menu rooted in classic technique. Under Jennifer’s direction, Raf’s has quickly established itself as a vibrant neighborhood institution, blending old-world craftsmanship with a distinctly modern sensibility.

Most recently, Jennifer co-developed and oversees food and beverage operations for Café Zaffri at The Twenty Two New York. The expansive, all-day Levantine restaurant reflects a deeply personal and culturally nuanced approach to hospitality, with a menu inspired by regional traditions and diaspora cooking. In addition to the restaurant, Jennifer led all culinary and service programming across the hotel and private members club, including in-room dining and multiple dining venues, further expanding her footprint in the luxury hospitality space.

Jennifer’s earlier work includes serving as Operating Partner at The Musket Room, which earned a Michelin star within months of opening, and leading the development of the food and beverage program at The Twenty Two New York. She was also a Partner and Co-Founder of The Dutchess, a sought-after Hudson Valley retreat and biodynamic farm that has hosted brands and organizations including Nike, TED, and The Huffington Post. In 2018, she served as developer for The Blake Hotel, overseeing the launch of 115 guest rooms and three food and beverage venues.

A dedicated industry advocate, Jennifer was a founding member of the New York Hospitality Coalition and established the Elizabeth Street Garden Small Business Association, supporting local businesses and championing the role of green space in urban communities. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to thoughtful hospitality, operational excellence, and creating spaces that foster both community and lasting impact.