Michael Schulson

Michael Schulson is a highly successful chef and restaurateur, best known as the founder of Schulson Collective, a group of diverse and acclaimed restaurants that have significantly shaped Philadelphia’s dining scene. His culinary empire includes some of Midtown Village's most popular destinations, such as Double Knot, Sampan, Graffiti Bar, and his boutique steakhouse, Alpen Rose. Schulson also established Prunella, a lively pizzeria, and Pearl & Mary, an upscale oyster bar. The Schulson Collective’s portfolio extends to other Philadelphia hotspots like Harp & Crown, Giuseppe & Sons, Via Locusta, and the expansive Independence Beer Garden.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Schulson worked his way up in the culinary world by cooking in some of the country’s most prestigious kitchens, including New York’s Peacock Alley and Park Avenue Café, as well as Philadelphia’s renowned Le Bec-Fin and Susanna Foo. His time in Tokyo’s top kitchens, including Spago and the Four Seasons Hotel, further refined his skills and deepened his understanding of global cuisine. These experiences laid the foundation for his future success when he opened his first restaurant, Izakaya, in Atlantic City in 2008, which earned him widespread acclaim.

Since then, Schulson has consistently expanded his reach with a variety of concepts that have received numerous accolades. Double Knot, a Japanese-inspired speakeasy, was named one of the “Best New Restaurants of 2016” by Philadelphia Magazine, and Harp & Crown, featuring a cocktail bar and bowling alley, was listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Restaurants of 2016” by Eater. Schulson’s ventures, such as Via Locusta with its handmade pasta and Pearl & Mary with its coastal-inspired dishes, have kept him at the forefront of Philadelphia’s evolving culinary landscape.

In addition to his restaurant success, Schulson has appeared on television shows like The TODAY Show and The Rachael Ray Show, as well as starring in TLC’s Ultimate Cake Off and Style Network’s Pantry Raid. His work has been featured in major publications like The New York Times and USA Today, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential figures in the hospitality industry.