Asher
Russem

General Manager

A Manhattan native, Asher was born and raised on Roosevelt Island. After earning a BA in Political Science from Kenyon College, he worked in politics, quickly realizing it was the wrong fit. With a love of adventuring and meeting new people, Asher took off to backpack for a year, working various hospitality jobs to sustain his travels. When Asher eventually returned home in need of a job, he remembered the hospitality stints he worked abroad and started food running at North End Grill. Quickly realizing that he loved the energy of restaurants and the pace of engaging guests, he began a career in the restaurant industry.  

Asher’s tenure began at North End Grill, rising from food runner to lead server. The following year, he joined the Michelin-starred team at The Modern gaining the experience of working in fine dining. Itching to work on a restaurant opening, Asher transferred to Manhatta to train and organize the front of house team for their 2018-launch. After Manhatta reopened, he returned to The Modern to work as a restaurant manager. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Asher went on to open the WS New York in Hudson Yards as an Assistant General Manager. Asher then returned to Union Square Hospitality Group to lead the front-of-house team in reopening Maialino and welcoming guests back to one of New York’s most cherished Italian restaurants. 

Filled with energy, love of new experiences, and passion for entertaining, Asher is excited to lead a passionate front-of-house team and combine his many hospitality experiences, welcoming guests to a restaurant that feels like an extension of their home.