284. Interview with Inez Ribustello - From 9-11 Survivor’s Guilt to Rising Through Resilience and Becoming a Renowned Restaurateur

Join Susan as she interviews Inez Ribustello, the former Assistant Cellar Master at the World Trade Center restaurant “Windows on the World” during the time of the 9-11 terror attacks.  

Fortunately for Inez, she happened to be on vacation in North Carolina when the towers came down.  Her soon-to-be husband also worked in the World Trade Center, but happened to be off that day as well.  While her life and her future husband’s life was spared, she lost friends, colleagues and her job that day.  She also lost her innocence and rose-colored glass view of the world.

The tragedy was a catalyst that moved her into a new direction.  She ultimately moved back to North Carolina where she and her fiancé opened “On the Square”, a restaurant, wine bar and retail store.  The wine list at On the Square holds the prestigious Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.

Her next big venture was Tarboro Brewing Company, a microbrewery that started brewing in February of 2016. Almost a year later, she and her husband opened a satellite taproom serving tacos in the Rocky Mount Mills.

In September of 2021, Inez self-published her memoir Life After Windows.  In 2009, Inez placed 2nd runner-up in the Best Sommelier in America competition held in New York City. She is a member of the Alumni Hall of Fame for the Institute of Culinary Education and a graduate of the Court of Master Sommelier’s Advanced Exam.

Connect with Inez

Website www.inezribustello.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/inez.ribustello/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inezribustello/?hl=en

Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/inier

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/inez-ribustello-97616a4/

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