The Build Podcast with Ramen by Ra: Presented by Square and TILIT

The Build, Season 2

If you’re a restaurant owner, odds are you’re always planning your next steps. Because growth is key. But the path? Never simple. This season we’re following Chef Rasheeda Purdie as she opens her next spot in New York City. The good and bad. The highs and lows. The plans and pivots no one saw coming. It’s all here on The Build.

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Episode 1

Bigger Bowl, Bigger Stakes

Episode 2

Finding Space & Funding Growth

Episode 3

The Build (Literally)

Who’s on

Jenny Goodman, host

Jenny is the CEO of TILIT, a fashion-forward workwear brand built for the restaurant and hospitality industry. Prior to founding TILIT, Jenny was a restaurant owner.

Alex McCrery, host

Alex is co-owner and chief creative officer at TILIT. He is a former chef and restaurant owner turned apparel entrepreneur serving the hospitality industry.

Rasheeda Purdie, star

A former stylist, Rasheeda left the fashion world to pursue the culinary world. She launched Ramen by Ra during the pandemic and is now opening a new location in New York’s East Village.

Tom Colicchio, guest

Tom is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and food activist. He’s also the head judge on Top Chef and founder of Crafted Hospitality.

Camari Mick, guest

Camari is a highly acclaimed pastry chef and James Beard Award semi-finalist, redefining fine dining with her new restaurant, L’Atelier Ébène.

Joshua David Stein, guest

Joshua is an author, journalist, and restaurant critic. He’s the co-author of Notes from a Young Black Chef and The Nom Wah Cookbook.

Jeff Staple

Jeff is a visionary designer, brand strategist, and cultural architect. He’s the founder of Reed Art Department, and his collaborations with brands like Nike have made him a global creative force.

Ming-Tai Huh

Ming is a James Beard–nominated restaurant owner and technology executive, currently serving as the Head of Food and Beverage for Square. He is also a Partner at Cambridge Street Hospitality Group.

Petrushka Bazin Larsen

Petrushka is the co-founder of Sugar Hill Creamery, Harlem’s first family-owned handmade ice cream shop, featured on The Today Show and The New York Times.

Get early access to the bonus episode featuring Tom Colicchio

Be first in line for an exclusive video episode of The Build, where celebrity chef Tom Colicchio joins chef Rasheeda Purdie for an unmissable conversation.

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Play episodes

Episode 1 — 44:48 min

Bigger Bowl, Bigger Stakes

Chef Rasheeda Purdie turned a pandemic ritual into America’s first Black-owned ramen shop. Now, she’s evolving her QSR concept and moving to the East Village, while taking NYC by storm.

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Episode 2 — 45:43 min

Finding Space & Funding Growth

A new restaurant is only as good as the lease that backs it. Rasheeda reveals why she fought for a long‑term deal, how she made the numbers work, and the courage she found to take a bet on herself.

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Episode 3 — 43:47 min

The Build (Literally)

Contractor drama. Red tape. Big trade‑offs. This is what the build really looks like. Rasheeda reveals the most dramatic parts of bringing her ramen concept to life.

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Episode 4 — 36:14 min

Can You Taste a Brand?

Will Rasheeda’s bold bets on brand fuel the business or stretch it too far? This is where ramen meets culture, personality shines, and brand becomes the biggest build of all.

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Episode 5 — 47:16 min

Layers of Flavor, Layers of Story

From chopped cheese to espresso broth, Rasheeda shares how she's building a menu that’s both deeply personal and unmistakably New York.

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Episode 6 — 44:52 min

POS-itive Energy

Can Rasheeda use tech to realize her dream without losing the soul of hospitality? This episode invites Square’s Head of Food and Beverage, Ming-Tai Huh, to explore the industry’s biggest question.

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Episode 7 — 40:23 min

People, Payroll, and the Plan

As opening day approaches, Rasheeda faces her biggest challenge yet — finding a kitchen assistant who believes in her vision as much as she does.

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Episode 8 — 48:49 min

The Flow is the Flavor

How do you fill every seat on day one? With a smart launch plan, thoughtful service rituals, and community buzz, Rasheeda is ready to turn her vision into a full house.

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Episode 9

Opening Day

As opening day arrives, nerves, joy, and chaos collide in a whirlwind first service the Ramen by Ra team will never forget.

^¹ Businesses that are new to Square and process over $250K annually may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in free Square processing. Contact sales for more information. Limited to U.S. businesses only. Square reserves the right to modify, revoke, or cancel the offer at any time. Offer cannot be combined with any other coupon. Void where prohibited, not redeemable for cash, and non-transferable.

TILIT promo offer valid from October 14, 2025 through May 31, 2026. Promo code must be entered at checkout to receive the discount. Offer applies only to qualifying purchases made during the promotional period and cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts, or promotions. Limit one code per customer. No cash value. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted. TILIT reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel this promotion at any time without notice.

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The Build, Season 2

Start listening

Who’s on

Jenny Goodman, host

Alex McCrery, host

Rasheeda Purdie, star

Tom Colicchio, guest

Camari Mick, guest

Joshua David Stein, guest

Jeff Staple

Ming-Tai Huh

Petrushka Bazin Larsen

Get early access to the bonus episode featuring Tom Colicchio

Thank you! Check your email for your resource.

Watch the trailer

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Opening Day

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