FSR’s Rising Stars: 40 Under 40 Are Shining Brighter Than Ever in 2025
From bold chefs to behind-the-scenes changemakers, this year’s Rising Stars are stirring things up—and making full-service dining more exciting than ever.
Maria Swallie
Age: 38
Director of Off-Premise Business Development
Sunny Street Café
Columbus, Ohio
Maria Swallie is shaping the future of off-premise dining through innovation, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to family and hospitality. As the youngest director in Sunny Street Café's history, she has helped grow the brand to 22 locations while building a thriving off-premise business that now serves as a major revenue stream.
Swallie has been with the company since day one, evolving from brand developer and nutritionist to catering director and off-premise strategist. She spearheaded Sunny Street's expansion into corporate catering and events, streamlining systems and building a scalable infrastructure that makes breakfast and lunch delivery seamless and high quality.
Her leadership is fueled by a personal mission to honor her father's dream of a family-run brand. Alongside her two brothers, Swallie is not only sustaining his legacy-she's expanding it. Her blend of heart, hustle, and strategic vision is driving Sunny Street's next chapter and setting a powerful example for the next generation of restaurant leaders.
Originally published in FSR
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